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
