Here’s To The Beginning

The night before your start is an interesting night. Maybe you weren’t nervous before, but you are now. Or maybe you were nervous before, but in a different way knowing that the start is right around the corner. What’s around the corner? Should I try to prepare for it? Do I let it happen? So many questions, not too many answers.

Everybody shares the same set of emotions. Is this real? How do I get here? Will I make it to the end with these same people? I can’t believe I’m here. This feels like a dream. Where even am I? I don’t know how to explain the feeling. All I can think about is how much it feels like a dream There’s nothing to compare it to.

 

Time For a Long Walk

The first time you see the monument, you cannot believe you’re looking at it with your eyes. After seeing picture after picture of the same little area, the same piece of wood sticking out of the ground with the Pacific Crest Trail words carved into the side, the tan dirt and green brush in the background, you think you know what to expect.  If you wanted to hike the PCT then you’ve seen it before a thousand times. To see it in person and the whole landscape around it, to feel the energy of where you’re at and what the journey you’re about to embark on, I couldn’t believe it. The only way to make it last is nonstop photos.

Everybody around you can’t stop either. “Would you like me to take your picture?” The energy is so vibrant from all the excited faces. It’s contagious no matter who you are. You keep on walking around taking more pictures, trying to capture the moment and the feeling, the energy from the moment but it doesn’t work. You walk down to the Mexico wall and end up walking back up just because you couldn’t leave it. The feeling of hope and gratitude and eagerness. “This is it. This is the start.”

 

The next step in your PCT initiation is to go to the border wall. It’s not a walk from Mexico to Canada without a hand in Mexico first.

Let The Journey Begin

The first few steps on the trail are magical, as if you’re floating with a weightless pack, lifting itself from your shoulders. You see your first PCT trail sign! The emblem shining on the post marking the start of the trail, knowing that there’s so many more to come but this is the first. You still can’t stop taking pictures of every little thing. Your clothes are clean, maybe the sun is just now rising. The air still feels crisp and clean. All you can think about is what you’ve been working for are these steps right here.

You see so many others with the same experiences being shown on their face. You’re surprised by how many people there are yet excited to see them, knowing you have somebody to share the excitement. The first few miles come and go quicker than any hike you’ve ever been on before. Everything is a first. You know this excitement will wear off, but you enjoy it while it lasts.