Packed and ready to go

Knots in my stomach. Quickened heartbeat. A lot of excitement. A lot of nervousness. Mind blown.

You know, there were several times in the past couple months where I almost backed out of this adventure. Something would come up with my family and I'd tell myself "You need to go home. The trail can wait." Or, I'd start thinking about the hardships I will face on the trail and I'd ask myself "Seriously. What ARE you doing?" That's a good question. The simple answer is "I'm hiking. Duh!", or, better yet, "I honestly do not know!" I do know. And I'm not just hiking. I'm conquering myself; my fears and my anxiety for sure. I'm reflecting on my life. Where I am, how I got here and where I want to go from here when I'm done with the trail. Deep soul searching, if you will.

Yeah. I almost backed out, but I didn't. Today my adventure starts.

At around 9:00 this morning my friend and I will be headed up to the Sierras. Our first stop is Whitney Portal. Whitney Portal is the starting point for those who are summiting Mt. Whitney. At 14,500ft, Mt. Whitney is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. Many people flock to the Portal to conquer her. Whitney Portal is also where most people who are hiking the John Muir Trail finish up. I'll be leaving my Jeep here while I am hiking so that when I finish the JMT, I won't have to hitchhike back to San Diego.

After we drop the Jeep off, we're going to do some exploring at Mammoth, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite Valley. Good times.

On Sunday, I pick up my JMT permit at the ranger station in Yosemite. You have to have a permit in order to hike the JMT. They started regulating how many people go out per day, as the trail was getting so popular and an increasing number of people were wanting to enjoy all the beauty of the backcountry. Once I have the permit we'll explore Yosemite a little. Maybe do a little warm up hiking.

Monday, it's on. With a full backpack and permit in hand, I will be stepping onto the trail with 230 miles of glorious wilderness awaiting me. I'm sure many emotions will be running through my head with that first step. With each step I take, the emotions will change. I know I'm going to cry. I know I'm going to laugh. I hope to sing. And maybe dance too (When no one is looking). I'm most looking forward to just being in such a peaceful environment. I want to lay in the grass, with a babbling stream running nearby, enormous mountains looming in the distance and a deep blue sky above me. Total peace.

I'm not sure how often I will be able to update after today. I might be able to get a few posts in this weekend, but I know that I won't have reception on the trail. I might get some at one of my resupply stops, but who knows how good the connection will be. Please do not give up on me if you don't see a post for a long time. I'm set to finish on July 22nd, so do check back on that day for sure.

Thank you all for your support. It is so encouraging to know that I have friends and family who are rooting for me!

 

 

P.S. The bandana on the bottom of my pack says Scotland. John Muir was from Scotland. The JMT hiking group that I am a part of on Facebook decided to designate this particular bandana as our group symbol. When we are on the trail and see someone with this same bandana, we will know that they are a part of our group, and therefore, a friend. This bandana was the one thing that I did not have. Last night when I was finishing packing, I mentioned to my friend that I never did order a bandana. Low and behold, he had ordered an extra! It was meant to be! Now, I feel my gear is complete and I am ready to go!