New Valley Hills

I’ve been home a week. I was definitely homesick – missing Lisa, the cats, and the durability of being in the same place. It is nice to bring the cooler end of Californian heat back to the UK.

I’m sleeping a lot more than past 3 months.

I’ve realised my exhaustion on trail was a combination of mental, emotional and physical low health. Being on the move everyday is incredibly draining for me. There was so much stimulation due to change. I’ve known for a while that I recharge my batteries in solo time not socialising time; what I hadn’t fully realised was my need for fixed place during that recharging. It was a big ask of myself to keep moving into new environments for 6 months, in spite of it being an adventure I chose and committed to doing for myself only.

Is it unfinished business? Probably. Will I attempt it again? Maybe. Did I enjoy what I did? Yes, with caveats. Do I miss it? Yes! Do I miss the people? Desperately. Am I glad I gave it my best shot? Absolutely! Have I learnt about myself? Yes. How do I use that learning? That’s what time will tell.

Having come back to ostensibly an empty calendar for next three months, home life is bringing up lots of fun things I can engage with, as well as allocated time for healing and growing.

Lisa has grown a garden of vegetables for us to eat and is keen to plant for the coming months. Something I can get my teeth into.

Social media has helped me keep in touch with many of the people I met on the trail. It is wonderful to read and see how they’re progressing.

Some of my funding for this adventure is based upon the sale of my VW Vanagon T25/3 16” Syncro campervan. Drop me a line if you’re in the market for it. jc@harmonywood.org