Tramilies and trails: through hiking The PCT-Wrightwood

Leaving my Tramilia

Trámiles (trail/families) are an interesting phenomenon throughout the hiking experience. At its most basic, a “tramilia” is made up of people you meet and connect with along the way. Relationships form deeply quickly and are often strengthened by sincere loyalty. Time moves at a different pace on the road and having support is incredibly helpful and is often considered essential to survival, whether real or perceived. As humans, we are social beings and the need to connect emotionally seems much stronger when we go on a hike.

I’m writing this with just over three weeks of tracking and tonight will be my first night without my tram. I am suffering from an injury and had to make the difficult decision to take an extra day of rest. It’s hard to explain the emotional pendulum that has been swinging in my heart and mind. While I know from an intellectual point of view that I made the right decision. It doesn’t ease the pain of (what it feels like) to be «left behind.» Yesterday we had an emotional farewell and as I sit in Wrightwood recovering, I reflect on what a gift it has been to have traveled with the same people since day one. My plan is to trust the process and perhaps that is partly the lesson I need to learn. Tomorrow I will begin this new chapter of my journey in hopes of reconnecting in the near future. No matter what happens, I am so grateful for the memories and friendships. What a privilege the last three weeks have been.

Trail legs

“Trail legs” is a term that describes when your body has adapted to the steady pace of walking big miles every day all day long. The adjustment for me has been difficult, including losing toenails, blisters, torn tendons, you name it. And frankly, I still don’t think I have them as I sit here in Wrightwood nursing and with a left foot injury. One thing I have learned perhaps a little late is that sometimes it is not the kilometers, but the pace. I started out walking fast, which in retrospect is a rookie mistake. The constant pounding of my feet in an effort to get to camp faster has resulted in giving up my tram and a 3-day zero recovery stent at The Budpharm. I should have known better, but I was caught up in the excitement and momentum of this adventure of a lifetime. 380 miles feels like a big accomplishment until you realize you have 2,270 left! So resting and restarting is the best move while I wait for these elusive “tracking stretches” to appear. For now I will continue to remind myself of the beauty and magic that surrounds me. Because the truth of the matter is LAST one to Canada really wins, so I will process my emotions, release the self-imposed pressure to get back on track, and radically lean into the Unknown with intention.

Lindsey’s Flat Update:

First, I apologize for not updating your status. Unfortunately, Flat Lindsey has suffered a debilitating shoulder tear. Luckily, I was able to repair it with my handy band-aids and it successfully made it past mile 300! For the latest updates check out my IG.

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