4/30

I am in the beautiful, friendly town of Julian today (mile 77.7), filled with big burritos and free pies for PCT hikers. I have had the most amazing time the last couple of days, starting to get in the groove of things, becoming really comfortable out here. I've been hiking with a few good dudes, Veggie, Mehap, Ethan, we make a good group for the time being. My trail name is Saggitar, I dig it, the trail names are a beautiful way to remember people.
The train must decide the tracks are unimportant, staring at the tracks gets dizzying, we must look at what surrounds us. I was reading something along those lines in a book of mine and it became very apparent, that is what I must do to remain sane on this trail, seeing there is still 2,600 miles ahead of me. It can be rather disorienting, but to acknowledge what surrounds, to observe, is the key to remaining here, to remain now. The communion out here is lovely and very alive, because we are in such an intimate setting it allows you to see a truer side of people, you're instantly aware the walls have fallen. I am getting ready to return to the desert heat, stoked for the next few days to Warner Springs. So long Julian, your beautiful pies made me incredibly happy.

Om mani padme hum
-Sagittar

P.s- Everything is funnier in the desert

4/24/13

The sun waved goodbye in the most appropriate, beautiful way yesterday, as if it were saying "you will be nearer tomorrow, see you then my friend." the monks bald head dipped into the clouds, the orange exploded then vanished. I couldn't quit smiling and laughing, what a perfect gift. I said my goodbye's today or rather see you soon's to those I love. I took my last look at the brilliant collage of green in Nashville. I read the many letters I was given last night, I counted each word as a blessing, I packed my bag and I boarded a plane, I realized the second the plane left the ground life was getting ready to change, I parted with Nashville, I felt deep peace in this. I've felt in deep meditative state since leaving, very calm, focused.
I will arrive in San Diego at 6 pm and be picked up by a trail angel named pea A.K.A "Girlscout". Tomorrow at 7:30 AM I will be at the southern terminus looking north, trying to ignore the number in between, rather, today I will go for a beautiful walk, just repeat that for 5 months. I have no idea of what this will be like, but I believe in this path, that is what I know.

Blessings,
-J.R.Y

PCT 2013

One week from today I will be standing on California dust looking north, visualizing the in between, I am sure it will be very surreal, it is already surreal. Vivid dreams of walking the Sierra passes, crushing orange sunrise's in the desert, come to life while I sleep, dreams to be fulfilled. I remember 5 months ago talking with my friend Demetria about doing the Pacific Crest Trail, as I talked to her my vision started to come alive, it became very clear that it was important I do this walk, a moment so certain it has led me to this past five months of planning and now of watching that dream come to life. I talked my best friend's Matt an Alec into draging their bodies 2,650 miles, it wasnt too hard..they were itching to get out of TN aswell. So they will meet me 300 miles in, (Wrightwood area), and we will be hiking the rest together. I will start alone on april 25th, cant believe that is a week away, it is a much welcomed change. The famous question's "Dont you know we have roads now" ive heard a dozen times, "but theres bears out there" has been said innumerably. I guess it has become natural to get in 80 MPH bullets daily to drive to work, in hopes no one makes a bad move while texting on the highway. We are far removed from the natural state of things, so far, we cannot precieve what it is even like. Nature has always proved sustaining, giving, loving to me in the past, mother nature very much a mother.
      I have been asked why I should leave home to walk the country on the PCT, I answer jokingly, "for lack of anything better to do", but in pure it is to become a better person, to experience my Self, to be patient with my shortcomings, to go beyond, and in terms be a more fluent being. I recall a time while hiking the beartooth mountains in Montana where I became flooded with love for my family, I had the most beautiful words for each of them, I said them aloud to my self while walking, in hopes they somehow recieved them. Nature has revealed parts of my Self I would have remained unaware about without these experiences. So this my intention for this trip, to rediscover those parts of my Self, overflowing with love for all/whom that surrounds, let this Be.

To all who read these words, thank you for your love, I am very aware of it.
-J.R.Y

“All paths are the same: they lead nowhere. ... Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn't, it is of no use. Both paths lead nowhere; but one has a heart, the other doesn't. One makes for a joyful journey; as long as you follow it, you are one with it. The other will make you curse your life. One makes you strong; the other weakens you.” 

-Carlos Castaneda