It really is, isn’t it? Sometimes I think certain things are just meant to happen, whether we recognize them beforehand or only in hindsight… thanks for reading, Alavi.
Such a powerful read VJ, I felt I was on that hike with you, the people we encounter who live deep truths often leave such a mark on us. The sense of 'time measured not in calendar pages' really spoke to me, as did your words about us preferring to live with the illusion we have a number. Thank you for this deeply reflective piece.
Thank you so much, Kate. You are one of those people I admire for the depth of self-reflection you bring to your writing and your thoughts. So it means a lot to know this resonated with you. Thank you for reading and for supporting this journey.
I liked being part of the trail...such glorious views...sharing moments of other's trails is a kindly wonder to consider even now...thank you for the share of time on each other trail.
Love this! I recently read Wild too and felt like I was there alongside you. What a beautiful synchronistic encounter. Thank you for the resonate reminders interwoven throughout this piece 🙏🏼
Thank you so much, Chelsea. There really is something special about coming across someone who has just recently read the same book. I suppose that's a synchronistic encounter too... (and I love that phrasing, by the way). I'm so grateful you read the essay and joined me on this little PCT journey. Thank you for your thoughtful words.
I loved the idea that both of your journeys truly began only after turning back. Sometimes what feels like a setback is simply the moment that puts us on the path we were actually meant to walk, and introduces us to the person we were meant to meet..
What a beautiful reflection on chance encounters and the quiet moments that shape us. I loved how you captured the uncertainty, the shared laughter over forgotten things, and those small but meaningful exchanges that stay long after the hike is over. Your story is a gentle reminder to appreciate the connections we find along the way and the importance of simply beginning again, no matter how many times we have to turn back. Thank you for sharing this; it truly resonated.
I swear, I was walking right there beside you. When you were shocked, I was shocked. When you were laughing and smiling, so was I.
I can’t no longer say I’ve never been in ghat trail. Thank you for the walk and the perspective that we all need to be reminded of. This was a truly wonderful read, VJ ❤️👏🫶🙌
Thank you so much, Carolyn. I don't even know how to put into words how grateful I am. You've been one of the biggest supporters of my writing, and I have so much respect for the creativity and depth you bring to every subject you write about. I've been reading your daily notes about the flags and I'm honestly in awe of where you take them… Thank you for reading, encouraging, and cheering me on. It means more than you know.
Thank you so much, Meggen. I totally agree. A collection of seemingly random events is rarely random. Just like so many of the connections we've made here...
Sounds like those boots were exactly where they were "not" suppose to be 😉 I'm sure your encounter will stay with him too. Very beautiful moment thanks for sharing amigo.
Thank you, Krissy! You know me all too well... always trying to find meaning in everything. :) You're absolutely right. I couldn't have hoped for a better "forgot my hiking boots" moment. And I'm sure there's a whole story in how our paths first crossed, too... but that's a story for another time. Thank you for reading along and always supporting me, amiga.
Thank you, Leisa. Looking back, I really am :) So many moments feel random when we look at them individually, but when we step back, it's often the collection of "random" events that leads to these memorable encounters and experiences... Thank you for reading and following along.
What a lovely coincidence that you both turned back.
It really is, isn’t it? Sometimes I think certain things are just meant to happen, whether we recognize them beforehand or only in hindsight… thanks for reading, Alavi.
Beautiful, gives me hope to find a place to think before a doctor gives me a number or does not. Peace has a price.
Thank you, Stephen. I hope we all find that place before any number really defines us. I really appreciate you reading.
Such a powerful read VJ, I felt I was on that hike with you, the people we encounter who live deep truths often leave such a mark on us. The sense of 'time measured not in calendar pages' really spoke to me, as did your words about us preferring to live with the illusion we have a number. Thank you for this deeply reflective piece.
Thank you so much, Kate. You are one of those people I admire for the depth of self-reflection you bring to your writing and your thoughts. So it means a lot to know this resonated with you. Thank you for reading and for supporting this journey.
“I thought silence was the absence of words.” - thanks for sharing that reflection
Thank you so much. I’m glad that line resonated with you…
I liked being part of the trail...such glorious views...sharing moments of other's trails is a kindly wonder to consider even now...thank you for the share of time on each other trail.
Thank you, Tracy. Just love the idea of borrowing miles from the trails..I’m grateful, I could share this walk with you all.
I wonder now what happened next for each trailer...beautiful vuews along your trail...one trail leads to so many more life experiences.
Thank you 🙏
Love this! I recently read Wild too and felt like I was there alongside you. What a beautiful synchronistic encounter. Thank you for the resonate reminders interwoven throughout this piece 🙏🏼
Thank you so much, Chelsea. There really is something special about coming across someone who has just recently read the same book. I suppose that's a synchronistic encounter too... (and I love that phrasing, by the way). I'm so grateful you read the essay and joined me on this little PCT journey. Thank you for your thoughtful words.
I hoped the trail would be in your voice…
Thanks so much! That is such high praise, Tracy and it truly means a lot to me.
I suppose it is! ✨️🙏🏼
I loved the idea that both of your journeys truly began only after turning back. Sometimes what feels like a setback is simply the moment that puts us on the path we were actually meant to walk, and introduces us to the person we were meant to meet..
Thank you so much. That's a beautiful way of looking at it. I completely agree... sometimes the detour is the journey. I really love that perspective.
What a beautiful reflection on chance encounters and the quiet moments that shape us. I loved how you captured the uncertainty, the shared laughter over forgotten things, and those small but meaningful exchanges that stay long after the hike is over. Your story is a gentle reminder to appreciate the connections we find along the way and the importance of simply beginning again, no matter how many times we have to turn back. Thank you for sharing this; it truly resonated.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful note. really grateful it spoke to you.
I swear, I was walking right there beside you. When you were shocked, I was shocked. When you were laughing and smiling, so was I.
I can’t no longer say I’ve never been in ghat trail. Thank you for the walk and the perspective that we all need to be reminded of. This was a truly wonderful read, VJ ❤️👏🫶🙌
Thank you so much, Carolyn. I don't even know how to put into words how grateful I am. You've been one of the biggest supporters of my writing, and I have so much respect for the creativity and depth you bring to every subject you write about. I've been reading your daily notes about the flags and I'm honestly in awe of where you take them… Thank you for reading, encouraging, and cheering me on. It means more than you know.
🫶🫶🫶
Love this VJ —there are no coincidences. Sounds like you two were meant to cross paths!
Thank you so much, Meggen. I totally agree. A collection of seemingly random events is rarely random. Just like so many of the connections we've made here...
Sounds like those boots were exactly where they were "not" suppose to be 😉 I'm sure your encounter will stay with him too. Very beautiful moment thanks for sharing amigo.
Thank you, Krissy! You know me all too well... always trying to find meaning in everything. :) You're absolutely right. I couldn't have hoped for a better "forgot my hiking boots" moment. And I'm sure there's a whole story in how our paths first crossed, too... but that's a story for another time. Thank you for reading along and always supporting me, amiga.
This is one of those beautiful moments in life that stays with us forever. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you so much. I am sure this will stay with me for a very long time... And I'm even more grateful that I get to share this with all of you.
Love this. Aren’t you glad you forgot your boots?🧡🙂
Thank you, Leisa. Looking back, I really am :) So many moments feel random when we look at them individually, but when we step back, it's often the collection of "random" events that leads to these memorable encounters and experiences... Thank you for reading and following along.
Thanks for sharing. Amazing how interactions and life line up.
Thank you for reading, Julia. totally agree. It's these unexpected connections that make life feel lived...
Love it!
Thank you, Tim! I really appreciate you reading and letting me know.