So what is next?

May 31
Planning

There is no better time to plan for further adventures than while you are currently on a long adventure.

While walking the Pacific Crest Trail, I met many people who had been on the Continental Divide and Appalachian Trail. They would tell me all about it. The green tunnel, earning views, the White Mountains, trail magic, social aspects... So in 2008 I planned on hiking the AT and going canoeing in New England during the summer of 2009. Finances didn't quite allow that and instead I ended up hiking the CDT. That was a grand experience which kept the proverbial ball rolling. I planned my eastern adventure further. Other seeds festered as well. One day I would walk the length of New Zealand, bike across America, ski the Sierras, climb Denali, Sail around the world. I am a travel addict and I am not afraid to admit that.

before this particular adventure, however, I thought "Maybe it is time to get a real job, a career, a car, a home... No more backpack and carpet space in my parents' house. Well. I can't help it. I have to roam. Upon the start of this walk, or saunter I guess I am calling it, My mind once again started wandering... Bike the CDT, Go to the mountains of Western Russia, Siberia, Mongolia...

For the past 10 days, I have been walking with a hiker from California. Her trailname is Ladybird. We seem to be on a nearly identical schedule and walk a very similar speed. Well two people can dream up a lot more interesting things than just one. "How do we do this without getting a real job?" we ask. Both of us plan considerable adventures by human power. The Sierra 100 peaks, traverse Siberia, boat across Lake Baikal, and bike to the Himalayas. The mind doesn't quit.

So with all of these ideas, I just have to figure out how to finance them. For now, I will keep planning.