Monday, June 25, 2007

Why This Blog?

That is the question... why? Is this just another blog on the fabulous Pacific Crest Trail? Just another individual who dares to think that others really want to read his rants? Just another hot-headed activist with too much time on his hands? What, really is the purpose of this posting.

Well, if you are reading this, thank you... but this posting is not for you. It is for my father.

You see, last year, something inspired me to call my father and make him a promise. A promise designed to fulfill one of his life-long dreams and to create a truly memorable experience for the two of us.

I promised my father that we would spend July of 2008 hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.

Ever since I was a young boy, my father talked about the PCT -- talked about hiking it someday and publishing a photographic journal of his trip. Now, some thirty-odd years later, this dream may finally come to fruition.

The purpose of this blog is not so much to share with you this experience, but to provide a method of discipline for myself because, in order to do this in July 2008, I need to start getting in shape today.

You see, I used to be an enthusiastic hiker. Fourteen mile days were great fun. Whether through Desolation Valley or Point Reyes, I loved to hike and discover new and beautiful views and be alone in my thoughts.

Unfortunately, about five years ago, my life changed and so did my passions. The result? I am now overweight and out of shape and in no way could I do a fourteen mile hike today without being in pain tomorrow.

Therefore, the purpose of this blog is track my personal efforts over the next year as I prepareto hike the Pacific Crest Trail. I will share my personal goals, struggles, gains, ideas, equipment purchases, everything I do from now until July 1, 2008 when we head off on our adventure.

I welcome all feedback, ideas, suggestions, and comments. Thank you for sharing this experience with me.