So no, I can't have my Cake and eat it too.  I can't stay and be with my friends and family, and still go on a 5 month hike.  Unless they all came with; that'd be interesting!  I can't live my dream without saying goodbye first.  But I can have a party with my Cake … Continue reading I can’t have my Cake and eat it too… (part 2) →

Last night, Wednesday March 29th,  was my last shift at work, until I get back from the PCT.  Thanks for all who came out, even if you didn't know it was my last shift!  (You know who you are!)  That's 6+ months without working.  It still hasn't hit me.  I mean, I'll still be stopping … Continue reading I can’t have my Cake and eat it too… (part 1) →

2650 Miles.  250+ pages of contour maps, 8 1/2 x 11, double sided.  125+ perforated guide book pages, double sided.  100+ possible stops; towns, campsites, inns, villages, etc..  27 scheduled re-supply deliveries.  Numerous un-scheduled re-supply deliveries expected.  There is no Crow!  He does not fly Straight! The last two days I've spent putting my maps … Continue reading As the Crow Flies →

Yeah that's right. I own an Ice Axe.  Never thought I'd say that. But with the heavier than average snowfall out west this year I have a feeling it may come in handy. What will I be using it for, you ask? Well the main purpose is for self arresting; or in layman's terms, stopping … Continue reading I own an Ice Axe!? →

He may be stealing other picanic baskets, but he won't be stealing mine! For the areas with bear warnings, I have a bear container from BearVault.  I got mine today! It is a very hard poly-carbonate (plastic) container.  It is bear resistant. I will be storing all my food stuff and any scented items, like … Continue reading Yogi Bears picanic basket →

With the onset of this crazy warm February weather in Chicago-land I've been able to get outside and train.  Such a relief and such a difference.  Fresh air and sunshine feel so much better than climbing the stair-master to nowhere, or walking forward on the treadmill staring at your computer stats, or even making circuits … Continue reading Training Day(s) →

Although I had applied for my permit on Jan 24th, my start date of April 23rd was not official until receiving last Wednesdays email with my approved permit file.  I noticed the email while I was behind the bar working.  I was so excited I excused myself and went into our walk-in beer cooler and let … Continue reading Officially Official. →

Spreadsheets, USPS accounts, bank cards, patience, GPS tracker, masterful organization skills, a touch of OCD, PCT guidebook, determination, adaptation, sense of humor, sense of adventure, a 'rolodex' filled w important contacts and websites, boxes, bags, tape, trustworthiness, reliability, lateral thinking..... these are just Some of the tools my Re-Supply Strategist, and good friend Melissa, has … Continue reading The Re-Supply Strategist →