Murda - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2016

First Post

There is never a better place to start than the beginning. This is my very first attempt at any kind of online journaling, or public journaling for that matter. I just thought it would be nice to have some way for my friends and family to follow along on my journey. Honestly, putting my thoughts out there for everyone to read is more overwhelming than the trail itself.

So what is this journey on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)? I’ll start by answering the most common questions I get:

1. How far is it?
Approximately 2,650 miles

2. How long will it take you?
About 5 months

3. Are you going by yourself?
Yup, but I may have some company from a few friends joining me for sections along the way. I’m sure I’ll make new friends as I go. Hiking solo will allow me to go as fast or as slow as I want, stop when I’m tired, eat when I’m hungry, the thought of being on my own schedule and not anyone else’s is exciting to me.

4. So, where does it go?
From the Mexico border to Canada, thru California, Oregon, and Washington

5. Have you seen that movie with Reese Witherspoon?
Wild?, Yes. I could elaborate on this much more, but I’ll just say, my journey will be nothing like hers.

6. What about food/water?
I will be filtering water and following the PCT water report closely as I go. I plan to start with 7 liters through the desert and will adjust as necessary depending on the conditions. I have been a dehydrating machine for the last several months. I'm preparing most of my meals ahead of time and will have boxes ready to send to myself down the trail (which my awesome parents will be dropping at the post office for me).

7. How long has this been a dream?
I've been longing for a big adventure for some time now. I wasn't quite sure what it would look like. On one of our brother sister road trips, we did an overnight hike on the Appalachian Trail. That got me thinking about a long distance hike. I moved back home for a short time last summer in hopes to figure out where life should take me next. It hit me that this was the perfect time to make this crazy dream a reality. In researching trails, it became clear the PCT was the one for me. The variety of terrain drew me to the PCT, along with it being graded for pack animals, thinking it may be easier on my knees.

8. How am I training?
Last year I did a full marathon, 5 triathlons (including a half ironman), 3 century rides, along with many other activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and snowboarding. Unfortunately, I must have run in some old shoes a little too long and developed some plantar fasciitis in my left foot. So right now, I’m continuing to stay as active as possible with lower impact activities while resting my foot in hopes it will go away before I start. So far, I’ve had great improvement.
I’ve also taken a few first aid and wilderness first aid classes thru NOLS, the American Red Cross, and the local CERT team.

9. What do my parents think?
They are very supportive, although I'm sure they are concerned and they're trying to not let me see it. They've always done a really good job at encouraging my brother and I on whatever new crazy adventure we've decided to try.

10. How will I stay connected with the outside world?
I'll have my phone, but it will primarily be in airplane mode to conserve battery, and I'll recharge with my cute little personal solar panel. I'll also have a spot gps device that I can use to send "I'm okay" messages to my parents. It also has an SOS button I can use in case of absolute emergency. I've programmed the spot with this journal, so every time I send a ping it will show my location here as well. And of course starting this journal to help stay connected with everyone.

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