Waiting is Painful

So after having officially resigned from my job last Friday, I have to endure only two more weeks of engineering life before I drop out and become hiker trash! Before I leave for the PCT, I'm taking a Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) course through Portland's Mazamas. BCEP will help familiarize me with basic rock/snow climbing skills as well has help me get some training hikes in before I fly down to San Diego. I met my BCEP group yesterday (12 of us) on a hike to Devil's Rest in the Columbia River Gorge. Everybody in the group seems cool, and I can't wait to become more involved in the Oregon climbing community.

That being said, my priority right now is planning for the PCT, and I am nearly done collecting/making/purchasing all my gear (gear list and pictures coming soon). Next step is to plan my food and resupply itinerary. For those of you who are not familiar with the PCT, check out the tab at the top of this page called "About the PCT" for a brief description and links to PCT related websites or click here.

The shorts I bought were to long... so i cut them, and busted out mom's sewing machine

New days ahead and the Pacific Crest Trail

Last week I told my company that I was leaving to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Quitting my job was one of the hardest things I've done in recent years; not making the decision itself, but actually making the decision public. The weeks leading up to my announcement, I was in a state of fear and anxiety. The days after I announced my departure, I felt and still feel a sense of relief and freedom that is growing daily. It surprises me how even though I've only been working at Solar World for 1.5 years, all my coworkers are supportive of my decision and are making my transition out a heck of a lot easier.

That being said, I moved back in with my parents to save some money and plan for my departure for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

The PCT is a 2,650 mile long trail that goes from the US/Mexican border to the US/Canadian border. I will be hiking solo, but expect to meet many other hikers along the way. In fact, I'm going to attend a 'kick off' party in the desert near San Diego to get acquainted with other hikers. The weekend long event is called the PCTADZKO (PCT Annual Day Zero Kick Off) where over 500 hikers/trail enthusiasts are expected to show.

Check out more info at www.pcta.org and http://pct77.org/adz/