In mid April of 2013, I said my goodbyes to my husband as he embarked on his 2600 mile journey that would take him 5 months to complete. Walking from Mexico to Canada was his dream. Never in my wildest thoughts would I ever think that I would want to take on something of this magnitude. And I still believe that, but what I do know is that the PCT changed not only Kevin's life, but also mine. The Magic of the PCT is hard to describe. I was fortunate enough to be able to see Kevin for 4 resupplies from Mexico to Mammoth and then spend 4 weeks on the road/trail with him from Northern California to Ashland. During this time, I was able to meet the hikers, the trail angels, provide lots of trail magic and just experience something that is truly hard to describe. It changed me. From my days of dehydrating food, watching his every movement on my computer, going to the Post office every week with new resupply boxes and waiting and waiting for that phone call I just might get, updating his blog and just thinking about him all the time...it changed me. I knew I was ready to do something, but not of that caliber. I have hiked many miles in the Eastern Sierra's and Kevin has always been there to share his love of the mountains with me. So why not? The John Muir Trail was my anwser. It would be enough challenge and something I would have as a goal....from start to finish. But...now the tables have turned and I will be doing this without him walking with me. He is my resupply man, he will be my trail angel.
That in itself makes me very nervous. He always makes decisions when we are in the backpacking. Always has and it doesn't bother me in the least bit. I just walk. and cook. Will I know when the clouds are building up? Will I know where to camp? Will I know how to read the maps and those very curvy contour lines? Will I get lost? (hah...probably so) Will I be lonely being on the trail for 25 + days? I know I will miss my husband, my children, my family, my animals and my bestie, Dana. So sad that she won't be along for the trip.
I am so happy to have my friends Joan and Kathleen joining me. They are great woman and will be wonderful company. My friend Nancy is also planning to join our little group in the very early part of the hike. Kevin will try and meet us at Donahue Pass with little Bodie and wine. He will hike for a couple of days with us. Then we are off into the BIG MOUNTAINS.
I feel like I'm getting very prepared as I have my tried and true TRAIL TESTER living with me. What worked for 2600 miles is good for me. He has my pack all equipped with the lightest and the best equipment. I know the food situation as I became quite good at that after 5 months of 32 resupply boxes of all homemade food. So...it's just a matter of getting in good trail shape and off we go. Trying to leave the Valley on July 29 to get to Tuolomne by Aug 2, where our permit begins.
and so the adventure begins........
Mau, you are seriously so cool, I can't even handle it. Can't wait to follow your progress like I did Kevin's. You're going to have the experience of a lifetime, and I have to wonder what I'm doing here behind a computer???? After you're done, you can come visit Jeremy and me on our adventure. Best of luck! xoxo Alyssa
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