In the end, what really matters most?

What’s your answer? I’ll share mine—at the end. No fair skipping ahead.

As Sue and I prepare for two more distance treks in Europe, we’re nervous. As with each of our previous eight adventures, we wonder what we will discover on the Via Francigena in Italy. It will be our second walking pilgrimage to Rome. Of course, we have done some homework, but all trails hold surprises–weather, the terrain, and a host of other factors beyond our control.

Every walk has been challenging, but we have conquered. Actually, “conquered” may be a stretch, but we celebrated at the end anyway.

This time, after walking through the Tuscan countryside and (hopefully) arriving at Vatican City, we will rest up in York, England before beginning a second distance trail, the Cotswold Way. We have never attempted two trails, back-to-back. But, we figure, if we’re going to all that expense and effort to get to Europe, why not make the most of it? Besides, who can resist British fish and chips? Not me, even after a month of pizza and pasta. After another break in Bath, we will hop a train to Scotland to visit friends from our time living there.

I have written that I find comfort in being uncomfortable. Risk is one of my favorite words. I may not always like them in the moment, but I am passionate about tackling hard tasks, like writing books–and walking hundreds of miles. I thrive on change, which is a given on every distance path.

Since Sue and I arrived in Santiago after traipsing across Spain, I have walked the Camino de Santiago (in spirit) every day. Adventure is my drug. I cannot get enough of it.

That brings me to Hunter S. Thompson.

Who? The American journalist, author, and philosopher. Beneath his controversial lifestyle there was brilliance. This Hunter quote has captivated me for decades and it expresses what really matters most to me.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’ ”