Post-Trail Notes – Introspective (Texas) – October 28 & 29

The time in Virginia, and now in Texas has been very good for me over the past few days. It has provided a good transition time, seeing a lot of family, but also gradually moving me from a trail mindset more to a ‘regular life’ one in a very peaceful way, before I return to Bellevue and the stress rachets up again. Readjusting to civilization, and hot showers every day! (I really like that part.)

So I have been thinking a lot, and having a lot of serious conversations with my cousins and my sister. I’m not yet ready to announce any firm conclusions yet, but this I do know… I’m looking beyond what I was and what I did before trail. Yes, I will likely return to a similar job, at least for a while, but I want more, want to be more, and I think now I’m finally ready to break the mold and take the next steps, or steps. 

In fact, I’m excited about it. And nervous, in a way, but if there is anything I learned on the trail, it’s that it’s okay to be nervous, even terrified, as long as you keep pushing forward to your larger anyway. If I can translate that into the larger picture, I’m going to be all right. I have started developing a set of intermediate goals toward that larger picture, and if I can’t make it to a shelter (goal), I’ll just readjust the plan and stealth camp along the way, or take a blueblaze trail that will get me there by a different route.

Texas has been a lot of fun, especially with my sister and her family here. Yesterday Cathy and I went out hiking around Enchanted Rocks State Park for several hours, climbing first to the summit, then halfway around on the 4.5 mile loop trail, then some rock-scrambling in the saddle between the two peaks in the park. It felt great to be hiking again, and the summit climb on granite reminded me strongly of the White Mountains, on a much smaller, but very enjoyable scale. The rock-scrambling was reminiscent of Mahoosuc Notch, again, on a smaller scale. Loved every minute of it. 

I’ve also started to try to eat healthier – I am very surprised and pleased that I am down to a size 6 instead of 14, and I intend to stay that way. I now have a Fitbit that I will put to good use, and one of those intermediate life steps I was talking about includes joining some fitness classes when I am back home. Over 7 months, I have walked myself into the best shape I have ever been in, I am not going to blow it if I can help it!

Which isn’t to say I’m not fully appreciating the sheer variety of food available back here in civilization! I’ve had Greek, Mexican, German, American. Just trying to be careful to pick healthier entrees, and cut back on the hamburger/ice cream diet. I think my body is gradually coming around to the realization I don’t need the huge number of calories a day that I did. It’ll take time. 

Monday, I’ll be back in Nebraska. Tomorrow, I plan to take it mostly easy, but also to get a long walk in during the day. The weather here is wonderful.

I live on!