As important as any other section, after trail life deserves a mention too. Finishing a 6 month walk through wilderness comes as a shock, the process of readjustment isn’t easy, and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to make it a very gradual transition. I rode a train into Canada, visited British Columbia, and then turned around to head south. I took trains and busses all the way back down the west coast, retracing my steps and visiting mates I’d met along the way. As the trail faded into my past, I made the most of my ability to reflect on the experience.

I spent two days hiking back from the terminus to Hart’s Pass, things still felt like business as usual, although I wasn’t accustomed to seeing the same views twice. I crossed paths with other hikers on their way north, so many of them had become friends of mine and we all shared the excitement of completing this journey.

After leaving the trail, I stayed at Lion’s Den in Mazama, I could almost convince myself that this was another resupply stop. After two days at Lion’s Den, I had a lift to Seattle with a small group of other hikers, Goldfish, Veggie, Sweet Potato, and Showers. We spent a few days in Seattle, acquiring regular clothes and exploring. I regrouped with Cook and Mango in Seattle and we had our last couple of town nights.

I made a circuitous trip back home, first visiting Canada but only as far north as Squamish. After a brief stay, I made my way back down the west coast by train and bus. The trip back south was incredibly powerful. The further south I traveled, the further back in time my memories took me. I watched the entire trail pass by through the windows of various Amtrak, bus, and metro train connections. I also had the absolute privilege of catching up once more with just a few of the people I’d hiked with. When I’d made my full circle back to San Diego, it was time for me to leave the US. I flew back down-under, first visiting Australia, and then finally returning home to NZ to be reunited with my friends and family. Reaching the end of a journey like this, and having people to share it with is a true treasure.