HST: Day After
High Sierra Trail: Day After
7/18/2021
LA
Miles hiked: absolutely none
Elevation gained: sea level
Animals seen: do cars count?
We just got back from dropping Target off at LAX and the bear can rental at REI. Guess who just turned 34! Jake and I have been discussing being back to reality over brunch, mimosas and coffee.
I am so tired, but feel like I should be hefting Yoda back on and trekking 10 more miles. When I say tired, I feel like I could sleep for four days and finally feel rested, maybe. Yet at the same time my legs are itching to keep moving, keep climbing, keep walking.
The mochas are almost too sweet and I had to get a muffin for brekkie instead of a burrito because despite being hungry, my stomach felt full from a single pastry. It’s shocking how quickly my stomach has adapted to eating constantly through the day instead of focusing on several large meals.
The shower last night felt amazing. I had forgotten what clean hair felt like. I honestly don’t know how long I stood there just feeling the strands of hair slip across my fingers.
I feel claustrophobic with all the people and buildings.
LA county reinstated the mask mandate and it feels weird being on my face again.
I can’t blow my nose, fart, or belch in public and catch myself before doing so. Social norms disappeared so fast in the backcountry.
I keep looking at other trails to plan for. I want to try them all; the John Muir, Tahoe Rim, Superior Hiking Trail, North Country. There are international ones; Te Araroa (New Zealand), Hadrian Wall (Britain), Santiago de Compostela (Spain), Kumano Kodo (Japan).
Map created on Alltrails.com
See all High Sierra Trail posts
Our heroes are re-entering civilization and contemplating the journey they just completed. They ponder life, cleanliness, and what the future holds…