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January 2008 training hike near Carson Pass, CA

Welcome to the trail journal of Martin Rolph. I'm a 43-year-old mechanical engineer from Santa Rosa, CA (currently living in Cameron Park, CA). My hope is to complete a northbound through hike of the Pacific Crest Trail starting in April 2008. I've been an avid hiker and backpacker since childhood and I've dabbled in rock climbing, mountaineering, cycling, and cross country skiing. The longest trip I've completed thus far was a 16-day JMT (John Muir Trail) hike in August 2001. The PCT has been at the back of my mind ever since that trip. I've spent many rainy winter afternoons devouring other hiker's journals but quickly dismissed any thoughts of attempting the PCT myself. Recent changes in employment (laid off) and the encouragement of a good friend rekindled the dream.

So...here I am one month from departing and still madly planning and provisioning (and training). I admit to being pretty nervous right now. How bad will the snow in the Sierra be? Am I ready for desert hiking with high temperatures and long waterless stretches (I have no desert hiking experience)? Will my feet and knees be up to the daily pounding?

I don't think I would have even contemplated this trip without the support and encouragement of my good friend, Boulderbunny. My father has also been keen to help and is planning on meeting me on the trail at several points. I've decided to go fairly low tech for this trip. The only electronics I'm taking are a cell phone and a digital camera. My plan is to keep an old-fashioned pen and paper journal, which I will mail home to Boulderbunny. My good friend and support crew have agreed to enter the journal here as received. Pictures will probably be added much less frequently. Hopefully, I'll be able to mail in updates every week or so once on the trail. Stay tuned!!

Martin

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