It is official! I received my permit and will be setting off on April 23rd from the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in Campo, California. I am beyond elated that this train is about to leave the station, so to speak, as it has been idling there for over a year.
Inner Peace
I was talking to a friend over lunch about my imminent departure for the west coast and if I was starting to freak out. To be honest, I have been examining my feelings to see if I can detect any hesitation or nervousness, but instead I am finding inner peace and other signals of affirmation that I am making the right, perhaps even perfect, choice for me. These feelings have made me content, excited, and sure of my choice to embark on this adventure. The fact that things are coming together well and I have all my ducks in a row is certainly making the transition from working professional in New York City to location independent adventurer (a.k.a homeless and walking in the woods) easier.
Hiking by Myself
Are you doing that by yourself? is the questions that everyone asks. It certainly isn’t an easy yes or no answer. Do I know anyone else hiking the PCT this year? No, but there are 49 other people starting on April 23rd and there are 50 people starting the day before and after and for the whole month of April and into part of May too. Though I don’t know these people yet, I am sure there will be some fast friends among them. I certainly already have more in common with them than the average person I meet on the streets of New York City. I already consider these unmet friends my trail family.
Goals
Being mindful of why I am doing this and what my goals are will help me define a personal definition of success for this adventure. It will also keep me from straying too far from my intentions or getting caught up in external pressures. I thought I would record my goals here so I can think of them often.
The Japanese have a great saying 初心を忘れるべからず, which translates to don’t forget your original intention(s). This phrase has stuck with me ever since I returned to America after living in Japan. When I am having a tough day on trail, it will be important to recall these goals and intentions in order to find solace.
- Spend 5 months living outside and walking everyday
- Travel through beautiful and remote places with my own two feet and everything I need on my back.
- Measure myself and my capabilities
- Share with others
- Help others achieve their goals
- Reflect each day on the high and low point and one thing I am working towards
- Record the above for later reflection
- Go at my own pace
- Be smart and safe. It isn’t a success if I don’t come back.
- Make new friends
- Be grateful for my family and friends and let them know how grateful I am as often as possible
- Maintain my Japanese and learn some Spanish along the way
Nike Got it Right
With their three word slogan Just do it, Nike really nailed it on the head. In the internet age with access to almost limitless information, we research everything. Looking for reviews, blog posts, videos, photos, and more we spend so much time thinking about things and trusting others opinions that we forget to actually do them. How often have we ruled out a potential travel location, experience or item based on someone else’s negative experience that they blasted all over the internet? The adventure is about seeing and experiencing for myself and forming my own conclusions. I have a new motto, When in doubt, just do it.
You Can Do It Too
You, yes you, you can do it too. There is nothing like the freedom and joy when you fully commit to doing something you absolutely want to do. Don’t let societal pressures, family worries, job stress or that little voice in your head hold you back. Your most valuable resource is your time and it is limited. Why not spend it doing exactly what you want to do? Don’t have the financial resources? Set up a financial plan and timeline, work your butt off, and count down the days. Don’t have the skills? Start learning today. Youtube, the internet at large, and your friends are your teachers. Remember, you are responsible for your life and you should make it the most fulfilling one possible.
Get new articles in your inbox by signing up at the top of the sidebar.
Recommended read: Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
Recommended gear: Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System
Recommended emotion: Happy
Owen, glad that are embracing the opportunity of adventure. Embrace each day!
I hope you are going with someone, Owen. The best on this endeavor. It is going to be the journey, the process, along the way that the learning takes place. Hugs.