Top_jimenez - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2019

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Planning

So it finally begins. As I get closer and closer to the beginning of my next life challenge it has started to dawn on me. This is about to get real. It is Dec 2019, do to school and family conflicts and scheduling I am unable to do the PCT in a Thru-Hike form. In my ultimate quest of earning the "Triple Crown" title, it is still possible but the PCT, unlike the CDT and the AP I will have to partake as a Section Hike. However, in the long run, I rather accomplish it in this form than wait 4 years to start.

So here we are. I have been purchasing and upgrading gear these last 6 months. I have also embarked on day hikes about once per week for the last 6 months, ranging in the 5 to 25 miles, while playing around with different variations of my pack and gear. Getting what you may call my "Trail Legs" and getting both my body and mind ready for this challenge. I am both excited and nervous, not scared, just anxious. Though I wish I was already at the northern terminus of the PCT, I do look forward to the journey and pushing my limits in life to a whole other level.

This journal will serve as both a reminder of my adventures and hopefully as an inspiration to others whom happen to come across this. I do plan to add videos to my YouTube channel (which I will post the address at a later date). That is my only "side" goals while on my trails. As yet a project to be able to share with family, loved ones and future friends of this hiking community.

In an effort to start chipping away at my first 2,650 miles of PCT, I am daring to start my PCT Northbound Section Hike 2019-2023 this month (in the winter) of December knocking out 107 miles in 5 days. I feel comfortable with all the planning and prep I have done so far. If the weather or unforeseen injuries should stop me from completing what I am calling Southern California Section 1-4, I still have June 2020 to try again. After all, June 2020 was when I was initially going to start my trail, but I am soo anxious to begin. Lately, every minor hike I have been doing I keep thinking to myself "Why am I hiking this instead of starting already?" But as mentioned before, I have to plan my trail around school and family obligations and events.

But as they say "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Lao Tzu

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