I started walking to get in shape, that soon bored me to near death, so I upped the ante and went down the canyon trails in Balboa Park. Before I knew it, Bored! What to do? well, one day I decided to go to Cuyamaca State Park about 45 minutes east of San Diego off of I-8. Before I did this, I went and purchased myself a pair of hiking boots, bought a backpack, loaded it up with water, snacks and some basic first aid. I found my way to the ranger station, where I purchased a map. out at my car, I laid it on the hood and studied it, decided on a trail and went for it. Before I knew what happened, I was negotiating switch-backs for what seemed an eternity..probably something like 1/2 mile or so of very steep climbing.. As I near the top of the trail, it begins to level off, and I think wow! I'm almost to the top of Oakzanita Peak, and I feel Fantastic!!! The views were spectacular and that feeling of accomplishment was bringing a smile to my face! Had I never stopped smoking I honestly do not believe this feat would have been possible. 6 Miles round trip for this one..
Coming down the mountain was more thrilling than going up, and I was already planning to come back and do it again! So a few days later, following recovery from Oakzanita peak, I ventured once more to Cuyamaca for a longer and equally fulfilling hike..Little did I know I was hooked on this new hobby, and I came to realize that during this hike! I increased my mileage by 4 trail miles to about a ten mile hike this time, and I felt as though I had flew to the moon! I mean my whole life I sit in a car and let it take me where I need to go...I have been a slave to lazy ways..Now I Hike to feel what true freedom feels like, to see the beauty that is all around me, without distractions, and without limitations.
Twice more since cuyamaca, only this time up to Laguna Mountain Recreation Area in the Cleveland National Forest. I never believed in all my life that I would have hiked 14 Miles in under 6 hours with a pack on my back weighing no less than 15 pounds. It was at this point I knew...
The Pacific Crest Trail calls to me, in my sleep, during every waking hour. I have made the decision to Thru-Hike the longest trail in the US. I really have no other choice in the matter...If I don't, then I will forever regret not doing it!
Am I crazy..maybe a little...This is after all a 6 month event, I will be living in trail camps and forest campgrounds every night for 180 days, eating dehydrated meals, filtering and treating drinking water, wearing the same clothes every day and not having a bath for days at a time. Yuck...but hey, bathing daily is only about 100 years new, I can regress for this..It's worth it. I suppose the only thing I will really miss on this adventure, My bed. No really..
I have waited my entire life to have just such an opportunity present itself, I have worked tirelessly these past 9 months to get myself in shape, to get my health in order and to finally feel good about myself. Done! Then the PCT shows up into my life, and I realize that all the work I have been doing to improve myself is for the day I set out to walk to Canada from Campo
