The time to start my thru-hike of the PCT is drawing near. To think that in three days, I will stand on the border with Mexico, face north and start walking towards Canada, fills me with joy and excitement.

I am about to start an adventure, and I feel no fear or hesitation. It almost seems like I am a piece that has finally found its place in a puzzle.

I am grateful for the support that my friends and family have shown me. Since I moved out of New York City at the end of March, they have welcomed me into their homes, made time in their schedules for me and expressed their support. My journey hasn’t even started, but it has already begun to bear fruit. Thank you all.

Right now I am sitting on a jetty about 1/2 mile from the shore in Long Beach, California. The sun is shining, the waves are lapping against the rocks and the seals are playing in the surf. In this moment, I don’t think things could get any better.

Over the past week, I have acquired the last of my gear, packed up my snow gear for the Sierra Nevada mountains and bought about 20 days of food to send myself at different points on the trail. I have also taken some training walks along the beach with my longest being about 17 miles.

On my first day out of Campo, California, I hope to hike 15 miles to Hauser Creek where there is a water source and some flat ground to camp. Mentally and physically, I feel in a good position to make that goal. After that, my next goal is to reach the 50 mile mark, which will be the longest I have hiked over consecutive days. Finally, my third goal is to reach Warner Springs, California, which is just over the 100 mile mark.

I look forward to taking you, the reader, along with me. I hope you can find some value in these journal entries.

Owen Rojek

April 20, 2017

Long Beach, California