There are two responses that I usually get when I tell people we’re attempting to hike the PCT. One is “oh my god….why?” accompanied by a look off horror. The other is “oh my good…cool!” accompanied by a look of enthusiasm. I never quite know how to answer the “why” question. I’ve found that it’s really, really important for a certain type of person to have a rock solid, cause and effect reason as to why we’re doing this. When answering the people who are slightly horrified, I usually flounder around trying to come up with something other than “I don’t know, it just sounded kind of fun”. I’ve come to understand that they need a better explanation to make their world “right”. I’ve also come to understand, to them it sounds like some kind of torture that they wouldn’t do for a million dollars let alone “fun”. I try to give concrete reasons. I’ve notice that when I do, their shoulders relax a little and the angry folds of skin smooth out in their foreheads.

My mom stopped freaking out so much when we started talking about a stop motion video of the entire PCT we were considering undertaking. She then translated that into making money which in her mind made the whole endeavor sanctioned. We haven’t actually committed to this project yet (and we don’t expect to make any money), but if we could pull it off (with the help of friends)….how cool would that be?

So, why are we doing this?

Number one, it really does sound like fun. I can only speak for half of this team but, I really enjoy doing things that challenge me as a person. I know that sounds like a lame, cookie cutter, job interview answer, but it’s actually true. I love pushing myself through all kinds of uncomfortable situations and feelings. When you come out on the other side a stronger, more compassionate, deep person it’s a feeling like no other. There’s no way to explain to someone that doesn’t have this mindset why this way of life is so rewarding. How can you tell someone what benefits you’re going to get from an experience that you haven’t experienced yet?

Without fail, the next two questions are the same, “Are you going to bring a gun?” and “Aren’t you afraid of bears?”

No, we are not going to bring a gun. First of all, a gun is heavy. An average gun is 1 lb. 6 oz…although the only gun I know is the glock…thanks rap music. The goal is to get our base pack weight down to 10-12 lbs. (without food). To add that much weight would be counter productive. Also, to be able to use a gun quickly, you would have to have it easily accessible. What, are we going to wear holsters and ammo belts criss crossed across our chests? I understand that people have this reaction because this endeavor seems like such a strange and scarry thing, but honestly, the chances of us getting attacked out there (by a person or an animal) are probably less than us being in a car crash on the highway or dying in a house fire. Two things that people don’t even think twice about in their day to day lives.

Bears. Yes, there are bears out there. In the recorded history of the Pacific Crest Trail, no hiker has ever been killed by a bear. In the more heavily populated sections, by law, you must carry a bear cannister. With the canister, bears can’t smell your food and really aren’t interested in anything more than that. There are also smart things to do like don’t sleep where you cook and make noise when your hiking. It’s a big wilderness, we’ll be cautious, but I really don’t think it’s anything to freak out about.

Also, as far as bringing a gun to shoot a bear….it would just make the bear mad. There are risks to everything you do everyday. As long as you’re alert to your enviornment, stay calm and have a plan usually things work out for the best (on the trail and in life).

I really, really hope that this post doesn’t come back to haunt me as I’m either being munched on by a bear or being serial killed.