On March 13th, 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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Documenting in the Wilderness

With each hiking trip, I find myself becoming a fiercer advocate for time in the great outdoors. I find my time spent hiking to be both mentally and physically restorative. I love how I feel after hiking so much that I have begun preaching to family, friends, and anyone who stumbles across this website. A piece of that preaching is sharing essays, photos, and videos from my adventure. In some small way, I see it as a positive form of propaganda.  

Watching the Forecast

Preparing for the Pacific Crest Trail, I have been forced to become a better observer of the weather. I have also learned some needed lessons about how to respond in certain situations. If rain, find tree cover. If dark clouds begin gathering, get below the tree line. If thunder and lightning begin, avoid open fields and stay away from metal objects. In life, I have always been able to seek shelter during less than ideal weather. Soon, I will have nowhere to retreat. I am hoping these lessons serve me well and keep me safely hiking.

Beginning to Finish Life in LA

I have two months left in Los Angeles. For two years, I have dreamed of hiking this trail. While I have made every preparation possible to reach this dream, nothing has prepared me for the emotional journey of leaving Los Angeles. Besides my affinity for Seattle and the very real challenges of living and working here, I have fallen deeply in love with Los Angeles, and all that is has come to mean to me. I am positive there is much more to explore on this topic, but for now, you should know leaving here was not supposed to be this hard.

Romero Canyon Loop

Romero Canyon Loop outside of Santa Barbara, California was my second to last practice hike before hitting the trail. With rolling hills, steep climbs, and a desert climb, I found it to be a perfect practice hike. Being able to stare at the Pacific Ocean all day also served as wonderful motivation. Several times, throughout the day, I found myself lost in thought soaking up the vastness of the expanse before me. I thought of the millions of other people who have done the same thing. I wonder how many of life’s great challenges have been solved just by getting lost in crashing waves for a while.

Final Practice Hike  

In February, a couple of friends of mine and I will attempt to hike a portion of the California Hiking and Riding Trail in Joshua Tree National Park. This overnight trip will serve as a final opportunity to test gear and dial in my needs. It is also fitting this journey of preparation ends with Joshua Tree. Without a doubt, this park is my favorite and served as my first official hike in California. I can say, without reservation, this hike will be an emotional one. Another one of those emotions I did not plan for when this all began.

Be good to each other,

Nathan 

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