walk850
This is a hard post to write, so I’ll just say it fast like taking off a bandaid. We called it quits.
The second day after leaving Independence, Cindy was having a really hard time, and we hiked a pretty short day. The next day, she was feeling very low energy. We hung around in camp most of the day, and had some talks about the trail in general. It was becoming pretty clear that Cindy wasn’t going to be doing most of the thru-hike if I/we pressed on, and it just doesn’t feel right to me to do the remaining 1700 miles mostly alone and besides, my enjoyment of the walking has been diminishing.
We’re both glad that we attempted this and we’ve both benefitted physically and mentally. At this point, though, we’re pretty happy to get back to civilization and back to making money instead of spending it!
By far the saddest part of this decision for both of us is not being able to share the rest of the walk with everyone on this site. We apologize to all of those that were looking forward to sharing the rest of the adventure with us. We know a number of you have friends and relatives on the trail and that you were kind of keeping up with their travels through this site. I wish we could keep it up for you guys, but it just stopped being worth it for us. Rest assured, your loved ones are having a blast. It’s a really amazing experience.
There will still be some updates in the next few days. Cindy is going to write her account, and I’m going to be starting a new site, so please stay tuned.
Thanks so much for all of the support.
So sorry that your adventure is coming to a close. Got an email from my neice and they are to Lake Tahoe. They said 11 days and 3000ft. climbs daily to Mt. Whitney was difficult. They saw few people, no towns etc. Said they were very tired and HUNGRY!!! Hope that you guys can return in the future and do another attempt. I hope they can endure the trail. Thanks for sharing!!
Been following you guys, just never chimed in. I’m sure the decision was not taken lightly and I’m sure you two made the right one…together. A lot worse could happen than just taking a break and heading home. The trail will always be there. Enjoy your accomplishment on many levels. I’ll stay tuned as you ask…..take care….-d
Too bad! Where are your hovershoes when you need them?! Still, you can be proud that you went out there and tried. And those of us who have been resting comfortably on our puffy couches in cool air conditioning and reading about your adventures will just have to get over the loss of the really awesome pictures and stories. The images of the porn cabin, Cindy’s snake encounter, giant pinecones….all totally fab!!! Godspeed, little doodles–safe is always better than sorry!
It’s not about the destination, it’s the journey…and what a journey you’ve had and so graciously shared with us. Thank you for every footstep, every thirst, every laugh, every joy. We’ve been blessed to have been cyberly connected for this trip. Now the next part of the journey
I am so proud and happy for you both!My husband Jake and I have been were you are now, twice, but either time didn’t make it nearly as far as you both have. I have been coming home from work and sharing your stories with Jake in the evenings. We truly enjoyed them! Very few couples would be able to enjoy an adventure like this together. We tried it in 06 with 3 of our children and again in 08 partly with our son, Nick, and we can’t seem to move on to another adventure so we have sold our truck and motorcyle and are going to walk and ride bicycles to work for the next 10 months to get in shape and safe money and go back for some more in 2010. Thank you both for all the effort you put into letting those of us that wish we were there with you get to share in your adventure. For us hopfully 3rd time will be the charm. To Cindy and Andy!! Keep on keepen on!!
Awww. All you guys have been so nice and supportive. One of the biggest reasons that I kept pushing myself beyond the point I knew I should stop is because I knew all you guys were out there rooting for us. It’s good to know that we have love and support out there.
I had a terrible mental image that we were somehow going to get flak for quitting. I’m so glad the opposite is true. It really means alot to me (us).
xoxoxo,
Cindy (and Andy)
Bravo to you, nevertheless! 850 miles is a long way! I’m sure you had an amazing experience.
I’m sorry your dream of walking to Canada didn’t turn out to be as enjoyable as you hoped. But it’s a much smarter thing to stop because you want to than to walk all the way just because a few weirdos on the interweb are rooting for you. I hope this hasn’t turned you off hiking for good. The JMT, with good weather, is life alterin ly gorgeous, but if you ain’t feelin’ it I bet it’s pretty shit.
Now get back to those calories, you earned ‘em.
Maybe if you were to try this again.. Walk from Canada back to Mexico that way you can see a different part of the trail… Doing things in little bites… like eating an elephant one bite at a time…. Glad to see you are home and safe… I was a little worried when I saw the trash bin….
I’m still rooting for you guys. You’re a wonderful couple and you’ve had some amazing accomplishments. Don’t feel bad for leaving the trail. I’ve followed your website with all the pictures, videos, podcasts, SPOT updates, and blog entries since you began–and I’ll continue to visit your websites. One door closes and another opens… =)
Denise - Are you crazy??? Time to settle down, stop being a hippie, and provide for your children. There is no reason to take a ~10 year old on the trail. Grow-up! — CGW
I am sorry that it didnt come out they way you planned it. Dont worry about the people following you on this blog, worry about yourself
So I read that a pregnancy was partly also the reason for quitting?? Is it true? 
@Denise: I also plan to hike some parts (the whole?) of the PCT with my son (12 years), maybe we can share some thoughts and ideas? Contact me at pct@fisler.ch.
Aunt Cintila and Uncle Andy,
This is Gracie and I want you to know that we miss you and want you to come back and visit us. How did you get the chipmunk on your hand? How did you find the chipmunk? How did you get back to Grandma’s house? I like that picture of you sitting in the tree. Were you scared of the rattlesnakes and bears? How many times did you stop and get more water? It seems like it has been a long time since we’ve seen you guys. I miss you.
Love,
Gracie
How’d the dried fish hold up?