Early Start Blues

Hi Trek Tramily,

 

Day 1: Let’s go on an adventure!

My adventure has begun, I’m hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. After two years of saving and planning, it’s happening! It still feels surreal to be doing the damn thing. I am beyond grateful to my family and friends for all of their support. I would not be hiking with out my amazing support system.

Where Have All the Cowboys Gone? I Mean Hikers.

Our first sunset in the desert!

We (Jake and I) wanted to start early to avoid the stifling heat of the desert. Little did we know that an early March start comes with it’s own bag of challenges. One being the minimal amount of hikers on trail. We were used to the Appalachian Trail, where most folks start in March. Quelling our expectations and changing out AT hiking brains to PCT hiker brains has been an unforeseen challenge. NEWS FLASH: it’s completely different.

Apples to Oranges!

Smiles not miles, but those views!

This paragraph will eventually be its own entire blog post but wow what a huge difference there is between the PCT and the AT. Please don’t get me wrong, I knew it would be different but I was not mentally prepared for it. Life on trail and these first 200 miles has been challenging and so much more difficult than I could have imagined.

My Heart Aches and My Body Hurts.

A snowy traverse we were not prepared for at all!

Being mentally unprepared is one thing but physically unprepared, I thought I had that one down. I know that hiker hobble is real, that my 37 soon to 38 year old knees are slowly wearing out, but dang hiking hurts! But even worse my heart is aching for the little life I created back home. I didn’t think it would be that bad, it’s not like I haven’t done this once before. It’s 6 months, that will fly by. But these 3 weeks on trail have been a struggle both mentally and physically. I am holding my breath hoping my trail legs will find their way back to me.

No More Oatmeal, Please.

Town food keeps me smiling!

If you know you know, but if you don’t let me tell you. Trail food gets old quick! My biggest pain point at the moment is breakfast, oatmeal is a staple for many hikers. As it’s early on in my trek, I was hoping I could stomach the gloopy mess for a little longer, but it’s a no go. Plus, to make matters worse, I have not found a bar that I can eat consistently either. There are days I just dream of eggs on toast and an expertly made cappuccino. This is always my motivation to hike more to get to town!

Give It A Chance.

Happy Hikers hit 100 miles!

I am trying desperately to take it one day at a time. This adventure is not what I expected thus far but I know that hard tasks yield the best results. My mind loves to torture me with the most intrusive thoughts but I must try. Try to enjoy the cacti, snow, mountain towns, my aching body, new friendships that are blooming, smell of pine trees, town burgers, and this amazing opportunity to hike the PCT.
Until next time Trek Tramily, I love y’all.

Happy Hiking

Pistol