A voice from the Pacific Crest Trail

Chance Fitzpatrick is over halfway through hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada. I asked him some questions about his journey so far.

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MP: What would you tell your past self, prior to getting on the trail?

CF: Just relax and trust the process. The trail always provides and everything will be given to you at the perfect time. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want or need at anytime.

MP: What would you tell your future self, upon finishing this journey?

CF: Hmmm… A bit harder to answer since I’m imagining what I might want to hear. Don’t be afraid to follow your heart’s desire. What is it that you truly want to do? What scares the shit out of you? Find out what it is that you’re most passionate about and take the leap of faith.

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MP: What do you love the most about your experience?

CF: Being able to spend 10-12 hours a day hiking in the wilderness alone with my thoughts and no distractions. Living such a simple lifestyle with purpose is extremely rewarding.

MP: What do you love least about your experience?

CF: Balancing wants vs. needs can be tricky. Just because you want something doesn’t mean that it’s needed. To make sure what you’re carrying on your back is essential. Another thing that’s very important is to make sure you keep a positive attitude at all times. There are many reasons to keep going, and even more to quit.

MP: Favorite sound?

CF: The constant churn of my footsteps on the earth along with the clicking of my trekking poles.

Milestones are celebrated!
Milestones are celebrated!

MP: Least favorite sound?

CF: Noisy hikers that talk way too much and don’t respect your need to be alone in nature.

MP: Favorite smell?

CF: The fresh mountain air is always changing on the trail. The desert smells very different from the pine forests and grassy meadows.

MP: What has been the most unexpected thing?

CF: How the trail can change drastically from one moment or day to the next. One minute it’s foggy, then it snows. Next day you’re one ridge over and it’s windy with scorching heat. I’ve experienced all of the above in a 24-hr period.

MP: Has this experience, so far, effected your relationship with yourself?

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CF: I am much more patient, loving and forgiving. Not getting all worked up with circumstances and situations that are out of my control.

Chance has a great blog: chancingit.com. You’ll get a good feel for what it’s really like to be out there and see some stunning photographs.

Stay tuned for a follow-up!

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