Why the PCT?

I’ve been telling people  I will be leaving to hike the Pacific Crest Trail this May. I get the usual questions, ” Is it safe? Why? Are you crazy?” I am constanly asked these questions when I tell anybody I’ll be hiking/camping for 4-6 months. So this list is for myself, for my family, and all the people that keep asking me these questions, maybe this will answer all of those questions and give you peace of mind.

Is it Safe?

Is anything really safe now a days? I mean everyday we get in our cars and drive to work and we could potentially get in the wreck. Anything you do can be dangerous if you aren’t aware of your surroundings. So how can the trail be safe? Well as a thru-hiker we can practice the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. You can hitch with other hikers so you aren’t alone trying to catch a ride into town. Hikers can use technology such as the Garmin products that can track your movements and can also send preset messages! There are many ways to try to be safe as possible on trail but nothing is guarenteed in life.

Why?

Why not? I always promised myself that I would do a thru-hike once I graduated. I was stuck between society telling me to start my career after graduation and my family telling me to chase something bigger than myself. Also why not just do something you know will make you happy? I know that once I start working I am going to miss the freedom of not having responsibilities and having to work everyday for the rest of my life. Why not do something wild and crazy when this is a the perfect time in my life?

 

Are you Crazy?

Yes. I think you have to be a little crazy to want to accomplish anything in your life. Besides being a little crazy makes life intersting.

 

But, here is My Why List!

–  I crave adventure.

– I’ve wanted to do a thru-hike since 2017.

– I need and want to push myself mentally.

– I just want to be outside.

 

Whatever your reasons for hiking are, don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t accomplish what it is you want to do. Know your limits, be safe, but you can do anything you set your mind to. That’s why I’m setting my mind to the PCT! I hope to see a lot of you out there! Till May!