We All Have Our Place

The scent of perfume on the trail is as out of place as the dirty backpacking fingernails in Fashion Island.

The grimaced well intentioned smile of the day hiker passing speaks of unanswered emails and a full google calendar.

At one time I would have judged her, the day hiker. I would have judged myself, the middle distance hiker. The through hiker, he who shrugs society, adopts a trail name, and rewilds himself through of forest smells and simple footfalls - he is somehow closer to the truth.

Now though, I see that no one is better. We all need each other.

The through hiker is wild. The day hikers inspire him to find his truth.

The day hiker is comfortable. The through hikers inspire him to open to more.

And me, the middle distance hiker? A sojourner, I straddle both worlds. I left to listen to Nature and find Truth. But it’s in the return, in service, that I am made whole. A shapeshifter, diving at dawn in the cold river and shaving in the car mirror before coming to the clinic.

Prepare your pack, get healthy. Read the guide, then throw it away. Only you can know what feels right to you. Five star reviews are just more noise.

Which trail is right?

Whatever brings you most alive.

Happy Trails

KD