On March 13th, 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!

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Writing for the Trek

Back in October, I applied and was accepted as a writer for a website dedicated to hiking called Trek.co. Since we decided to undertake this journey, I knew I wanted to document the entire experience from beginning to end. That idea gave birth to “Box on the Pacific Crest Trail,” which has documented all my preparation needed for a 2,650-mile hike. Once we step on the PCT, I am launching a new series called “9 AM/Mile Marker/Pacific Crest Trail,” which will serve as a record of my thoughts, challenges, and successes while on the trail. This series will be shared here and on the Trek. As a writer, I am excited about sharing my experience with a wider audience with the hope it will inspire others.

I Broke My Rule

From the very beginning, the rule was simple; No hiking the Pacific Crest Trail before our actual start date. I was free to hike countless other trails in Southern California, but I had to avoid the PCT. Not wanting to spoil a mile of the experience, I followed my rule religiously. Then, I visited Cleveland National Forest and Mt. Laguna and I did the one thing I worked so hard to avoid. As actual Pacific Crest Trail miles crunched under my feet, I was both angry at myself and overjoyed to be standing on something that began as a dream. Stepping off the trail and on to another, I made amends with myself. 10 miles! I only spoiled 10 miles. There are still 2,640 to discover.

Ready to Go

With the purchase of some camp shoes, I am officially ready to go. Now, I find myself stashing away cash and getting mentally prepared, but for all intents and purposes, I am ready to go. Arriving at this moment, at times, seemed unreachable and beyond reach. At other times, it was a great motivator and something to hold onto when seas were rough. In two years of preparation, I’ve learned so much about myself and my abilities. The hiker who begins his journey on March 13th will not be the same hiker who conceived this idea back in 2018. This journey has made me so much more confident and surer of myself. Now, the only thing to do is to hike.

Gear Photos

Dearest Hiker, I know you secretly lust over gear photos. So, lust away… 

Be good to each other,

Nathan

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