On 1st July 2019 I left the comfort and safety of my UK life to fly to Seattle. After a busy couple of days there sorting out my food supplies, started my Pacific Crest Trail hike on the 4th of July.
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a 2650 mile long distance walking trail across the U.S.A.
I’m hiked south bound, starting at the Canadian Border – walking through the States of Washington, Oregon and California – until I reached the Mexican Border.
I carried all my kit and camping gear. I passed through towns about once a week to pick up food resupply, shower, charge my phone etc.
It took me just under 5 months, so I finished in late November 2019.
Why did I do this?
Four years ago, as I approached a significant birthday, I admitted to myself that I wasn’t living the life and adventures I’d dreamed off.
I’d been waiting for my circumstances to change but changing they were not.
I decided it was time to stop putting my life on hold. And I tentatively started having adventures on my own. Each year I’ve got a bit bolder and braver:
I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail because the idea of spending 5 months walking in nature – in dramatic beauty – felt like a dream. I knew it will be hard. So hard that I’d want to quit many times. But I also knew that I’d love it and be changed by it.
I’m so, so happy to have been able to raise money for Mikey’s Line & The Hive Project as I walked the PCT.
They work to:
- Help fight the Highland wide problem of chronic loneliness
- Provide a light in the dark for those in the depths of depression
- Offer a distraction from thoughts leaning towards self-harm
- Tackle head on the staggering rate of suicide in the Highlands.
I aimed to raise £4000 and have exceeded this target – thank you! The money will go towards opening a ‘satellite’ Hive Thurso and also to taking mindset skills into primary schools. If you feel so inclined and are in a position to do so, please consider donating.
