Walking into Manning Park in the rain. Photo by my friend Kwan.
When we told our friend Kathy a few years ago that we were doing the trail the first words out of her mouth, "You are going to be so skinny!" I've always had trouble keeping the weight off even with regular exercise, especially as I age into senior citizen range, but walking for 10 to 12 hours a day in the mountains will tend to get rid of those extra pounds. I haven't stepped on a scale to know for sure but have to guess I shed about 35 pounds. I can't recommend the PCT as a diet plan but it sure works!
Cue up embarrassing photo
We are taking the train home tomorrow morning. A bus will get us from Vancouver to Seattle where we get on the Coast Starlight for 36 hours. We've always wanted to do a train trip so this is a great opportunity. We even sprung for a sleeper car so will ride in comfort.
After a morning of casual birding near Vancouver we had lunch with Kwan and his wife Jessica at a fantastic Chinese Dim Sum restaurant. It's going to be really hard to break the constant eating habit of the last five months, and my body is still screaming for food right now. A bit of tapering off seems in order. We really appreciate Kwan and Jessica's hospitality. I remember asking Kwan in an email a couple years ago, "If we walk from the Mexico border to Manning Park will you come pick us up?" I'm sure at the time he thought I was pulling his leg, or nuts, or both, but he was there when it counted. Kwan, thank you my friend.
Yes, you are so skinny! Hummingbird had no weight to lose so I can't imagine. I am really going to miss following you. I hope you keep this blog up so all of us fans can follow your retirement adventures. Since most people don't hike 2650 miles to celebrate their retirement, I am sure your adventures beyond will be awesome. Enjoy the train ride. Is trail mom picking you up from the train station?
ReplyDeleteIndeed she is!
DeleteOooohhh, my goodness! What a perfect end to an amazing trek. Is it coming in book format? I'd like to talk to you about that. Love to both of you, and thanks for an amazing view of the left coast. My best!!!
DeleteI have followed your hike since the beginning. I have never commented, but was moved to post something. I am deeply moved by your accomplishment, and I, like many others, look forward to any continuing posts. I have some "minor" physical challenges, some might say "age" is one of them, but hiking is a passion of mine, and even though I might not complete a through hike of the PCT, I hope to do some section hikes. I also live in the beautiful Sonoran Desert, and hope to hike our AZT (Arizona National Scenic Trail) Thank you again for your beautiful blog, wonderful inspiration, and allowing us to go along. Candace
ReplyDeleteThank you! Glad you could come along!
DeleteWhat great friends and you've had so many along the way. We rode the Coastal Starlight from Redding to Seattle RT years ago. Enjoyed it a lot. Bon Voyage and happy eating - slowly.
ReplyDeleteYour blog was the best thing on the internets and I am going to miss so much. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBob and Susan: Congratulations on completing such a challenging venture. Thru your eyes and words we have seen and felt the PCT. Thank you for sharing the journey with us.
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ReplyDeleteYour post brings tears to my eyes. Love you both. The best to you.
ReplyDeleteBTW if you're going to show off your trim belly (that takes some nerve) you could at least show how fat you were to start! Then at least us fellow 50-year-olds could take some solace that we only need to walk 2600 miles...or not. Where's my potato chips...?
ReplyDeleteHa! Our photo from the southern border monument is about all I have to show my "fatness." https://binocularsinthebackcountry.blogspot.com/2016/04/and-so-it-goes.html
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