What dream you ask? Hiking the PCT. What is it? The Pacific Crest Trail. Sigh-yes, the one in the movie. No, not because of the movie. Actually, I first learned about the trail in the 1970s and decided it was a hike I had to make one day. No, I’m not starting at the Mexico border. I’m starting in northern California. No, nothing to do with border issues. I simply appreciate the land, the vistas, the environment of Oregon and Washington best. No, I’m not quitting my job. Yes, I requested a leave of absence and my employer was supportive of my quest. What? Am I doing the whole thing in a 1.5 month span? Do you know how many miles that is!? Once PCT hikers get into their pace they may hike 25 to 40 miles per day depending on terrain and other factors... a few days on trail and I’ll start to find my pace. The entire trail is over 2,000 miles long.

Am I worried and is it dangerous? Everything you do in life comes with some risk, but I’ve educated myself for correct expectations and preparations. Also, while there’s solitude on these incredible continent-crossing trails, you’re never really alone. Hundreds hike the trail every year and they are all confined to the same best months of passage. I will likely get to meet dozens of folks hiking along, like me. Do I have sponsors? I sure wish I did, but most organizations want full-time hikers doing the full extent of the trail who are really into social media production--not casual, social media production.

I guess my story is that I’m much more like you. I have work; I have a life at home; I have responsibilities and I have this dream I’m figuring out how to make happen in the midst of every other part of life. I would LOVE to have one or more sponsors-- the gear is costly to afford as well as the food supplies. Will I write a book? Um, no, no plans for that. I will try to post some photos and log the miles I cover here and on my website www.musthike.com. I hope you’ll follow along. I might have other requests...other ways you can encourage my dream, but that’s it for now.