This is an unhappy Wolverine
I’m broiling in the hot sun. I have precious little water to drink but it’s as hot as I am and it smells like gasoline (I knew that last water tank seemed funky but I had no choice).
I’m out of cannister fuel. My headphones are shot. My shoes are wearing out. My back is killing me. And the cart... OMG do I hate pushing this cart!
Next town I get to, I’m taking a bus to San Diego and flying home. I’ve had enough.
Just then, a Jeep pulled up out of nowhere. Guy says, “Hey, man! How’s it going? Wanna cold beer?”
Hmmm... Maybe I’ll keep going for a little bit longer.
It’s funny how a stranger with a smile can break you out of a funk and get you back on track (Thanks to Fernando and his friends for the beer and the company. They are true Trail Angels.).
As long as I’m gonna keep at it, I might as well post some more pics from the trail!
My hat is literally caked with all the salt and electrolytes that my sweat contains.
Fishermen returning with the morning’s catch.
How do you know?!
Hmmm.... Doubt it.
Camay and Alexandro from the Rancho Piedra Blanca. Two of the kindest people I’ve met on this trail.
Obligatory sunset pic.
I could use a little encouragement so please leave a comment for me!
Hey man!
ReplyDeleteYou got me in a scare for a minute there. I hope you do manage to find some fun (of the 2nd type) in your hike, and carry on. But still remember you are doing it for fun, so don't do it for anything and anyone else.
Enjoy your well earned beers, take a moment to think about it all, and don't make any hasty decisions. And enjoy the sunsets.
Good advice, Noam. Thank you so much. I’m gonna take a zero day here in Vizcaino. I’ll rest and resupply, then get back to it! “Hi!” to Orna and Cupcake!
DeleteHi Chris, I understand this is a hard trail, and I don't believe anyone would condemn you if you left the trail...I know I sure would not, I am very proud of you and support you in whatever you are going to do...I miss you and take care of yourself...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynda. I’m feeling better now. I hit a point like that on almost every hike. Thank you for the encouraging words!
DeleteHope this is as bad as it gets. Ave trail angels. Seems they appear when most needed.The need to give in, give up and go home is momentary. Take good, good care of yourself from Mavis.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mavis. You and Martha have heard me complain about the trail a million times before. It always gets better. Those Trail Angels really saves the day.
DeleteQuit?! No way! Remember how great that gasoline water and hot sun will feel when you're back to "regular life". These moments in life are the absolute best! The ones that push you to the end, and you think you're done, but then you rise above it and realize just how great life is. Keep going! Need any supplies?
DeleteThanks for the encouragement, Z. We pushed on through all those cold mornings crossing the Gila River, I can push on here.
DeleteThanks for the offer of supplies but the mail system is lacking (absent?) here on the Baja.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Roberta. Your faith is important to me. I won’t quit! And Anish just left an encouraging comment on my FB page.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDon't you dare quit. I have faith in you. Would Anish quit??? I am always with you.
ReplyDeleteI have been following Anish's adventure as well... you both rock...
ReplyDeleteYou got this Chris!! Xena strong! We're thinking you and sending lots of positive thoughts your way!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Louise! I think of her often and the struggles she had. I will persevere! Say ‘Hi!’ to Graham for me!
DeleteRemember - Hiking is what you do - your chosen field of endeavor. Everyone has a talent this is yours. You do not quit when the going gets tough - you just keep on going... One ragged worn out shoe in front of the other. Remember you are our inspiration. Keep Smiling Wolverine..... There is BEER at the end of the trail.
ReplyDeleteGood advice, thanks, Becky! BTW, is it Flying Mouse beer? ;-)
DeleteChris, Don’t Quit. It will Bug You the rest of Your Life.
ReplyDeleteSolid advice. Thank you.
DeleteYou got this Chris! And if you decide, nah, I've had enough... Well then, we got ya! You are respected and loved by this community. I believe you'll keep running into good people just when you need them most... God's funny like that! Love seeing your pics. Have fun, Suzette
ReplyDeleteThank you, Suzette!
DeleteChris, take a bunch of zero days. Get stronger. There is no race committee waiting on you to finish. You are a continuing inspiration to all of us.
ReplyDeleteI’m gonna take a zero here in Vizcaino and re-group.
DeleteChris, whatever you decide will be okay, you are being a realistic.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work Wolverine! It sounds like you are meeting interesting people and having new experiences. That's about as good as it gets.
DeleteThanks, Sac Town Dave (that’s what I used to call you!). I appreciate the encouragement.
DeleteHi Chris!!! YOU got this my hiker guy!!! Love the pics!!! Love, respect, prayers, and (((HUGS)))!!! Darlene
ReplyDeleteI miss you, Dar Dar! Thank you for the kind words.
DeleteSounds brutal. No matter what happens, you're a hiking badass. Hope you manage to find the joy of hiking there again soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeff. If not for you, I’d still be frozen to the ground on the AT in 2015. That air mattress saved my life! I’m feeling better and I’m gonna push on.
DeleteA wolverine give up? I don't think so. One foot on front of the other.
DeleteThanks, Jim. Ima keep pushin!
DeleteYou can do this! If it were easy, everyone would do it! I certainly 'hit the wall' in marathon running. This is to be expected? Right? But as someone pointed out, there is no clock! You only have yourself to beat! You are an inspiration! Traci
DeleteThanks, Traci. I sure wish you and Katie could bring me a ton of food and new clothes like you did on the PCT! I’m gonna keep going.
DeleteLotsa love and positive vibes from your big sis.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pat! Love you lots!
DeleteIt seems like you are in a rough spit but youll make it into the good stuff again! Keep it up and make it there! You got this! -alison-pile driver-
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement!
DeleteKeep your head up! You got this.... hugs
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nina!
DeleteHi Chris, this is Steve with the white Jeep from Fernando's group who met you on the trail. Reading your post was initially depressing until you mentioned meeting us and decided to continue to push on. We are so glad we had a positive influence. Best of luck in your decision, but we were very impressed with your progress thus far! If it helps, I would suggest if you are physically able, and can work through the mental challenges, continue on!
ReplyDeleteSteve
Steve! You guys really lifted my spirits that day! I hadn’t seen a vehicle all day until you guys came along. Thank you so much!
DeleteGO CHRIS GO! I wich I could be out there right now to offer you another beer, it was great to meet you. Your courage is truly inspirational!
ReplyDeleteFernando! I was pretty down that day (as you read above) until you guys came along. You are true Trail Angels! Thank you for inspiring me to keep going!
DeleteGlad you have decided to keep pushing through. You are a beast!
ReplyDeleteHey, Candice! This was a tough stretch, for sure, but I’m feeling much better and ready to push on. Thanks for leaving a comment!
DeleteChris you're such an inspiration to me. The adventures you go on and trails you choose are so different from anyone else I know. The going may be tough, but you're tough and these challenges give you knowledge and wisdom that is difficult to obtain any other way. I hope you're able to keep it up and finish this SOB of a trail.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sean. Coming from you, it means a lot. I appreciate your kind words and I will keep going!
DeleteYou made it this far, why give up now.
ReplyDeleteAnd for the record an Alpacka could of carried beer also, probably not much for conversation though.
Hey, Tom! You make a good point. I’m halfway through this crazy hike, might as well keep going. Thanks for leaving a comment!
DeleteWolverine, Your opening remarks had me in tears. Glad I read the rest of your post. Hang in there, take a rest, reflect, meditate, know that God loves you. THEN, giv 'er 'ell!
ReplyDeleteYou can and will do this. But, if you have to take a break, so be it. May you be blessed in all you do my friend.
Hey, Beaker! Thank you for the words of encouragement. At that point in my hike, I felt like I did when we were just south of Chama, NM and couldn’t find the trail. Remember that? Very frustrating.
DeleteThings are much better now. Ima keep pushing on!
Hi Drangonfly!
Hang in there, you can do it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Misty!
DeleteTomorrow is a new day and a different mood. Don't quit. You would always live to regret it. You can get through it. Everyone hits the wall. Persevere and stay in prayer. We love You.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Trish! Things got much better after that stretch. Thanks for leaving a comment!
Delete