#100 - Long Distance Relationships for Long Distance Trails

To celebrate Episode 100, my Wife, Jessica, joins me on the podcast to talk about what it was like for her when I hiked the PCT in 2017.  We hear about the trials of a hiker, but we never hear from the loved one at home waiting for a hike to end.  Those we love reliably answer poorly timed phone calls, offer encouragement when in need of their own, ship off items to random locations they’ve never been to in hopes that it arrives in time, and patiently wait at home praying for the safety of their hiker. They balance the load for us emotionally and their voices are often never heard.When the hike is complete, they don’t have memories of tall peaks, beautiful valleys, or quiet morning walks in the woods. Instead, they’re left to know the trail from afar, merely peering inside from time to time in hopes of gleaning some form of relief. If they could be there, they would.For me, Jess was my rock and the only reason I hiked so many miles.  She was far more dedicated to me than I was to the trail and I’ll forever be grateful for all she did.This episode is dedicated to all those who support thru-hikers on long trails.  You’ll never really know how important you are to the journey.Show NotesWhen Emory first told Jess about the PCTOur approachThe proposalWhy so confident?Relationship prep leading up to the trailPlanning visitsThe importance of being all inJess’ connection to the trailSaying goodbyeDealing with the lack of informationBenefits of a GPS tracker What it’s like on the other side of thingsHow short videos helped us feel connectedVisiting Emory on the trailPros and Cons of visitsSaying goodbye after a visitObserving hiking habitsHow to handle your partner when they want to quitWhen and how to communicate feelingsJess’ worst goodbyeLooking to Canada The smell of a hikerWhat the trail means to JessWhat it’s like being an “outsider” to the hiking worldAdvice to family and friends AFTER the trailThe dynamics of a partner wanting to be thereWatching the trail to life transitionWhat about hiking WITH your hiker?What helped the MOST to feel closeConcerns about thru-hiking becoming a habit How to deal with the desire to hikeSupport the showThanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. Website Join the podcast email newsletter Make a One-Time Donation (+ Affiliate Links) Monthly Podcast Support Courses Learn How To Backpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking Thru-Hiking 101 Resources YouTube Instagram Facebook Groups emory@byland.co