Nerding Out

I’m a nerd. This is one of the fundamental facts of my existence. When confronted by any new experience my initial question is “do I have a book for that?” So, as I prepare to hike the PCT in a few years, one of the first things I did was check Amazon for guidebooks. I’m sure you’ll be shocked to discover that there is an abundance of information on the route, tales of people’s trails, maps, and instructions on how to through-hike in general. A slim blue book stood out to me, “Pacific Crest Trials” by Zach Davis and Carly Moree. It describes itself as “a psychological and emotional guide to successfully thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.” Sounded like exactly what I needed. There are exercises in the book. I am going to work through all of them, and if the results are interesting I will write about it here.

Pacific Crest Trail in 1165 days

 This seems like an odd week to announce this, but truthfully I made the decision a few weeks ago, and then remembered this morning that I have a blog. Strange what working from home will do to your creative juices (on anything BUT work). I have made the decision that I am going to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) when I retire from the Army. In 1165 days I plan to step onto the trail in Washington, wave at Canadia, and hike until I can urinate on the wall between the U.S. and Mexico. Then I’ll go get tacos, LOTS of tacos.

Right now I am still on the edge of the planning stages. What I know is that doing a Southbound (SOBO) hike is considered slightly harder, there will be snow, and that it will take me 5-6 months. Much, much more to follow. I will share my planning thoughts and process here as I am able. No decision yet as to whether I will share on trail, still have a few years to figure that out. I’m open to thoughts and advice, if you’ve done a SOBO or know someone who has, please reach out to me.