Hello blog readers!
It’s been a while.
In fact, it’s been four and half years since my last proper hiking update – after a National Park Service helicopter plucked me off the Pacific Crest Trail.
A lot’s changed since then.
I rode out the pandemic years in the Western Australian hermit kingdom.
I had heart surgery to fix my arrhythmia.
I met my now-wife, Jess, and turned this blog into a misnomer by hiking the Bibbulmun Track with her.
But one thing hasn’t changed: I’m still trying to thru-hike the PCT.
Ever since my iffy heart ended my 2019 attempt, I’ve been scheming to get back.
I’m writing this post on a flight to San Diego, where Jess and I will soon set off on our 2,650 mile adventure.
We’ve spent the past two and a bit years saving and preparing for this journey.
Over the past six months, we’ve been gradually shrinking our lives to fit into our hiking packs.
It’s been a million little steps to get here.
We rented out our house. We sold a car. We rehomed our gremlin/cat. We took leave from our jobs. We crammed 95% of our worldly possessions into storage.
We stuffed most of our remaining possessions (city clothes, trail supplies, 87 packets of chocolate energy gel) into boxes, which we’ve left with our friend in San Francisco.
And it’s finally here!
Tonight, we’ll stay with Scout and Frodo – two legendary trail angels who host 20-odd hikers every night at their home in San Diego.
These wonderful people dedicate their money, time, and effort helping hikers start their PCT adventures, while refusing to accept anything in return.
There are people up and down the trail who offer the same kindness.
Last time I came for the views, but stayed for the community.
This time I’m super excited for both, and I can’t wait to share them with Jess, who is experiencing the whole thing for the first time.
In 2019 I posted narrative-style blog updates, but this time I’m going to experiment with a more unfiltered daily journal that I’ll post in batches when I reach each town.
I’ll also be sharing some updates on my Facebook and Instagram, so follow me there if you haven’t already.
Happy trails!
Paddles
So happy for you both. We are eagerly following your fantastic adventure and your love story. This is the stuff that lifelong memories are made of Jess and Ben. You guys are out there and doing it! Know that in some small way we are with you and supporting you in this challenge. We have every faith that no matter what happens it will be one of your life’s great adventures together … Stay safe and happy trails.