Pursuing the Fastest Known Time

By Tyler "Future Dad" Socash

IG: @tylerhikes

Using my trekking poles as makeshift crutches, I hobbled up the winding road towards Fontana Village.  Five days and 164 miles into the Appalachian Trail journey, I was already experiencing excruciating pain.  Three separate cars stopped to offer me a ride, but I had to refuse.  No hitches, no trail magic, no cutting corners, these are the main tenants of a self-supported thru-hike.  Finding that the General Store had closed only minutes before my arrival, I cursed the trail gods.  Moments later I collapsed into a hotel room bathtub.  Hot water pouring over me, I clutched my inflamed knees.  How did it come to this?  What am I doing here?  What's the meaning of life?...

* * *

If you are new to this Calendar Year blog, you'll find some of these answers in my first post.  It involves a tangerine Subaru CrossTrek, quitting a job that I loved, and attempting to complete three thru-hikes in one year.  The blog reads like an unfolding story.  It's a story about pursuing your authentic self.  I love three things: wilderness, wildlife, and wanderlust.  Turns out that hiking satiates all of them at once.  Hiking also happens to be the cheapest way to have a long holiday (which is important when you're unemployed).  I believe in unabashedly pursuing what you love.  What follows is all about actualizing a passion.

* * *

"Remote for detachment, narrow for chosen company, winding for leisure, lonely for contemplation, it beckons not merely north and south, but upward to the body, mind, and soul of man." - Harold Allen

The Appalachian Trail was conceived in 1921 by Benton MacKaye.  He envisioned a footpath along the crest of the Appalachian Mountains stretching from Georgia to Maine.  In 1937, this visionary had his dream fulfilled.  And what a beautiful dream it was!  When I set foot atop Springer Mountain in Georgia to begin the final thru-hike of my Calendar Year, a plaque read, "A Footpath for Those who seek Fellowship with the Wilderness." Perfect, this is exactly what I want.

Let's rewind for a second.  Flying back from my Te Araroa trip was very relaxing.  Cruising at high altitudes in a tube in the sky is in itself, an oddity.  During my San Francisco to JFK leg I had a window seat.  I could see the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge connecting to Oakland, I-80 stretching suburb to suburb to Sacramento.  I recalled in my post entitled The Two Towers that I could see this city light pollution from the Pacific Crest Trail.  Pretty soon I flew over the PCT and Lake Tahoe.  Face pressed against the window, I stared down at the snowy mountain ranges of Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.  I could see the Wind River Range and the Great Basin, which is where the Continental Divide Trail traverses.  

At nightfall you begin to notice something disturbing with your 30,000ft perspective: urban sprawl.  The United States of America was nearly 100% wilderness 400 years ago.  Now we have roads everywhere.  Roads fragment ecosystems, as do dams, shopping malls, and suburbs.  We need some of these things in society, but perhaps we are a bit imbalanced with the natural world now.  Next time you fly at night, look at what has happened to America.  As I've said before, only 2.7% of the contiguous 48 States has wilderness classification.  More fracking, drilling, and development isn't making America great again.  It's actually destroying our natural world.  I try to picture myself as a red fox or a black bear when I look down at the impossible sea of lights from an airplane.  How would I get from one place to another safely?  Where would I find food in this cesspool of civilization?  Where is my place in this human-centric world?

On the Appalachian Trail, there is hope.  It traverses 14 states, 8 national forests, 2 National Parks, and 25 wilderness areas.  This trail is more than just a footpath to Maine — it's a wildlife refuge.  Before my plane landed, I wondered what the Appalachian Trail would look like on the ground.  From the air it looked like a bunch of lights.  Would I find fellowship with what's left of the East Coast's wild side?

The day before I started the Appalachian Trail I got to see the coast from above. Following a short intermission at home, my plane left Albany, New York (thanks for the ride to the airport, Nikki!) and flew down the Hudson River.  I could spot the 3,500-foot mountains of the Catskills, I flew over Harriman State Park and the Appalachian Trail, and then I saw the never ending metropolis sprawl.  Concrete, asphalt, suburbia.  No section of the Atlantic Coast, save the Outer Banks of North Carolina, appeared undeveloped from above.  Yikes.  Vote to protect our remaining wild spaces, everyone.  

Take action by signing a quick petition to save a newly-purchased piece of New York State as wilderness: www.bewildnewyork.org

If you know of another petition to save a wild space, contact me and I'll feature it in my next blog post.

Landing in Atlanta, I was fortunate enough to get an Olympic relay-style ride to the Amicalola Falls trailhead.  Mackenzie Smith took me through the endless Atlanta rush hour traffic to Rome, GA.  Then my old colleague Adrienne Amador took me for a quick resupply run and drove through the night to get me to my destination.  Without their help, this story wouldn't have started so perfectly...

Fastest Known Time (FKT) - Heather "Anish" Anderson set the fastest self-supported thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail last year with a time of 54 days 7 hours and 48 minutes.  Anish also holds the Pacific Crest Trail self-supported record.  She is my idol.  For clarity, it is important to note that Scott Jurek holds the supported AT record (just over 46 days).

Thru-hike - Hiking from Point A to Point B with a continuous, unbroken footpath.

Self-Supported - A thru-hike completed without external assistance.  No hitch-hiking to town for resupplies, no help from a support team along the way, and you must carry all of the gear that you'll need.  I won't even touch Trail Magic left for hikers along the trail.

Purist thru-hike - Hiking a trail in a continuous manner along the entirety of the official route.

White Blazing - The Appalachian Trail is marked with white paint blazes along the 2,189-mile journey.

I am attempting to set a new self-supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail this year.  I will be a meticulous purist, connecting my footsteps along the entire AT demarcated by white blazes.  Whenever I deviate from the trail to retrieve water or provisions, I will ensure that I reconnect my continuous footpath on the actual Appalachian Trail.  

My slight OCD will prove to be quite an asset in this ambitious endeavor!  Below you will find journal entries with each day's highlights.  I have been "calendaring" daily for over 12.5 years, which is a testament to willpower.  I will channel that level of OCD into my purist, self-supported thru-hike.  Here we go...

(Note: to save time, the rest of this post may contain grammatical errors and incomplete sentences.  These entries are fragments of a much larger story, which will be told at a later date.  I hope you can appreciate the shorthand, raw recording aspect of this endeavor.

Furthermore, I can substantiate these distances traveled with a private GPS tracking device.  Other AT 2016 hikers that I meet along the way will be able to add anecdotal tales of this honest FKT attempt.)

4/28 - A Forest Ranger unlocked the Amicalola Falls Visitor Center for me so I could sign the hiker register that morning.  My pack weighed in at 31 pounds (eek!).  The ranger took my picture beneath the Springer Approach Trail arch, and I was off!

8.8 miles later, I stood atop Springer Mountain.  I signed the summit register, at started the Appalachian Trail at precisely 11:11am on April 28, 2016.

 

 Departing from the AT's southern terminus.

My friend Jer from Te Araroa said, "It would be awesome if you made it to Neel's Gap in one day."  So that's what I set as my goal.  I went over Blood Mountain in the dark and arrived at the iconic boot-filled tree of Neel's Gap after 11pm.  31.7 miles complete.  

4/29 - Hiked over the Raven Cliff and Tray Mountain Wilderness areas.  Spotted Brasstown Bald (Georgia's highpoint) through the trees.  Camped just after Addis Gap on the side of the trail.  64.3 miles complete.

 

Flora of the AT in the Raven Cliff Wilderness

4/30 - Made it to North Carolina border in 2 days 1 hour and 1 minute.  Walked over Standing Indian Mountain.  Met Graham from Virginia Beach and hiked over Mt. Albert in the thunderstorm.  Made it to awesome Long Branch shelter soaked at 9pm. 102.5 miles complete.

 

5/1 - 11 hours and 30 minutes of hiking to NOC at 3mph.  Heroic but stupid.  (Starting to feel sore.) At Winding Stair Gap I took a wrong turn and missed the AT.  I turned around to retrace my steps, and then I walked the actual AT to maintain my purist white blaze thru-hike.  Amy at NOC made sure my pizza and burger were waiting.  Met Gritz and Fabulous and Rudolph. Gritz offered me a beer, but I had to refuse.  When I said that I walked here in less than 3.5 days he spun around and shouted, "Whhhhhaaaaattttt?!?!?  I've been out here for 3 weeks!"  Slept near the NOC.  137.1 miles complete.

 

5/2 - Hiked to Fontana Dam.  Cobwebs and morning birdsong. Met Ot-man and Rook and Fun Size.  Rough road walk.  Knees exploding.  Turned down 3 hitches. Wrong Way and Monte Cristo totally saved me from insanity when I discovered that the General Store just closed.  They were so friendly!  We talked about why there's a racial disparity in who participates in long-distance hiking.  We went out to dinner (with Phillip and Rocket Rick and Masa) and had a wonderful night together.  Sat in the shower.  Depressing.  I'm done. 164 miles complete.

 

With Wrong Way and Monte Cristo

5/3 - rested.  Dinner with Snow White, Don Juan, Rudolph, Fun Size.  Walked the road and 1.1 to Fontana Hilton shelter.  Met Sway and Breezy.  Monte Cristo and Wrong Way and Rook and Ot-man were there.  Knees inflamed. 165.6 miles complete. 

5/4 - Hiked into my 19th National Park!  Great Smoky Mountains NP.  Hiked up to the TN/NC border.  Nice views through the trees.  Summited my 9th high point, Tennessee's Clingman's Dome.  Got there in the dark.  Started to snow.  Camped in Mount Collins Shelter. 202.6 miles complete.

 

5/5 - hiked in the snow all day past Newfound Gap and all the way down to Davenport Gap Shelter.  The shelter before that was jam packed with people. I was voted off the island and hiked through the night to Davenport. 237 miles complete.

 

5/6 - Met Wallet from Virginia and Blue Sky from South Carolina.  Hiked to Standing Bear hostel.  Quaint place with an epic Resupply shed.  Hiked 30 more miles over Max's Patch to just outside of Hot Springs, NC. 270.5 miles complete.

5/7 - Hiked into hot springs and ate with Little Griz from Southern Illinois.  Walked by a pink trail magic sign.  Could not tempt myself so I didn't even go over to the hikertrash enjoying the free beer and food.  Firescald Bald and Tennessee city lights.  I made sure to take the white blaze trail instead of the bad weather blue blaze alternate.  Other night hikers!  Climbed over Big Butt Mt. at night.  303.8 miles complete.

 

5/8 - 42.6 miles hiked. Met Sparkles and had a wonderful conversation.  CT girl hiking with bf.  I don't have many long conversations out here!  Uncle Johnnies Hostel for a few minutes. Up 4 more miles at night.  346.4 miles complete.

5/9 - Hiked over Beauty Spot and Unaka and up the last 6,000 ft. Peak til NH, Roan mountain in the dark.  Hiked to Stan Murray Shelter.  382 miles complete.

5/10 - hiked 11.4 miles from 4am to 8:10am to get to Mountain Harbour B&B for the best breakfast on trail.  Met Grandma from Nashville TN and Wind Walker from Fairbanks AK who taught me stretches for the IT band.  Met Cinderella too who has a great trail name story along with a lady named Prince Charming. Met Rush who is going fast as well.  Really nice group of guys and gals today. Met Goner and Wooby and Walkman and Beast as well today.  Moreland Gap shelter 411.5 miles complete.

 

Along the Houston Ridge after Hump Mountain

5/11- walked pond mt wilderness. Met Diatom who I instantly recognized from the PCT!!!  I couldn't believe it!  We had such a great conversation at the Big Lake Youth Camp in Oregon last summer!  Wow!  Such great vibes from this guy!  Good luck Diatom! Met Shutterbug who is completing his Triple Crown.  Saw so many deer that night.  446.5 miles complete. 

5/12  - Woke up in a thunderstorm.  Shouldn't have cowboy camped.... hiked into Damascus and passed the passed out riff raff party animals.  Met Angie from Vasque who invited me to hang out with Sam Mix and the Osprey Team: Chris, Jason, Jen, Rosie, Otis, Andrew, Mackey and Tony.  Angie's friend Julie was there too.  They were all so wonderful and encouraging.  I had a nice evening and enjoyed the very beginning of the Trail Days festivities.  Met great people in town who hiked the trail last year like Fuzz Ball and Brightside and their two friends. Such nice people out here!!! 468.8 miles complete. 

5/13 - Lost mountain shelter lunch break.  Met John and John from NYC. Young John goes to the U of Richmond, what a great conversation!  Nice to see families out on the trail.  Buzzard Rocks was awesome.  Mount Rogers and Grayson Highlands ponies!  Feral ponies!!! So cool.  My knee started to act up again.  I've had bad pain in my left knee since the NOC and Fontana Village section.  506 miles complete.  

 

5/14 -  messaged my family saying my speed record attempt is over.  I moved like a slug.  My knee hurts so much.  At the Trempi Shelter I made the decision to push through the pain and get to the Partnership Shelter.  This shelter is famous for pizza and Chinese food deliveries.  As a self-supported hiker, I cannot indulge.  (I have to hike into all towns on my own to get the food I need.)  I meet Norway and Jesse's Girl and another section hiker.  532 miles complete.  

Hello from The Barn Restaurant off of I-81 in Virginia!  It is 5/15, and I'm 544 miles into my thru-hike.  It took me just under 17 days to get here.  (11:11am is my reference point.)

Things looked dire yesterday, but today is a new day!  The 25% marker of the Appalachian Trail is just ahead.  Sometimes I feel like I'm in a game of Mario Kart, always chasing the Anish ghost.  I'm traveling exactly 32 miles a day, while the record holder traveled just over 42 miles a day...  She's currently way out in front, but I'm happy.  The people along the AT have been so kind!  All of the other hikers have been radiating positivity out here, and I try to radiate that energy back.  

I try to be an exceptional steward of the land while walking everyday.  I pick up micro-trash accidentally discarded along the trail, I help brush in the switchbacks that people cut, and I practice Leave No Trace principles while recreating.  

The Appalachian Trail is beautiful.  It's such a great way to see and experience America.  Almost like a time warp, you can envision yourself in colonial times as you navigate the wonderful wilderness areas and National Forests along the way.  

More trail updates to come!  I'm going to try to pick up the pace soon.  Hopefully my knee is on the mend...  No matter what life throws at you, remember to stay wild.  

Following the White Blazes to Katahdin!

Pack Weight

By Tyler Socash
IG: @tylerhikes

Bill Bryson never liked talking about hiking gear.  If you read A Walk in the Woods, you know how uncomfortable a conversation about hiking equipment can be.  I don't understand the intrigue when it's happening on-trail, but alas, it happens.  We are all outside, nature surrounds us, and no I don't know how much my tarp set-up weighs.  Gahhh!

That said, I'm going to to provide an unsolicited list of the things that I currently have on my person for the TA.  Most of these things survived the PCT thru-hike as well:

● Granite Gear pack - Crown 60 (60 liter capacity)
● Rain cover for pack
● Light-weight umbrella found along the PCT
● 3-liter water badder
● Gatorade bottle
● Fuel cannister
● Mountain Lorel Design Large Quilt, Bivy Sack, and Cubanfiber tarp (8 stakes and guylines).  I also have a thermarest sleeping pad.  Thanks Harpo and Groucho for the advice!
● Down Jacket, 2 merino wool long-sleeves (one is falling apart), acrylic hat, fleece gloves, 2 pairs of running shorts, 1 pair of windpants, 1 polyester hiking shirt, 1 town cotton shirt, flip flops, 1 bandana, 2 headbands, 1 light rain jacket, dorky sun hat, sunglasses w/ band.  That's all within a water-resistant bag.
● My 2 pairs of Darn Tough socks will last from Cape Reinga to Bluff and beyond
● Breeze 2.0 Vasque boots.  Possibly the only person hiking 3,000km in the same pair of boots from Cape Reinga to Bluff
● Food bag with various amounts of sustenance
● A durable garbage bag used to hold sleeping system + clothes
● Cooking pot + lid with the following inside, bowl, spoon, knife, lighter, pocket rocket
● Trekking poles

The rest of this list is everything in my Sea to Summit dry bag...
● Small medical kit with standard items inside. (Running low on band-aids, discarded most medications and just brought some ibuprofen, triple antibiotic, and Excedrin)
● Aquatabs and Aquamira found along PCT hikerboxes
● Bug head net and sunscreen
● Passport, small wallet, cell phone
● Small journal and pencil
● Toilet paper
● TOO MANY ELECTRONIC CHARGERS (adapters for NZ outlets)
● External batteries for devices
● GPS
● Headlamp
● Deck of cards (with the jokers for some reason)
● Toiletries... Standard stuff but I'll list it all.  (No deodorant)  Mini-toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, small toenail clippers, small scissors for my mustache, tweezers, q-tips.

And finally, Leuko Tape from Bipolar.  This is the best blister tape.

The overall weight does not matter as long as you finish your hike without leaving a trace of litter in your wake.  Picking up trail trash, thereby increasing your packweight, is actually much cooler.

The river crossings were innumerable.  Te Araroa from Harper's Pass to the Rangitata River poses some daunting challenges.  If the rain falls in torrents, you will likely have to spend an extra night (or more) in huts while you patiently wait for water levels to decrease.

Entering Arthur's Pass National Park, we had heard about the notorious Deception River.  Earlier this season a woman drowned in one of the many crossings en route to Goat Pass Hut.  I hiked this stretch alone.

At one moment I had the genius idea of taking a picture of my legs mid-way across the Deception.  Tossing my trekking poles to the opposing shore, I now had the necessary dexterity to snap a photograph.  Suddenly I stood helpless without support.  My next step would be critical.  The thigh-deep current was relentless, and the algae-covered rock bed unforgiving.  I escaped with just a subtle pack dip.  Close call.

The backcountry of Arthur's Pass was beautiful, and dangerous.  Our hiking companion Sebastien actually broke his foot while concurrently snapping a photo of its splendor.  It was a sobering moment for the fractured Cute Boys Club.

Bekah's mum Adrienne lifted our spirits by surprising us with a smorgasbord of sweet and savory treats at the Bealey Hut.  Her parents also gave us a ride around the Rakaia River, officially labeled a Te Araroa "Hazard Zone."  The Rakaia is one of New Zealand's largest braided rivers, and fortunately thru-hikers are exempt from crossing it.  (Although, some brave purists will make a daring swim!)

The section of Te Araroa between the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers is absolutely stunning.  Do not miss out!  Endless tussock fields merge with spanning scree fields and stream walks.  The highlight for me was spotting Mount Sunday, filming location for Edoras in The Two Towers.  I couldn't stop smiling as I thought fondly of the riders of Rohan while crossing the Rangitata with Bekah.

Fortuitously, heavy rain started to fall after climbing out of the Rangitata's final braided bed.  Dangerous crossings behind us, we staggered through Bush Stream towards the Crooked Spur Hut.  Up and up and up we climbed through the rain, desperate for dry quarters.  The rain fell hard, and we arrived at the tired hut near sunset.  There was no room at the inn!  At least the hut was filled with our friends Reyne, Alex, Renate, DJ, and Otis.

Pounding rain fell until approximately 4am.  Suddenly it stopped.  The cold hut walls radiated no heat, and I lied awake shivering until dawn.  Renate made a quip about New Zealand's four seasons and revealed that the precipitation never stopped.  It was snowing!

Reyne rushed outside to touch snow for the first time.  It was thrilling to see the mountains coated in a couple of inches of powder!  The snowfields helped Alex spot a herd of introduced Himalayan Tahr on the mountainside.  This was my first time thru-hiking in a snow squall.  It was a bit unnerving.   Our footing on the steep tracks was compromised, and I typically carry better gear in these conditions.  By the mid-afternoon though, the snow had melted below 1,500 meters.  We stopped early that day at Royal Hut where prince Charles once stayed to soak up the rays.

We awoke to a bluebird day.  Snow still covered the mountain tops, but the tussocks gleamed with morning dew.  I decided that going off-trail for a ridge hike would be optimal on this day.  Bekah, Alex, Renate, and Reyne agreed.  The five of us made up our own trail to find staggering views high above Royal Hut.  We followed a knife's edge rocky ridge towards a tarn-filled basin.  I knew that Sebastien would be loving this place, and I hope he enjoys this same detour next year when he returns healthy.  The scrambling stopped well above Stag Saddle, highest point of Te Araroa, at the 2070-meter Beuzenberg Peak.  Glory! 

Mt. Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps spanned the horizon.  New Zealand really was "the land of the long white cloud."  Yesterday's snowfall gave the peaks around us glistening crowns.  The 360 degree view was breathtaking.  I really felt like the journey from Cape Reinga to here was well worth it for the feeling I had perched on that summit ridge.  The glacial till-waters of Lake Tekapo glimmered blue far below, and a sea of tussocks stretched out in every direction.  New Zealand, damn it you're incredible.

I'm just so very grateful that in that moment, Bekah didn't turn me and ask, "So Ty-Lah, what's your pack base weight?"

For Purple Mountain Majesties

By Tyler Socash

IG: @tylerhikes

The trail will challenge you emotionally, physically, and mentally during your thru-hike.  I just happened to ride that triad of roller coasters within a 24-hour time span.

I set out from White Pass at 6pm alone.  This was strange.  Thus far I had been hiking with Half Jesus and Wildfire throughout the state of Washington, but I had different ambitions than my hiking comrades in this upcoming section — I wanted to do a high traverse in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. 

Ever since we met a northbounder named Impala (2nd to finish the Pacific Crest Trail northbound this year) in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, we heard from every single northbound hiker how amazing the Goat Rocks were.  Most people remarked how they wished they had spent more time in that region.  Hailing from New York State, I couldn't imagine another time in the near future that I would find myself back here, so I decided to venture out by myself to spend more quality time with the wilderness. 

The initial ascent out of a resupply town is always difficult.  You carry large amounts of food, large amounts of water, and therefore your pack weight is substantial.  I was carrying a 40lb. pack. With Cascade Locks, OR over 150 miles away, I wanted to ensure that I had enough food for the journey.  

Thousands of vertical feet and many miles later, I made it to Shoe Lake Basin and the top of the ridge.  Even though my shoulders ached under the weight of my pack, the idea of witnessing my first sunset behind Mount Rainier propelled me onward.  

When I set my pack down, I was in awe. The clouds were perfect, and the sun was still above the horizon... This would be one of the greatest sunsets of my life. 

Goat Rocks in the distance.  Excited for the sunset!

The inspirational sunset behind Mount Rainier. 

When it happened I was invigorated!  I felt like John Muir, Bob Marshall, or Edward Abbey would have agreed that this was an exceptional sunset from an extraordinary location.  I sat there for an hour as the sky turned into a Crayola crayon canvas.  Every color was on display.  The mountains actually turned purple in the foreground.  "For purple mountain majesties!" I sang aloud. I felt alive, and I was very happy that I embarked out on this section in time to witness my greatest moment on trail.  

The sunset was so grand that I wondered, "If I night hike, perhaps I can reach the Goat Rocks in time for an epic sunrise?"  I pushed through the dark forest and donned my trusty headlamp.  I was intimidated at first, but no animal wants to mess with a loud human in the dark, so I pushed onward with confidence.  Something to think about, because someone will eventually ask thru-hikers about this: over 30,000 people have died in car accidents each year in the United States since 1945.  Only a couple of bear attacks happen every year.  You can pull this stuff up on Wikipedia if you'd like.  I think I'll take my chances in places like Goat Rocks Wilderness.  No I'm not afraid of bears or mountain lions... I'm afraid of sharing the road with people in steel machines that are going 65+ mph!

Mount Rainier and alpine flora in the safe Goat Rocks Wilderness!

The next morning I made it to the highly-anticipated Knife's Edge of the Pacific Crest Trail in Goat Rocks.  This is when I began experiencing euphoria...

A happy Tyler!

Don't drop off this knife edge!

Mount Saint Helens in the distance... I wonder where the top half of the mountain went?...

On top of Old Snowy - the beginning of my off-trail traverse. 

When I climbed Old Snowy, I felt like I had made it to heaven.  I saw herds of elk and mountain goats in the valleys below, I saw Mount Saint Helens, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams... They were all there!  I could even spy the Alpine Lakes Wilderness mountains and Glacier Peak in the north.  I felt so accomplished walking all this way in just a few weeks.  I remembered looking out of that airplane window and seeing all of these sentinels below... Now I was walking beyond them!

I felt a rush of emotion.  I cried, and that's OK because Jim Valvano said it was one of the three things you should do everyday — "have your emotions moved to tears."   I couldn't  believe that this was my life and my journey.  I couldn't believe how utterly gorgeous the wilderness was.  All at once I missed my family and my friends.  I wish they could have been up on Old Snowy with me.  Unbridled happiness and adrenaline pumped through me.  That's when I remembered Impala's suggestion from two weeks ago... "Stay high." 

I assumed he meant the ridgeline, and when I saw Ives Peak in the distance I knew that I had to give it a shot. I would summit Ives and contour to a ridge that met up with the PCT at Cispus Pass.  Easy right?  I was so incredibly wrong, but my emotional high had me pressing along the talus fields. 

It happened rather quickly.  It started with a misstep, led to a few cuts, and resulted in a rockslide.  I heard people on the PCT below shouting, "Rock fall!"  I jumped towards larger rocks and escaped with only a few small scars that still haven't faded.  The rock tumbled forever, but luckily not anywhere near the trail below.  I turned around. I was scared.

I fully intended to return to the trail down the Old Snowy alternate.  When I climbed back up to the summit of Old Snowy I was shocked to be confronted by a beautiful girl hiking in a sports bra and her parents.  "Where yah heading?!" the older, yet spry man asked.  "Well, I was thinking about traversing to Ives Peak and beyond before eventually returning to the PCT, but I just started a rock fall and spooked myself out."  The older man with his wry wit responded, "You're heading the wrong way if you want to summit Ives.  Just stay on the very top of the ridge and negotiate the cliffs and glaciers.  I did it when I was younger."  Now the pressure was on, and Future Dad wasn't going to back out now, especially with a cute girl nearby.  "Alright, I'll try it again!" I proclaimed. 

After a nice conversation, I hiked through stuff like this...

Mount Adams through a hidden arch!  Naturally, I had to walk through it. 

Just about to climb off this glacier with my 40lb. pack and go up some Class 4 rocks to get up Ives Peak.  Sorry Mom!!!

Looking back at my traverse - the greatest hiking experience of my life!

Finally atop Ives, I was pumped.  Super pumped.  Emotionally, I was feeling excellent.  But on the descent something happened.  It started with a few pebbles getting into my boots.  They were in there hours ago, but due to my adrenaline rush and the inherent danger in an exposed hike like this I hardly noticed them.  During the descent my rush was fading, and the pain was mounting.  Every scree field on the way down seemed to pound more and more pebbles into the balls of my feet.  I emptied my ankle-high boots a few times, but to no avail.  The rocks found a way in.  

After a few hours I finally made it back to the actual Pacific Crest Trail, but something was horribly wrong.  I felt physically defeated for the first time on trail.  I walked all the way from Canada to Goat Rocks in southern Washington with no problems... Until that descent. 

I took off my boots after Cispus Pass.  That's when I noticed the blood.  My socks helped to stop the bleeding, but my toes were still oozing.  Yes, it was gross. 

Upset Tyler only hours after summiting Old Snowy.  I took this photo intentionally - to remind myself that the PCT isn't all sunshine and roses.  Well, actually, there is a lot of sunshine.  It never rains out here.

After an attempt to wrap my feet with tape and moleskin, I could only move 2 more miles that day.  I collapsed on trail and rolled off it to a small campsite with one spot left.  It was only 5pm, my earliest campsite destination so far, but I needed to stop.  Physically I could not move on.  The other two spots were occupied by Lost and Found & All Day Long.  We had our typical "Northbounder meets Southbounder" conversation. "Have you seen Tin Man, Magic, Impala, Bi-Polar, Kiester?" they inquired.  Some I had, and some I had not.  "What was your favorite part of the trail?" I asked robotically.  I quickly added, "Mine was nearly today until I hurt my feet." It was All Day Long who told me then, "The trail will challenge you emotionally, physically, and mentally during your thru-hike."  He also added, "What you need is Leuko tape, that stuff is the best when it comes to fixing blisters and caring for your feet."  I didn't have Leuko tape.  I didn't even have Half Jesus or Wildfire with me.  I was in a bad place...  

The mental part came that next morning.  My two campsite friends left by 6am.  I was afraid to look at my feet.  They throbbed.  I knew I wouldn't be able to put my boots on.  I actually felt defeated. I thought, "Wow, maybe I can't do this.  Maybe I won't make it to Mexico..."  Nearly half of all thru-hikers who set out on this cross-country 2,650-mile quest never complete their journey.  Injury plays a heavy factor.  

I just laid in my sleeping bag.  7am. 8am. 9am.  The hours went by.  That's when I saw him.  Bobbing along the trail with a great white beard was a man that All Day Long referred to last night.  With the warmest of tones the man said, "Oh, hello down there!"  "Are you 'Bi-Polar?'" I asked.  "Yup, that's me!"  Bi-Polar has an excellent reputation  on trail.  Everyone loves him.  Hiking legends are praised along the trail, and word spreads about the not-so-friendly hikers too — sometimes hundreds of trail miles in both directions. 

In addition to becoming a legendary character during this 2015 season, Bi-Polar apparently has a controversial blog.  Find it if you can!  

Even though he was pressing hard for Canada, Bi-Polar was more than generous with his time. We talked for an hour!  We connected over other long-distance hiking trails, like the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin.  We talked about the negative consequences of hydrofracking.  We talked about the fact that only 2.7% of the Lower 48 States is classified as wilderness.  In the end, I saw him as a genuine man with a gentle soul.  Unprompted, Bi-Polar asked how I was feeling.  I told him about the sunset over Rainier, the herds of elk, the Knife's Edge, Old Snowy, the rock fall, the spry older man, my traverse, and the condition of my feet.  

"You know, what you need Future Dad is some Leuko tape... And it just so happens that I have some for you.  My feet don't blister anymore.  You can have it."

It was as if a heavenly angel had descended upon my campsite. Just as quickly as he dispensed his unexpected trail magic, Bi-Polar was gone.  

I finally removed my legs from my bag and applied the Leuko tape.  I slipped into my hiking boots.  It felt like stepping into comfy slippers on Christmas Day.  That's when Wildfire wheeled around the corner, shocked to see me so soon.  My reaction upon her timely arrival was joyous!  Things came together perfectly...  Almost too perfectly.  

Wildfire and I hiked south.  We hiked with gusto.  We walked past Mount Adams, spent time in rural Trout Lake, encountered the most magnificent Trail Angels near Panther Creek Campground, and crossed Bridge of the Gods into Oregon together, with Half Jesus only a few hours behind!  

The reflection of Mount Adams in the wake of my emotional highs and physical/mental lows.  What a great swim!

If you'd like to see what the PCT in Washington State looks like, check out my original video via this link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eTKVK7uib_A&feature=youtu.be

I'm in Oregon now, pushing south.  Walking through Washington took me just under a month.  515 miles complete! Over 2,000 daunting miles to go!  Ahead of me lies more hardship, more sunsets, more magic.  The author Donald Miller wrote that, "The mountains themselves call us into greater stories."  I can only hope that more of these future mountains are purple.

The Final Countdown

By Tyler Socash
IG: @tylerhikes

"Do not open until airborne (or whenever, it's not like I can stop you)."  I accelerated into this adventure with an unopened letter gripped tightly in my hand.  As I wait to board my first flight I'm realizing that pulling an "all-nighter" probably wasn't ideal given that I'll be entering the Pasayten Wilderness of northern Washington in 12 hours.  This is one of the most remote sections of the Pacific Crest Trail — there's only one paved road that leads you to this majestic part of the country.  Over half of the glaciers found in the lower 48 states are located here, and I'm told that there are a lot of lynx in the North Cascades, too.  Cool. 

When you leave for a long distance thru-hike your world really turns upside down. Almost everyone on the Pacific Crest Trail is in limbo.  A lot of loose ends have to be taken care of before you embark on a 5-month quest.  I happened to be typing my final grad school paper only a few hours ago!  It's been difficult to sleep with my life in a state of flux... 

10 years in Rochester... What a run!

Suddenly you realize that you've said your last goodbyes.  (These are a little awkward due to the fact that the future is so uncertain.)  You realize that your apartment is completely empty.  There aren't any keys in your pocket.  Effectively, you become homeless.  It's bizarre, but I'm ready for the trail to become my new home. 

Things that you've been potentially taking for granted go by in a flash.  Your last shower, your last hometown restaurant meal, your last view of downtown.  You try to give everything magnitude because you never know when you're going to see certain people or things again.  I guess a lot of it won't sink in until it's really gone.  Good thing I give powerful hugs!  I'm not trying to be melodramatic, but it is a bit shocking to realize that all of the normalcies of yesterday will soon be replaced by oddities and new experiences tomorrow.   

Choose your own Adventure - Daily if Possible!

For the first time in a long time I don't feel anchored down to anything.  No work projects, no deadlines, no grad school assignments, no, "Oh sorry I can't hang out tonight I've got this thing."  Even weekends have a palpable finite feeling to them — come Sunday morning you understand that work is happening Monday.  Now no barrier stands in my way.  There's nothing holding me back.  It's "retirement," but at 28!  I feel limitless.  I feel free.  I feel like I can do anything. This feels awesome.

...Gosh it's weird not having any keys in your pocket!

As I amble down the jetway I'm blissfully unaware of how arduous my undertaking actually is.  The lady next to me on my first flight leans in and asks, "Are you going on a hike?!"  "Yes, a long one!" I replied.  "Well I wish you luck," she said with a smile.  I'm sure I'll need a lot of luck.  Thanks random lady!

As I stand on the brink of my greatest adventure I notice that life becomes an endless series of countdowns.  Whether it be the next vacation, life event, etc. we are always looking ahead.  Tonight is my last foreseeable countdown.  I'll take my first steps on the PCT tomorrow, and I couldn't be happier.  Every view will be new!  I can sleep wherever I want!  (Yes, while being mindful to camp on durable surfaces!)  Countdown freedom!

Oh right I forgot that I set this blog post up with a cliffhanger.  If you hung on this long and were like, "Jeez FINALLY!" then this payoff is for you...  People should write more letters.  Hand-written letters.  As this multi-ton vessel somehow achieves liftoff, I am now free to open this goodbye letter addressed to me.  Vow kept. 

Within the goodbye letter, which was word for word one of my favorite letters of all-time, a friend reminds me that we can choose to make the most out of every single experience... no matter how mundane the experience might be.  Why waste time counting down when we can live every day?  He also quoted Shawshank Redemption, which was really well done but it unfortunately doesn't tie in with the "countdown" theme that I apparently pigeonholed myself into... 

The point is that you don't have to walk the Pacific Crest Trail to have an exciting experience.  All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you.  Maximize your time with friends and family.  You never know when one of them is going to up and leave for the PCT ;)

Yeah, that was a Gandalf quote back there.  Bonus points to you!  

Until our next meeting...

Oh and I made it to Seatte.  BOOM!

On the Precipice of Adventure, & Deciding to Jump!

By Tyler Socash
IG: @tylerhikes
http://vestigo.co/blog/go-explore-tyler-socash

Motionless, I was fully aware that this next decision would change my life forever.  My future had suddenly revealed itself directly behind a brand new 2015 tangerine Subaru CrossTrek.  Uncle Mike was eager to offer his advice over the phone, "They're asking for $25,000, but I can talk them down to $24,000." Uncle Mike is the car guru, and I trusted him completely.  

At twenty-eight years old, I have never owned a car.  This stems from multiple interconnected life choices, but essentially I've never considered myself a full-blown adult.  Friends can attest that my youthful exuberance hasn't really been dialed down yet, and I've crushed it this far with unbridled energy.  Despite societal expectations, I currently find no appeal in throwing an anchor overboard, settling down, having kids, and putting money down on a mortgage...

...But a car?  You can only drive around a bright red Keeway scooter for so long, right?!?  "Sure... $24,000... I could make that work," I responded hesitantly.
"Alright!  I'll pick you up tomorrow and we'll go take a look!" Uncle Mike is always incredibly helpful.  He also incidentally helped to fuel the fire of the grandest undertaking of my life.

"$24,000," I thought, "and I'll finally have my own adventure-mobile."

It didn't feel right.  I couldn't move.  I was in one of those moments when you know that you are about to make a huge life decision.  Subconsciously, this entire choice has been building day-by-day for years, but the fog was finally lifting.  I looked down at my smartphone and on a whim typed a question that had never been seriously considered, "How much does it cost to hike the Pacific Crest Trail?" 

**Enter**

The first hit gave me exactly the type of opinionated responses that I love.  "If you intend to eat baloney sandwiches and minimize your zeroes, then you're looking at around $4,000."  "If you're like me and you like to live the high life and shack up once in awhile in a hotel, grab burgers when they're available, etc., then you might anticipate spending $8,000." That price range sounded reasonable for a 2,650-mile quest.

Maybe this next action was overly ambitious, but not a moment later my fingers furiously pounded in another question, "Is there a long-distance trail in New Zealand?" I had traveled there in 2009 to visit my sister Nikki (video proof: New Zealand Tramping Compilation), and I was itching for an excuse to return.  The Internet at my apartment was cranking out links to a newly completed trans-New Zealand trail called "Te Araroa," or The Long Pathway. 

After a cursory glances at El Camino, the Alpina Trail across Switzerland, and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, my mind was moving a million miles a minute.  Heart pounding, legs stiffening, I made one last entry into the search engine: "How long does it take to hike the Appalachian Trail?"

The June 2015 - June 2016 Journey!

Some great moments happen over long-extended periods of time.  Others are spontaneous and require mere happenstance.  This moment was a combination.  I pulled out a calculator and began entering ballpark costs of how much it would cost to hike around the world for a year. The result was a little too ironic: $24,000.  The total cost of my fabricated fairy tale was exactly the same a the brand new 2015 tangerine Subaru CrossTrek that I was scheduled to finance the next day.  I called Uncle Mike back immediately.  I got his voicemail.  It all happened so fast.  I had the option to look out of my window every day and see a glistening SUV in my driveway, or I had the option to spend the same amount of money, walk around the world, and a have the greatest calendar year of my life.  

If you read this far and were hoping to read about the conveniences of unrestricted transportation, gallant anecdotes of impatiently roving supermarket parking lots for princess spots, or spending 51 minutes per day in traffic like the average American commuter, I'm going to disappoint you.  This blog will highlight a thru-hiker's yearlong journey starting in June 2015.  Follow it here on this blog, and also @tylerhikes on Instagram.

"Uncle Mike, I can't get that car tomorrow - I'm going to pursue my passion!"

Photo Credit: Seth Jones - hiking in West Maroon Pass

I want to thank friends and family members for their support as I pursue this daunting and authentic undertaking.  You have all played a part in this story so far, and I hope these next chapters are just as awesome!

I hope this trip inspires wilderness preservation and encourages everyone to get outside!