Who am I? | Why am I doing this?

let me introduce myself

Some of you may know me, but for those who don’t, hello, I’m Gustavo. I’m from California and enjoy being outdoors, writing, exercising, building things, and taking on challenges. I am currently a carpenter apprentice and I am training through the NorCal Carpenter Training Committee.

I am just a few classes and hours of work away from finishing my apprenticeship. For me, working with my hands not only scratches that creative itch, but it also brings me closer to my most important goal: financial freedom.

Interestingly, I didn’t grow up playing outdoor sports. Just last year I went on my first backpacking trip. The even funniest part? I used to hate hiking. I avoided it at all costs, and yet here I am, planning to walk from one country’s border to another with nothing but a backpack on my back.

My first backpacking trip in 2024

When I’m not hiking, I usually train for weightlifting competitions.

Other than that, I’m a pretty simple guy. I like to relax alone or spend time with my family. And if I don’t do any of those things, chances are you’ll see me at In-N-Out, devouring two or three 4×4 burgers.

My most recent competition. He got 3rd place in the open division!!

Oh, and if you thought I was joking about In N Out, check this out.

The look on his face says it all.

The reason behind this crazy idea

The short answer: just because.

Honestly, I’m not very sure. I just turned 22 and time doesn’t stand still. I’ve fallen in love with backpacking, but a hike like the PCT seems like a once-in-a-lifetime challenge, one that will change me for the better. That’s something I’ve been looking for. Hopefully, whatever I’m looking for, I’ll find it along the way.

Muir Cabin on the JMT

Originally, my reasoning for doing the PCT came from feeling lost after the end of a long-term relationship, as well as losing my dog ​​that same year. As time has passed since I first thought about hiking the trail, my reasons have become less profound than I initially believed. What started out as multiple motivations has slowly narrowed down to simply wanting to experience the trail.

Pilot and I when we were young.

Recently, I’ve realized that beyond accepting whatever the trail throws at me, I’m not really looking for anything. I’m doing it for me and to scratch any itch I have within myself to do such a thing.

Discovering the PCT

Not long after I started backpacking, I came across the Pacific Crest Trail through social media. Watching the 2024 thru-hiker season play out online, I thought it was for the best. At the time, I thought it was something that was only possible later in life, once you had accumulated years of experience and knowledge. Sure, experience helps, but I quickly realized it wasn’t absolutely necessary.

Still, I didn’t see myself moving up to the PCT until perhaps I retired, or at least until I was financially free.

That changed when I discovered Cambodia on Instagram. He made a daily vlog about his hike and I followed most of his updates. As he neared the end of his walk, I knew deep down that I wanted to do the same one day. His journey inspired me, although I still thought it was many years away.

Then came the 2025 season. Once again, clips of hikers on the trail started appearing everywhere. That spark was rekindled. Except this time I didn’t want to just watch. I wanted to act.

Why now?

Because this is the window.

I’m close to finishing the school portion of my career, but I’ll soon be diving deeper into work and growth. With that comes responsibility, a responsibility that won’t make something like a five-month trip so easy.

Right now, I don’t have the common ties that hold many people back, like marriage, kids, or debt (aside from a mortgage, but more on that later).

So why not now? The truth is that I would rather take the leap in 2026 than live with regrets afterwards, wishing I had done it.

«Do something that scares you from time to time»

Responsibilities

Yes, I have a mortgage!

Shortly after starting my pre-apprenticeship in 2022, my siblings and I bought a house together. We split payments three ways, also covering bills and utilities.

The 3 Musketeers!

What does that look like while I’m gone?

Expensive!

I’ll need to budget around $7,000 just for my portion of the mortgage and bills, and that’s not counting what I’ll spend along the way.

And my job?

Woodworking is my career path, so it’s not something I can take lightly. Fortunately, I have built a strong bond with my boss over the years, which allows all of this to be possible. Well, something like that.

There is a chance that you will not have a job when you return. But? That’s why I’m saving even more. To cover a few extra weeks without income after the tour.

What will the financial aspect of life on the trail be like?

Let’s hope it’s economical. From time to time, my sister sends me food from home to help keep costs down.

The small towns along the trail generally have a higher price on food due to their remote locations, so I’ll have to balance that and do my best to avoid hotels whenever possible.

Other than that, it should be fine…I hope!

Until next time, we’ll dive into my team.

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