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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Documenting My Experience
Without fail, any discussion I have about my plans to hike the Pacific Crest trail turns to the topic of how I am going to document my experience. I have been running a website featuring my writing for 10-years now, so I knew I wanted to capture the experience there which is what gave birth to this series. Beyond that, I hadn’t given it much thought. Of course, I see the work of others through photography and vlogs, but if I am going down the same route I want to make sure I am adding value to the conversation and not noise. So, yes, a camera, journal, cell phone, and GoPro will be at my side. Yes, I will be sharing my experience, but it will come with an intense focus on capturing memories and telling an overall story that brings value.
The Hiker Community
I am 35-years-old, and Reddit terrifies me. I don’t find the YouTube comment section exhilarating either. Still, I’ve gone to both of these places time and time again looking for resources, reaching out to fellow hikers, and sharing my experience. More often than not, I have been surprised. I have found a tremendously supportive community where tips are shared openly, and everyone seems interested in the success of others. Of all the dark places the internet can take you, those where hiking seems to be the focus are the brightest.
Feeling Generous? Here is my Amazon PCT Wishlist…
AMAZON PCT WISHLIST
Dreams
When you begin to dream about something, perhaps that is a good sign it has become a consuming thought. The Pacific Crest Trail has begun to seep into my dreams. I picture myself walking for miles broken and beaten by the trail but absolutely happy. I dream of the people I will meet and the places I will go. I wake up with thoughts of grand vistas lingering on my mind. Saying I am ready to get this thing underway is an understatement.
400 Days to Go
I’ve been counting down days until the trail for a while now. Some days, it is literally the only positive thing I have to hold onto. So, every Monday, like clockwork, I open a little countdown app on my phone and see how many days are between me and April 11th, 2020. I share the countdown on social media and update a whiteboard in my office. Then, I get back to work mentally, physically, and financially preparing for one of the grandest adventures in my life.
Mail Me Something…
Canada
Canada is the goal, but not the reason. Touching the northern terminus after five months of hiking must be filled with emotions beyond anything I can comprehend at this moment, but if that day doesn’t come I hope I don’t look back in regret. If I don’t reach my goal, I hope I remember the reasons for wanting to do this in the first place. I hope I recall the new people I wanted to meet, the challenges I wanted to overcome, the moments I wanted to capture, and the experience I wanted to gain. I want to do everything in my power to reach Canada, but if that day doesn’t come I hope I remember the journey.
Be good to each other,
-Nathan
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