Episode 100 Long Distance Relationships for Long Distance Trails - a podcast by Emory R. Wanger

To celebrate Episode 100, my Wife, Jessica, joins me on the podcast to talk about what it was like for her when I hiked the PCT in 2017. We always hear about the trials and tribulations of a hiker, but we never hear what it’s like being the loved one at home waiting for a hike to wrap up. Be it a spouse, friend, family member, or significant other, those left behind during a Thru Hike are left sorting through a an emotional journey of their own.

Those we love reliably answer poorly timed phone calls, offer words of encouragement when in need of their own, ship off needed items to random locations they’ve never been to in hopes that it arrives in time, and patiently wait at home praying for the safety of their hiker. They balance the load for us emotionally and their voices are often never heard.

When the dust settles and the hike is complete, they don’t have memories of tall peaks, beautiful valleys, or quiet morning walks in the woods, rather they’re left to live the trail life from afar, merely peering inside from time to time when able in hopes to glean some form of relief. If they could be there they would, each and every step of the way, mile for mile.

For me, Jess was my rock. My reason for pushing and no doubt the only reason I was able to hike so many miles that summer. She was far more dedicated to me, than I was to the trail and I’ll forever be grateful for all she did for me.

This episode is dedicated not only to my Wife, but to all those who support thru hikers on long trails. You’ll never really know how important you are to the journey.

By Land,

Emory R. Wanger

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Show Notes

Introductions

When Emory first told Jess about the PCT

Our approach to the unknowns

Emory asks Jess to marry him before he left for the PCT

Why was Jess so confident about me leaving?

Relationship prep leading up to the trail

Planning visits

The importance of being all in

Jess’ connection to the trail

Saying goodbye

Dealing with the lack of information

Benefits of a GPS tracker brings to loved ones

What it’s like on the other side of things

How short videos helped us feel connected

Visiting Emory on the trail

Pros and Cons of visits

Saying goodbye after a visit

Observing hiking habits

How to handle your partner when they want to quit

When and how to communicate feelings

Jess’ worst goodbye

Looking to Canada and the importance of Jess being there

Canada

The smell of a hiker

What the trail means to Jess

What it’s like being an “outsider” to the hiking world

Advice to family and friends AFTER the trail

The dynamics of a partner wanting to be there

Watching the trail to life transition

What about hiking WITH your hiker?

What helped the MOST to feel close

Concerns about thru-hiking becoming a habit

How to deal with the desire to hike

Further episodes of The By Land Podcast

Further podcasts by Emory R. Wanger

Website of Emory R. Wanger