Why the PCT?
This is a tough question for me because my first response is, "why not?" I think it's crazy to sit in a cubicle all day, although I do it and love my job.
Are you going alone?
I'm starting the trail alone as many hikers do, finding and making friends along the way. According to the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) 700-800 people start this trail each year, so I'm not worried about being alone.
Will you bring a gun?
It's funny, but this is the second most common question people ask me after, "are you going alone?" No, I'm not bringing a gun and my knife is only an inch long. If a bear/mountain lion/yetti decides to eat me, I guess I'll have to... well hell, I don't know.
One thing I do have is an ACR Electronics ResQLink+ 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon. Having a father in search and rescue means that I have to carry this heavy piece of equipment so I can call for help if I get in trouble. If nothing else, maybe I can throw it at a bear/mountain lion/yetti?
How long will this take?
If I'm averaging 20 miles a day (which I hope to average more), covering 2,660 miles will take me around 133 days. Adding in days to rest off of the trail, I expect this to take me closer to 150 days or 5 months.
Yay!!! You're amazing Rob! I'm really excited for and in awe of you and this journey you are undertaking! Safe and Wonder-filled journey to you!
ReplyDeleteHi Robby,
DeleteIt's your Dad. I'm glad to see you started your blog again. It's great to hear your thought process, I know your head is full of stuff we are very similar in how we process things. Yes I think at times we need to dump what’s in our heads and then start the process all over again.
I'm sure you will be as ready as possibly when you start out,we all will try and be your support chain as you go. I am excited for you and wish I could go it would be awesome to do the trail with you. Maybe I can go thru Oregon with you as we have spoken about.
Love Dad
Rob, I'm happy to know you and to be able to follow this enormous adventure. I know it will provide continuous opportunities to be in the moment as well as a lifetime of memories.
ReplyDeleteRob, I am a friend of your brother, Tyler and he shared that his crazy brother was going to thru hike the PCT this year. Good for you. I completed a thru-hike of the PCT in 2006 and it was the best adventure of my life. Enjoy your adventure and enjoy all the wonders of this incredible trail! Walk On!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could do what you are about to do / are doing. I am confined to a seasonal job and responsibilities so I will follow you and dream of the day when I can break free.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and if you meet a yeti just bite it on the ear.
This is inspirational. Thank you for posting these blog entries! I am a random blog follower, writing to you from Maryland. A few friends and I are planning a 5day PCT hike (northern OR or southern WA) for Aug this year.
ReplyDeleteBest to you!
Hello, So i am also getting ready to start my own journey alone and i feel a bit lost. It seems like the list i need keeps getting bigger. Can you offer any hints or advice or words or encouragement?
ReplyDelete