Karmagurl - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2010

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Rhyolite, Nevada

Preparations....

Wow...where do I start here? Been tryin to get on the trail for some 3 years now, but health problems (mostly) have kept me from enjoying the trail with all the rest who are out hiking. My health problem? Finally, after a 10 year wait, I was diagnosed with Colitis and Celiac disease. Both of which make resupplying a load of fun.

I am finishing up my resupply details now, and have a couple of items left to purchase towards my gear. YAY! It's finally getting there! Still have Erik The Black's maps to get and an ice axe.

Sent for my hike permit, and printed off my California Fire Permit....so I've got things going there. Whoo Hoo! It's finally comin together.

I plan on starting north of the fire closure and go north to the Canadian border, then come back south and finish up that section next fall. I have no desire to roadwalk some 40-50 miles along a dangerous highway that has already killed hikers. NO thanks. I love adventure and new challenges, but I don't think that I want to be stupid and hike on the highway. I can come back next fall and finish up the southern sections, when the trail reopens and the weather is cooler. =)

It's been a long road to get healthy enough for this hike, and to find the gear that will work for me. Not only am I fighting with Colitis and Celiac disease, but I also have to deal with Degenerative Disc Disease and Cervical Dystonia-- those are the major issues I have to contend with, and still make my hike a success.

This log is for the general public and for my friends on my radio station who will be following me north on my hike. Their support means alot to me- thanks in advance for all who follow me and lend me moral support as I trek northward. Oh, and a HUGE thanks to those on the PCT-L, from whom I've learned sooo much from over the past few years I've been on the list. You guys are awesome!! Special thanks goes out to Tom, who gave me my trailname, SoulSista- I'm honored you thought that much of me. =) (you ROCK!!) And thanks to the couple who also will be hiking w/Celiac disease this year-- I appreciate the extra time and information you were so kind to share with me. =) And one more big thank you to the folks I met last year on the CDT, as they came thru the town I was staying in, in NM. You guys were awesome- talkin trail with me, and giving me some great pointers for my own hike- I sooo appreciate you taking time out of your busy hike to chat with me.

I will be updating on my hike via my Blackberry Tour (world edition), directly to the site, so you will get (nearly) real time updates as I move north. I'm really excited that I finally get to do this hike- I've sure waited long enough!!! I'll post my gear list, which isn't "ultralight", but will indeed be light. My doctor put a limit of 35lbs on my packweight,(total weight) so I had to make sure it will be under that.

Thanks all who have been a part of this, will be a part of my hike, and have given me everything from good advice, to moral support when my health was letting me down, and I couldn't hike. You guys know who you are. =)

Until next time....

Soul Sista (aka KarmaGurl)

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