This page is a work in progress, much like me.
Who am I? This is an on going question and the answers are different from day to day. Currently I am planning to hike the Pacific Crest Trail during the 2015 season.
When I mention I will be attempting a through hike of the PCT these are the questions I hear most. What is the PCT and what does it stand for? I’ve heard this term through hiker, hiker trash, ultra light hiker and long distance hiker but what does it mean? How long is this PCT? What will you eat? Will you hike alone or with someone?
This will be my second attempt at a through hike of the entire 2660 miles. A few things are different this time around. Last time I started the hike with my Dad, this time I start alone, but this time I start with two years of sobriety.
I’m going to attempt to answer many of those questions and a few others you might not ask or even want to ask. Like yes I will drop a deuce in the woods. No I will not eat bugs. Yes I will eat flowers and other natural vegetation. No I will not hunt or fish. As a general rule most hikers will filter and purify all water found on the trail unless it’s furnished by Trail Angels.
I am determined to enjoy myself and really be present during this hike. Ask me about the last time I tried a through hike if you’re interested. This time around I’m going to take a different approach and take more time to see it, see it all. The people who do this, the untouched parts of nature, the wildlife and some serious alone time are all going to change me forever. It could be a slight change, or even a more dramatic change but what ever the side affects are, thats what they will be, side affects of a bigger event that will last 6 months.
You’re going to be great! You’ve got this!
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Brendon! You are in my highest thoughts as of now! I so appreciated you at Big Sur and am so so so happy you are blessing yourself with this! ….thank you so much for your vitality, fun, enthusiasm, and beautiful spirit at the Hermitage! Be safe!
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you are really inspiring me! after seeing the way you climbed up the book shelf to change the battery in the fire alarm ~ i have no doubt you got this! so excited for you! getting closer all the time! yippee!
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Ha! Thanks but I wasn’t wearing a back pack at the time. You’re just so kind and considerate! Hey guess what today is? It the first day of my third year of sobriety and yesterday was the last day of my second year!
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Happy birthday!
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I’ll be starting this journey in April too, my first long-distance hike. I have much uncertainty about what to expect, but also much faith and excitement that I will step into nothing short of The Amazing. Good luck to you and enjoy!
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Uncertainty is the best tool for this journey! The views aid the challenges, the isolation enriches relationships forged along the way and the spiritual growth adds to your character unknown benefits only the future can reveal. I also start in April, on the 26th I will leave Campo. Will you attend he ADZPCTKO? What day do you start?
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Hi Brendan
I spent a lot of time in nature either tracking or running as a form of preparation for the marathons I used to run as a hobby.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that you will achieve the goal of your journey.
Ivan from Slovakia
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Ivan, thanks for the support. I’ll need it. Do you have a blog? Are you on facebook? Will you be hiking this season? How did you find my blog?
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Brandon, you are more than welcome.
I don’t have a blog, neither am I on facebook but thanks to Jackie I’ve been given access to your PCT2015 blog.
I’m afraid I can’t manage any hiking or running at the moment as I’m quite busy ‘running’ my longest marathon ever- a family life. The last marathon I ran was in 2004, but I can still remember what concentration and discipline it required to get ready and run at last the marathons themselves. It had always been for me a sort of like another style of life-a strict concentration on the present in view of achieving something great in the future.
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Wow! That was a well written and accurate description. Please do follow along and enjoy the blog as this adventure and journey unfolds. I’ve raised my family and ran a total of 6 marathons with the love and support from them. Life is so incredible and such a gift. The timing for such things is unbelievable when we get out of the way and allow the universe (God) to move the right pieces in the right place at the perfect time. Thank you so much for sharing.
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Thank you Brandon, I will.
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Good luck, Brendon. We’ll keep your progress posted here at the bookstore.
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Thanks Rich. Take care of Bella for me.
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she will be in good hands – I shall protect her with my life!
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This is exactly why you are the perfect dog sitter! The odds are 98%!
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Hey NICE Blog!!! I cant wait to hear how your adventure goes! Be Safe Bren
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Thanks Susan.
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Hi Brendon and good luck!
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Thanks Ivan!
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10….9…8….7….6….main engines ignition….5….cabin systems go….4…..rocket umbilical connections released….3…..
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May you have an amazing journey full of wonder, fabulous experiences and new found friends.
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Thanks Leslye, I’m kinda expecting a bunch of that stuff as well as character building, loss of ego and some sick views tied in with personal growth. It’s gunna be epic!
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Brendon, we’ve posted a blurb about your journey on the Hermitage FB page.
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Awesome! I love the idea of more people following my adventure because it will help me to actually feel like finishing the trail to the very end.
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WoW Brendon. Happy Third Birthday & Buen Camino…
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Thank you Ellie. I’m currently in San Diego for the day and then heading to the ADZPCTKO tomorrow! So excited! Big Summer! Big change! Big trail!
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Good luck & blessings for a wonderful experience!
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accompanying you in spirit and prayer
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Brendon! You are in my heart and prayers:) you start you journey on the day I start my 46th year on Earth! 4/24! Good vibes, adventure, fun and all the rest of the good stuff! 🙂
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welcome to Idyllwild… a very mystical mountain. If you go into Sky Island Harvest market you will find another trail blazer and many more in town…. blessings on your journey
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Hi Brendon – it was fun meeting you and Ingrid near Kitchen Creek road a couple of weeks ago! Wishing you both (and all the thru-hikers) the best of luck and success in your journey. You are right that you will be changed, only for the better, in ways that you cannot imagine now. As you know by now, it won’t be easy, but SO worth it. Know that this former AT thu-hiker is praying for you. TagAlong
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I’m so stoked for you, brother. I wish you nothing but the experience of a lifetime. Stay safe. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you, my friend.
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Hi Brendon,
I am so happy God is blessing you with the ability to take this journey!!! You are a motivation!
Cant wait for you to get back and share your blessings!
You temain in my prayers!😀
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Brendon, I just returned from Ireland and sent you some of the magic. You are well on your way now, going on three weeks into your camino. May you walk with beauty all around you, and experience new vistas & realms each day. Love, Amber
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Just wanted to wish you a great hike! I met you at the Hermitage (there with Amber’s writing retreat) a few days before you were taking off. May your journey be blessed!
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Praying for you.
Recently returned to Hermitage to help with cleaning. You were missed. God bless you!
Belinda says hi.😀
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Hello Brendon, Checking in with you to see how it’s going, and hope you are staying clear of the fires.
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Rockstar – so nice meeting you today on my run! Hope you found a nice perch atop castle peak to rest! Congrats on sobriety! Update when you can, it would be great to see your progress!
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Rockstar –
Great meeting you in the desolation wilderness!
All the best to you in your journey …
Stephen
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Hi Rockstar –
This is Yiwen (and Perry) who dropped you off at Dunsmuir CA today ( 8/2). I have been reading about PCT and hoping to meet real PCT hikers. Great meeting you today and thank you for giving me the opportunity to be the “Trail Angel” the first time , hope you enjoy the burger in that restaurant -:)
I have been following one girl who thru-hiked PCT last year and currently thru-hiking AT. From today onwards, I will follow your adventure as well. Wishing you the best of luck, and enjoy the journey!
Yiwen
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Hi Brendon – Just finished an amazing yoga practice and you came to mind about half way through. I hope your journey has been all you have hoped for. I think about you often and am so happy that our paths crossed. All the best to you as you continue. Hope to see you back in Big Sur soon. Hugs my friend – Laurie
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Rockstar! It was great chattin’ with you. Happy trails
-Pete and Kelly
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It was great to meet you! Stay safe! Thanks for the great conversations while I worked! Hope to see you at Cascade Locks Ale House again 🙂 – it was fun being your server
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Hey Brendon- I remember you were the first person that ever told me about the PCT. I didn’t understand why you would want to hike out in the wilderness. I have been hiking for 2 1/2 years and absolutely love it!!! Not sure I will ever want to hike the PCT, but can’t wait to hear about your adventure!!!!
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I think we met you right at Tunnel Falls. Kevin took your photo (video) on your pad and I “trail magiced” you with cheese and cherry tomatoes in the tunnel. Safe hiking! Ann
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Yes! I remember you both! I’m in Snoqualmie Washington now just a few days away from the closure and trying to sort out how to carry on. The cheese and tomatoes were amazing and perfect timing! The video also turned out awesome! By the way, cascade locks was a small beautiful place to be stuck in for a couple days. Thanks again for everything.
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Hi Rockstar,
It is Oct now, waiting for the new update. Good luck!
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