In Conclusion

I gave it three weeks of rest before calling it a day. My range of motion steadily improved but it was still painful to put my pack on and wear it for more than 5 minutes at a time. I looked into getting a pack animal, considered buying or building a cart, giving it more time and then hiking south from the Canadian border, but in the end, the most prudent thing seemed to give it a rest and to focus on my gratitude for all the wonder filled experiences of the past 5 months.

Britt and I celebrated our last days together at the ironically named "Cape Disappointment," and then parted ways at the Vancouver Amtrak Station.

I don't know when I will see her again, but the love we shared will echo throughout the rest of my life and my gratitude and love for her, I sense, may never cease.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, it has brought me much joy to share its unfolding and I am forever grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way.

Thank you for every prayer, comment, and message, for every package of food, ride into town, monetary donation and shelter from the storm. I couldn't have done it without YOU.

I am in awe of how this experience has brought me closer to people from all stages of my life and feel more deeply connected to my communities in Iowa, Vermont, and North Carolina.

I have ideas and hopes for future wanderings but for now will be focusing my energy at the group homes I've served for the past 4 years and saving my pennies for the next adventure.

With all the love in my gratefully beating heart,

Your Happy Wanderer

<3 Will