Box on the Pacific Crest Trail (Journal Entry #21)

On March 13th, 2020, I will begin hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. This ongoing series is an attempt to document the entire journey from beginning to end.

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Preparing for the First Overnight

It has been several years since I found myself sleeping underneath the stars on an overnight hiking trip. Now, I find myself preparing for my first overnight camping trip in Yosemite and my first with all the gear I intend to use on the Pacific Crest Trail. With everything I think I will need laying before me, I am filled with confidence, anxiety, and pride. Confidence because what is before me has been meticulously researched. Anxiety because this world is still so new to me. Pride because I set my mind to something and before me are the fruits of my labor.

Traded

With my first trip to Yosemite in the rearview mirror, I decided to trade in my tent for something lighter and more compact. I have also decided to get a different sleeping pad. I loved the items I bought, but field testing revealed some complications. With the tent, I needed to shave some weight. With the…