[pct-l] Post Trail Adjustment another reply (long)

[pmags at yahoo.com (Paul Magnanti)]

--- "Sevenon7th@yahoo.com" <sevenon7th@yahoo.com>
wrote:

> not.  What I can tell you, is that this is real for
> me.  I would love to hear from some folks who had
> similar feelings upon returning from trail life. 
> How did you adjust?

Right now..get off the keyboard and do SOMETHING. 

A lot of what you are experiencing right now is
physiological. You are coming down from a drug
(endorphin) high. Your body is addicted to the
phyiscal activitiy. To go from such a high level of
activity to little is hard.

I too was feeling lost when I returned from the PCT.
And part of that was physical. I took up running in
addition to my usual hiking. Not saying you have to go
for a run..but a long walk would be nice. Do  regular
exercise..you'll feel better.

The other, much more important aspect, is the mental.
Your big goal is over..now what? Can you find
something in life that gives you some focus?

For me, post-PCT, was becoming heaviliy involved in my
outdoor group. I maitain the e-mail list, organize a
boat load of trips and spend time with people who may
not neccessarily hike for 4-5 months, but can at least
appreicate it on some level. Living in Boulder, I am
lucky where I can find like minded people. My social
circle is almost entirely made up of people I met
through this outdoor group, too. In short, I formed a
community that means as much to me as much as the
community I formed on the trail.  
If you look at my outdoor photos, you'll see many of
the same faces (and one chocolate lab who I spoil way
too much. :D Actually bought the dog Hanukah discuits.
Sheesh..wait until my friends have kids!)

Keeping up my physical activity, having a focus and
forming a community are what helped me adjust to the
"real world". Living where I live (Boulder, CO) helps
immensley too. But every community has some people you
can relate to. In Boulder, it is easier. But if you
look, you shall find.

The one part I am still struggling with is the
yearning to do another big hike. Not sure if that ever
goes away. Trying to balance a sense of wanderlust
while still having a community and stability in my
life is something I struggle with myself. That, my
friend, is the hardest post-trail challenge of all!

Good luck..hope this helps.


************************************************************
The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust 
caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau
http://www.magnanti.com