May 29th, 2016
Miles Hiked: -4
Total Miles: N/A
End Location: Tehachapi
Today was hard, sad and full of emotion. We had long discussions on what Carolyn’s future would be for the trail, and she ultimately decided to go back home and take some time off the trail. If she decides to come back she’ll rejoin me in about three weeks after the Sierra and snow. She’s just tired and burned out and feels guilty for putting me through her uncertainty on the trail. I get that, but it also makes me sad to see her so upset. She thinks she’s a failure for leaving but she is certainly not. It takes a lot of guts and courage to spend 5 weeks and nearly 600 miles on a trail like this, and if she doesn’t come back (which I certainly hope she does) I hope that this experience has ultimately been positive and enriching for her and she can take whatever lessons she may have learned away from here.
We booked a rental car and plane ticket for Teusday and will spend another full day in Tehachapi tommorrow (the rental car place is not open on Monday which is Memorial Day). I’ll drive her to the LA airport on Teusday and probably continue hiking when I get back. The LA airport is less than two hours from here.
We are staying in a tee pee for free behind the BBQ joint in town, which is the only cool thing happening about today.
Today just kind of sucked and we are both just mentally exhausted. Hiking the PCT without her will be different and not as fun. Hiking alone has its place, but this was supposed to be our adventure and I’m sad she will not be with me for what I hope is only a few weeks.
Feeling tired and just really bummed out…?