I am a hiker...

Current location: Tucson (again)
Accumulated miles: 115ish

Sometimes it's weird to me that I am a long distance hiker. I am seriously the laziest, slowest, least athletic person I know. I struggle to get out of my sleeping bag EVERY morning. I walk REALLY REALLY slowly uphill (and often down). I complain about my pack weight, foot pain, and sweating.

But I am a hiker.

This week as I have started a new trek of possibly great distance I have thought a lot about why I am a hiker...
There are many things that make a distance hiker...

I can go days without bathing and drink pretty much any water regardless of the floaters. I walk really far with foot pain and just keep walking no matter the heat, snow, wind, or rain. I can eat ramen or couscous for days on end and mass consume food in town. I'm good at those things... But that's not all that makes me a hiker.

I really truly love the peace and simplicity of living in the wilderness. I love the quiet and the time to think and pray. I love to see big mountains and knowing I can climb them. I love being able to sit with someone in silence and know that no words need to be spoken to understand the beauty of the day.

There are lots of reasons I love being a hiker... But mostly I love that in the wilderness I am living who I really am. I know not everyone understands.. But in this place I find peace, simplicity, and happiness.

I am blessed.

Tomorrow, on to Colossal Caves and Saguaro National Park. Many more beautiful miles to hike!