Over five hundred miles and more than thirty days. In my book, that officially makes this a long distance hike. But, there’s still over two thousand miles and months to go.

Fatigue is creeping it’s way in. I can see it in my fellow hikers…as I’m sure they see it in me. Not only is the body physically pushed to its limits, your mental state is constantly tested. Exhaustion, home sickness, and isolation make it easy to question to your resolve.

Others have mentioned “going home”.

At this point, I’m good to go. While still a bit tender, my ankle is healing. My clothing, or lack there of, is sorted out. My food resupply points are organized. The crowd seems to have thinned and I’m in a good bubble.

But the days are long, the miles are tough. Hour, after hour, spent in your own head. Fighting to push forward…battling the desire to go back to “real life”. The hiker blues…just deal with it.

Time, desire, encouragement…and lots of “bouncing”.

“Pain is just weakness leaving the body.”

Damn…I’m strong!