CDT JOY: The End – The Walk

Day 134: 6.9 miles

Highlights: Walk to the terminal. Completion of the CDT!

In the morning, Midnight, Whiskers and I woke up from cowboy camp just as the sun was rising. We could see the towns of Mexico in the distance with the bright lights of urban life. The sunrises started out a rich amber and orange and slowly made their way into daylight as I sipped a latte in the comfort of my sleeping bag.

We had a bit of a lazy morning and packed up our gear slowly, savoring the last morning and wanting to avoid the cold of the day.

When we started hiking, we did so spaced out, giving us time to reflect during the last few miles of the trail. The word that came to mind about how I felt is the word grateful. I am grateful for the friendships I have cultivated these past few months, for the environment and trail that has become my home, for the kindness of strangers, and for this wonderful life I have created and will continue to create.

The trail passed an old windmill on a jeep road and then headed onto single track. Even in the last few kilometers I had to take out my GPS to find a route through tall bushes. With half a mile to go, I could see the terminal pavilion in the distance and Tim’s truck and knew we were almost there.

Whiskers with bubbles on the way to the terminal

At the end we took photos, danced, blew bubbles to celebrate, and met other hikers who finished the same day, but who we had never seen on the trail before. Trail Angel Tim took us from the border to Tucson, where the next chapter of my adventures will begin.

Celebrations at the Terminus

Thank you to everyone who has followed and been part of this incredible journey. I can’t wait to see what trail adventures await us next.

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