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.
