New Gear

The other day I went to Prince George for an MRI for my left shoulder.  Thank goodness my training regimen hasn’t adversely affected my shoulder.  While I was in the city, I decided to utilize the last of my gift cards for Atmosphere and buy myself my hydration bladder for my pack, a pack cover, and trekking poles.  I’ve been using the hydration pack since I got it Wednesday afternoon.  I literally bought my gear, went to my appointment, then went hiking…in the pouring rain.  I had purchased my pack cover the following day, AFTER my bag got soaked lol.  I anticipate a lot of wet hikes in my future.

I’ve been telling more and more people about my plans and for the most part, people are just as excited as I am.  There’s this slight air of terror as well when I tell them the distance, as people often confuse the PCT with the West Coast Trail….”That’s the one on Vancouver Island, right?”….uh no!  When I tell them then trail spans from Mexico to Canada, they then look at me with this incredulous face.  Then comes the flurry of questions;

“How long will that take?” ————–5.5 months (approx.)

“Is anyone going with you?”————unless people join me for section hikes, nope, I’m on my own.

“What does Scott think of this?”——-obviously he isn’t thrilled at the prospect of me being gone for like 6 months, but I think he knows how important this is to me and that we will find a way to make it work.  This hike is important to me because it signifies a dream I had over 10 years ago, and the work it took me to make it a reality.  This isn’t just personal growth I’m talking here, and my confidence in myself, this is 70+ lbs shed and the way I’ve chosen to put my new body to the ultimate test.

“You’re going to walk the whole thing?” ——-That’s the plan

“at once?!?!”————-yes!

I’m 1026 days away, and spending that entire time preparing myself for this hike.  Trust me when I say I’m seriously working towards this goal, as crazy at is.  I will be prepared when I start in Campo, Mexico and will test myself with every step!  I cannot wait!