Final Countdown 3.21.2018

After today, I’m down to 3 days before I step foot on the Pacific Crest Trail. As of yesterday, I’m done working and my schedule is clear through the end of April. Thanks PaulB–who is graciously working my board for me while I am gone. His offer to free up my work schedule for the next 5 months was one of the biggest pieces of this puzzle. That alone is a large task so anyone who would like to aid in picking up my trips, please message him or check his board. This wouldn’t be possible without the community of flight attendants I work with and the complete flexibility that I have with my job. Thank you SWA.

As life has unfolded, plans have changed a few times. First off, Dad drove to Las Vegas today to join in the going-away party tomorrow. We had dinner together and before I knew it DanR, HeatherH and GregS were all standing behind me. I feel pretty darn special knowing friends are flying in for a party that I really didn’t think would be a “big” deal.

Through some responsible thought processing, I realized that maybe selling the truck right now isn’t the best idea. IF something happens to me (i.e. some kind of injury or illness) I will have a vehicle to come home to. I’m not keen on letting it sit for 5 months just yet, but parking it seems better than selling it before I leave.

The resupply boxes were moved from my house to Kels house today. 14 shipments total, a larger pack and a few extra items for the Kennedy Meadows section and beyond is included. Of course I completely over purchased food just like I said I would. So there are 2 extra boxes of snacks that will hopefully get worked in somewhere along the way.

Thursday 3.22 will be filled with one last dump and repack of the backpack. One last chance to ditch any items I don’t think are necessary for the start. I still have a small pile of “want to take items” but I don’t foresee many of them making it back into the pack tomorrow but we shall see how the shakedown goes.

Friday’s agenda is to head to Palm Desert, CA. KellyB and I will be staying with her sister Amie and EricW. Their daughter Saige is home from Spring Break so I’m looking forward to seeing the whole family. On Saturday, Kel and I will head to Judy’s house. Judy is a trail angel. A trail angel is the name given to a person who opens their homes and often their pantry to hikers. Judy will host us Saturday evening at her home 20 miles outside of San Diego and on Sunday she will drive us to Campo 40 miles away to begin our journey. As of now, I know of at least 3 other hikers that will be staying Saturday night with us.

On Sunday, my expected plan is for Kel to take photos at the Southern Terminus. Weather permitting, I’d like to hike into Lake Morena, which is 20 miles that day. The forecast was calling for rain and windy conditions which is a huge bummer right now but all I can do is see what happens and put one foot in front of the other. Ideally, after that mornings drop off and photos, Kel will drive to Lake Morena and stay there for the first night of camp and on Monday she will head back to Las Vegas.

As far as the party is concerned, the plan is still for 6PM at The Tap in Boulder City. I can’t wait to see everyone!!!!