Wait, what are you doing?
Nope, you’re not the only one asking what the heck I’m doing. I was recently reminded of the fact not everyone knows what the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is. Something you quickly forget when your entire life becomes consumed by it. To put it simply, it’s a long-distance trail that runs from Mexico to Canada, by way of California, Oregon, and Washington. The official length is 2650 miles, which I plan to complete in about five months. Sounds wild, right! …and by wild I mean a little crazy. Like you have to be a little crazy to willingly walk 2650+ miles in unpredictable weather, up and down some decent elevation gains and losses, and let’s not forget about pooping in a hole. One person’s crazy is another person’s dream right! There’s just something indescribably satisfying about carrying everything you need to survive on your back and heading out into the backcountry for days at a time. I can’t wait to stand atop a peak, look out to mountains as far as the eye can see and be reminded how small I am. That feeling gets me every time.
What about food?
Ahhhh…everyone’s favorite question. I’ll be stopping along to way to pick up food as needed. There are plenty of towns located on or near the trail to make this convenient. A lot of hikers simply resupply from local stores as they pass through, but I’ve elected to send myself food instead. Thankfully, my family has offered to assist in sending my resupplies to post offices or local businesses who will hold the packages until I arrive. This method is less convenient in so many ways, but it allowed me shop sales and save money, while catering to my dietary preferences. Buying and dehydrating enough food for five months is a chore! It looked like I was prepping for the apocalypse every time I went to the store. I’m shocked I only got one comment, from the lady at Costco of all places, about the copious amount of beans I was buying. Hopefully it’ll all be worth it and my body will reward me for fueling it with good food. If nothing else, I can certainly add dehydrating to my list of skills.
How did you prepare for all this?
After watching countless vlogs, reading articles, and scrolling through the blogs of those who have done this trek before me, it seemed easy to go in with plans, thoughts, and ideas of how this whole thing will go, but the truth of the matter is I have no idea. There are so many factors that come into play; this crazy snow year we’re having, the people I’ll meet, life events off trail, and factors I haven’t even thought of that are out of my control. The only real prep work I did was to physically get in shape, and of course let’s not forget about all that food I mentioned above. Outside of that too much planning just didn’t seem worthwhile in my book, and it takes away some of the fun.
I did my best to mentally and emotionally prepare for this journey. I know it won’t be all rainbows and wildflowers (well maybe through Southern California with the super bloom this year, yay!). There will certainly be days I’m miserable and probably cursing knee deep in snow, but that’s all part of the journey. One of my favorite things about hiking is when I look back, those miserable moments end up being some of my favorites because I’m so proud I made it through and stuck with the challenge I faced. So bring on the challenges PCT! I am 150% ready for this journey I am about to take on, and I’m so happy you’re sharing it with me! It’s going to be a wild ride. I’ll try to keep you all up-to-date with posts as much as possible. And if you know my parents (or even if you don’t), please leave them some words of encouragement below my posts every once in a while, I know their nerves are on edge!
Love you all!
XOXO! Becks
Holy cow is all I can say!! Good luck, God bless and be safe and oh yeah, enjoy. We love you! Jill, Rachel and Ben.
Thanks!! Woohoo, here we gooo!
I’m living vicariously through you Becky! Love the blog and looking forward to following along in your journey. God luck!
Thanks Varesh!! 🙂
I’m already hooked! Love your writing and can’t wait to live vicariously through you to experience this journey! I’m in the “holy cow the mountains are calling me” phase. It’s my dream to do this some day.
Thanks so much!
Yes! One day you’ll definitely make it happen!
Good luck, I’m jealous!! You go girl safe travels
Thanks so much! 😁
I can’t wait to follow your adventure!!! Safe travels babe ✨
Thank you!! 🙂
Amazing!! Enjoy it all!!
I am!! 🙂
You’ve always been a spiritual gansta Becks! Love you and look forward to enjoying the inspiration of your journey. Safe and Happy Trails!
Thanks Brinty!! Love you! 😘
Parents of Becky,
You should be very proud. You have raised an amazing and inspiring person.
Awwww Matt!! ☺️
We are sooo proud!!😊