The Pacific Northwest Trail: Beginnings

So, exactly a week from today I'll be embarking on a 1,200 mile journey called the Pacific Northwest Trail (click link to find out more). Here I am in Port Townsend, having a bit of trouble imagining what I might feel once I'm on the trail. I made my way today to where the trail passes through in town, right by the beach, and butterflies stirred inside of me. Three weeks ago I packed up my things and wrapped up my life in Maastricht, The Netherlands, where I've resided for 5 years. Chapter closed, and another begins.

The Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT) is one of 11 national scenic trails in the United States. What makes this one a bit different though, is the fact that it was established in 2009 (although Ron Strickland founded the PNTA in 1977). In comparison, the Pacific Crest Trail was designated by Congress as a scenic trail in 1968. More and more prospective thru-hikers attempt this journey every year, but they are few and far between compared to the now crowded PCT or AT. Thru-hiking the PNT is still, in effect, a pioneering act. Hikers must not only use advanced navigational skills (because of limited signage) but must also bushwack. Many people think bushwacking consists of beating down overgrown bushes or plants that conceal the trail. Not so. Essentially, there are parts of the PNT where the trail simply is not there, and one must traverse through forests and other areas, without any path, until the trail reveals itself again.

The PNT crosses three national parks: Glacier National Park, North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park. It goes against the grain of several mountain ranges including the Continental Divide, Whitefish Divide, The Purcells, Selkirks, Cascades and Olympics. The total elevation gain is roughly like climbing My. Everest 8 times. It traverses seven national forests and two other national scenic trails.

Long story short, this is going to be a challenge. I must admit, I am a bit nervous. I try to think back to 6 months ago, when I decided quite determinedly to hike this trail. What motivated me to pick this one in particular? One sure reason is that I've spent 11 years of my life in the Pacific Northwest, and I thought it a great opportunity to explore more of the area I used to call home. I believe getting to know a place is best done by walking through it, feeling the land under your feet, meeting locals and communities, creatures and plants that are steeped in what the land has been, what it is now and how it changes. Another reason is my sheer need for extreme adventure... a craving I sometimes struggle to understand myself. When I'm hiking though I start to remember again. I start to feel bodily and mental sensations that are absolutely unique to long-distance hiking. I start to understand, and remove myself from domestic life. I start to distance myself from my other many identities. Unless you're out there, doing it, hiking your own hike, you just do not understand.

I've spread out my gear, made my last arrangements (almost, procrastination haunts me) and this weekend I'll catch a ride with my cousin to Montana. My friend Snowberry, whom I met two years ago on the Colorado Trail will meet me at the trail head... and here we go. How lucky and crazy I am to be able to do this. A gift this is, but I'll have to work at it. I'll be sharing my journey with all those that are interested on this page. Stay tuned for more wanderings of me, photos and thoughts included. I give a big hug to the world and hold the spirit of my family and beloved friends close as I go out into the wild.

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For those that are interested, here is my gear list:

(some things I couldn't be bothered to find, couldn't remember what brand...)

- Tent: The North Face Stormbreak 1

- Sleeping bag: REI Serrana

- Sleeping mat: Sea to Summit Ultralight insulated R

- Pillow: Ayacucho

- Whistle: Forlifellc

- Watch: Casio

- Poles: Cascade Mountain Tech

- Headlamp: Black Diamond - Pot and cup: GSI Outdoors Halulite Boiler 1.1 L and GSI plastic cup

- Stove: Home made alcohol stove

- Spork: Light My Fire

- Rope: Coghlans Nylon Paracord

- Knife: Hand crafted artisan pocket knife, Beornidas

- Mosquito head net: Sea to Summit

- Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick

- Lip balm: Burt's bees

- Mooncup: Lumunu Moskito

- Soap and hand sanitizer: Generic

- Duct tape: Generic

- Bear Spray: Counter Assault Bear Deterrent

- Lighter: Generic

- Glasses and sunglasses: N/A

- Toothbrush and toothpaste: N/A

- Poop scooper: GSI Outdoors

- Body powder: Gold Bond

- Towel: Quechua absorbing towel

- Camera: Firefly action camera

- Phone: Samsung J7

- Satellite phone: DeLorme In Reach

- Underwear: Costco

- Sports bra: N/A

- Tights: C&A basic

- T-shirt: Mizuno Teamwear

- Long-sleeve shirt: Champion Duo Dry

- Pants: Nike Dri-Fit

- Shorts: N/A

- Fleece: N/A

- Hard shell: Marmot Knife Edge

- Headband: Buff

- Sun hat: REI

- Cold hat: Gold Medal Intl.

- Gloves: N/A

- Shoes: Altra Lone Peak 3.5

- Socks: Injinji SM toe socks

- Sandals: Teva

- Gaiters: Altra

- Cramp-ons: Kahtoola Micro-spikes

- Solar panel: Biolite

- Cables: Mini-USB

- Ear-phones: Marley

- Water filter: Sawyer Full size.

- PNT data book