Well, it's official. I'm thru-hiking the PCT. My start date is April 26th. It hasn't quite set in just yet but I know that it will.

I've gone through a lot of life changes recently. I've ended a 4 year relationship, left my job of nearly 3 years, and temporarily moved out of Oregon, my home for the past 4 years. Before this happened it was my plan to do the PCT anyway but now I'm certain it is the right thing for me. In 2015 I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail and I grew and changed tremendously, for the better. I still can feel the strength and confidence that I gained on that hike all these years later. That said, I know this experience will help me heal and process everything and I'll walk into Canada a much different person than I am now.

This time I'm not really sure what to expect. I wonder things like what will keep me going on the really hard, cold, wet, tiring days. I've already proven to myself with the AT that I'm capable but maybe I'll need to do it again. I think it's safe to say that I'm not expecting anything this time. I don't know that I want to set goals like I did on the AT. I don't want to compare it and hope that it's the same experience because it won't be and I don't want it to be. I am really excited to be able to hike through Oregon since it's been my home for so long and a place that I love deeply. I'm a very nostalgic person so I know I'll love hiking through places that hold a special meaning. I think the only stress I have is thinking about how I'll continue to run HikerFeed while I'm on trail. I think this hike will help me learn and ultimately better HikerFeed since it'll immerse me and help me realize the needs of a thru-hiker again. Finding the balance between freedom and running a business will be something I'll figure out once I'm out there.

One thing that I'm doing differently is I'm dehydrating and prepping most of my food ahead of time. I didn't do this for the AT but I did do it for the entire Colorado Trail, which was only 4 boxes. I've been making all sorts of meals and buying snacks in bulk. I thoroughly enjoy cooking and prepping but it'll also save me a lot of money (hopefully). I thankfully haven't had to purchase too much new gear either though I know that I'm already 7lbs lighter than I was on the AT which is awesome. And no, I'm not going ultra-light :).

This journal feature will soon be added to the app that I've been hard at work building so my intent is to update this journal weekly once I'm on trail. I hope you'll follow along.

- Forrest Gump