5 Days Before the PCT (Last Day Of Work at Café On

3-5 Minute Read

Well well well… here we are! 5 days until we are on trail.

First and foremost, I just have to express how grateful I am for the community that I already have created with this project. Whether your family and friends, a regular at the Cafè, or even someone I’ve never met, I see you. And I am thankful for you.

Speaking of the Cafè, today was my last day at work as a waitress at Cafe One. It had been by far THE best job I’ve ever had. Even though I’ll likely end up working there again when I come back, my regulars and coworkers were so raw and emotional, yet extremely supportive, about me leaving. It genuinely changed my soul and how beautifully strangers can turn into friends. Which is an important aspect of trial life that I am looking forward to. Today was hard but good. I am ready for what’s next.

So yea… 5 days left… wow. This is real.

I am dedicated to staying true to this blog as a way to challenge myself. But I also need to have a place to creatively document this adventure.

For now, I am doing freestyle entries, and providing information about my preparations. And then, once I actually get to trail, I’m going to have a consistent weekly structure. Where I’ll revisit similar topics on each day of the week.

For example:

• Summit Sunday  – A day to reflect on my biggest challenge or achievement of the week.

• Motivation Monday  – A day dedicated to sharing about what’s keeping me going and any habit shifts I have.

• Trail Talk Tuesday  – A day to keep it simple and log my progress in statistical form, gear thoughts, and any current or upcoming terrain updates.

• Wellness Wednesday  – A day just to check in on my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Like am I good???

• Taco Thursday  – A day to taco about whatever I want. :P freestyle mode

• Philosophical Phriday  – A day to reflect on life’s big questions through the lens of the trail. My deepest reflections on an idea, realizations, or internal challenge.

• Storytelling Saturday – A day just for fun and/or meaningful trail stories I’ve experienced along the way!

I am doing this outline style because I want to be able to see the progression of my writing, and to be intentional with how the trail will help me conquer my own personal challenges… Plus, having some consistency/structure will help me remain present in trail life.

So that’s all for today’s entry. I’ll be writing a letter to my future self in the next entry for Monday 4/7. Thank you so much for reading.

Belle<3