Could you imagine hiking the PCT?

Could you imagine hiking the PCT?
I’ve asked myself that question hundreds of times since my wife and I moved to Seattle back in 2015. We developed an addiction to visiting national parks across the country and after a trip to Seattle and visiting Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades national parks we suddenly realized you could live in a pretty cool city that was within a couple hour drive of national parks and endless outdoor recreation. Over the years, my passion for nature and to explore new areas grew and evolved. From backpacking to mountaineering and everything in between that I’ve tried, there has been one thought that has never gone away… Could you imagine hiking the PCT?
Year after year, I thought about it and learned about it. As my outdoor experience grew so did my research for what the PCT really is and how to attempt it. Year after year there was always a reason why I couldn’t go that year. I can’t quit my job, but if I get fired, I’ll go! I don’t have the right permit, nor do I have the right experience or gear… I wish I could be gone for that long… Can’t go during Covid, can’t leave my job because I need to qualify for a home loan, can’t leave the new house and new dog behind, can’t leave my new job, too much snow in the Sierras, or maybe I’ll just do it when im older…
Some of these excuses are valid but many of them are bullshit.
You may come to find out that new job you didn’t want to quit will drop you like a bad habit if it works for them. Or that feeling unprepared is natural and much like other epic things in life, you will never be perfectly ready Or that thinking i’ll just do it when I’m older… Well, I’m 43 and I’m not getting any younger. I knew I had a window of time this year, so here we go!

Everyone has their reasons for hiking the PCT and I won’t bore you with mine. But I think that’s what makes this adventure so special. I think the PCT is a metaphor for life. Everyone who hikes it is unique, everyone does things differently and everyone has their own reasons. I find that my reasons, thoughts and desires for hiking the PCT always come up when I’m out hiking or doing something fun outdoors. Even taking a simple walk to a park where I catch a spectacular sunset over the Olympic mountains and Puget sound(feature picture) begs the question, Could you imagine hiking the PCT?

As I sit here in my hotel room in San Diego about to walk over to the old town transit center to take the shuttle bus to the Cleef campground, I can’t help but to feel really grateful for all the support and encouragement I’ve received from friends who truly understand what I’m doing, strangers I’ve chatted with and most importantly, from my wife. After all, she’s the one who’s had to listen to me talk about this for years… It’s really been overwhelming(mostly in a good way) the last couple of weeks to see how much positivity I’ve received. It puts a new perspective on life. Many people have made sure I know that regardless of how long I’m gone, how much of the trail I hike or whatever ultimately happens, at least I had the courage to give it a shot and go after one of my dreams, which is more than what a lot of people are ever willing to do for their own dreams, whatever they may be.
It is nerve-racking to get up and follow through with this and also very sad to be away from my wife and Rufus, my big loving dog. But in the last few weeks, I’ve realized how lucky I am and to really appreciate life as we go through it all.

Although I haven’t even stepped foot on the trail, it has taught me many things already and has had a positive impact on my life. I am very excited to see what else the trail is able to teach me. With the support of my wife, friends, family, and a bottle of Advil… hopefully I make it to the other end with an experience of a lifetime to share or better yet just know that I’ve seen it for myself.
After all, it’s up to me too answer…
Could you imagine hiking the PCT?

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