On April 11th, 2020, I will begin hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. This ongoing series is an attempt to document the entire journey from beginning to end.
I am walking 2,650 miles to End Polio with Rotary International. Support my journey!
CLICK HERE TO HELP ME END POLIO
People Have Started Donating
The list of things that concern me about this world we live in is endless. Despair, cynicism, and a complete lack of hope are emotions that become consuming. Despite our challenges, I find moments in this world where I can turn from the unforgiving darkness toward productivity and doing my part to move mountains. That is why this just can’t be another hike. For me, it has to mean more. It has to be used for good. The fact that people are starting to respond to my hike and its mission is moving beyond words I can express. All I can say is this; their hope is and will propel me forward.
I Need This
My life has to be about more than just moments of work and brief glimpses of rest and relaxation in the form of employee sanctioned time off from the hustle and bustle of the nonprofit world. I need moments such as time on the PCT, moving to Seattle, and traveling to Brazil. My work life serves to fulfill what can only be found in time away from the desk. It is these moments that make me who I am, recharge my batteries, and give me a reason for being. For far too long, I thought my work would define my life. I now know that it is work that gives me opportunities to discover purpose.
Feeling Generous? Here is my Amazon PCT Wishlist…
AMAZON PCT WISHLIST
Why Polio?
Since 1979, there have been no cases of polio in the United States. Thanks to organizations like Rotary, the World Health Organization, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we have all but eliminated Polio from the face of the planet. With just two countries left until total eradication, we are closer than we have ever been to eradicating another disease and having Polio join Smallpox as the only two viruses wiped from human existence. I am walking the PCT for those who will never be able to do the same because Polio has robbed them of the ability to do so. As a proud Rotarian, nothing could matter to me more.
PCT Reading List
Getting prepared for the PCT involves a great deal of reading and research. So far, I have spent hours on web pages, reading blogs, articles, and news reports. Now, my attention is turning to people with first-hand accounts and those who’ve written beautiful stories about journeys where the intention is to find oneself. Pictured above are some of the books I am reading to get prepared for this journey. If you have any other suggestions, please be sure to send them my way.
The Most Profound Question
The other night I was at a bar and the topic of my desire to hike the Pacific Crest Trail came up. There were some wisecracks about Christopher McCandless and then I was asked the most profound, yet simple question; Why? The answer to that question is perhaps more profound and nuanced than I understand. It is also more than I can write here, but I do promise this; before I begin mile number one, I will have an answer for you.
Be good to each other,
Nathan
I've never asked readers for financial support before. I am committed to keeping content on this site free and open to all. For me, this means no paywalls or subscription fees. If you like what I create, please consider making a contribution on Patreon.