The quest for true human spirit or why I am hiking PCT

Hello friend. It’s me, Maija, a stranger from Latvia who you might see on the Pacific Crest Trail. By that time others will probably be calling me by some random name like Trips Don’t Lie or Lana Del May. In around 30 days I will be starting my quest also known as ‘the thru-hike”

I had a long conversation with my parents to explain, why in the hell I would want to do something so physically and mentally demanding. If I want a break from my job, why just don’t take a vacation to some nice place or go on a hike with my dog. I think they understood in the end, so let me explain to you as well.

War

I know, people don’t come to the Trek page to read about politics, but I need to include this. There is this dickhead dictator of the neighboring country of Latvia that has recently decided to brutally invade an independent country and kill not only military people but everyone. Old people, children… no discrimination here. I’m not from Ukraine, but as a post-soviet millennial, I know how real is the scenario of the same happening at my home. What if one day I wake up and the beauty of the world is destroyed? What if I have been too busy working or watching movies to appreciate it? And you don’t have to be in a pre-war country to feel this? I know you feel the same when talking about global warming. It is crazy how fragile life and the beauty on earth sometimes feel.

..and Peace

So, I am walking those damned 2650 miles to see the best from the world – scenic, tranquil wilderness and the true human spirit. I am running after that feeling when you fall asleep with stars and wake up with birdsongs; when you don’t need distractions because every new sight feels so interesting (heard about hiker tv?); when strangers land you hand to cross the river; when you want to challenge yourself just because you can – not because it will make you rich or famous. That feels truly human to me. And I know I am romanticizing this journey (that I haven’t even started), but isn’t it what we all do?

I am dreading that I may have a call mid-thru hike from home saying the worse had happened. But I will return (and fight if needed) when I finish the hike. Now I need to immerse myself in nature and find peace.