One week to the Pacific Crest Trail

Lately I’ve been making lists and jotting down some ideas before I start the Pacific Crest Trail next week. I thought I’d share them here before everything changes, or maybe before I realize that nothing changes as much as I expected.

Who am I?

I suppose this answer could change after the hike, regardless of how long you stay on the trail or how many miles you go.
But in my foundation, I am Araceli. I would say some of my life mottos are 1) be curious and kind in everything related to life. 2) Find love in all things, people and places. 3) choose happiness without regrets.
I am a Mexican American from Iowa. I am the daughter of two Mexican immigrants. I am a sister and an aunt.
Those are probably the identities and roles I hold most closely.

Araceli on the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Photo taken by Pete Stoller.

How did this start?

Two years ago, I was backpacking in Patagonia. During part of the trip, I spent time with a rafting company, taking photographs, and became friends with one of the guides, Gerald.

Gerald with a fish he caught fishing in the Baker River. Photo taken by Araceli López Valdivia.

One day he told me that I reminded him of “the white girl in the movie Wild» — the Reese Witherspoon movie… I had never seen the movie, so we watched it.

That was the first time I heard about the Pacific Crest Trail.

As I watched, I found myself connecting with Cheryl’s experience. During my own travels, I had already experienced the kindness of strangers, the challenge of being far from home, and the growth that comes from stepping into the unknown. People like Gerald had made those experiences possible.

After the movie, I remember Googling the PCT and thinking:
Wait… maybe I can do this?

I told Gerald, «I’m going to try the hike before I turn 30.»

Two years later, my debt is paid off. I have saved some money. I have improved the equipment. I have completed my master’s degree.

And now, before I turn 30, I’m trying to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

Thanks, Gerardo.

Buena Vista Rafting Guide, Gerald on the Baker River in Puerto Bertrand, Chile. Photo taken by Araceli López Valdivia.

Why do I hike?

Apart from the promise I made in Patagonia…

because I can

I have many privileges that make this possible.
I am physically capable. I have the financial resources to feel secure enough to make this commitment. I have the emotional strength to embark on a journey so terrifying and full of uncertainty. I have family and friends who love and support me, which makes me feel stronger. I have no major responsibilities or debts that require my full attention at this time.
Not everyone has an opportunity like this and I don’t take it for granted.

Because… Why not?

Having all those privileges and, most importantly, wanting to do this, why wouldn’t I try it?
Of course it’s scary.
But I also completely agree with not “completing” the hike in the traditional sense. For me this is an attempt. Any distance you cover will be enough.
Every mile is a plus.

Because I want to grow

There is probably no better way to get to know yourself than by choosing discomfort every day for a long period of time.
I want to know who I am when life becomes simple.
Walk. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
I want to see what’s left when all the usual distractions are gone.

To see how far I’ll go

To quote a famous Polynesian woman who once sang that no one knows how far it will go… You’re right, I’m talking about Moana.
I don’t know how far I’ll go either.
If I go far, I’ll probably feel unstoppable.
If I don’t, well, even starting seems pretty far from where I was a year ago.
And if I stop early, I imagine I’ll continue to grow and still feel pretty unstoppable.
Although if I’m honest, I already feel a little unstoppable.

Besides…

To be able to say I tried.

Experience the wild beauty of the West Coast.

Maybe be baptized by the trail with a trail name.

Becoming the strongest version of myself, mentally and physically, at least to date.

Practice painting in nature.

Think deeply without the usual worldly distractions.

Araceli in El Chaltén, Argentina. Photo by Jean Depocas.

What’s scary?

Losing time with my family.
The mental struggle: the heat, the pain, the monotony.
Loneliness and self-doubt.
Feeling uncomfortable or unsafe around others.
A family emergency occurs while I am away.
Injury.
Serious illness.

If I stop…

I’ve already made peace with that possibility.
My motto is to only stop on a good day.
I will stop without regret.
I will stop if my family needs me.
And if I stop doing it, I will still be proud of having started.

What will I miss?

My bed and my duvet.
Hot showers.
My family: Lily, Jr. and Blaze.

Fresh fruits and vegetables.
Paddleboarding and summer fun.

Probably my bathroom and running water.

What do I hope to love?

The slowest pace of life.
Discovering my own strength.
Watching myself grow along with my hair (I plan to shave and donate it before I start, so it will grow along the way).
The views that come after the climbs.
The people I will meet.
Everything I will learn

In a week I will take my first steps.
I don’t know how far I’ll go.
But I know I’m excited to find out.

Araceli in El Chalten, Argentina. Photo by Francisca Saldivia Quintana.

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