My first response when someone asks me that question is "why not". The PCT is an incredible trail covering three states and 2664 miles, how could I not want to try completing it. I've always loved being outside hiking, camping, and backpacking. One of my favorite books as a kid was "My Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George, about a boy that leaves NYC to live in the mountains of the Catskills. How cool is that? I would explore the woods around our house in Connecticut daydreaming that I was just like him. Over the years I've continued to enjoy the outdoors and thought someday I would like to attempt a lengthy backpacking trip. I really blame Melinda's husband Greg for putting the buzz back in my head. Greg was talking to some boys about a young woman who completed the trail in under 61 days, and I kept thinking to myself if a woman half my age can do it in 61 days then maybe I could do it in under 120 days. In November 2013 I got the ok from my
husband, the trade off was he got the car of his dreams, 1970 Boss302 Mustang. I spent about a month researching the PCT and wondering if I could actually do it...answer was a big YES. The hardest part was thinking who would I want to join me on this trek. Who could I stand being with day after day for four months? Even more important, who would be able to put up with me for four months? Only one person came to mind, and luckily she said yes. I had Melinda and Greg over for a power point presentation (my first), Vivaldi's Four Seasons playing in the background, and plied them with homemade beer and cookies. After a couple of days Melinda called and said she was on board. Awesome! Now the planning and training begins.
Liz Hasenberg
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014
Why the PCT? - Melinda
Why the PCT?
About a year ago (November 2013) my friend Liz called and said she
wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, would I like to go with her?
Wow! Did I know that it is 2,664 miles long? No! Did I know that if
we can keep a good pace we might be able to do it in four months? No!
My gut reaction was, yes I want to do it. But then I thought about
leaving my family for that long and I wasn't so sure. Liz did a great
sales pitch though and I said yes.
Why say yes? Although I can't say that I ever thought "I want to hike
the PCT," I've always dreamed of a long distance hike through the
Sierra's. To rely on my feet to get me to where I'm going, to be out in
the wilderness with everything I need on my back, fresh air, quiet; it
all sounds appealing. I think this yearning probably came from my dad's
love of the outdoors.
And I'm not getting any younger. I'll be 53 when I hit the trail next
April. Although Greg would love to do this, unless he can get a bionic
ankle it's out of the question. Bodie is still in high school and by
the time he would have the time to do it, I might not be able to.
So next April 15 we leave Campo near the Mexico border and start
walking. With any luck we'll get to Canada by the end of August. I'm
scared. I feel out of shape. I'm not near ready enough, yet. But I am
so excited to be going on this adventure of a lifetime.
About a year ago (November 2013) my friend Liz called and said she
wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, would I like to go with her?
Wow! Did I know that it is 2,664 miles long? No! Did I know that if
we can keep a good pace we might be able to do it in four months? No!
My gut reaction was, yes I want to do it. But then I thought about
leaving my family for that long and I wasn't so sure. Liz did a great
sales pitch though and I said yes.
Why say yes? Although I can't say that I ever thought "I want to hike
the PCT," I've always dreamed of a long distance hike through the
Sierra's. To rely on my feet to get me to where I'm going, to be out in
the wilderness with everything I need on my back, fresh air, quiet; it
all sounds appealing. I think this yearning probably came from my dad's
love of the outdoors.
And I'm not getting any younger. I'll be 53 when I hit the trail next
April. Although Greg would love to do this, unless he can get a bionic
ankle it's out of the question. Bodie is still in high school and by
the time he would have the time to do it, I might not be able to.
So next April 15 we leave Campo near the Mexico border and start
walking. With any luck we'll get to Canada by the end of August. I'm
scared. I feel out of shape. I'm not near ready enough, yet. But I am
so excited to be going on this adventure of a lifetime.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
First steps....
We are Liz and Melinda, and we are prepping to hike the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) in 2015.
For those not familiar with the task, the PCT runs Between Mexico and Canada, 2660 miles (or thereabouts). We will be making a northbound trek, starting in Mexico going through the desert, up into the Sierra Nevada, by Mount Whitney and Lake Tahoe, up into Oregon and Washington ending in Manning Park, Canada.
As you can imagine, this is as much a logistical challenge as a physical and mental one, so stay with us as we document our planning and ultimately the adventure itself.
For those not familiar with the task, the PCT runs Between Mexico and Canada, 2660 miles (or thereabouts). We will be making a northbound trek, starting in Mexico going through the desert, up into the Sierra Nevada, by Mount Whitney and Lake Tahoe, up into Oregon and Washington ending in Manning Park, Canada.
As you can imagine, this is as much a logistical challenge as a physical and mental one, so stay with us as we document our planning and ultimately the adventure itself.
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