Q & A : My Hike To San Francisco

What trail are you hiking?
I am hiking the American Discovery Trail.

 Are you hiking the entire trail?
I am hiking the last leg of the trail from Denver, CO to San Francisco, CA.

 Are you going with a group?
No.

 Who are you going with?
I will be hiking alone.

 I guess you watched the movie Wild?
I have watched the movie Wild because I fell in love with the book when I read it. Cheryl Strayed’s story was one that inspired me to begin my own research and plan my own journey. The next three months are not an imitation of the movie Wild. The next three months are mine.

 How long is it going to take you?
I have to complete the trail in three months.

 Where will you sleep?
My tent.  

 What will you eat?
Oatmeal, Instant Mac n Cheese, Instant Mashed Potatoes, Jerky, Trail Mix, Etc.

 How are you going to take a shower?
I won’t. I will have “bath wipes” and natural sources of water. I hope to stay in a hotel every couple weeks to write and take an actual shower.

 How will you communicate? Will you have your cell phone?
I am bringing my cell phone but service will be unreliable at times. I will be reaching out to my family every chance I get.

 Will there be other hikers on the trail?
I’m sure there will be but who knows?

 Aren’t you scared of wild animals?
Yes and curious about when I encounter them. Hoping for cool experiences. I am carrying bear deterrent with me for emergencies. 

 Are you packing a gun?
That was my initial plan but after researching licensing laws in western states, I decided against it. I will be carrying a knife that my friend, Mary, bought for me.

 What about your job?
I quit my job.

 Are you returning to Wet Seal when you finish?
I do not plan on going back to Wet Seal after the hike.

What are you going to do for work when you get back?
I don’t have that answer yet.

 Didn’t you just buy a house?
Yes.

 Where will Lane be staying?
Lane will spend the summer at Grandma’s house, like every other summer. The only difference is I will be hiking, not working.

 How are you feeling about being a FEMALE hiking alone?
I FEEL FUCKING PHENOMENAL. I still don’t understand this question. I will have the same resources that a male would have. I will experience the same vulnerability that a male hiker would. I will sleep on the same ground that male hikers have slept on. I do not foresee any threats from humanity on this journey. Know that I am not scared to use a knife or beat the living shit out of someone who intends to hurt me.

 I want to REALLY LIVE. Worrying about what could happen to you on the freeway or out in the wilderness doesn’t allow much life to happen. Fear encloses you in a cage. No human should live their life in a cage. 

I leave in six days to start this journey of a lifetime! I have created a Paypal account for those who would like to donate to my trip. If you want to buy me a burger or a bed along the trail, you can do so through the "Donate" tab on my homepage. I would be so grateful! I am overwhelmed by the consistent support/encouragement/love I have received during my preparation. I can't wait to start walking in Denver. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

ALL MY LOVE
Jo