On April 11th, 2020, I will begin hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. This ongoing series is an attempt to document the entire journey from beginning to end.
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Hiking Movies and Documentaries
In my last entry, I mentioned a reading/writing challenge that I am undertaking for the year focused on the concept of a journey. This challenge got me thinking about other mediums where hiking and camping is the focus. As a cinephile, I started digging around the internet for a comprehensive list of the best movies on the subject. It didn’t take long before I landed on the list below. As I work my way through the films, I am curious to see how it will impact my writing, thinking, and preparation for the trail.
“32 Best Hiking Movies and Outdoor Documentaries”
Nothing Standing in My Way
This journey takes grit. It requires a bit of good luck, but it also demands a heightened level of mental, physical, financial, and spiritual discipline. Throughout my life, I have had to exercise all four of these to varying degrees, but rarely have I had to summon the strength of all four at the same time. As I read of the experiences from those who have conquered the trail or those who had to bail, I am beginning to realize what will be required of me to make it all the way to Canada. I will do things I never thought possible. I will be a different version of myself. I will change.
Feeling Generous? Here is my Amazon PCT Wishlist…
AMAZON PCT WISHLIST
Walden Pond and Solitude
Shortly after graduating from college, I read “On Walden Pond” by Henry David Thoreau. It was a life-changing read for me and a genesis for this expedition. While I have every intention of conquering the trail with my dear friend, Elizabeth, I know there will be times when we are alone in the woods. Sure, we will cross paths with other hikers and people in town, but there will also be long stretches where we are alone with just our thoughts. For some, this might be a frightening idea, but for me, it will be a revelation. The world in which I find myself is too loud, noisy and congested. I am looking forward to nature and the sound it encompasses. I long for the baptism and rejuvenation that can only be found in nature.
The Sierras and an Ice Ax
If I am honest, the Sierra Mountains scare me shitless. Post-holing, freezing nights, crossing streams, never-ending wet socks, and any other potential inconvenience is more than any other trial I have had to face on a trail. To combat these nerves, I am hoping to spend some time in the Sierras this spring, readying myself. I have also been doing a lot of reading on post-holing and properly using an ice ax. I find the only way to quiet a restless mind is by experience!
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Wisdom of Others
A journey such as this seems to give birth to the very idea of self-reliance. It also seems to give rise to the wisdom of others. I’ve spent countless hours reading the stories, watching videos from those who have thru-hiked the trail, and talking with people more experienced than me. There is an important lesson here. Far too often in this life, we find ourselves afraid of asking for help. 2,650 miles has a way of humbling you and forcing you to do things that feel uncomfortable at first but give birth to the possibility of one of the greatest experiences in life.
Be good to each other,
-Nathan
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