What’s the best part of life? For me, it’s living it. I’m not sure how I got so lucky in life to blessed with such superb individuals around me. My wife is my everything. She keeps me sane, but also drives me crazy at the same time. Unfortunately, I can’t read her mind or decode her “hints” at what she’d like from me. But that’s not going to stop me from being by her side every moment I can. Therefore, I recall the words of John Muir, “The Mountains are calling and I must go.”
In this instance, those mountains consist mainly of the Sierras and Cascades. Nina and I have decided to attempt a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail starting the end of April this year. We have a passion for the outdoors. Life is so much simpler on the trail. There are very few distractions from pure adventure and life. You make do with what you have on your back (plus what comes general delivery at the post office for some sections- thanks Mom). But seriously, we are so present in our daily life while on the trail. It’s sad to say goodbye to some things, but when you’re there you don’t miss things. You miss awesome family, great friends, and the best dog ever.
Rio gets nervous when we pull out our trail gear as he has been through this twice before. We wish we could bring him along, but that’s just not going to work. He’s a tough kid, but the desert heat on a big, black dog could prove quite trying. Plus he’s picky on his water, so I’m not sure he’d like drinking from some of the water sources in southern California. That’s not even mentioning that he’s not allowed in the backcountry of National Parks. Anyway, we’ll miss him but know that he’ll be well cared for by Tutu and Grandpa.
As Nina and I prepare for the trail, our apartment explodes with stuff all over the place. OK, I should really say, as Nina prepares us for the trail. We have acquired lots of possessions in the past year and a half since completing the Continental Divide Trail. Luckily our gear from the CDT held up quite nicely and we don’t have much to replace. Like everyone else, our budget is limited and we have to choose wisely. This is quite the process, but we want to make sure we have exactly what we want and what’s necessary to give us the best chance at completion of our journey. We take care of each other and know that each of us is stronger than we give ourselves credit. I can’t understand why someone would wonder why we would want to do this. They’ve heard about our plans and can’t figure out why we would choose this. We both smile because we know it isn’t something they can wrap their mind around as they been in a completely different mindset from us. For us, the trail brings freedom, and strength, and motivation, and struggle, and fulfillment. I should really just speak for myself, but Nina and I have been through this before. We know each other’s passions and desires. And now you will know my desire to quit writing this for tonight and retire to my flannel sheets which I gladly exchange for a down quilt in less than two weeks. Good night.
