It’s been just over a month since we stepped off the PCT. And in short, re-entry has been difficult. 

It’s been difficult for both of us individually, and especially difficult for our relationship. On the trail we worked strongly as a team, we shared goals and seamlessly supported each other every day. 

But since being back there has been a rift between us. 

Within 4 days of getting off trail I returned to work. In those 4 days we got all of our stuff out of storage (thank you Kathy and Eric), got furniture for our cozy apartment and did our best to unpack and settle in. 

We were very busy, but we didn’t really have a choice.

There was no transition time to process the changes in our environment. On some level I think we both avoided the sadness of such a grand adventure coming to an end by “doing.”

This is one of the scariest parts of coming back – we so easily fall back into a routine of doing rather than being. We can feel ourselves losing the groundedness and calm that came with our extended time in nature.

Additionally, the unknown of Andy’s employment and my deep desire for security and predictability seems to be creating a rift between us. Ironically, this is the time we need to support each other most.

It is hard. 

We are dealing with a loss of adventure and excitement. We have stepped back into the mundane world where it takes more effort to seek out adventure, see the beauty in the ordinary and live fully. 

We are conscious of this and constantly remind one another to enjoy the present moment and view it as the gift that it is. 

And while our next adventure may not be as glamorous or beautiful, every day in the life of Shuffles and Dribbles can be an adventure – we just have to hold onto that attitude, support one another and choose to live the life we want to live.

Total miles hiked: 2650

Total days on trail: 171

Number of zeros: 19

Number of neros (10 miles or less): 21

Total elevation gain: 489,418 ft

Total elevation loss: 488,411 ft

Largest elevation gain in one day: 7038 ft

Largest elevation loss in one day: 9674 ft

Most miles in one day: 30.8

Least number of miles in one day: 2

Total number of steps: 6,000,000+

Longest stretch without a shower: 12 days

Number of nights in a bed: 36

Number of nights cowboy camping: 0

Items forgotten or misplaced: 1 spoon

Items lost to a river: 1 trekking pole, 1 croc and 1 water bottle

Items lost on a glissade: 1 water bottle

Number of popped sleeping pads: 3

Visits to an REI while on trail: 10 (11 if including one that we walked by but did not enter)

Days with rain: 21

Number of gluten free pizzas consumed in 18 hours: 4

Number of hitches: 12

Number of bears: 1

Number of rattlesnakes: 9

Pairs of shoes: 4 each

Pairs of socks: Andy 17, Laurie 9

Most liters of water carried at one time: Andy 10, Laurie 7

Pictures taken: 5,000+

Number of resupply packages: 64 (32 each)

Number of genuine smiles and laughs: countless

Andy here,

While moving into a new apartment, looking for a job and readjusting back to city life can be fun and exciting, it can be equally overwhelming and anxiety producing.

But more on that in another post.

I wanted to share with y’all a picture of my PCT finisher’s medal!

Receiving it helped me relive many memories from the trail, but it also made me realize that this adventure was really over.

That saddened me, but every time I looked at this medal, I smiled.

I chose to leave this token from the trail with parents in LA. It serves as a daily thank you for all of their help.

My mom made the majority of our dinners and my dad shipped all of our boxes (adding cheese into each box before taking them to the Post Office ☺).

My dad proudly wore the medal and it brought me great joy to see him walking around with it, showing it to his neighbors and friends.

It would be impossible for me to thank my parents for their help and the role they played in helping me realize an 8 year dream. 

I’m just grateful to have their support and love.

And speaking of being grateful, my mom is grateful to all you – our readers.

She wanted me to pass on this message from her:

Dear followers,

Thank you all for following our hikers. Your encouragement and support through comments was very important for them.

As parents, we were very happy to know they had so many supporters and friends on their journey.

When we would read your comments, we would feel very grateful and happy and teary eyed.

Bless you all.