Into the desert

OK, so in exactly thirty-three days and I will be standing in the desert on the border between two countries aimed at a third, all alone with my thoughts and dreams of the unknown to come. I can not wait. #JMT2015 #PCT2016

I have been working hard every day to squirrel away everything I will need and get all my finances in order for the trip. I have dialed in all of my gear and paid for everything in advance that I anticipate I will need to account for as far as gear is concerned. Including 3 brand new pairs of Merrells and 18 pairs of socks. And while I am awaiting the arrival of the last few pieces of my kit to arrive in the mail, I have compiled a gear list for my desert section that is nearly complete with the exception of a change in tarp stakes and the addition of some sunscreen.

If you would like to view the gear list you can see it here. Two Shoes Desert Gear List.

My mind is constantly trying to think of new ways to make me doubt my choices. It is something I try to dismiss and trust that I do in fact know what I am doing and that I do have the knowledge and the skills it takes to make the right choices along the route from end to end, the choices that will see me safely to my destination. But you never know. The trail can be dangerous, and the unknown is, well, unknown. How hard can it be? It's just 101.5 marathons back to back to back through deserts and forests and mountains, full of vipers and lions and bears, Raging rivers of fast flowing glacial run-off and snow melt, thousand foot drops mere feet from the edge of snow and ice encrusted rocky trail, soaring peaks comprised of sprawling desolate nearly barren rocky landscape covered in snow several feet thick as far as one can see in any direction. What could possibly go wrong.....

An Undertaking Of A Lifetime

The Pacific Crest Trail, 2650+ miles of footpath stretching from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. A journey most people would view as completely impossible, or at the very least, entirely insane. Each year it is attempted by thousands and yet completed by very few. In fact, in the 60+ years since the PCT was created only approximately 4000 people have finished the trek.

How does one prepare to walk 2650 miles? A task of unbelievable endurance and mental fortitude, not to mention physical stamina and pure raw determination of will. How do you tell yourself that this feat is even possible? When you have nothing in your past to compare such an accomplishment to, how do you relate what you will take on, in your mind, to the things you have done before? You can't.

You kinda just have to go for it.

And so, April 13th I head to San Diego to physically begin what has already begun in my mind. Will I endure, or will I crack? Only time and the trail will tell.