Just go sit on that bench (Day 57)

I’m not the biggest planner on the road, so I’m glad my dad and Ferdinand are on it. But I wasn’t too happy with the plan for today: 22.7 miles. That’s a lot. But everyone seems to agree, so let’s do it.

Doohickey removed 7 ticks from his legs today and yesterday. That’s crazy. I haven’t found a single tick on my body yet, which makes me a little nervous. Do I not look good enough or am I just lucky? We did a proper check again, but nothing. I guess I’m lucky then.

The peunut gallery from the peunut gallery.

Since Doohickey joined our little trail family, we’ve called ourselves the peunut gallery. But you can make a small division within the trail family. Usually my father, Ferdinand and Doohickey are the favorites. Watch the weather, never rest too much, with the goal of arriving at camp at a reasonable time.

And then there’s me, Dreamcatcher and PK. We are not so busy with time and we usually take longer breaks, with the aim of enjoying the day to the fullest. We are a kind of peunut gallery of the peunut gallery.

Today was no exception. When we arrived at the lunch spot, the first runners were almost finished and ready to go. We just thought today was too nice to rush through. So we stayed a little longer. We met another Trek blogger: Hoot! I’ve been reading your blogs even before I started. It’s surreal to meet him in person now. Three Trek bloggers in the same place, who would have thought.

Feeling a little exhausted

After pushing ahead again and racking up the miles, we felt a little rushed. Trying to keep up with the first few. The last few days I have felt like this. To be honest, we are a little exhausted. It feels like work. Wake up, walk and sleep. There is no time for anything else.

We opened up about it, which really helped. Ferdinand also conveyed a message that we are changing the plan a little. It is also a very hot and dry day. 23 miles was too ambitious for everyone. We’ll camp a little earlier. It’s still a 20 mile day, but it gives us a little more time and rest.

Taking our time

We still had a big climb to make. At the top of the mountain there was a very nice bench. Although it was already late and we had a few more kilometers to go, we decided to sit down. Better. Decision. Ever.

We just sat around, hung out, and told some stupid jokes. The feeling of unease gave way to a feeling of happiness. So what, if we arrive a little later at the camp. We are here to enjoy. Today it’s all about smiles.

After sitting there, we picked up some dandelion flowers for fun, to put in our headbands or hair. It’s not something we’ve done before, but we just felt like doing it.

We find the monument to Audie Murphy. On the trail the question always arises if you are going to walk a little side trail to see something. “It’s already late, should we go there?” Well, we’re late anyway. Let’s go.

I learned that Audie Murphy was the most decorated war hero of World War II, who crashed a plane in these mountains. PK is a military man, so he took it very seriously. Which made us take it seriously too and pay our respects properly.

We remember that we brought some flowers, which we placed at the monument. It’s strange how that all came together.

PK called to us from a small side road. We went there and there was another bench. One with an incredible sunset view. What a special day! I’m so glad we didn’t rush anything. This felt really special.

Whenever you feel rushed: just sit on the damn bench. You won’t regret it.

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