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.
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Financially, I Am Ready
When this idea was born, I had no clue how much it would cost to disconnect from life for 5 to 6 months. I was oblivious to the cost of hiking. I hadn’t given much thought to those bills that would follow me from Mexico to Canada. All I knew was this… I had to find a way to make it happen and I didn’t want finances to be a barrier. So, I laid a two-year runway and set some goals. I needed to lessen my total debt, I needed to save money to buy gear, and I needed to save money to cover my hiking expenses, as well as money to cover those bills that won’t stop just because I am not working. With six months to go, I have four more credit card payments and I will be debt-free. I am a few items away from having all my gear. Finally, I saved nearly $10,000 to cover my expenses and provide a cushion for life after the trip. As someone who has always struggled with finances, I am enormously proud of myself for this accomplishment, but all this work has allowed me to say, “I’m ready.”
The Heat
Throughout June, July, and August, I spent a lot of time hiking, doing longer day hikes, and trying to figure out how to manage water. Here in Southern California, the heat was brutal and tested every ounce of my strength. Over the course of three months, I learned a lot about finding shade, taking frequent breaks, and staying hydrated. I’ve also learned how much salt we excrete while working out for an extended period of time and the magic of carbs. I hope these lessons will serve me well next year.
My Job
I remain at my current job for the Pacific Crest Trail. It is providing the financial means to hike for six months, but not much else. Without some light at the end of the tunnel, these struggles, challenges, and this heartache would serve no purpose in my life. So, I persevere. I tolerate the madness because my goal has become all-consuming. When I walk away from here, it will be with my head held high and a sense of pride I haven’t felt in a long time.
Emotionally Exhausted
With the above paragraph typed, I must admit that I am emotionally exhausted. Personally, professionally, and all the gray area in between has exhausted me. Therefore, this journey has come to mean something more. This sabbatical is quickly becoming about recharging my batteries and rediscovering myself in hopes that it will reveal the path forward. When I arrive back in Seattle, I want to do so with confidence in myself and my abilities to do anything!
Be good to each other,
-Nathan
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