I’ve been aware of my 10th anniversary of the PCT this entire year. But until my friend Jane (photo right – who met me at the end of the trail alongside a group of my favourite people on Oct 7, 2013) sent me the picture below, I’d overlooked my 10th anniversary of reaching the northern terminus.
I’ve always written something to mark the occasion, and this year, my goal was to finish my memoir and have it out in the world. But life had other plans, and right now, I’m stuck on a chapter I’m struggling to get past.
I made significant progress on the manuscript in August when I spent a magical week with Donna in San Diego, who drove me to the start of the trail ten years ago.
Sleeping in the same bed I slept in before embarking on this epic adventure felt surreal, and somehow, just being back in that familiar setting put me in a state of flow.
Since then, I’ve uprooted my life, spent a month looking for work, and am now in Saudi Arabia facilitating workshops for up-and-coming event supervisors. It’s been quite the whirlwind.
In a few days, I’ll be flying to Australia to spend time with my sister, who is recovering from surgery. It’s been four years since I was back in my home country, and although the circumstances are not ideal, I’m so grateful to have this time to spend with my family.
All this to say (and yes, I am making excuses), I haven’t finished my book. But it’s in much better shape than a year ago. It should be on the shelves precisely when anyone interested in the story has become completely fed up and will refuse to buy a copy out of spite! 🙂
On a separate note, I begin teaching the last of three workshops here in Riyadh today. This morning, I found myself wishing the next couple of days away, and realized this is because I want my delivery to be perfect. I’m scared of doing something to mess up this final presentation, and only want to celebrate the success of it rather than live the experience.
I think I do this often, wanting to race through moments where I have performance anxiety to enjoy the experience in retrospect once it’s completed and behind me. But now I’ve recognised this I can be more aware.
My goal over the next two days is to enjoy the experience of sharing my knowledge and learning from the experiences and cultures of the unique people I’m teaching. It reminds me a little of when I presented my PCT experience to a few schools in California whose students had been following my journey (thanks to their amazing teacher, Judy, who I was fortunate enough to spend time with after the trail).
I’ve always liked being on stage, but there’s something about standing in front of a classroom of people that completely lights me up. Who knows, this could be the start of a new chapter.
Thank you for reading, and to those of you who are still following my journey ten years on, god bless!
Muk Muk 🩷
Serial Nomad 
Your writing has always been great and I think telling the story the way it really happened is the only authentic way to do it, as you said. I hiked 250 miles of the trail this year and even the small details I got wrong on my blog irk me. So proud of you Muk! Can’t wait to read it one day!
Thanks Ian! Knowing you were on trail for 250 miles makes me so happy (and envious)! My first draft was so accurate because the experience was still fresh and I used my blog to remind me of the details. Even though it’s 250,000 words (about three books worth), I still enjoy reading the unedited version because I included absolutely everything! Thanks for your kind words and support!
I have read several trail journals over the last ten years and NONE have intrigued me as yours has. I’ve followed you for the last 10 years. I’m 74 years old so please finish your book…..my clock is ticking. I’m an avid hiker and have loved your writing and experiences. You bring it all to life. You got this!
Thank you, Barby. I really appreciate your feedback and motivation. It means so much to me! 😊
Look forward to your book – when it appears.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support!
Again, you’ve brought a smile to my heart. Best wishes Girlfriend!
As always,
Waiting to hear more.
Lyndella
Thank you, Lyndella! Your message alone is making me smile! I hope our paths cross soon!
Gosh ten years… time flies! I remember having a 1 year old baby in my arms and spending hours on blogs like yours dreaming of hikes. It felt like I would never hike again in those days. Fast forward ten years and my mini me comes for day hikes with me!!!
Hi Anna! Wow, that’s such a wild thought. Makes me feel even older, haha! Im so happy the two of you now hike together! Thank you so sharing this!! 🙂
Still here following you, Still listening to your videos, and Still waiting for your trail memoir.
Thank you, Brian! I love your support and patience! 🙏
A decade! WOW is that even possible? Loved listening to you ramble on this video, it reminds me of those trail days and post-trail days. I was thrilled to hear you were able to spend some time with Donna. My heart is breaking for her family and our community. She was something special. Such a reminder of living life because you never know when your time might be up. Life isn’t fair!
Your journey is always interesting and so different from most other people I know so I love following along to find out where you might land next. I’m sure your memoir is going to be a beloved favorite. You’ll get it published when the time is right but when you say it’s finished it’s going to spell freedom much like reaching the northern terminus. BTW I finally touched Canada this season. It was thrilling!
Jan!! So great to hear from you!! I can’t believe you reached the northern terminus this year! That’s incredible!! I can only imagine how that must have felt having spent so much time on the trail over the past (how many?) years!! Thank you for setting my heart and mind at ease regarding the memoir. If I had another week in San Diego I think I would have almost got there I was in such a flow. Sending you much love and gratitude for your continued presence and support! 💕
Hey!! I recognize that school picture!! Those presentations were great; the kids AND staff really enjoyed them, as did I. (Crazy to see those students faces from so long ago!!).
“Happy Anniversary” for your trail finish and our meeting each other. Remember going to Green Vally to the trail angels home (she mooned every hiker🤣🤣) Do you know about The Saufley’s in Aqua Dulce (Hiker Heaven, I think). Let me know if not. Remember near the fire station where the trail crosses the road in Green Valley, we happened upon “sobo” hikers as they were resting—-you ran into them way up north near the end of your “nobo” hike? They thought I was your mom???🤣🤣my name became “MotherMukMuk!” I still think of that every time passing by there.
Your book will definitely be in my hands when published!!
Great to see your post!!
MotherMukMuk…I mean Judi!!!!
Judi! Yay! So great to hear from you! I’m giggling at your stories! Yes I remember them all. That was honestly one of the most magical experiences for me. Meeting your students and spending those days with you was the most meaningful way to end my trail experience. I will cherish that forever! All my love to you Mother Muk! ♥️
💖💖💖
“Most meaningful way to end my trail experience” what a tribute. Fills my heart!! Love you my Little Muk 💞
Wow! There’s a lot packed into this one. But first of all, very best wishes to Kalya for a speedy recovery. And our love to your parents.
Seems to me you have the makings of a very good teacher.
I had no idea you had given these talks to kids in California.
I’ll bet there wasn’t a lot of fidgeting in those classrooms.
Spellbinding stuff.
I’m glad that your visit with Donna helped with your writing.
It’s kind of hard not to be making progress when you’re with her. She’s such an accomplished person.
Congrats on the 10th anniversary of what Joan and I still find
mind-boggling—the completion of your adventure on the PCT. Keep writing!
Love,
Joan and Dave
Hello Joan and Dave! Thank you so much for your note! I will likely need to follow up with an email or call as there is much to say, but I’m so happy to hear from you and look forward to being in touch. Let’s please plan a reunion in San Diego soon!!! 🩷
Nine years ago I hiked the JMT, inspired in-part by your wonderful posts that graced my inbox each morning during your PCT hike the previous year. I’m thrilled that you decided to dust-off the manuscript and locate a suitable publisher so that others may enjoy your hard work, capturing those memories of the trail that I’m sure helped shaped your life today and will inspire others to perhaps take the leap and venture out on a trail of their own. Best of luck to you – I look forward to reading your story!
Thank you, Marc! It’s great to see your name pop up! It’s so touching to be reminded of your inspiration to hike the JMT. I’m so honoured I played a role in that. I’m sure your adventure has inspired many more! Thank you for your support and encouragement. I do hope I can share my story in the not so distant future! 🙂