Time for another entry in Friday Fictioneers challenge, courtesy of Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. If you want to give it a try, check the info on her blog. 100 words more or less, inspired by a photo, here we go….
Copyright – Jan Wayne Fields
PCT Day 159, Miles 2551
I feel pain in unfamiliar parts of my body, the parts you acknowledge only when you are hurting. My sleeping bag is thin as a single sheet of paper and rain pushes through a tiny hole in the upper left corner of my tent. Potato soup is unappealing and tasteless as ever, but I am saving my last chocolate bar with the desperation of a wild thing.
Still…there is this feeling of equanimity. With the end in sight, I feel like a winner for the first time in my life. I just had to find myself.
In this world there are so many great trails to walk, great music to listen to, and great flash fiction to read. You managed all three with this post – well done
Without having seen the film “Wild”, I think that’s what you would feel at the end… I did met a few that did long walks this summer, and yes at the end there is a lot of willpower
This story had the feel of authenticity, unlike the look of Reese Witherspoons styrofoam filled pack in her movie version of your protagonist’s story. Yours is way better. Keep on hiking. I’ve done some time on some trails, pitched tents in the rain, hoarded chocolate, prayed for the end. You did well with this one.
In my much younger days I did some backpacking trips. You captured the feel incredibly well. The only thing missing was the rock lodged into her back as she tried to sleep in the paper thon sleeping bag.
I’m glad she found herself and became a stronger person. I couldn’t help but remember an old joke about a girl who tried to find herself and finally found herself in the kitchen. Good writing, Lore. 🙂 — Suzanne
Snow's Fissures and Fractures 
Dear Loré,
This sounds like a determined person who is comfortable with her own company. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Glad you liked it , Rochelle.
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Nice. Nothing better than equanimity.
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Indeed. Thank you.
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I had to Google PCT, it made more sense then!
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I put the link on the bottom, but it seems it was not very visible.
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I had to google PCT as well, and like CE, it makes a lot more sense. That’s a long old journey. Not far to go now though.
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There is a link on the bottom, I knew not everyone would now what PCT stands for.
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I see the link now. Thank you.
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I’ve always fancied travelling to America and doing one of these long trails, would be a great achievement. Nice take – hope she makes it!
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I dream about that, too. It is quite the challenge.
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Now that takes determination! I always admire those who undertake such journeys.
(I think you mean tiny and not tinny…)
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I don’t know how that extra “n” sneaked in…Thank you. 🙂
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😉 That’s what we do! xo
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Oh, the price we pay for equanimity, too. Ironic. 😀
Well done, Loré!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Sounds like a real test of oneself. Good one.
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Going through old posts, can’t believe how many comments I missed! Thank you so much, Sandra.
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In this world there are so many great trails to walk, great music to listen to, and great flash fiction to read. You managed all three with this post – well done
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High praise, indeed. Much appreciated!
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159 days is a long time, so they have certainly proved they can do it.
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Yes, they certainly did.
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Without having seen the film “Wild”, I think that’s what you would feel at the end… I did met a few that did long walks this summer, and yes at the end there is a lot of willpower
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I was following the blog journal of one of the PCT trackers this summer, what an adventure!
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Four of our friends – on separate hikes – hiked that trail this summer. The stories they told! A perfect take on the prompt. Well done.
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Much appreciated, Alicia. I am sure my story pales compared to their adventures.
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Dear Loré,
This story had the feel of authenticity, unlike the look of Reese Witherspoons styrofoam filled pack in her movie version of your protagonist’s story. Yours is way better. Keep on hiking. I’ve done some time on some trails, pitched tents in the rain, hoarded chocolate, prayed for the end. You did well with this one.
Yours,
Doug
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THank you so much, Doug. Your words mean a lot.
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Nice – the conditions you describe and the journey already travelled, yet at peace with themselves.
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Glad you liked it. I wonder what my story would look like if I traveled few miles. 😀
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In my much younger days I did some backpacking trips. You captured the feel incredibly well. The only thing missing was the rock lodged into her back as she tried to sleep in the paper thon sleeping bag.
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That means a lot, coming from someone with hiking experience. Thank you!
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She’s determined. The reward of acheivement will make up for any hardship
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I thin in the end it does. Thank you as ever for your words, Michael.
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Very thoughtful piece.
You’ve certainly got me thinking!
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Can I ask for more? Thank you, Dawn.
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This is well described. I can imagine how she feels.
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Thank you!
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Such an undercurrent of hope here Dawn.
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Sorry Lore!
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😀
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What a nice way to put it, thank you so much.
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I’m glad she found herself and became a stronger person. I couldn’t help but remember an old joke about a girl who tried to find herself and finally found herself in the kitchen. Good writing, Lore. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Oh, what a joke. 😀 Thank you, Suzanne!
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I knew what this feeling was since I had read “Wild”. Very good. 🙂
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Happy to hear that, thank you so much!
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love the philosophy here!
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I was away from this blog for too long. Thank you, Cybele.
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