It feels very fitting that on the anniversary of my PCT finish, I’m in San Diego staying with Donna who drove me to the start of the trail 11.5 years ago. Though a long time has passed and so much has changed in our lives, when I’m back in the familiarity of Donna’s home, it feels like I was walking the trail only yesterday.
This likely has to do with the fact that I’m deep in the memoir again, having come here to bunker down to finish draft 9, the final, final to the final draft of my PCT memoir that is now in its tenth year. There have been many moments when I questioned whether this story would make it off my laptop. Many of which I’ve documented in the string of videos I’ve filmed over the years.
https://www.youtube.com/@mukmukpct/videos
When I look through the hardships I’ve overcome, the moments of despair, the many times I wondered whether this story needed to be told, I’m amazed that I found the strength to keep going. Over the years, I’ve started to believe that the resilient, driven, and unshakable 30-year-old version of myself on the trail was a thing of the past. Especially on those days when it feels impossible to even do laundry or make it to the supermarket.
But having recently updated and watched some of those earlier writing videos, like the one on April 2017 (Major Draft 2 Blues) where I talk about being stuck on page one for the past four months, I realise that grit and determination is still in me. It’s just not as obvious when I don’t have a community of vocal followers cheering me on each day like I did on the trail.
Writing this memoir has allowed me to relive some of the most remarkable moments in my life a thousand times over. But it has equally brought me back into some dark places and kept me focused on the past over the last ten years. This is why it’s so important that I finish my book this year. I’m ready to look forward again, and focus on the next chapter of my life without living in the shadow of my former self.
Serial Nomad 
hello there. Amazing I’m actually in Carlsbad north of San Diego right this moment. Drove down here to pick up a couple golden doodle phantom puppies. Picking them up Wednesday. Driving back to Tahoe. Thought of you as I drove past many of the places we liked across as I drove down. I hope you find what you’re looking for, finally. My best is always! Pac-Man.
Awww Pac Man!! I’ve relived our time on the trail so many times over these past few years. They were some of my absolute favourite! Thank you for your message! Let’s plan a celebration with some Wild Turkey when this thing is finally published! Much love! Muk 🥰
So excited for you and for it to finally come to fruition! I still think about your journey back in the day and how much I rooted for you (often in real time!)!!
Best to you!
Thank you so much for rooting for me then and now! That brings such a smile to my face! I really miss the community that was built around the blog, but it warms my heart to know you and many others are still out there. Thank you so much for your continued support!🙏
Exciting. Look forward to your writings. Really enjoyed your adventure’s posts and videos.
Thank you so much for sharing this! It means so much to me! 🙂
I’ve been wondering what you’ve been up to. I’m in Sandy Eggo too! On a similar mission. Because of you, Wired, Christy Rosander, Carrot and a couple of others I began my first thru hike on 1 March. On the PCT! I’ve waited ~15 years. It’s been a wild ride and I’m only up to Idyllwild, because of a family emergency, desert heat and a couple of arson fires above L.A. Reading your post I had the impression that your book is an experience, wanted or not, for you to process, for some reason. Whadaya think? Anyway, it’s great to hear from you again. Namaste
Neil! I can’t believe you’re hiking the trail! WOW! I’m so sorry to hear about your family emergency and the fires. But congratulations on making it to Idyllwild! 🙌 I really hope you’re able to continue your adventure!
You are absolutely correct about the writing of my memoir. I think the first few years were more about processing the memories. Now I’m able to step back and appreciate how epic that experience was. I can’t wait to share it and everything I learned along the way! Happy trails! 🏔️🥾
So looking forward to your book. Ive been following you for years, ever since you took the time to personally respond to some questions I had about hiking the Camino. They seem so trivial in the context of your amazing travels.
good luck with the next chapter of your book and your life.
Vonny!! That you for your note! I hope you had an amazing time on the Camino. If you ever have questions please don’t hesitate to reach out. I so appreciate hearing for you. ☺️
Congrats on nearly being done! Gosh, does that mean it’s been like 10 years since I followed this blog to follow your hike? Time flies hey! I look forward to the book! X
Anna!! It’s been 10 years since I started writing and 11 since hiking the trail. Time is such a weird concept! My brain can’t fully comprehend that number of years. I so hope you are doing well and thank you so much for continuing to check in here. The countdown to finishing the book is really on and I look forward to sharing it with you! 😁
Always a pleasure to hear from you. Looking forward to reading your book. Have thoroughly enjoyed following your adventures since completing the walk
Hi Neville! How lovely to see your name appear. Thank you so much for your kind words and motivation! I really appreciate the boost of confidence! 🙌
so great ro hear from you !
And we are all happy for you!
Can’t wait to read it.
Jana and the Tahoe Tramper ladies !
Ahhhh! Jana! Wow! I’m so delighted to hear from you! Your message brought such a smile to my face! I still have the beautiful necklace you ladies got made for me. I treasure it. I can’t wait to share the book with you too. Happy trails to you all! 🩷
Always good to hear from you! I think fondly of the hours we spent yakking away at Lake Moreno! You’re book will get done when it needs too and when it is, we will be one of the first in line to read it! Can’t wait Patti & Lynn AKA Glow in the dark and 3-Guy AKA the McShaps. 💕
Oh I love you guys!! I have literally been thinking of you both this past week! That afternoon together was simply the best. I hope we can do that again sometime soon! Thank you so much for your kind words and support. You’re an inspiration to me as a hiker, writer, and human! Biggest hugs to you both! Muk Muk 🩷