Hello! Am I in the right place?

Let me introduce myself: I’m Jess!

I currently live in Boston, I love yoga (taking classes and teaching them), I have way too many plants in my apartment, I love being outdoors (I think that’s implied here), I like to cook occasionally (I hate touching raw chicken), I’ve traveled to 16 countries, and I love collecting little trinkets! I’m also an adult with a real job; I work in the mental health field. Initially, I conducted clinical trials in the city and then transitioned to a new corporate company where I worked for a couple of years. But I’m in the process of subletting my apartment to do something totally new for me.

Some frequently asked questions to get to know me

What made you want to go on a hike? → This idea had been kicking around in my head for a few years, but the seed was planted when I did a section of the Camino de Santiago in Spain 2 years ago and met a woman who did the PCT when she was 30 years old. She spoke so passionately about this time in her life and it sounded incredible (she also met her husband along the way and that sounded promising). This and working in a corporate job that exhausted me was enough for me to take the step.

Have you gone hiking before? → No! There’s a scoop for everything, right?

Have you at least backpacked before? → I have 2 nights of backpacking experience, ha ha. The most recent was last year, as a solo night with the white team. I learned that I’m terrified of sleeping outside in the dark, so I really hope I get over it quickly.

What about the hiking experience? → I love hiking day! I grew up and went to school in NH, and am slowly weeding out the 52WAV and NH48 rosters. I’m pretty comfortable doing day hikes alone (sometimes I even prefer it).

Why is the PCT rising? → I needed a change! I was (still am?) in a quarter-life crisis, I didn’t like my job, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to put down roots, and I really wanted a little more nature in my life. I’m single, have no pets, no car, no real ties (aside from my friends and family who I’m going to miss dearly), so the timing seemed right.

What is your favorite color? → Obviously an important question; It is sage green and light pink.

What makes you think you can walk from Mexico to Canada? → Damn, thinking about those doubts. Since I don’t have much backpacking experience, there’s a good chance I won’t make it all the way. While I certainly want to go as far as I can, my main goal is to gain experience and have fun (includes type 2 fun and maybe even a little type 3 fun). I am very excited for so many parts. There’s a part, deep inside of me, that believes I can do it, so I’m going to listen to that for as long as I can.

What are you going to do after the walk? → Since I left my job, I have received this many times from friends and family. My plan is to apply to graduate school in the fall. This is something I’m excited about and will be in the future, but I’m also open to other ideas that may come up while I’m along the way.

Do you write for places other than Trek? → No, this is my first time writing for the public, so please be kind to me!!! If you’re going to be mean, imagine me when I was 10 years old.

What are you going to miss most about normal life? → I think it’s taking a shower and lying in my big bed at night. I love being comfortable in my room. And I love sleeping diagonally in the middle of my queen-sized bed. For this reason, I bought the widest sleeping pad I could.

What do you hope to get along the way? → I’m so excited to see some of the most beautiful rural landscapes in the US, meet amazing like-minded people, and gain new skills and perspectives!

Basically, I’m just a normal girl looking for something crazy. Where the odds aren’t really in my favor, but I’m still going to give it my all. Temukan msds di sini.

Health!!

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