Pilgrimages, this word to me contours images of something we save up for and something we dedicate ourselves to. Some might even call life a pilgrimage.
Unintentional or not, this hike has been a series of pilgrimages. 20 years ago I got to visit Yosemite National Park with my family. Unfortunately I was not as mesmerized by the sheer rock formations then as I am now. Looking back, my main focus was beating the last boss I'm Wario vs Bomberman for the Gameboy. Yup, that was the focus.
As I hiked down the John Muir Trail the other morning, moon shining bright as the sun began to creep over the horizon, I felt a sense of understanding of why I was there. The day before I had thought, why not finish the JMT? Only 22.5 more miles, what is that in a summer of hiking across the country.
It wasn't until I approached Half Dome that I had a sense of where I was and what I was looking at. The things I took for granted twenty years ago lay before me, though I wasn't quite backpacking to the degree I have now a days :)
Seeing the day hikers, prepared or not for Half Dome made me appreciate the trip I've been lucky to be having. Some of the kids reminded me of me, not having quite the interest in their surroundings like I did so many years before. But I also saw the awe and genuine wonder in other kids and that made me smile.
I chose not to hike Half Dome as I will be back and I plan on climbing it. It is weird being in one of the Mecca's of rock climbing and not being able to climb. But this trip was never about climbing, it has been about reconnection, discovery and understanding. That will be another Pilgrimage of my own one day and at that point I'll be a lot more focused on my surroundings.
Great job Ty, keep on walking. I so envy you!!!! Love, auntie Ye
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