MY 2020 HIKE IS POSTPONED… until 2021!
I remember the first awe inspiring hike I went on; the hike that truly lit a spark for exploring the outdoors. It was 2014 in Lake Tahoe, California- the Five Lakes Trail. I was blown away by the scenery and the fact that people could simply walk from their front door and end up somewhere so beautiful. The elevation was much higher than I was used to, which resulted in many breaks. As we stopped to rest every 15 minutes, a woman in running shorts and shoes whizzed past us. We reached the end of the trail, yet I felt this nagging desire to keep going. That’s when I saw it. An emblem in blue and white almost swallowed whole by a tree dripping with sap and covered in bright green shaggy moss.
It read: Pacific Crest Trail
I felt a sense of excitement, empowerment, and curiosity. I had read about the PCT few times and always wondered what it would be like. I felt a strong pull that day to keep walking on the PCT, to see what lie beyond. That pull never left, so in 2021 I’ll be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
THE HIKE
The Pacific Crest Trail won’t leave my mind. For YEARS it’s been working its way into my thoughts. Like a nagging little seed, begging me to water it, as if something magical will grow. After hiking the John Muir Trail in 2019, that little seed got a nice shower and has sprouted into a vine, smothering any other plans I may have had for the future, and I’m ok with that.
Hiking the John Muir Trail August 2019
(FYI)
The Pacific Crest Trail spans from Mexico to Canada, meandering through California, Oregon and Washington over 2,650 continuous miles. The terrain varies from desert, to mountains, to forest with access to streams, springs and lakes for drinking water. The trail typically requires approximately 5-6 months of hiking to complete.
Amazing illustration of the Pacific Crest Trail by Elizabeth Person
FEAR?
If I never attempt this hike, I’ll always wonder, “What if?”. Fear used to be a blocker in many aspects of my life. If I’ve learned anything thus far, it’s that fear is the gateway to a million unknown experiences. Experiences that can open your eyes to things you didn’t know existed. Experiences that can challenge your spirit and force you to grow into a stronger version of yourself.
As I’ve mentioned this hike over the years, the same questions always seem to arise. “Will you carry a gun? Aren’t you afraid of bears? Are you afraid of being alone?” I don’t see a point in carrying a heavy gun, bears are usually more afraid of us than we are of them, and as for being alone… I think at times I will be uneasy, but that is to be expected and something to grow accustomed to. Most of the time, I feel more comfortable alone in nature than surrounded by people in a big city. My desire to witness the beauty of the PCT, on foot, is greater than the sum of my fears.
but, Why?
There will be pain, injury, heartache and unknown challenges along the way. At moments, I may want to quit. The advice I’m taking to heart is to never quit on a bad day. The experience of the trail is what I’m showing up for. To finish the entire trail in one thru hike would be ideal, but the most important things are that I listen to my body, take time to enjoy the little moments, and to continue to hike because I want to.
I want to simply be.
to wake up with the sunrise every day
and witness its golden glow
blanket the mountains and valleys.
Breathe in the fresh air
drink from crystal springs
and feel the dirt between my toes.
hear the critters chirp squeak squeal
into the starry, moonlit night.
To feel the pain and the joy
of walking walking walking
with no other purpose than
to keep walking
to Canada.
I want to be, simply.
Ok, so I tried to write the reasons why and I ended up with this poem. In a way, I find the minimal words more meaningful than listing the reasons. All in all, I want to hike because I want an adventure. I want to work towards something that seems impossible. I want to challenge myself in ways I never thought I would. I feel most alive when I am outside, moving my body and witnessing the abundant majesty of mother nature.
Inspiration
In addition to tackling this huge challenge of walking over 2,650 miles for myself, I want to inspire others to face their fears. To dream big and never let go. When I was younger, I was always anxious. Nervous of what others might think, nervous to fail, therefore nervous to try. Years of working as a freelance artist has shown me that I can accomplish most anything I set my mind to, so I’m aiming high. It really is never too late to reach for your dreams.
Thru hikers I’ve been inspired by over the years:
and of course “Wild” aka Cheryl Strayed
Standing at the edge of a waterfall and watching the sun set after climbing Muir Pass.