T-minus 6

The PCT is something I’ve wanted for so long. It’s been an unshakeable desire, a constant dream in the back of my mind since the summer of 2015. I remember road-tripping west with my family, squeezed into our trusty Honda Odessey surrounded on all sides by tents, sleeping bags, pots, pans, and oodles of road trip snacks. We were able to snag a rare, day-of campsite at the Tuolumne Meadows Campground in Yosemite National Park, the heart of PCT country. We ventured into hiker haven and there began my dream. I oogled over hikers coming through the trading post, amazed they carried everything they needed on their backs. Seeing the joy etched into their faces perfectly fit with their tales of adventures, camaraderie, and the great outdoors. I remember being intimidated by them. People out living life to the very fullest. Giving up the social norm for adventure. They were so different from me. But I wanted what they had.

In 6 days, I will live the hiker life for six full months. My days will be filled with walking, eating, sleeping, and repeating. I will live outside, the only thing separating me from the outdoors being my canvas tent. It’s a weird dream to reflect on. I fully acknowledge that it’s extremely privileged to have the means to take off from work and go bum out in the woods for an extended period of time. I know that I’m lucky to have this opportunity. But I hope that by me sharing my experiences, it will encourage others to get out there, get wild, and chase their dream.