Written on April 23, 2013
I just boarded my flight to San Diego, CA. I am sitting in a very uncomfortable airplane seat; however I am next to the window and the middle seat in my row is empty. Yay! Finally, with my phone set to "airplane mode," I now have a moment to update my blog.
I have been asked numerous questions about this quest of mine. One of the most asked questions I get asked is "Why?!?!?". There are numerous reasons which have inspired me and paved the way for me to decide to walk the PCT. The short answer is I simply want to walk a long and breathtaking distance. I am at a crossroads in life, where getting back to the basics and challenging myself is simply something I have to do.
The long answer as to why on Earth I have the desire to walk from Mexico to Canada is that virtually all aspects of my life were crumbling to pieces: my health, my state of mind, my social life, my career, my personal development... ALL of these were suffering. It dawned on me one day that everything I was doing in life wasn't working. I needed drastic change if I hoped for different results. I decided to try the opposite of how I had been living over the last few years. Being outdoors, getting my hands dirty, challenging myself mentally and physically, and being self reliant seemed like a great place to start.
I went on small camping trips and day hikes at first. The more time I spent outdoors camping and hiking, the better I began to feel about everything in life. My physical health improved- I lost weight, my appetite got healthier, muscles all over my body began to strengthen, and I got off nearly all my prescription medications. My state of mind changed for the better too. My social anxieties lessened the more I got outside, and I began reconnecting with dear friends in all different settings. My career dilemma hasn't completely worked itself out yet; however I am now gaining a clearer sense of who I am and what I want to do with my life. I was simply in the wrong career field. My personal development was stagnant as I was unhappy and felt like my life was out of control, where I was the victim. The clear headedness gained since I began my new backpacking hobby has helped me realize I am only a victim if I allow myself to be one. With such positive and healthy results, how could I not want to backpack as much as possible?
Prior to my backpacking, I was also living my life to please and take care of everyone around me while I stopped taking care of myself and my best interests. This contributed greatly to my unhappiness. Backpacking has helped liberate me from this. I don't have the time or energy to worry about anything or anyone else other than myself when I am on the trail surviving. The boundaries are drawn clearly in the sand: I take care of me and you take care of you. 'Nuff said.
Hopefully this jumbled mess of explanations as to why I want to thru-hike the PCT makes some kind of sense. There are so many reasons why I want to hike this trail... because I want to, because I can, because why not, and because its good for me! :)
My plane has landed in San Diego and I am waiting for my gear to come out at baggage claim. Once I have my gear, I am meeting a trail angel named 'Girlscout'. He will pick me up, give me lodging for the night, and drive me around tomorrow so I may complete last minute errands. He will then drive me out to Campo, CA where I will walk north 20 miles to Lake Morena for the ADZPCTKO (Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick Off). And yep, HIS trail name is Girlscout! I am about to have my first trail angel/PCT volunteer moment. I'm so excited!
Stay tuned,
Shashee
I just boarded my flight to San Diego, CA. I am sitting in a very uncomfortable airplane seat; however I am next to the window and the middle seat in my row is empty. Yay! Finally, with my phone set to "airplane mode," I now have a moment to update my blog.
I have been asked numerous questions about this quest of mine. One of the most asked questions I get asked is "Why?!?!?". There are numerous reasons which have inspired me and paved the way for me to decide to walk the PCT. The short answer is I simply want to walk a long and breathtaking distance. I am at a crossroads in life, where getting back to the basics and challenging myself is simply something I have to do.
The long answer as to why on Earth I have the desire to walk from Mexico to Canada is that virtually all aspects of my life were crumbling to pieces: my health, my state of mind, my social life, my career, my personal development... ALL of these were suffering. It dawned on me one day that everything I was doing in life wasn't working. I needed drastic change if I hoped for different results. I decided to try the opposite of how I had been living over the last few years. Being outdoors, getting my hands dirty, challenging myself mentally and physically, and being self reliant seemed like a great place to start.
I went on small camping trips and day hikes at first. The more time I spent outdoors camping and hiking, the better I began to feel about everything in life. My physical health improved- I lost weight, my appetite got healthier, muscles all over my body began to strengthen, and I got off nearly all my prescription medications. My state of mind changed for the better too. My social anxieties lessened the more I got outside, and I began reconnecting with dear friends in all different settings. My career dilemma hasn't completely worked itself out yet; however I am now gaining a clearer sense of who I am and what I want to do with my life. I was simply in the wrong career field. My personal development was stagnant as I was unhappy and felt like my life was out of control, where I was the victim. The clear headedness gained since I began my new backpacking hobby has helped me realize I am only a victim if I allow myself to be one. With such positive and healthy results, how could I not want to backpack as much as possible?
Prior to my backpacking, I was also living my life to please and take care of everyone around me while I stopped taking care of myself and my best interests. This contributed greatly to my unhappiness. Backpacking has helped liberate me from this. I don't have the time or energy to worry about anything or anyone else other than myself when I am on the trail surviving. The boundaries are drawn clearly in the sand: I take care of me and you take care of you. 'Nuff said.
Hopefully this jumbled mess of explanations as to why I want to thru-hike the PCT makes some kind of sense. There are so many reasons why I want to hike this trail... because I want to, because I can, because why not, and because its good for me! :)
My plane has landed in San Diego and I am waiting for my gear to come out at baggage claim. Once I have my gear, I am meeting a trail angel named 'Girlscout'. He will pick me up, give me lodging for the night, and drive me around tomorrow so I may complete last minute errands. He will then drive me out to Campo, CA where I will walk north 20 miles to Lake Morena for the ADZPCTKO (Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick Off). And yep, HIS trail name is Girlscout! I am about to have my first trail angel/PCT volunteer moment. I'm so excited!
Stay tuned,
Shashee
I am so excited for this adventure. What a great challenge for yourself. Cannot wait to hear you share all your stories. Love you!
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