A Reader on a Journey: “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed
For my 2019 writing challenge and in preparation for the Pacific Crest Trail in 2020, I am spending the entire year reading and writing about books focused on a journey. For my 11th book, I am reading “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed.
Trauma and the Trail
No one comes to the beginning of a 2,650-mile journey without a reason. Sure, we are all seeking adventure, but if you dig deeper everyone has something bigger, they are chasing. For Cheryl, it was rebirth and a need to wrestle with the demons of her past. For me, my journey was meant to be one of self-discovery and an ultimate test before fully facing the trials of adulthood. No reason is better than that of someone else. Our reason is our burden and gift to shoulder for five to six months.
Alone
I am writing this post on April 29, 2020. I began my PCT journey on March 13th but was forced off the trail because of the spread of COVID-19. While I remain hopeful, we will be able to return soon, I am so very thankful I was able to experience the trail with others. During the day, I spent a lot of time hiking alone, but for breaks and camping every night I was surrounded by new and old friends. The challenge of the trail is only part of the experience. These moments of community are what I am hungry for more than anything else.
Hiking for a Reason
If I am able to return to the trail, I will do so with a renewed sense of purpose. I only got to taste four days of this trail, but it was already beginning to do magical things within me. For the first time in a while, I found true silence and an opportunity to ponder deeply. I was enraptured by the beauty of it all and left longing for more. In the sadness of choosing to leave the trail, I have found new reasons for hiking and I cannot wait to explore them more deeply.
The End
Cheryl’s journey ended at the Bridge of the Gods which spans the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon. Once upon a time, this frustrated me. In my mind, Cheryl received a lot of attention for her hike but skipped the beginning of the trail, the Sierra Mountain Range, and all of Washington. I held some secret grudge against her for this. Now, trying to piece together a different kind of journey for myself than I imagined and with a new idea of what this trail can do no matter how much time you spend on it, I find myself in admiration. I guess I owe someone an apology.
Be good to each other,
Nathan
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