Get 'Er Done - And it begins . . .

So today is the day - Dave started his journey on the Pacific Crest Trail.  He was up at 5 a.m. to get an early start - as he was set to hike 26 miles on his first day.

As we headed to the start, we were greeted by a beautiful sunrise and the Border Patrol - who were just fabulous and even escorted us down the dirt road to the start. 

(Dave at the monument near the start of the Pacific Crest Trail with the border in the background)

(A beautiful sunrise - great day to start a hike.)

(Dave - last adjustments and the walk begins.)

From the monument it was time to hit the trail.  Dave was excited and appreciated the opportunity.  But his first thought was it was time to "Get 'er done."  And with that he smiled and started his journey. 

The beginning was an easy walk.  As he thought about his first steps of many, Dave said his concerns were threefold.  First, the weather - he just hates the cold.  Second was being by himself after a while.  And last was just making sure he could keep weight on so that his body would have the fortitude to make it the entire way. 

(Dave and Jane at the monument)

Jane's concern was that he eat everything she packed for him, and was she was so happy that she was getting to support him on his life long dream. 

Dave was all smiles after Mile 1 - only 2659 to go!

More later . . .

~Midget Trail Angel

Dave's Journey - The Beginning

For a long time Dave has wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. I mean who wouldn’t want to walk 2600+ miles from the California border to Canada over mountainous terrain for months on end?

But it was an adventure Dave could not shake from his system. And then fortune (you know that mythical thing – not an actual pot of gold) smiled upon him; and he had an opportunity to make his dream a reality.

So months ago he hatched a plan to join the others who have sought to through-hike the Pacific Crest Trail. He bought books, he studied, he bought equipment, he made equipment, he made maps, talked to people, and did his homework.

Jane, by his side, figured out how to get him the food he needed along the way - and in the process became a dehydration queen.

(Trail Food)

And after all the planning, it now is just mere days before Sunday, April 18, 2010, when Dave leaves on his momentous journey.

He plans to use the web site http://www.trailingducks.com/ and this blog to share his journey with his friends and those people who are interested.

So be sure to stop by frequently to see where Dave is and offer up words and encouragement and support. And remember, if you ever want to join him just go to the website and you can coordinate to meet him and get more information there.

~Midget Trail Angel