On March 25th I will attempt to walk from the U.S. Mexico border at Campo, California to Manning Park, Canada, the entire length of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
Why would I want to attempt to walk 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, through 700 miles of desert, 400 miles of Sierra Mountains, north Cali mountains, Oregon Rainforests and ultimately, up into the Washington Cascade mountains and into Canada?? Am I totally crazy? Actually, now that you mention it…. I decided last August that I was going to do this! First, I must mention one person that has made this possible. That would be my wonderful wife, Jenny. She’s been a supportive pillar behind the emotional roller coaster that comes with a decision of this magnitude! More than once I have wavered on my decision to attempt this hike, and Jenny has given her total support, even helping to re-convince me on more than one occasion, despite much self doubt!
Walking away from a financially secure career with the railroad wasn’t an easy choice for me. I’m more comfortable with security and a structured planned out environment, but I’m burned out with same exact routine every single day doldrums that is basically a 9-5 job. I feel that I’m capable of living a slightly more adventurous life than what comes with staring at duel monitors each day for 8 hours a day. I dream of being a photographer-writer, maybe a magazine contributor/editor!!!!! The last 6 months have been non stop preparation, both physically and mentally for this undertaking.
How do you prepare yourself to…..walk??? Simple. By walking, and walking, and walking!! I have tested myself in all conditions ranging from a 20 mile hikeduring a 110 degree heat index to recently, camping in a freezing rain/snowy 20 degrees with a windchill of 5 above 0!
Getting ready for the PCT involves much more than simple gear testing. I have been putting my body through a series of tests. In a good year, only 15-20% of people that start can finish this hike. On a year in which the weather does not cooperate, less than 10% can finish. 2019 is shaping up to be a year in which mother nature is not cooperating. February 2019 has been the snowiest in Sierra Mountain History!! The percentage of hikers setting out to climb Mt. Everest, and actually reaching the top are greater than those that can complete the PCT from start to finish.
I have other concerns which I must figure out and solve. I must figure out water sources in the desert, mailing food packages, where to pick up food, and obtaining necessary permits, and navigation of a trail buried under many feet of snow, which is what I will encounter after mile 700, in the Sierra Mountains.
I had to show off my wall pic from above.
Please stay tuned for future posts related to the Pacific Crest Trail.