We found ourselves making progress. In terms of miles yes, but also in terms of character - of will and resolve. We had, in lasting our first few weeks on the Pacific Crest Trail, begun to find it comfortable. Someway through Southern California were born patterns of life that helped make my hike successful, and by that I mean happy.

When I think about routine, a part of my thought is drawn towards negative connotations. Of boredom and the mundane patterns of everyday life. But we had bought ourselves an escape from the everyday, and in the rhythmic pattern of a thru-hike I don’t mean the sort of routine that drains or distracts, I mean the sort of routine that uplifts and upholds.

Perhaps it was the nature that surrounded us, or the lack of responsibilities to encumber us. Something was stripping back at our selves, withering the outwith.