Today was my first PCT travel day! I flew from Vancouver, Canada to San Diego, USA! I’m here!! Well, sort of. I’m in San Diego for some last minute prep. The PCT actually starts in Campo, California which is about an hour southeast of San Diego but I’m so close now I can feel it!
Customs was a lot less pressure than I thought it was going to be. I had all of my documents ready to show just in case: my PCTA long distance hiking permit, search and rescue insurance, medical and travel insurance, etc. The officer simply asked what I was doing in the US to which I replied, “hiking the PCT” and he said, “wow! Have a great hike” and handed me my passport and just like that I was good to go! Quickest border crossing to date. 
I flew business class for the first time and that was a fun experience! A bit of turbulence but some lovely sights were seen from the air. The butterflies in my stomach returned as I watched the mountains grow taller and pass by. Can I do this? Have I prepared enough? Am I biting off more than I can chew? And a dozen more thoughts just like those. Despite all my effort to rewire my brain, the negative thoughts occasionally creep in. A while ago, I wrote a list: Why I’m hiking the PCT (I’ll share my list at some point) and this was the perfect moment to reflect on my list. It brought me a lot of comfort. I’m sure I’ll be looking at my list from time to time. Despite my cab driver getting lost on the way to the hotel, I arrived safely and so did my hiking gear! I’m the sort of traveller that avoids checked baggage but unfortunately some hiking items like a backpacking stove, must be checked.
I’m thrilled today went smoothly. My emotions are strong tonight. I’m enjoying all of this excitement and I’m allowing myself to feel all of the “feels.” This is huge. And it’s okay to be a bit scared. There’s always a fear of the unknown. As long as it doesn’t impede your dreams. All that said, I’m likely in for a sleepless night. 🙈
Hi, California. 🌴 It’s been awhile. I’m SO glad to be here. 🇺🇸
