Post-hike entry #1

It’s disconcertingly easy to slip back into real life. At least that’s what I’m feeling right now! I lost my wild hair and beard yesterday. My head appears to have shrunk massively and—guess what—I have a neck! Heather’s still staring at me funny as of this morning. ‘Course that’s nothing new…

I’m running through my journal, compiling addresses and getting ready to send out pictures to all my trail friends. At the same time, I’m starting to work again, editing and working on new websites, spending up to 10 hours a day in front of the computer. So far I haven’t felt an overwhelming need to hike, just to take Tally out for walks. My foot pain has faded considerably and I’m hoping the pain in the knee tendons will follow in the near future. Heck, even my appetite is starting to drop off! I didn’t even have ice cream for breakfast this morning!

I miss the trees. When I’m driving down heavily wooded roads, I sense the forest close in around me and feel like I’m back on the trail.