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Even as I write it, it feels surreal.

This journey has been 3 years, 1 month and 11 days.  But I know I’ll carry this through my lifetime.

Starting was the hardest part believe it or not.  The finish was easy.  So easy in fact, it almost feels like my goal hasn’t been reached yet.  But I think that’s key, I still have the motivation to keep going, which means I have the motivation to KEEP IT OFF!

There was a part of me, but a rather significant one that had very mixed emotions about seeing the number on the scale yesterday; 139.8.  It meant the end of an incredible goal and the start of an incredible accomplishment…so why wasn’t I thrilled?  Why was I sobbing when I told my husband?  Thinking a lot about it, I feel a very emotional attachment to the heavier Janine, still beautiful, but someone who went through a lot.  I’m afraid she’s going away. I’m afraid saying goodbye to her means I’m someone else…and I don’t want to be.  How do I not be different but still feel excited to be smaller by 100lbs because it’s a HUGE accomplishment.  I don’t even know how to feel fully happy.  It’s weird, I can’t explain it and I certainly can’t attach a reason to it.  So I’ll just say ‘it just is’ and right now how I feel is ‘enough’.

I’m not finished yet either, I feel another 10lbs is realistic, but I’ll keep the same creed I had when I started…..I’ll play this whole goal by how I feel…pound by pound, I’ll evaluate.  And I’ll know when I feel my best and my happiest.

Thank you again for being here with me through it.  I know I did the work, but you continuously pushed me to keep going and be my best self.  Now I’ll tell you the same.  If your goal is weight loss, PCT Hiking, quitting whatever vice you have, going back to school, buying a house, etc……just do it with you in mind.  Keep true to yourself.  That’s when those ‘little wins’ feel like monumental victories!

 

It feels like forever since I last wrote.  Not intentional of course, just been out and about pretty much every weekend camping and getting used to solitude.

I bought a truck three weeks ago and since then it’s been pretty much damn near impossible to get me out of it….I’m usually travelling up some mountain road somewhere tracking down my next camping spot.  With this truck I can officially get into Pine Lake right now….a little sketchy at times, but totally doable.  The truck has 4 x 4 and studded tires, and if that wasn’t enough I also have chains!  No stopping me this summer!

I’m officially 14 months away from hiking.  it is really coming up fast.  I’m feeling pretty good about it.  Still lots to do this year including learning ice axe and crampon usage, learn how to self arrest should I be falling down some slick slope, complete my thru-hiking course and learn how to fly fish.  I also need to do a wilderness first aid course in amongst all the camping and dehydrating food.  By summer, I’ll need to have my menu’s somewhat built so Scott can send my food to me next April.  This also means I need to take an updated inventory and I’ll need to replenish what I’ve taken from my food for my camping trips this winter.  Now that I write about everything still to do I’m a little overwhelmed.

I’m 2 pounds away from my weight loss goal which I’ve been maintaining by running in the mornings now that I have a desk job.  It’s hard to stay physical when you’re chained to a wooden table 7 hours per day.  If my day really sucks, I’ll run again in the evenings.  I have my set routes that I love, but may have to start finding more challenging spots.  I’ve started parking my truck either at 7km on West Kalum FS road and walking back to the highway and back to the truck or vice versa.  Come Spring, I’ll do the same walk to Pine Lake from the Highway with my gear and camp out for a few days here and there!  I really am stoked at my progress and excited to see how the next several months pan out in regards to my goals.

As always your support and belief in my dream is amazing.  Thank you so much for being by my side through this entire planning process.  Having people on my side for this makes it feel less scary, like somehow you’ll be beside me on the PCT next april.  I’m glad you’re here -XO

-J

Last week, I first heard about “Alone”…a reality survival show in which 10 contestants get dropped off miles apart from each other in remote wilderness wth a pre-approved list of gear. Last one standing?…you win $500,000!!!  Those same people who told me about the show also indicated that they could see me on it. So of course I HAD to watch it, courtesy of Video on Demand at my brothers house. 

I’m on the 2nd episode of the 2nd season…the first season wasn’t available on his platform. I just want to check out the show. 

My first thought is:….no fucking way I could do this. The PCT is marked, I will see other people, might be a few days in between contact, but I won’t ever actually be alone. There’s cities and towns along the way so if I need to “tap out” for a couple of days, I can. I think I could advance in the show, but not sure if I’d actually win it lol

This show is intense, so I probably won’t enter lol. However there’s Some really awesome tips here. For instance, I didn’t know you could eat kelp….good to know!!!  And watching a contestant reinforce her shelter after she woke up wet gave me some idea on how I can reinforce my shelter as I continue winter camping in our remote Canadian wilderness. 

What I don’t get about this show…? Why is nobody stringing their food up when there’s clearly bears here? Every single contestant chose paracord!! And why if I have to average 22 miles a day on the PCT can these people not find each other within 4.5 miles?  The terrain would definitely play a part there, but after 10 days they haven’t bumped into each other?!  And if two contestants do come close, how does the show handle it?

I already know what my biggest challenge is going to be ….not the wilderness, not the predators, but my mental firmness while out on the Pacific Crest Trail next year. Might explain why I camp alone to those who think I’m nuts!!! It’s not because I WANT to, but because I HAVE to. 

IF I ever decided to do this show, I know what I’d definitely bring…a knife, a rod, an extra tarp, a saw, paracord, extra food rations, single filament line with hooks, and probably a sharpening tool. On the PCT, I’ll have the luxury of packing whatever the eff I want, assuming I can carry it in and out on my back. These people don’t get that option. Mad respect for the contestants on this show. 

I appreciate the tips on the show.  And if I can find a way to keep watching in my cable free/ VOD free home, I definitely will!!! Good resource!

It’s -5…..which wouldn’t be too bad if there wasn’t a 40 km/h sub arctic wind making it actually feel like -17.  And I’m camping in it. What the hell is wrong with me?!??!

Truth be told I get a charge out of it. It’s practise and something I should be wholly prepared for when I reach the high Sierras next June.   I’m alright with being the whack job who winter camps now if it means I’ll be known as uber-prepared in 16 months. 

I packed my bearvault with food for the night and breakfast/lunch tomorrow. When it comes to my food, I already know what I like. The winter camping has allowed me to try my food and adjust where necessary, that alone has been priceless information. Is much rather add more spice to my recipe while I can then thriving on tasteless food later!  

My course is going alright. I pick it up here and there. Right now I need access to a fitness track to proceed and well it just keeps frigging snowing!!!!!  I’m not running in snow. I know the spaz I can be!

Anyway, wanted to check in and now I get off the phone and back to appreciating this amazing Northern BC wilderness….even if it is f$&@%*g cold!!!!

Ever since I bought my dehydrator I’ve been nonstop dehydrating and vacu-sealing. I’ve made fruits for granola, prepackaged milk portions, made soups galore and just tonight, I sealed tomato sauce!!!!

I’m having a blast. And the best part is I know what’s in my food. There’s no greater comfort in that when I’m working towards this huge dream of mine. I’ve started early so I can F.U.F.I (fuck it up and fix it) with plenty of time to spare. 

Thanks to everyone who donated so far….whether it be extra vacuum bags, tomatoes, apples, time or money to move this dream into reality.  Your support is very much appreciated. 

I got a text from someone last week regarding my hike, it was less than supportive.  I won’t get into details but essentially, I lost my freaking mind on this person.  I feel bad, but I’m at the point where I need support not negativity when I’m working towards hiking from Mexico to Canada.

I’ll fully admit, I’ve been posting hiking and plan posts a lot.  But why shouldn’t I? I believe a dream becomes a goal when you make it reality and start putting ideas into practice.  Simply stated, I’m making my dream come true by working towards it.  I’m proud of it, I’m proud of who I’ve become, and in just over 3 years’ time, I’ll be proud to say I accomplished the PCT!!!

I know I make some people nauseous when I post about my weight loss as often as I do- this is me not caring…..

I obsess because it’s my goal.  And why wouldn’t I want to brag about the work I’ve done?!…I’m a healthier individual, I want to share that with those I care about.  I will continue to post pics of my progress, of my happiness, and of those “little wins” that come with dropping 75lbs…like being able to cross my legs, fit into a size 8 and touch my toes.  Do you have any freaking idea how long it’s been since I could touch my toes????  Like legit curl-my-fingers-beneath-them- touch my toes! If my happiness and success pisses you off, you have the option to unfollow.  I don’t need haters, and I’m fully prepared to unload negativity as I prepare for my dream.

The PCT is just that….my dream!

Just because it doesn’t make sense to you or is not something you envisioned me doing, doesn’t make it any less important to me or less important that I have your support.  And it won’t make me change my mind.  The more people realize I’m doing this for myself and not for them, the more incredible this journey is and will be.  Let me clear, I’m fucking terrified.  No if’s, and’s, or but’s about it.  But I’m prepared to put the work in to make this seem less daunting.  I’ll continue my training hikes, continue to purchase equipment and use it as often as I can to familiarize myself with it.  I’ll continue tracking down recipes for my dehydrator, and continue to save so I can actually buy one.  This isn’t just a pipe dream, I have a 3-inch binder full of plans that says this is reality.  And on April 2, 2019 I’ll fly into San Diego and get ready for the most amazing and terrifying 6 months of my life!

For those who have donated, cheered me on, dusted me off when I dealt with my first disagreement about my trip and continue to support me as I plan, from the bottom of my eternally grateful heart- THANK YOU!!!!

 

As part of my preparation and training, I’m not just doing hikes two years out. I fully plan to be knowledgable and 100% confident in my ability to do the PCT. Ergo, I’ve pre-registered for some online course to help me on my way. These courses are sponsorship opportunities if anyone is looking to donate to my hike. (I do have a GoFundMe page set up)

https://gofundme.com/2c2mgtb8

Aside from signing up for a wilderness first aid course, a winter equipment and safety course and a wilderness survival course, perhaps the course I’m the MOST excited about is Thru-Hiking 101 from Backpacker Magazine and Liz “Snorkel” Thomas; a triple-Crowner*. It’s a 6-week course that touches up on literally everything I’m planning now…from food to tenting, water purification to staying motivated.  At the end of it, you’re encouraged to retain extra credit by completing a documented multi-day hike utilizing the skills you learned. I think I might hike and multi-day camp sleeping Beauty, assuming she counts. Check out this syllabus:

WEEK 1 // Refining the Dream

LESSON 1 // How this class works

LESSON 2 // What is thru-hiking?

LESSON 3 // Choosing the right trek for you

LESSON 4 // Finding the time and money

LESSON 5 // Rallying your team

LESSON 6 // Understanding your “why”

Homework

WEEK 2 // Making It Real
 LESSON 1 // The importance of planning

LESSON 2 // Physical fitness

LESSON 3 // Calculate your budget

LESSON 4 // Set the homefront to autopilot

Homework

WEEK 3 // Route Planning
LESSON 1 // Why bother?

LESSON 2 // Think about permits

LESSON 3 // Decide when and where you’ll start

LESSON 4 // Plan your hard-stop end date

LESSON 5 // Getting to and from the trailhead

LESSON 6 // Roughing out your itinerary

Homework

WEEK 4 // Resupplies
LESSON 1 // The role of food on a thru-hike

LESSON 2 // Food rules for thru-hikers

LESSON 3 // Decide on a resupply strategy

LESSON 4 // Mail drops

LESSON 5 // Grocery store resupplies

LESSON 6 // Bounce boxes

Homework

WEEK 5 // Gear
LESSON 1 // Letting go of perfection

LESSON 2 // Ask the right questions

LESSON 3 // How to lighten up without breaking the bank

LESSON 4 // Where to spend your time and money

LESSON 5 // Other key gear decisions

LESSON 6 // What’s in their pack?

Homework

WEEK 6 // Life on the Trail
LESSON 1 // What’s it really like out there?

LESSON 2 // Eating and drinking

LESSON 3 // Making camp

Lesson 4 // Daily Routines

LESSON 5 // Tricks for the long haul

LESSON 6 // Trail etiquette

LESSON 7 // Safety basics

LESSON 8 // Special concerns for women

LESSON 9 // Special concerns for older hikers

LESSON 10 // Common thru-hiker medical issues

LESSON 11 // Staying motivated

LESSON 12// Making friends on the trail

LESSON 13 // Keeping in touch with loved ones

Homework

Course Wrap-Up
Final words of wisdom

Extended course credit: Completing your own multi-day hike

Further resources

Course feedback

Credits and acknowledgement

Awards and Accolades

To say I’m stoked would be a complete understatement. I can’t wait until seats open so I can get started. Liz, if you read this, count me in!!!!
Eeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!
*Triple-Crowner: someone who has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divite Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. 

All my maps have been printed. By the way if you’re ever considering this hike, PCT Halfmile’s maps are incredible. I’m at mile 2,100 planned, well over halfway. In terms of geography, I’m near Washington state….from Mexico!!!! The maps I printed appear to be very accurate and it seems that I’ll be resupplying anywhere from every 5-9 days. Looking ahead I can see the really technical part of my planning will be re-supply management and trying to figure out how many meals and supplies to put in each box. In order to do that I need to make an expected menu. 

The more I plot nightly campsites, plan resupply locations, and start my menu of the most nutritious dehydrated bags of food money can buy, the more pumped I get. But the more convinced I get that I’m also frigging crazy!  I mean really, all it will take is one missed/late post office visit and I could be facing food shortage. The good news is most of my resupply locations are near stores and motels so if I need to hunker down for the night and wait I can. It just means trip delays, which can suck if you’re 6 months away already!

I’m hoping my hubby will come down for part of my trip and hang around Crater Lake for a few days and hike with me part of the PCT. I’m sure he’s not ecstatic about it but I think he’s accepting i’m doing this one day somehow!  The older I get, the more I realize that doing things like this, while mildly unpopular is also necessary. If I didn’t have dreams that are bigger than myself, I’m not a happy person. I need something bigger than myself to hitch my wagon to. This is a huge goal, so huge it actually seems impossible right now, so I’m glad I’m starting now. 

I’ve been tracing my expected itinerary over a Harry Potter marathon this weekend. My hubby got me the first 2 movies on DVD for Xmas (I used to have VHS copies but obviously those are obsolete) so we’ve been re-watching the series since yesterday afternoon. Means I got a shit done on planning and lists. 

I figure for the next while I’ll be asking friends and family for gifts surrounding this trip. I mean if I can get a 70l backpack and not have to pay for it…score!!!  The same goes for my necessary water treatment system and the hundreds if not thousands of bucks I’m going to spend on food, supplies and postage. 

Speaking of supplies, check this out:  

This is a $50 soup and chili kit with 72 portions…$0.70 a portion!  It appears I’ll be living off soup and chili a lot. I plan to buy several boxes of this alongside a few $50 boxes of freeze dried veggies to add and voila….great meals on a budget. I’ll be supplementing these with pouched food of a variety like beef stew, pasta primavera even pad Thai. Did you know they have freeze-dried ice cream bars????  WTF?!?!  Not sure how good they’ll taste but at $2.50 a pouch and 6 months in the wilderness solo you can bet your ass I fully plan to experiment!!! And hiking at least 20 miles a day I won’t feel guilt splurging on “ice cream” several days a week! Haha.