PCT : Closing the Chapter

Today I received my PCT completion medal in the mail.  As a thru-hiker, I had the option of registering on the website to receive one.  The site claims that because of the donation of Eric Ryback (the first pct thru-hiker), all current or past thru-hikers are eligible for a FREE medal.  I simply had to fill out some forms.  I know these things can't be cheap, so I gave an optional donation to the PCTA to at least, hopefully, cover the cost.  On the front is a raised map of the trail with both the current PCT logo/marker, and the previous marker from a few decades ago.   On the back, they've engraved it with my name and year.

All in all, this is a nice way to close the chapter on an amazing and challenging summer.  I am very glad I had the opportunity to live life to the fullest, and walk such a breathtaking trail.  I am also glad that the chapter is behind me.

Antarctica is coming up fast.  I deploy in one month.  I am scrambling here to get many things done before I leave.  I am looking forward to another field season, but I am also realizing that this will be the third christmas, thanksgiving, and new years day that I'll miss.  I will enjoy my time down there, but also be content knowing it may be my final season for a while.  (pending involvement with another project).

that's it for now...

"I'm enjoying existence as much as ever, and regret nothing." - Thoreau