A Day of Lasts

Between today and tomorrow, I will complete many routine tasks for the last time before I step foot onto the Pacific Crest Trail. Today, I shaved my face for the last time. I re-packed my backpack for the last time. Tomorrow, I will crawl out of my own bed for the last time. There are so many tasks that will be put on pause until I return home from the most epic journey in my lifetime – constant reminders of what lies ahead.

I’m experiencing a wide range of emotions as the reality of what lies immediately ahead of me sinks in. From excitement to borderline panic attack, I am most certainly on a roller coaster of emotions right now. I can feel the overwhelming rush from adrenaline coursing through my veins. With each “last” task, I am being constantly reminded that my life is about to be turned upside down. What was I thinking? Am I ready? Can I do this? I feel partially like a child anxiously awaiting Christmas morning, while also fighting the urge to throw up from being so nervous. Am I really about to do this?

The trail awaits my foot steps. I have dreamt of this hike for years, and now the time to embark on this insane journey has finally arrived…

I leave for San Diego tomorrow. I will be staying in a hotel in Old Town where I will meet the PCT Southern Terminus Shuttle Tuesday morning. My backpack is packed and I’m just about finished with the last of the “to-do’s”. Tonight, I will enjoy my last dinner with my family before going to sleep, where I will most definitely toss and turn all night. It’s finally here… the Pacific Crest Trail is calling to me.

Please join me as I put one in foot in front of the other.

– Smiley

One step at a time.