(22 miles)
I felt really strong today.
I’m now well clear of the border and have began the long walk south.
I walk alone, hour after hour passes and I just want to keep walking.
Every so often I catch my breath at the beauty of it all. Some of the mountain passes are pretty exposed and I need to breath deeply to stay relaxed.
Towards the end of the day I catch myself feeling bored as the switch back I’m descending on feel monotonous.
And I remember boredom is a choice – it comes from a lack of presence or lack of imagination and interest.
So I look up and remember where I am. How privileged I am. I touch the tree branch next to me and I’m back.
Later I reach a perfect camping spot, deep in a forest with a river flowing near by. I feel safe under its canopy. All is well. I drift off to sleep with a content tiredness.
This is mile 46, only 2514 to go! And I want to be present for them all!