This mirrors the 'post-launch blues' in software engineering, where the mental shift from active problem-solving to maintenance feels like a loss of purpose. The author's point about the trail being a series of immediate physical constraints is why these hikes are so addictive for people in high-abstraction fields like security or math. Once the external structure of the trail is gone, you're forced to re-internalize the discipline that was previously enforced by the terrain.

> ... series of immediate physical constraints is why these hikes are so addictive for people in high-abstraction fields

That really hit home. I work in data analysis but in the early 2000s did a 4-month cycle in Australia and a 7-month walking pilgrimage in Europe. Since then, I've become addicted to walking for a few months every few years. Love the physical challenge of moving across the landscape. But 'suffer' when I return to abstract data work. Feels like a loss of purpose etc... thanks for that insight... Never thought of it in that way...

Seems like just sitting with one's feelings for 5 minutes a night would amortize the cost of those "blues" over the full length of the hike.

End of trip for non-amortized blues: OMG my sudden lack of trail-purpose is casting a 100 foot high shadow over my entire existence. Help!

End of trip for amortized blues: Ah this feels familiar, and a bit heavy. Gonna head home and read a book.

Edit: I'd bet the physical exhaustion from hiking would even aid in accessing said feelings. Synergy, baby!