Being laid back on a long hike is something I’ve seldom done, especially when alone. I might have been able to push over the next big climb, but I suspect I would not have enjoyed it.

I’m learning to trust on a whole new level—not the external trail but myself. It feels like I am surrendering—to myself and my instincts. I have no idea how it will end up. I am not controlling anything. My body is hurting and tired, so I am stopping and enjoying the rest times.

Sometimes I feel as if I am living in an unfinished story. I think I still have time to finish my hike within a reasonable time frame, even if I take a few more days off, which it looks like I will need to do, given the level of pain my body is in. In the meantime, I am living in the present, finding it interesting that I am not worrying about what will happen next. I feel I really have surrendered and am just going along for the ride. I don’t even think about where I will end up. So far, every day is bringing more kind people and interesting experiences into my life. What more could I ask for?