What and Why

I believe most people who are reading this have had some kind of conversation with me about what the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is and why I am doing this seemingly crazy undertaking.  For those who didn’t here it is.

The PCT is a 2600 mile trail that starts near the Mexican border in Campo, Ca and goes along the mountainous backbone of California, Oregon, and Washington before it ends in Canada at Manning Park.  I will be traveling through the Laguna Mountains, Idyllwild, Big Bear, Wrightwood, and the whole length of the Sierra Nevada with stops or side trips to Mt. Whitney, Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, and Lake Tahoe.  Then I continue through the volcanic portion of Northern California, Crater Lake, pass by Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainier, and finally through the Cascades which take me to the end and a hot shower and a good meal.

For the answer to why, “Why not!”  The PCT is out there to be hiked and enjoyed, so why wouldn’t I take a shot at it.  It goes through some of the best places in the US and is arguably the best trail of its kind in the States.  You get to experience the serene and remote places in the West, live in the moment, and take each day as it comes at you.  I don’t know who I will meet, what will happen, or who I will meet, but for me, this is part of the trip.  I have done my best to plan and anticipate challenges, but once I get on the trail, I have to be flexible and open to whatever happens.  I don’t know what will occur in the next five months but here’s to finding out what.

Here’s some info on trail with a map: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5330516.pdf

And a PCT map on google maps:  http://postholer.com/gmap/gmap.php