With less than a month to go’til my big adventure, it’s about time I stop procrastinating on my blog. But where do I even start? There is so much that went in to prepping for this hike and so many things I’m feeling that I don’t know how to form it into words. 

For any who don’t know what I’m talking about, I suppose this is a good time for an introduction. This is my blog I created for my friends and family to keep up with me as I’m living out my dream of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. There is a little more about it on my “About Me” page. I will write at least once a week to keep everyone up to date with how and what I’m doing, but for the most part, I’m going to try to stay away from my phone and actually enjoy what is in front of me. 

It has been a long year marked by closing doors (bitterly slamming?), opening new, working hard, crafting hard, odd jobs, research, hiking, exercise, and buying supplies. Now that I’m down to the last few weeks before my hike, I’m freaked out that I’ve forgotten something major that will ruin my trip. I’m down to the last few details of drop boxes and meals. At this point, I’m so worn out that I just want to go. So what if I screw something up?

The funniest, and at times exhausting, things about the planning process were the reactions and advice I received from people. At my job I talk a lot, so naturally everyone who walks in knows that I’m quitting to hike the trail. Some of the earliest advice was nice, but then progressed into advice that was questionable at best. Some people telling me how it ought to be done, I’m certain have never stepped foot on dirt before. The thought was there. After twelve months of research, I got tired of hearing it. One conversation went as follows:

Customer: “You should bring a gun.”

Me: “I shouldn’t bring a gun.” 

Customer: “Are you going to kill some animals to survive?” 

Me: “I’d kill a human before I’d kill an animal.” 

He had a confused stare longer than was necessary so I went on with my business.

 Many people have questioned my desire to hike the trail. Just up and leave?? How could I do that? Why would I do that? Well, my answer varies, but in general my answer is, “Why not?” I can’t​ possibly be the only person dissatisfied with their life. So lost and uninspired by everything that you suffocate? I used to create. To have this passion for working with my hands. I want to find that passion and vision again. If I do, maybe then they’ll understand. Some people may never get it and that’s okay. This hike is for me. So is this blog. I’m not out to hurt or offend anyone, I just want to learn to express myself and get my voice back. 

With that, I’d like to thank everyone who has supported this dream. Especially my parents who keep me excited about this and are picking up the tab for me on so many things while I’m gone. They have been my biggest fans. Thank you to everyone who has had to listen to me ramble on about this for the past 12 months. I promise that when you’re really into something in your life, I’ll listen with unfaltering enthusiasm.