So Why the PCT, and Why Now?
I actually had no intention of hiking the PCT when I started my current work contract in August. I knew I wanted to plan my next trek, but pictured myself doing something shorter like the AZT. At times I find it hard to conceptualize hiking for 4-5 months straight. That being said, I don’t want to let the fear of the unknown hold me back.
Another big reason I had previously planned to do a shorter trek is that I have two cats. They are the loves of my life, and have been with me through all of the ups and downs since my grad school years.
I have never left my cats for more than a month, and I have rarely left them at all since my cat’s heart failure diagnosis in 2022. She requires medicine in her food every 12 hours and a pill that I have to shove down her throat every night. As you can imagine, it’s not easy to find someone to take care of them (though my mom and many friends have kindly done so). I always feel very guilty leaving them, but I want to be able to live the life I choose.
Why I’m Hiking the PCT
1. Life Moves Fast
As I started to dream up my next hike, my brain kept coming back to the PCT. My section hike in Oregon was a magical experience. It’s pretty wild for me to say this considering I was covered in mosquitos for 99% of the hike. The views, the invigorating challenge, and the people I met along the way outshined the constant battle with bugs and heat. When I ended at the Oregon/Washington border, the Cascades were basically screaming my name. At first I thought, what if I just do another short section? I’ll do the whole trail eventually. But then I started to worry, what if this is my only chance?
I’m very much for living in the moment and not putting things off that I’ll do ‘someday’. I have the ability and freedom to do this now. There will never be a perfect time. Life is crazy and unpredictable—anything can happen. I don’t want to wait until after I meet certain goals like paying off student loans or saving up for retirement.
2. Long-Distance Hiking Feeds my Soul
After going back and forth for a while, I reminded myself that this is why I started my career as a traveling SLP. I wanted to take longer stretches of time off to be able to go on crazy adventures. I have never felt more alive than I do when I am on one of my long-distance hikes. It reminds me to be grateful for what I have, and to live in the moment. The PCT has been on my bucket list for a long time. My decision was made—I would do everything in my power to make this hike happen. However, the thought of taking 4-5 months off from working and leaving my cats still made my anxiety spike.
3. I Have the Ability to Save Now
Immediately after making my decision, I got serious about planning and laid out all of my living expenses. I researched how much money people typically spend on trail. Normally I am a bit bougie on my hikes, and stay at a motel or hostel in every trail town. If I want to complete this entire hike, I’m going to have to crack down on my trail spending.
After calculating how much I need to save up, I realized that this is possible if I am extremely frugal for the remainder of my work contract. I can be very impulsive with spending. I’ll need to continuously remind myself of my goal.
4. My Support System is on Board
As for my cats, my parents have agreed to host and take care of them during my hike, which I am extremely grateful for. I would not be able to make this happen without them. My cats love staying at their grandparents’ house (yes, my cats are my children), so it will be like a vacation for them. Thank you, Mom and Dad!
Let the Countdown Begin
Planning this adventure and being able to blog about it is getting me through the dark, cold winter months. It’s the light at the end of the tunnel. I know these next few months will fly by. It’s time to get serious and solidify my plans. I’m comin’ for ya, Campo!
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Comments 3
I know what you mean about leaving pets behind. The good thing is, your two kitties will keep each other company (I have two as well, specifically for this reason.). Adding medication to the mix has to be a strain for you. I used to have two dogs as well, but one sadly passed away this past November, not even 5 years old :-(. They would also keep each other company, but went off to a “farm” while we traveled. It’s hard coordinating all of it, and I do miss them if I’ve been gone for more than a week. But it’s always nice to come back and see how happy they are to see you. OK, this is becoming TLDR,.. anyway,.. good luck! I look forward to reading about your adventure.
Hi Chris,
That is true—I got two cats so they could keep each other company! They grew up together, so they are like sisters. I’m so sorry to hear about your dog. Pets are here for such a short time. It reminds me to live in the moment with them. Thanks for reading!
Hi, Megan! Thank you for sharing your story! I love your cats, but even more your PARENTS! I am going to thru-hike the AT soon! I am so excited to read about your adventures! ~April