On the trail the phrase “hike your own hike” is commonplace. It refers to the concept that this journey, this walk we are doing is ours and ours alone. No matter how many hikers have walked this trail before us and how many will follow us we have to make the hike personal and meaningful for us. 

Brenda: 

Like most of us I don’t like to do things I’m not good at, I have a desire and want to be the best at what I put my time and efforts to. But what I’ve come to realize and accept on the trail is that “I am no good at this.” I am not fast, I can’t fathom 20+ mile days, at the top of every uphill I am winded and ready for a break, I tire of bathrooms behind bushes. I am not going to be the best at hiking the PCT… that’s not going to happen. However, I can hike a hike that is uniquely mine, a hike that is meaningful to me. I can hike a hike that pushes my limits physically but respects my limitations, I can hike a hike that allows for experiencing beauty rather than speed. I can hike a hike that’s value is not based on how I’m doing in relation to other hikers. I am learning that my best hike is a hike that is mine. 
Mattea: 

The first time I heard a hiker say, “hike your own hike,” I had no idea how much I would come to embrace this simple little phrase. I had these grand ideas of averaging 20+ miles a day and only taking 1 day a week off and never skipping miles. Well, we have yet to have a 20 mile day, we’ve taken more than 1 day off a week so far, and we’ve definitely skipped some miles. And I don’t feel bad about any of it! Life on the trail is much more than I was expecting it to be and half of the adventure has taken place off the trail with a trail angel we’ve stayed with or a little mountain town we’ve explored with other hikers who have become friends. I was tempted at first to beat myself up over skipping miles here and there or taking 2 zero days instead of 1 but this is our hike and we are journeying the best way we know how. Embracing the challenges, enjoying solitude and community, fully engaging with the people and nature around us, and enjoying rest whenever and wherever we can find it.

On the trail there are all sorts: purists and skippers, experienced hikers and well Brenda 😉 there may be one trail but there are multitudes of hikes. “Hike your own hike” friends, make your path your own. Blessings on your journey! 

Happy trails, 
M&B 
Waiting for a ride! Good Morning Sunshine! Lakeside supper still smiling brr it’s cold! But it sure tasted good 🙂