I'm hiking the PCT!

and here's why...

There was no ceremony when I graduated college in early 2020. Instead, I hit submit on my last paper alone in my apartment and that was it. There was no finality, no conclusion to the academic journey that I had been on for literally my whole life. Since that day I’ve continued to work in the food service industry, where I also worked part time while in college. I’ve met some of the kindest, most genuine, and hardest working people in the past few years that have moved me to try and be a better person myself. There are no regrets spending my time in stressful situations slinging cakes or pulling espresso, as I would not have met all of my wonderful coworkers otherwise. There certainly have been days where I questioned my life choices and wondered why I was not working at a job in the field I got my degree in. 

Above all, I am wishing to experience a resolution that I can feel and see. While it may be a difficult task to complete (especially this year, more on that later), I’d like this journey to be a metaphorical bookend for the most recent chapter of my life. After completion, I am hoping to start a fulfilling career utilizing my degree in environmental science. I thought I would use the opportunity to exploit the gap in jobs to go on an adventure while I can.

That being said, this adventure is a completely different beast than going to school. While I’m ultimately going on this hike for fun, it won’t be easy. The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,650 mile long walking route that starts from the California-Mexico border, continuing along the highest points of the Sierra and Cascade mountain ranges, where it terminates at the Washington-Canada border. The average time to complete the trail is around 5-6 months.

Along the way, I’ll be using this blog to keep anyone who is interested updated on what I’m up to while on the trail. This first entry will ideally be the only long winded one, as my entries along the trail will surely be more engaging and entertaining. The next and final entry before I hit the trail will be an overview of the gear that I am bringing along with me, a brief discussion of what I’m looking forward to while I’m out there, and hopefully to quell any outstanding queries.