What Am I Doing??

“Go take a step outside and see what’s shaking in the real world…”   John Butler Trio, Good Excuse

Three years ago, I decided that I was going to hike all 2650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail.

In 10 days, I’ll be taking my first step from the trailhead at Campo, California.

Right now, I’m kinda freaking out.

Getting Ready

I’ve been planning for this trip, directly and indirectly, for  a couple years now, so you’d think I’d be relaxed and ready to go.  In 2015, I took a mountaineering class

through the Mazamas in Portland, Oregon (which I highly recommend).  A year ago, I let work know of my plans and that I wouldn’t be returning after I was done.  In August, I sold my house and most of my belongings.  In the meantime, I’ve busied myself with obsessive internet research about the trail, training hikes and gym sessions, and told nearly everyone I know (and quite a few strangers) of my upcoming trek.  I can’t NOT do it now.  But I have a bit of an anxious personality and I’ll probably keep freaking out until I put that first foot on the trail.  And maybe for a few days after that.

Gearing Up

I’ve also spent the last couple years learning about all of the amazing gear out there, from ultralight packs to quilts to hiking skirts to water filtration systems and

more.  I’ve counted ounces and waited for sales.  I’ve tested boots and trail runners.  I’ve nerded out for hours with like-minded friends regarding the benefits of trail crampons versus microspikes.  I’ve come up with a gear list and, fingers crossed, it will get me to Canada!

Getting Fit

I have to admit that I have not done nearly the amount of training that I planned to do by this time.  A few hikes

and backpacking trips, and some time at the gym hating the stair master are all I’ve been able to manage.  Well, that and eating enough pizza and baked goods to ensure that I have enough ‘trail weight’ to lose.

Heading Out

So now, I’m getting to the end of the millionth day in a row that I’ve spent annoying my boyfriend by complaining about what a ball of anxiety I am (his cheerleader speech has gone from “You’re so ready, babe, you’ve totally got this!” to ‘It’s f&*%in’ walking, babe.  You’ve been doing that for a while, right?!”) and I just have to throw everything in my pack and hope for the best.  On Monday, my mom and I will leave Washington State for Campo, California, and I hope that everyone reading this will join me on my adventure to see how it turns out!

Happy trails!