What to do after a walk

It’s November, I’m in Seattle, darkness is approaching, I have to drive at least an hour to get somewhere nice to walk, gas is $5 a gallon, and I don’t have a job.

These may be contributing factors to me feeling fairly normal in my life after the trip.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m fine. I have roommates (that I met along the way!), a partner who makes enough to pay rent, and at least I have access to a car so I can try to make a couple of bucks walking dogs at Rover. I really don’t have much to complain about.

But there’s something about losing that strong sense of purpose that the path gave me, that seemingly unattainable goal that was actually achievable with daily effort… I no longer have a goal like that, and I feel a little… floating. Adrift. Maybe a touch of nihilism.

So, to my fellow hikers who finished or left a long trail at some point, what did you do to stay active, busy, alive?

Here’s a short list of things I’ve tried that are helping, though I’m definitely open to suggestions. for more things to do to find that spark in life again.

I’ve already tried a variety of activities in life and trying new things can usually be exhilarating, even if it is extremely intimidating before the event begins. is called anticipatory anxietyand I definitely have it. But, if I can get over it to get out of the house and try something new, it’s usually rewarding!

• Community dancing (like square or line dancing) is surprisingly fun and provides an environment to have fun in a community like you haven’t since the tour. Try other forms of dance (such as swing dancing) if there are no square or line dances near you.
• Singing in community: Live music and singing among a crowd does something for the soul. If you can find a cheap or free live music event with songs you know, I recommend you go and sing your heart out.
• Community Walks – I joined an online group that organizes community walks and actually attended one. After the initial trepidation of walking among a group of strangers, I found someone to chat with during our walk and it was quite charming.
• Volunteering: Given our recent relevant political situation that caused many people to be unable to afford food, I was inspired to gather my few friends and raise a little money to donate. Giving back to your community develops a sense of purpose and hope in dark times.
• Rock climbing or lifting weights at a gym is another common outing for outdoor enthusiasts when winter hits. I currently can’t afford a fancy gym membership, so I’m working on learning calisthenics at home! (I’ll eventually learn how to do proper push-ups!)

I’ve always been a big fan of fantasy. Having an escape from the world can be a good thing, especially when reality sucks and fantasy makes you happy. For some, it’s fantasizing about their next outdoor adventure. I’ve definitely done a lot of that, but stories from otherworldly places can do the job too…

• Read a book. May I recommend Brandon Sanderson’s extensive works to get you through the winter months?
• Play a video game: I’m playing The Last of Us with my husband, who is much better at this game than I am. Honestly, it’s a nice way to pass the time for free when the world is dark, cold and expensive outside your house.
• Plan your next hike. Let’s face it, sometimes this is pure fantasy when you have to take any job that comes along that may not include good hours to get out.

Yes, getting outdoors is still good for you in winter. I don’t have the best cold weather gear, so I probably won’t go backpacking during the winter although I dream of sleeping outside again, but I would love to try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing this winter.

• Plan short walks. With darkness approaching earlier and earlier, I can only walk a few kilometers before having to turn around and go home.
• Take a dog for a walk! If you don’t have your own dog, you can sign up for Rover or volunteer at your local animal shelter to walk the dogs there. You can also go for a walk. It’s good for you, even if it sucks, to leave your warm house for the cold outdoors.

One thing I came away from the trail with was a sense of living seasonally. As the days got longer, so did our hiking days. We logged miles during some of the longest days of the year, and when the season started to fall, our hiking days got shorter too. Now that winter is approaching, I find myself with less energy when the sun goes down (at 5pm), and I think that’s okay! Doing slower activities that fit the season makes sense, and accepting changes in energy and motivation levels helps keep true self-critical depression at bay.

• Cook a homemade meal! After hiking and eating junk food and going out for 6 months straight, a home-cooked meal is the next best thing.
• Learn a new skill: I picked a simple instrument that I want to learn and making music really helps bring joy into the house even if it sounds terrible while I’m still learning.
• Read more books or catch up on shows. I’m finally going to watch the Great British Baking Show and have a stack of library books that I can read in the cozy atmosphere of my bed.
• Write! It’s been a couple of months since I’ve blogged regularly about life on the trail and I honestly miss putting my thoughts into words. I’m thinking about starting a personal blog where I write about topics other than hiking. :EITHER

This is my personal list of things I’ve been doing post-ride to stay sane. Do you have any suggestions for things I should try this winter? Habits that have helped you transition from life on the trail to “real life”? Did getting a full-time job after the trail make life easier to manage or was it too much after just hiking for a summer?

Let me know in the comments!

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