When Cynthia completed her Ph.D. at the University of Washington, I quit my job and we returned to the Bay Area to live and prepare for the hike. For nearly five months I did little except train, sew, and prepare food. On April 20, we flew to San Diego and the start of my odyssey. People often ask why I gave up my career and left my wife for five months of hardship and danger. I suppose it's because I believe life is a gift, given to be opened, enjoyed, and shared.
Every day is a new opportunity to learn, a new chance to grow.
I think we grow stronger through challenge, risk and adversity, and we wither from inaction. Blessed with good health, savings and a supportive wife, I wanted to do something extraordinary while I was still able. I wanted to set the bar high and see if I could jump higher. I didn't want to get down life's trail and look back with regret at an opportunity I passed up for more temporal rewards. The Hike Everyday on the trail was a new challenge, every challenge a new solution.