We’re Going On An(other) Adventure!

It has been nearly 5 years since we both started thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail and every year since, as winter rolled around, we’ve toyed with the idea of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail the following spring. Initially we pushed it back to save up money. But then life happened. We bought a house, and then sold it and bought another one. We became satisfied with our work situations and it seemed silly to bring them to an unnatural end. Our siblings and friends moved around and had babies and adventures of their own.

But now, at the beginning of 2018 and over 4 years since we summited Katahdin, the timing feels right. We’re doing it. Mexican border to Canadian border. 2650-ish miles. We’ve saved up money, made plans for what we’re leaving behind in Michigan, and are prepared to walk away from safe jobs.

On November 1st, David applied for our long-distance hiking permits through the PCTA with a start date of May 2nd at the southern terminus of the trail in Campo, California. As of January 18th, we have those permits in hand.

The May 2nd start date is far from arbitrary. We are attending, and I am officiating, the wedding of dear friends in Santa Fe at the very end of April. Because we will already be in the Southwest and it seems like a natural transition to the PCT, we are leaving after the wedding and traveling to San Diego, and from there, Campo.

Now it feels like the longest wait. David and I still need to buy some gear. We need guide apps and maps. We have to figure out if and where we want to mail ourselves food or equipment mid-hike. I still need a dress for the wedding. But David and I feel the excitement building. There is so much to do, but we feel ready to go now. I can’t wait. We can’t wait.