Waking up on Day 4 of my Lone Star Trail journey was bittersweet. I knew, as soon as I got up and around, that I wouldn’t be continuing on. I text my boyfriend my location and asked that he come pick me up. My rash had mostly cleared up overnight, and I was feeling pretty good, but I knew as soon as I put my humidity and sweat-soaked clothes back on that it would return quickly once I got on the trial. There wouldn’t be another bailout point on the trail for 15 miles, so I didn’t want to push on and potentially put myself in that position.

As I awaited my ride, I took some time to soak in the wilderness, listen to the birds in the trees, and stare up at the beautiful sky above me. I truly love the silence and peacefulness camping alone brings my soul.

When my boyfriend arrived to pick me up and drive me back to my car, a wave of emotion hit me. I was so sad to be leaving the trial. I’d been dreaming about this hike for over two years. I’d trained for it. I had spreadsheets, prep lists, and gear dialed in. And yet here I was—heading home without completing all 96 miles. I was so close to the halfway mark, but didn’t quite make it. Adding to the sadness/disappointment was not knowing when I’d be able to get back out there and try again. I know I want to, but it took me over two years to get out here this time around.

I also acknowledged that I’m doing the right thing. I know I could have probably pushed on and even finished the trail, but I would have been absolutely miserable and really beat my body up to do it. Hiking, especially long-distance hiking, requires a level of self-awareness, and I couldn’t ignore my body.

I’ll return to the Lone Star Trail one day—hopefully in cooler weather with more water availability. After the roller coaster of emotions leaving the trail, I’ve decided to focus on the positive and ignore the thoughts of failure. Even with unfinished miles behind me, I feel proud. I walked 45 miles in some of the hottest, most grueling conditions I’ve ever hiked through. I found joy in the trees, the birds, the hidden berries, and the sunrise each morning. I stretched when I didn’t want to. I kept going when it would’ve been easier to stop. And ultimately, I made the hardest decision of the entire trip—choosing myself over the finish line.

Signing off on Day 4 of my Lone Star Trail hike.

Until Next time.

If you prefer to watch vs. read – Here’s my Lone Star Trail Day 4 Youtube Recap

Need to catch up on the first three days?

Lone Star Trail Day 1: Starting Strong on a Dream Two Years in the Making,
Lone Star Trail Day 2: Sweat, Snakes, and a Starry Sky,
Lone Star Trail Day 3: Road walks, a Ray of Sunshine, and a Rash

Katelynn Kellogg

Katelynn is a Texas-based writer and travel enthusiast who makes the most of her time exploring new destinations while balancing a full-time 9-5 job. She has visited 12 countries and 27 U.S. states. She describes herself as a weekend warrior and shares her passion for travel, outdoor adventures, and solo journeys on her blog, KatelynnOutLoud.