A little over three months and 1440 miles into it I’ve quit thinking about time and miles traveled. I am currently at Burney Falls California, and excited about heading for the Oregon border. Starting today, I will go off trail for a week to celebrate Landon’s birthday, visit with Dawson, and spend a little time with Robin at the Targee music festival. Although walking 25 miles a day has become the norm and very comfortable, I felt that I was treating this like a race rather than just enjoying the journey. I want to shift my focus, not get caught up in the frenzy and appreciate the landscape and the people I meet on the trail. I love the folks I have been crossing paths with since virtually the beginning, the bubble, and will be sad to plug in a week behind everyone, but that just means I’ll have a whole new group of people I get to meet. Also I want to give a shout out to my friend Art from Breckenridge who just spent the last week hiking with me across the Hat Creek rim, reputedly to be one of the hardest sections of the trail but was actually quite enjoyable. Although I’m just a short ways past the halfway mark, I can feel the end is within my reach. It is odd but the thought of finishing this amazing journey comes with mixed emotions. I don’t feel at all anxious to have it over, but will be forever grateful for the experience. 
no sense rushing a good thing!
Sounds like a great call….spend a week with the family, catch some great music & Landon’s B-day…..enjoy the journey….
Good job Dean!
Scott Jurek is 3 days from possibly setting the record on the AT, and his definitely not “enjoying the journey”.
continues to sound amazing…..I can only imagine the feelings as you are about to break from your current routine, but it’s worth it to spend time with the family you love! xoxo Patty
You’re doing an amazing job, Dean. Enjoy the week off with your family. You deserve a break.
Your journey is incredible. Really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. What culture shock!
A fellow came through Borrego Springs recently that got as far as Oregon and then came back. I asked him about you and he said he met you on the trail. He remembered Ladies Man . His name was Cournel Tom Parker and he had his black dog with him. I believe the dog’s name was Jack. Glad to hear you are doing so well!
A beautiful and moving bit of writing
Dean. Thank you for sharing your journey
with us. And I’m loving the photos.
All is well here, though I miss
you and family!
Way to go Dean,
really quite amazing,
what you’re doing…
Judy
Good plan, Dean. Life goes out here, and you might as well dip into it, especially if it involves family. Your feet could also use a rest, I’m sure. Have a good time on the outside.
Hey Ladies Man, Uncle Bucks wife BUG here! I am back home now but already missing the trail! Hope to section in August again so hopefully will see you then…. but loving your blog! Come for a vancouver visit when you hit Canada!