Having made the decision to quit work to follow my passion three times now, I can say for certain that anxiety about the future - even big scary stuff - is almost always worse than the reality of the experience itself. .
Therefore, when thinking about the future, no matter what it is, tell yourself: "It'll probably be fine." The "probably" leaves room for any unexpected terribleness, while the rest of the statement reminds you that events usually turn out okay.
I've been using this tactic my whole life, and it's a good way to soothe one's nerves before jumping into the void.
. "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." ~ Helen Keller
Pacific Northwest Trail (North Cascades Section) - 4.5 days / 154 miles
Day 1
I got a lift up to the start around mid afternoon by John. I walked with him for a few miles before setting off.
This little journey started with an out and back on the Ptarmigan Ridge, which might be the most senic day hiking I have ever seen. I was so captivated the whole time, first with Mt Shuksan across the valley, and then with Mt Baker.
I walked right up to Mt Bakers huge glaciers, turned around and got to enjoy the scenery on the way back.
It was then time for the best road walk I have done as I watched the setting sun start to illuminate Mt Shuksan.
I ended up camping on the side of a dirt road, which turned out to be a horrible idea with cars flying by all night.
Day 2:
A day of passes and ridge walking.
I did not sleep well last night with the cars constantly waking me up, but I realized that I miss calculated the route length by 20 miles so got up early in preparation for a big day.
I slowly climbed up to Hannigan Pass, and then took an alternative off the PNT on Copper Ridge.
This section was well worth the extra few miles, with not only one of the most vibrant lakes, but also endless views of glacier caped mountains.
Unfortunately the smoke kept on building throughout the day and by lake afternoon I could not even see the mountains across the valley.
I finished the day off by heading over Whatcom (?) Pass and a very sharp descent into the valley below.
After a week of rest, I seem to have lost my trail legs and was rather sorry as I drifted off to sleep.
Day 3:
An easy day and a beautiful lake.
I spent most of the day walking through dense forest as I meandered towards Ross Lake. It was not all easy walking with a significant amount of deadfall in some sections.
But I soon reached Ross Lake. This lake is huge and not to shabby on the eyes either. I enjoyed walking around it as I soaked up the views.
Day 4:
I took another alternative to the south of Jack Mountain mainly because it was slightly shorter, travered right below a small glacier, and was above treeline for longer.
One pass later I was back on my beloved PCT! ***Remainder in comments***
Pacific Crest Trail - Forester Pass
The is my undesputed favorite day of hiking I have ever done.
It started with a 4am wake up call on a little rock outcrop at the base of Forester. It was awefully cold at 20F (-6C), and I was delighted to find my shoes completely frozen.
It took a bit to get dressed, but eventually @connorgoesbananas and I set off up to the pass. It was dark and we could not see steps in the snow going up to the exposed switchbacks above. I took the lead and chopped steps on the really steep sections.
Eventually we reached exposed rock, and after a bit of a scramble we found the trail. It was then time to traverse the infomous ice shoot (that I thought was overly talked up). Once past the ice shoot nothing was stopping us reaching the top. By luck or planning, we got to the pass just as the first rays of light spilled over the mountains and came illuminating down on the valley in front of us. What we saw was a sea of white, with 100% snow coverage in the valley contrasting with the shear rock spires on either side.
We were cold so quickly decided to descend. Instead of following the trail, we straight lined it to the valley below.
The rest of the day was fantastic as well. Our route followed Bubbs Creek down to Vidette Meadows, which looking back up the valley is my favorite view in the Sierra.
Then we turned off the PCT and headed for Kersarge Pass. We passed a few glorious lakes on the way up, and I got to have an extremely long glissade all the way down to the carpark on the other side.
After a quick hitch into Lone Pine, we ran into Star Crunch, Pano, Furball and Dr. Zoom while we were all trying to consume as much đ at an all you can eat buffet.
