Goodbye Colorado

Despite my eagerness to continue hiking the Colorado Trail, Roxy's health has brought an end to our hiking days. My heart pines for the mountains, but Roxy is in such bad shape that I can't justify staying in Colorado. So with a heavy heart we have begun the long drive back to Indiana.

Leaving the life I love always drags me down, so as the mountains fade in my rear view mirror, I'm focusing on new goals. Without a sense of purpose, I struggle to feel much fulfillment. Just living is not enough for me; I need to be constantly surpassing my own expectations. If I don't learn something new or push myself physically, I fall into a dark spiral of depression.

In the mountains every day is a literal uphill climb that leads to discovery and a profound sense of achievement. Indiana doesn't exactly offer up this sort of daily challenge. It is way too easy to just exist without doing anything meaningful with your life.

Luckily I now get to come home to a job that encourages innovation and growth. Knowing that pushing myself and striving for excellence is actually acknowledged and rewarded, makes me seek out opportunities for professional development. I love working hard, physically, academically, and professionally, but I also need to see results from my efforts. Instead of climbing literal peaks, I'll be seeking out metaphorical mountains to overcome. Although I only worked at my current position for a few months before leaving for Colorado, I immediately recognized the culture of excellence nurtured by my supervisors and coworkers. I am so incredibly thankful to be working with such an outstanding team of like-minded individuals. No one is satisfied with just doing the bare minimum. Instead everyone genuinely cares about their personal impact and is continually pushing for improvement. This sort of challenging atmosphere is exactly the type of environment in which I thrive.

In addition to a stimulating and rewarding career, I've also committed to a physical goal: running the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. I've run two marathons before. Having another one to work toward is a great way to keep me moving and motivated. It's hard to sit around and dwell on the fact that I'm in Indiana, when I know I have to be working to better myself.

This hike has given me a new perspective about myself. When I was hiking the Appalachian Trail, I always thought of it as just walking, Something that anybody could do. I didn't consider what I was doing special or profoundly difficult in any way. However hiking in Colorado with a friend has shown me that through hiking is not for everyone. For me hiking is the easy part of life. I have a new challenge everyday and I can work hard to achieve it. Every day gives me a sense of accomplishment and something to be happy about. I enjoy feeling the physical strain of knowing I have worked toward a goal. I love the solitude and isolation that allows me to focus on personal goals and achievements. There is nothing I would rather be doing than working hard everyday and being able to feel successful when I lay down in my tent. The harder the terrain and weather is the more  enjoyment I get out of completing the day's hike . Apparently not everyone gets the same satisfaction from just walking in the woods, but for me there is no better way to live. 

Updates from the trail

Since my last post the trail has been a whirlwind of new adventure. With Roxy's stamina and physica. fitness wavering, we've had to take things one day at a time. Some days she is full of energy and ready to tackle all sorts of challenges, buy other days she is barely walking and struggling to even get out of the tent in the morning. Today we are resting in Lake City, Colorado, because after a 4 day and 60 mile stretch of trail, Roxy is very stiff and tired.

While we rest and recuperate, it is exciting to look back at all of our recent pictures and admire the epic views we've seen. I'll be uploading an album to Facebook soon. Here are just some of the exciting events we encountered during our journey:

● Moose! Although they are common in Maine, I never saw any moose during my Appalachian Trail hike. It was amazing to come across a ridge and see several moose grazing at a pond in the valley. 

● Freezing temperatures. It's summer, right? We were very surprised to wake up one morning to frosted plants and a frozen bowl of water. Apparently winter doesn't give up easily in the mountains. We have had many snow banks we've had to cross and very dramatic and sudden changes in temperature. 

● Killer instincts. Any time we are above treeline and I can see for miles, I let Roxy run around of leash. She has been struggling with the fact that there are absolutely no toys to play with and entertains herself by chasing mountain mammals. Amazingly she managed to catch and kill a mouse during one of her escapades. 

● Tough terrain and epic views. During this latest stretch of the Colorado Trail we spent the majority of our time above treeline. This meant traversing rocky outcrops, steep ascents, and long stretches of trail without shade or water. Although strenuous and physically daunting, the trail rewarded us with some of the most scenic and stunning views we have ever encountered. 

It is hard to belive we only have one more week left out here. Too little time to sit around playing with a phone while there is still so much left to explore. It is unlikely I'll update again during this trip, but when I'm back in the land of flat, I'll be sure to reminisce about this epic journey. 

The mountain meadows are bursting with colorful wwildflowers. 

High point of the Colorado Trail! Suprisingly much less scenic than I expected.

Just admiring the views with my bestie.

This was the trail. Roxy found it hard to believe we were going to hike straight up a pile of rocks.

Slowing Down

Despite no longer doing an official thru hike of the Colorado Trail, Roxy and I have adapted to a new lifestyle. We are still climbing mountains and exploring the outdoors, just at a slower pace. Roxy is eager as ever and seems to have recovered from whatever was ailing her paw. Although she is seemingly back to normal, I am reluctant to push her too hard. The last thing I want is for her to sustain a serious injury, so we are enjoying life in calmer ways.

Since we aren't hiking from sunrise to sunset, I now have time and energy to focus on all the beautiful details of nature that I previously had to rush past. In the mornings we lie around and admire the sunrise from the comfort of my tent. Every evening we build campfires and often cook smores with friends we meet along the trail. Hiking breaks are commonplace and hour-long lunches are standard. I can afford to sit and watch birds in hopes of snapping a good photo. Nothing hurts and I never feel like I'm actually working hard. Although my conscience is always creeping in and telling me I'm being lazy, I know my lack of physical effort is for Roxy's well being.

Although I'm trying my best to keep Roxy happy, I know Colorado is not her favorite place to be. Afternoon thunderstorms are standard and hail falls from the sky at least once a week. We hide in our tent every time the weather turns nasty, but I know Roxy would rather be back on the Appalachian Trail where the weather was more predictable. For me Colorado is a dream, but realistically I know Roxy and I will not be doing anymore trips out here.

As Roxy transitions into retirement we will continue to focus on enjoying life and making the most of every moment. This past week we have only hiked about 30 miles, but we have met dozens of awesome people, eaten glorious meals made over campfires, and spent tons of time admiring the beauty of the mountains.

Several other hikers have asked why I don't just send Roxy home. For me this is a matter of loyalty. If you make a commitment to another living thing, you don't abandon it once it is no longer convenient. I can't stand people who give up pets when they get bored of them or when they get too old. Roxy has given me the best years of her life and stuck with me through years of chaos and uncertainty. She has been an unwavering and supportive companion who has helped me maintain my sanity while continually pushing me to better myself.

Now that her age is catching up to her, i owe Roxy for helping me obtain happiness and peace. We have about two more weeks left in Colorado and we will continue to take it easy and make the most of the rest of the summer. Life is changing,  but I couldn't imagine spending it with anyone other than Roxy.