Yes, fall 2016.
I am taking a year and a half off from school.
Three years ago, I never would have let the idea of taking more than a semester off enter my mind. But as my last semester began, I knew I would not be going to grad school the following fall.
Q: "So what's your plan after graduation?"
A: >.> *Walks away*
Maybe I did too many research projects during undergrad, or maybe I ran my brain into an endless state of "wow this is so cool ah wow the earth!" but geez I just can't decide what to study! It's all so cool.
(Honestly I'll probably end up working on some geochem project...either microbial utilization of various chemicals at surface hydrothermal sites or vein formation during induced metamorphism/orogenic processes OR I'll save the honey bees OR install bike lanes all over the U.S.)
So one night this January, Fletcher and I decided that since we don't know what we want to do, we might as well NoBo the Pacific Crest Trail while we figure it out. I'd originally planned to graduate in December 2014 in order to make room for an Appalachian Trail thru-hike before beginning my Master's in August 2015, but this plan is obviously going to be way more fun. It's the perfect time to do the PCT. Neither of us have any plans, nothing holding us down anywhere, and we had just enough time to work, save money, buy a few gear-things, and plan the trip (well, Fletch has worked very hard and saved money...I tried to work a regular job for a few days and promptly quit...). So this winter/spring has been full of organizing gear, dehydrating foods, and familiarizing ourselves with the trail via Yogi's Guidebook.
I AM SO EXCITED. Everyday for about 4 months, we will wake up somewhere new. Everything we see all day every day will be new. How often does a person get to do something like that?! Not very. We are very lucky and grateful to be able to do this trip, and I hope to keep this blog a little more updated during it.
Start Date: May 3rd
Guesstimated Finish Date: September 9th?
This is the only plan I have. Maybe I'll stay in Canada. Maybe I'll drive across the country after and just live out of a car forever. Maybe I'll do the Arizona Trail and Colorado Trail before grad school next fall. I don't know, but I am sure the trail will figure it out for me.
PS: I FINALLY TURN 21 THIS YEAR BETCHEZZZ I'LL BE IN WASHINGTON ON THE TRAIL SFNDFLNKEW *^!&#!(@ BEST 21ST BDAY PRESENT EVERRR.
Here are some funny pictures:
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| 3 YEARS OF STRAIGHT CHEESIN <3 <3 |
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| This is my dog Pebbles rolling in a dead fish on the beach by my parents house |
