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Here I am coming off a whopping 2 hours sleep (that’s bad…even for me) after literally spending a night outdoors in a survival scenario. No tent…..no sleeping bag. They walk you to a point and drop you off, and you and your partner (adrienne…that girl is a rockstar) walk off to survive. You make your shelter from a minimal amount of materials, you use what’s around you to stay alive, and you last one full night.

After that, they buy you breakfast!

I had the quinoa and oatmeal from White Spot. Tasted like success.

I won’t sugar coat it. I had some pretty harsh moments out there. Especially when our fire refused to start and we were just building shelter at 8pm….a full 2.5 hours after sunset. Adrienne and I finally got to dinner at around 9:30. By that point we’d been making camp for 7 hours.

But I did it. Would I do it again…? Probably, and now I have more knowledge and experience, so in the event that I HAVE to do it, I’m more confident.

Here’s what I did learn:

1. It’s crucial to prioritize. Adrienne and I started cutting down trees (with folding handsaws) right after we chose our spot. That took a while, hauling logs (some 8 inches in diameter) back to camp where we stripped them of dead branches, twigs, brush, and boughs, aside from firewood, this cache would also become part of our shelter

2. We chose to start a fire first. In the end what you decide to do is up to you. Our idea was to start a fire first, then begin the shelter because we could use the fire as light, heat while we worked and we could dry out the boughs, which would become mattresses. Because our fire took a while, my bedding wasn’t adequately dry so I woke up cold a few times in the night. In the end I would have used my bivvy or tarp to elevate and keep the wood and materials dry and off the ground…might’ve helped with the stubborn fire. However it appears everyone had the same issue so at least Adrienne and I weren’t making uncommon mistakes.

3. Be humble…you think you know it all….until you don’t. The bush is no place for ego. Just sayin’!

4. Always pack essentials on hikes. You just never know. I didn’t use HALF the items I packed in my, no joke 65lb pack, but I was glad they were in my bag. Here’s what I had:

• Emergency blanket
• Bivvy
• 4.5L of water
• Enough food for 3 days, 3 bottles of ensure, cereal, milk, granola bars, backcountry dehydrated meals, snacks
• First aid kit with emergency glucose, medication, and tensor bandage.
• Camp stove and 2 canisters of fuel….one for cooking one extra for heat if needed
• Bear banger, spray, bell….not nevessarily for the napping bears either!
• Pot and pan set
• Toque, gloves, microspikes, trekking poles
• Utility Knife
• Handsaw
• Firestarter
• Matches and lighter
• Hand crank lantern
• 100 ft paracord
• Flagging tape
• Garmin
• Tent, footprint and sleeping bag (no intent on using but was available as backup if I wimped out….obviously didn’t use)
• Ski pants
• Pack cover
• And of course my backpack

5. LAYERS!!!!! Sooooooo important. Especially a wicking base layer. I have merino icebreaker wool and foot specific fitted merino icebreaker socks. My second layer consisted of an adidas pullover made of polyester and other materials. Wicked moisture and had the added bonus of a tight head cover. My pants were lululemon athletic pants. I also had a cotton sweatshirt on and then my jacket. I wore a second thermal sock and then my hikers. I did not too bad but cooled through the night because of my cold bedding. It’s clear. Keep everything dry…..it makes a huge difference. In body temperature and morale!

Search and rescue is amazing. They do these a lot. In 24 hours I got a crash course in survival camping…something I had considered spending money on pre-hike. This was much better. A wholehearted thanks to Terrace SAR for the lessons, for letting me leech your skills, knowledge, expertise and letting me come along. Oh and for the wonderful breakfast.

I have so many mixed emotions looking at that number. 96 days…3 months!

I have so much left to accomplish in those 3 months. I hope every other PCT hiker is filled with these kinds of emotions.

Am I ready? How am I going to afford this? Is the stress and anxiety normal? Or am I overthinking everything? Is this fear or excitement? Is the constant nausea normal?!?! So many questions.

I hold onto the faith that everything is going to be okay. I’ve never felt so sure about my reasons why I’m doing this. I just need to make sure I can ACTUALLY do this.

Yep, to say I am literally freaking the eff out is a total understatement.

I have so many people believing in me. I know whatever uncertainty I’m feeling you guys see through it to the other side. I’m drawing on your energy and staying positive but holy crap I am so scared.

Thank you to those who continuously support me in amazing ways, large or small…you matter! As I get closer to starting your support matters even more. Thank you. I am truly humbled by you all and your faith and belief in me ❤️

Man oh man!

I’ve been meaning to update you for days now, but It’s been psychotic to say the least…okay where to start?

First off, my food is done!  I am continuing with the dehydrating and vacuum-sealing in case I miscalculated how much food I’ll actually need.  That way i’ll have plenty, and if I don’t use it well, you now know where to go if the apocalypse actually happens….

That by far is the biggest to-do I could’ve checked off.  it’s comforting to know the bare minimum for food I need is taken care of.  now I turn my attention to getting ready for my Visa appointment at the US Consulate in Vancouver.  My appointment is September 11.  After that i can apply for my re-entry permit so I can come back home after the hike is done, and of course I need the actual permit.  Making progress!

The quiz night on August 11 was such a success…we’re hosting another one.  September 22 at Thornhill pub.  It’s $10.00 per person, there’s two different times; one for the early crowd at 7pm, then again for the rowdies at 9:00pm.  we’ll have door prizes, food and drink specials, all to support my PCT hike.

big shout out to everyone who’s been supporting me; aside from my morning wavers, wanted to also say big thanks to my sponsors so far: TCSI Consulting, Silvertip Promotions and Keith Vandenbroek of H.E.L.O.  To everyone who bought shirts and hoodies-THANK YOU!!!!

With my itinerary being complete, i’ve forecasted a return to Canada for September 18th…..which means I’m about 8 months from leaving….OMG!!!!

Normally the PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association) issues long distance thru-hiking permits early January. It's a lottery based system where a specific amount of day passes are released and then after that it's a free-for-all. If you have a specific start date in mind, you obviously want to get your ass in gear on the permit app to get your date. For an American, it's one application form. For myself I need an itinerary that breaks down locations and times I'll be in the US, then I have to apply for a travel (B) VISA, after that apply for a Canadian re-entry visa….THEN I can apply for my permit.

They don't make it easy do they?

The PCTA threw us for a loop the other day….permits for next years class are being released November 1…a full 2 and a half months early. Holy $&@%

So needless to say I've been chipping away, thank god I have because besides cramming the itinerary last night with a few glasses of wine, I now need to power in that paperwork. It'd be a shame to miss out next year and the work I've done because of that!!!

So to say I'm stressed is a bit of an understatement.

BIG thank you to TCSI Consulting. They're hooking me up with some cool ultralight gear for my trip to keep me connected, but they are also helping me spruce up my website with a custom URL and some plugins. Check out the beginning work at either janinepct.ca or janinepct.com
Thanks Tom and the great crew at TCSI Consulting for coming on as a hike sponsor. I look forward to working with you guys.

Great news!!! 

I have a quiz night coming up and I’m so excited. August 11th at the Thornhill pub. 7pm. 

If you’d like to register a team email janine_kraft@outlook.com.  Cost is $20.00 per person with the winning team winning their cover back. There’s door prizes, food and drink specials and lots of fun to be had!!!

Thanks to Thornhill pub for hosting me and the riverboat days society for registering this as an official riverboat days event!!!!

Check out my FB for updates and the event page: www.facebook.com/janinepct

It came, it came….it finally came!!!! My quote and design for my PCT swag. 

I’m offering both T-Shirts and Hoodies…summer and winter wear. Look at me thinking ahead 😜

There’s 6 different coloured t-shirts in sizes S-2XL, those are $20.00ea.

I’m also offering black hoodies, sizes S-XL for $40.00ea.

I am willing to mail orders as well, but will need to add $5.00 to accommodate shipping. 

All net proceeds go to my hike and if need be I can order more shirts. Thank you so much for your continued support. 

I love you guys xoxo

-J

Here we are; 286 days out.

And apparently I’m incapable of sharing my feelings on FB live without busting into tears, so I’ll try here instead! 😉

I’m overwhelmed with how much there is still left to do, but even more overwhelmed by the support I’ve received, both financially and emotionally.

First off, I want to say ‘thanks’ to those who contributed a few bucks here and there to my Go fund me page….having to save  $15,000 in less than a year is my biggest challenge, you folks are helping alleviate some of the cost.  Support is always welcome, my goFundMe page link is:

gf.me/u/4rmmc

(And if for some reason this link is a dud, you can find the hyperlink at the top of my home page). 

The most amazing thing for me though is how my normal, everyday walks have turned into so much more.  Everyday, I wave dozens of times…some people I know well, some I’ve met since I began my regimen, and some I still have no idea who you are!  KEEP THOSE WAVES COMING!!!  Truly. If I see you wave, I WILL wave back or at least manage a smile while I try to decide whether that wave was for me or someone else…I’ve embarrassed myself more than once! 😉

To the following supporters, your unwavering support, means so much:

Geier Waste (Glenn, Stu, Robbie and the rest of the crew….you guys are FABULOUS!).  these guys wave, honk, make absolute asses of themselves to show their support for me everyday.  THANK YOU!!!!

Glenn especially, I look forward to the morning drive-bys. I never know what shit you’re going to pull. Thank you for being a ham, you in particular start my day off right!

To MacCarthy GM, daily waves from any of the following: sales manager Justin, sales consultant Brandon, service manager John, advisor Bonnie, detailer Dale, the courtesy drivers, service advisor Sami, parts advisor Sean, marketing manager Tamara, receptionist Amy, finance managers Renita and Sharalyn, General manager Joey, even owner Gary…..THANK YOU!!!!  Having you guys ask questions, drive by with waves, chirp me on social media or via text, share my posts….all of it, thank you!!!  You guys are an awesome example of corporate responsibility, I’m humbled to be a client of such a great business!  Not only did you outfit me with a kickass truck so I can get my fun on, but you continue to support me daily just by your encouragement. 

To Chuck at Waste Management, thank you

The crew at Progressive Ventures, thanks for the love. 

Jamie and Holly hill of set zero surveying for their honks and waves. 

Keith and Wilma, my HELO sponsors. 

To Jas, Morgan, James and the rest of the maintenance crew at City of Terrace, thank you!!!!

To Bobby at Prevost, thank you for your genuine interest in my crazy!  I for sure will be posting as much as I can on the trail…you still need to take me fishing!

To Kelly at Johnny’s Welding for your shares, hugs, honks and smiles……thank you

To Silvertip signs and EB Horsman….thank you for the morning waves and ‘hello’s’

To Danielle, Shannon, Tanya, Chris Simms, Kelly (AQCS), Tina, Derrick, Jordan, Adam, Melanie, Nick, Cara, Simone, Molly, Angela, Paul, Jerry Lozinski,  Becky, Bevan, the morning ladies at Copperside on HWY 16 W, Trevor Gibson at Ken’s Marine, Tracy,  Dave, Carl and the countless others that take time out to wave each morning, you make my walks easier and more awesome just by your little contributions.  Roger at DHL (I miss you), Scott and Brandon at Telus and the terminal express employee who delivers to Kens marine around 7:15a. 

This hike wouldn’t be anywhere as special to me without you guys. Some of you started as complete strangers, but have fast become friends and an integral part of my day.  When my desire to be pounding the pavement isn’t there at the start of my walk, you being there cheering me on everyday as I train turns it right around by the end of my morning routine.  From the bottom of my heart….truly, THANK YOU!!!

See you F$%&ING awesome people tomorrow <3

-J

 

 

This past weekend our trade show was in town.  Having been in media for several years, I’ve done my share of booth watching and glad handing.  This time was different.  I had so many valuable conversations with people I don’t even know about my hike plans. I might’ve spent more time talking about my hike than the booths I was representing. The word is spreading.  I have to thank each and every one of you supporters for spreading the word and flying my flag.  You’re all amazing.

This upcoming weekend from 10-5 at the Terrace Arena sportsplex is a health and wellness fair.  Yours Truly will be there with my hike sponsor Keith Vandenbroek of Helo.  Come by, say hi, and ask all the questions you’d like.  Looking forward to seeing you there 🙂

So, here i am, less than a year out.  It’s hard to put down exactly how i’m feeling; it’s a myriad of emotion.  Truly!

For starters, i’m just as excited as I’ve ever been, just more anxious.  At this point, the dehydration is going well, same with the vacuum sealing.  i took an updated inventory last weekend and know I have roughly 100 dinners and 75 lunches to put together.  Breakfast is pretty much done with the exception of vacuum sealing more milk, granola, oatmeal and pancake mix.  But that involves math, and at this point, I’d rather not.

The one thing that could hinder my leaving next April 9th is finances.  I NEED to raise $15,000 or i can’t go.  Plain and simple.  I need sponsorships both personal and businesses and I need to fundraise.  I’m planning a couple quiz nights, an information session with an entry fee, and talking to everybody and anybody who will listen about what it is i’m doing.  If you’re at all interested in sponsoring me, email me at janine_kraft@outlook.com, please include ‘PCT sponsorship’ or the like in your subject line so I don’t delete it thinking it’s spam.

tonight, Scott and I are going camping together.  He’s already packed and ready to go…so am I…when I get off work that is lol.  I didn’t complain about working Good Friday, given its a stat and I wasn’t prepared to lose hours when I’m in ‘make money’ mode.  The future of my hike depends on me being willing to be alone in a quite office today for several hours.  Plus time and a half pay is very much welcome 🙂

Every morning, i still walk and every sunday i pack the bag and hike an insane amount of kilometres.  The other day I did a challenge with my tracker and completed a NYC simulated 26.2 mile marathon in 3 days with my steps.  Things like this keep me focused when the pain is intense a quarter of the way through my sunday trek, I remember what it is I’m training or.  Doesn’t dull the pain, just reminds me I have a purpose and a goal to work towards.  It makes this whole process feel a little less daunting.

Thank you again for reading this blog.  it’s important that you stay connected and supportive of what i’m doing.  So I very much appreciate you following, subscribing, reading etc.  It’s because of your support that I will succeed!