A Midlife Hike, But not a Crisis

It is easy in life to define yourself or be defined by the job you have, the clothes you wear, or the car you drive.  Hiking the PCT for me means being able to define who I am based on the experiences I have had, the challenges I have faced, and the places I have been.

          

Most people start this type of journey before they settle in to “adulting” or in retirement, once they have completed the status quo to work till 65 and hope you have enough money and can still physically handle this type of hike.  Me, I am Mike. I am 35 and married to my awesome wife, whom I have been with since I was 18.  We have done the young crazy adventures, moved from Illinois to Florida, had good jobs and bad jobs, owned and sold a home, and are now just getting to a point where we are comfortable.  You might think, “Why now?” I know my wife did when I asked her to allow and support me through this journey.

          

My answer is that I am addicted to hiking.  I happened to get my first taste of this later than most as both Illinois and Florida are mountain less, and it took a few buddies and a few beers to open the idea of a longer hike when they relocated to CA.  To this date I have completed over 200 miles of the AT, Mount Hood Loop, John Muir Trail, 175 miles of the PCT south of Tahoe, and a portion of the Oregon Coast Trail.  Through these experiences I have found that the wilderness is a place to reset and relax while challenging yourself in a way like no other, and since these incredible adventures my need to hike from Campo to Manning Park has become consuming.

          

So on May 7 I start my journey on the PCT.  I have much to do to get prepared and will be continuing to document my journey to share with you all as one of the selected TheTrek.co vloggers.  I have learned so much and gained a greater appreciation through other hikers on social media, and now it’s my turn so check out my vlog and follow the insanity that I have no doubt will ensue.

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Comments 2

  • Tom Stone (Dad) : Feb 3rd

    Mike, this is a great way to start your next adventure. I will be following you along the trail vicariously. I wish you the very best with your next journey and with your vlog.

    Reply
  • MaryAnn T Stone : Feb 3rd

    Awesome!!! So proud of you!

    Reply

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