5 Days until I hike the PCT

It’s Really Happening

Two years ago, I took my first steps on this trail. I was a ball of nerves and honestly did not know how far I was going to make it. My first goal was Idyllwild because it was sort of a walk home. It is where my dad worked until the end of his career and where my mom committed suicide. I cannot begin to explain to you the emotions I felt walking to this town. Feelings of exhaustion, grief, bravery, sadness all showing themselves to them as I walked endlessly to a town that I love but also to a town that brought so much grief.

Not only was I dealing with those emotions I was wading through my own ability as I had never done anything like this to any extent. The previous 3 years I had four knee surgeries to help me walk and readjust my bones to the anatomically correct position. My first day on the PCT in 2022 I completed 4 miles and for me that was a huge accomplishment. From not being able to walk up stairs a couple years before to walking 4 miles?! Well here I am in 2025, 5 days away from taking my first steps on the PCT again and I should be feeling ready and prepared.

And yet, I still have first-day jitters. The trail itself might be the same, but everything else is different—my mindset, my confidence, the people I’ll meet, the towns I’ll pass through.

I know what’s coming, and yet, I don’t.

So, welcome to this crazy little journey of me realizing… this is actually happening. And I’m about to walk 2,650 miles again.