Chapters 17-18, Into a Primal Gear, Queen of the PCT Summary and Analysis

Chapter 17 finds Cheryl hiking through Oregon. She is enjoying the feeling that she has almost reached her goal, thinking about how far she has left to go and how much stronger her body and mind has become. Although the PCT has become easier for her and she finds that she loves it, there are times each day that she is exhausted and that her body takes over and she thinks of nothing but going forward. She arrives to Shelter Cove Resort and meets three young, handsome men hikers named Rick, Josh and Richie, nicknamed the Three Young Bucks.

Cheryl has a profound respect for them because they have hiked the entire trail, through snow and everything. She enjoys her time with them but...