Defining Success on the PCT
Success while thru-hiking is a funny conversation. There are many opinions about success in the thru-hiking community. A Purist would say that success is walking every single foot of the 2650-mile trail. A more lenient person, hiking every available mile while skipping anything that is closed. Others may question the validity of defining a successful thru-hike in the first place. My opinion, we can spin the idea of success in any direction we would like. In fact, anyone that tries to define success for you can “take a hike.”
No matter your definition, the “hike your own hike” ethos on the PCT is strong and it is important to keep it that way. There are also multiple successes to be had. No matter how far I walk, if I start, I will be successful at something. Since I am goal oriented, I have decided to break down success into 5 attainable subgoals.
Success #1 – Start the damn thing!
Simple… sure. Overcoming all the reasons to not start… not easy. I cannot tell you how many times I have thought about all the reasons to not start this thru-hike. The doubt of whether this adventure is the right thing to do is always present. So, starting the damn thing will be a success.
Success #2 – Survive the first two weeks.
I struggle with new environments. As much as I do not want to admit it, I like routine. I like my house, I like my town, I like my gym and I like my bed. I love backpacking, but on past trips, I have only had to survive a couple of nights. This trail is putting me outside of this comfort zone. The first two weeks will be tough, two weeks, because I know that is how long it takes me to feel normal in a new situation. If I can stay on trail for the first two weeks, I have a good shot of being able to stay for five months.
Success #3 – Hike all hike-able miles in California.
California appears challenging because I will feel the most isolated from familial and friend support. I do not know many people in California, and I cannot just “go home” for a week. I can succeed in California. I will need to be open to strangers providing assistance for no other reason than they can, and I will need to allow myself to be vulnerable to other hikers around me.
Success #4 – Leaving the home bubble.
Oregon is often considered the most boring part of the trail. Maybe it’s the boredom of walking for three months to get there. Maybe it's the fact that Oregon is stuck between two of the most beautiful parts of the country, the Sierra Nevada, and the North Cascades. Despite this reputation, I am excited for Oregon. It is my home. I live in Bend, and I love it. Conveniently Bend is also an option as a trail town. Will I stop in Bend? absolutely. My wife will hurt me if I do not. Will I leave Bend, I do not know. Sleeping in my bed and seeing my dogs will be hard to leave. Leaving home will be a major success.
Success #5 – Walking every walkable mile of the trail.
Yes, I fall into the more lenient camp. Would having a continuous foot path from Mexico to Canada be rad? F*** YES! However, the environment of the west is challenging, and fire closures are unpredictable. I really do not see myself wanting to do a 60-mile road walk along a highway in Oregon to connect footsteps. The trail will always be there, if I hike all available miles, I am claiming my medal.
These goals are all physically obtainable, but it is also important to mention the mental battle of walking for five months. Again, I am a goal-oriented individual. I am always looking for the next “thing.” It will be a major success if I can stay present in my environment and enjoy each moment for what it is. I also believe that success can evolve. Holding ourselves to a strict definition of success in the backcountry is dangerous. Let the situation dictate the conditions and adapt. It will be interesting to see how the PCT forces me to adapt what has been outlined above.
