Category: PreHike

On Thursday, so many friends and family came to support me at my going away party in Boulder City.  GregS and HeatherH came from Portland, Brian and Alyn came in from Denver, Pam and Leonard drove up from Bullhead City, AZ and my Dad drove down from Nampa, ID. And of course, special guest Anthony, from Eugene, OR.  The night felt like no other.  I felt so special to have so many wonderful people share their thoughts of inspiration.  I know I will see familiar faces along the way and these are just a few of those people who will make this journey all the better.

The drive to CA was full of adventures laughs and tears already.  Dad left Las Vegas early.  While I frantically packed my last minute items and finished up little things around the house Ms. LoriB (my housemate) made a delicious breakfast casserole to get us on our way.  Her kindness has been a true showing of the person that I met just a few months ago while we were flying together.  Her son DoranB has hiked the PCT twice in years past and Lori cheered him on every step that she could.  She has been a wealth of knowledge and stories about the PCT and her effort to help the hikers like myself continue through the days forward.  She has saved bags of toiletry items that Kelly and I will donate to our trail angel Judy in El Cajon this evening.

We stopped for a moment at Cajon Pass of the I-15.  Just as we drove down the road to the famous McDonalds near the trail, we ran into a hiker by the name of Peer Pressure.  He had started last year in Canada, hiked down to Mexico and was now heading back north.  Details that escape me at this moment… (note to self: I gotta keep that notebook and pen closer) but I do remember him saying that he’ll be visiting Pahrump, Salt Lake City and then eventually make it to Georgia via plane to the hike the AT.  And you all think I’m crazy but he’s hiking for the Wounded Warrior Project so I think he’s pretty awesome.  Great to meet him, hear his story and share some yummy cookies with him that Lori gave us for our car ride.

Kelly and I rolled into Palm Desert with perfect timing to have dinner at Casuelas Cafe where we meet Ammy, Saige and Eric.  This is my 2nd time in their home and I always feel so welcomed.  Eric was full of curiosity questions which I always love to answer.  Saige is beautiful as ever.  She had ceviche (even though she doesn’t like Mexican food) and gave up her room so Kel and I had a place to stay for the night.  She leaves today to go back to school at Sonoma State.  Its been a joy to see her prosper as a young lady over the years that I have known her.  And Ammy…. I can’t thank you enough, for the last minute reservation at your home.

We will be leaving Palm Desert in a few short hours.  And I will be that much closer to starting the trail.  The weather report has improved for tomorrow.  The threat of rain has lessened although the wind will still be blowing.  As of now, I’m still planning to make Lake Morena by tomorrow evening.  Until then…. Happy Trails.

 

 

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!!!!

I’m currently on a 9-day work stretch. Those of you who understand, that’s a lot of flying with nothing more than a 24 hour FAA break in between day 6 and 7. During that 24 break at home I did laundry, I repacked my food bag, I had a chat with HilaryU and caught up with my dad and a few other friends on the phone. I also squeezed in a few miscellaneous household chores, applied for my Canadian Entry Permit, I packed my backpack — again — and weighed it, again — and I slept somewhere in the middle of all of that. (Sidebar: backpack weighs in at 30 lbs with food and water to get me through Section A, to Warner Springs. I’m really happy about that number.)

Now with all that being said 24 hours flew by and I’m back at work. In 14 days my new job will be hike, eat, sleep…. repeat. Sounds simple enough but the greater challenge will be the endurance. While in my head I have a target end date that end date requires 160 days of hike, eat, sleep. Averaging 17 miles per day I’d like be touching Monument 78 at the Canadian Border on August 31, 2018.

Is it possible? Yes. Can I do it? I sure hope so. Lately I’ve been asked how my training has been going. The common answer is this: it really hasn’t been happening. The prep work has been never ending but I have hiked with and without my pack. I’ve walked many days of my overnights with no water and no snacks. And guess what… the idea of challenging myself to thru hike the PCT is still unimaginable. I still cannot grasp the thought of I AM DOING THIS until it happens. And then I will cry 🙂 The long answer is: I know what I’m capable of. I know how my body responds under certain pressures. AND I know I’m committed. There’s no other plan in my life right now other than this. This hike, this journey and this experience.

My hiker legs will come in the first 2 weeks. Those first 14 days will define how my body will adapt to the endless stress of carrying 30+ pounds on my back for days on end. I am hopeful and optimistic. I am determined and I am resilient.

So here’s to 14 days out!!!! And the first 14 days in! Love you all!