Thu Dec 29, 2016 @ 22:33

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity” ― John Muir, Our National Parks

I try to spend my days off hiking as much as possible, away from people as much as I can be. Being a receptionist and a veterinary technician for small animal hospital puts me in many different, sometimes difficult situations with clients. The only way I've been able to defuse after a long day or week is with hiking. It's my escape.

Max, well, he's a whole other story. He loves people. Relishes in each new encounter and forever full of energy. He's the yin to my yang. We compliment each other in that way. While I enjoy my time alone on the trail, he does make me come out of my shell and talk to people. Something I wouldn't normally do on my own.

We're planning our PCT thru hike. Our tentative start date is April 8th. I wanted to start in March, but my brother is getting married April 1st, so plans are adjusted and we will adapt. I know this is more of an introduction than a checkpoint, but I hope to use this journal in the next few months to share my thoughts and plans for the trail.

Our gear is selected and fine tuned, and I've started inventorying what can be sold before I head out for our little walk. I hope to minimize my personal possessions and just let the trail lead me to my next step in life. Will that mean coming back to California? Maybe. Maybe not. Who knows. I have 2,660 miles to figure that out.

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Comments

toesalad+

Welcome @jshtz, it is so nice to have you hear. The PCT is on my list of want-to-do thru-hikes (eventually!). In the meantime, I am excited to live vicariously through you. If there is anything that @adventurebert or I can do to help you succeed, please let us know!

I think having regular posts leading up to the adventure are a great part of journals. Checkpoints were designed for those times when you are out on the trail, but they certainly are not a requirement. I am looking forward to hearing about your preparations.

posted Thu Dec 29, 2016 @ 22:48

adventurebert

Looking forward to following your journey on here! Gonna be awesome!!! Thanks for sharing!

posted Fri Dec 30, 2016 @ 01:02

reneetougas+

I look forward to reading your journals. And I love the "getting ready" posts. It's a lot to prepare for!

posted Fri Dec 30, 2016 @ 07:57

karentogo+

You have an adventure ahead - that I want to follow here! Wish you (and Max) all the best in your planning.

posted Fri Dec 30, 2016 @ 12:13

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toesalad+

Canada

When I am not working with technology, I can often be found in the backcountry; always happiest in the presence of mountains. In 2014 I successfully completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail with my three kids. I ...