All of us little thru-hikers have been eagerly waiting for the approval of our long-distance permit this week. I am happy to announce that I was approved for my April 18th start date! I can't even begin to tell you how many people keep asking when I'm leaving, and I usually reply, "April something." So yes! I can finally say the eighteenth now. Things are starting to get more real, and I can begin nailing down specific logistics on coordinating things regarding my resupply and San Diego options. I'm looking at flights right now to buy a one way ticket to SD for Jenny and myself! I'm also discovering that there are specific ways to bring all your gear through airport security. So crazy, all these little details you have to think about before you can just head off. We can't check in trekking poles and multi-tools through carry-on, so I think I'm going to be booking via Southwest for a free checked baggage and keep those items separate and buy my fuel when I get there.

Scout and Frodo are legendary thru-hikers/trail angels who have hosted hikers in San Diego for the past 10 years. Their generosity and hospitality is over and beyond. They will pick you up from the airport, take you to their home for a communal dinner, let you spend the night, feed you breakfast and take you to the Southern Terminus early in the morning! Unbelievable. Each night, they will typically host 5-25 hikers during the season. They won't even take donations but will encourage hikers to join PCTA or buy Scout's book when it is published. Words can't describe how appreciative all of the hikers are for them! I am looking forward to meeting them to start off my journey.

We also learned that ADZPCTKO (Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick Off) will not be taking place this year. The event is an annual kick off party that gathers PCT thru-hikers held at Lake Morena. Most people have already started their hike by the time the kick off takes place, so hikers will hitch back to the event and then hitch back to where they left off on the trail. It's a place where all the hikers can meet each other, learn from one another and visit vendors. I've also heard it's just a giant party, but I mainly wanted to go so that I could meet Team ZPacks! I am currently talking with them about joining them as an ambassador on their team and was looking forward to finally meeting them face to face! Sooo maybe not this year, but maybe if I ever make a trip down to Florida!

Slowly getting rid of stuff to create more floor space so I can lay out gear/resupply boxes

I finally got rid of my couch and most living space things this week. I was a little sad to part ways with them but am happy most of the things have been passed down to families that I know! My next step is to finalize my route/stops to calculate how many boxes I will be shipping out. I also plan on looking up some recipes and will start dehydrating come next week.

I will check in again with everyone soon and let you know how the resupply process is going! EEEP!