Why I’ll be Hiking My Own Hike

My trail goals:

1. Let’s start by saying I’m not a purist. If my foot doesn’t touch every accessible inch of the PCT, I’m OK with that. My goal is to hike from Mexico to Canada and if there’s a fire closure, I’m planning on walking around. I’m not saying I’m OK with skipping, but if my feet make a continuous path north, I’ve successfully walked the walk.
2. I’m staying in a hotel any chance I get. Nothing makes me happier than a hot shower and clean sheets after a long hike.
3. I’m really excited about meeting new people, but the time to myself is already my favorite part of this trip. My first child was born when I was 19 years old. I literally went from my childhood home to my own, as a new mum. I’ve been a parent for 27 years and I have ten years until my youngest child goes off to college. If you do the math, you’ll realize that I’ve never been solo. Never! I can’t wait to really get to know myself. I hope we don’t fight.
4. I refuse to have a trail name that starts with “stinky” or “dirty.” We all know that everyone is stinky and everything is dirty. It’s redundant.
5. Eating healthy is certainly something that I’m planning on figuring out. I cannot survive on ramen noodles and Pop-Tarts. I also don’t want to send too many resupply boxes, so I’m bound and determined to make good choices for filling my food bag. That being said, I’m definitely going to eat cheeseburgers every chance I get… and Snickers.
6. It is very likely that I will take zeros on trail.
7. I’m hoping to catch every sunrise on the trail. Early mornings are my favorite. Usually, I wake up before the sun and just quietly wait, coffee in hand.
8. Siestas and afternoon coffee are already penciled into my imaginary schedule.
9. My main goal is to take each day in stride and enjoy every moment.
10. Whiskey is inevitable.