Easter with my Ohana, then Heading South!

Unsaved draft typed this morning lost... Lesson learned the hard way... Save yo' shit if you type more than one sentence. Oh well. Can't sweat the small stuff, right?

My head is in a peaceful state right now compared to the partially flustered state I awoke to this morning. I felt anxious when I woke up around 3 covered in sweat, not wanting pull the sheets back further because of the chill on my moist body. I dreamed this vibrant, royal blue beetle I was admiring flew up my skirt and climbed up to my back. Fuck that thought... Bahhhh. (Excessive) Bugs are seriously one of my top 3 fears of trail. Almost like Indiana Jones and snakes... But I'm a little better.

This morning, I typed about my Easter and how wonderful it was to be around my family. They all were so interested to ask about gear, clothes, food, miles... As crazy as they think this is, none seemed majorly surprised. It was so nice to be around them all at once. I haven't been home for Easter since I moved to Portland. The last 5 Easters consisted of being present virtually on a screen, taking turns seeing the faces of my family, only to be passed on until everyone had a turn and I ended the call in tears, to continue with my typical Sunday while they continued with laughs, bunnies, an adorable family portrait, home made brunch by my parents... Man. I planned my PCT launch around bring present for this. So happy to be there and get their love. Ohana.

My Dad and I just left Venice beach and are on our way to San Diego. He's been amazing following through with supporting not only my dream to hike the PCT, but to have a sweet road trip to the boarder. I told him last year I wanted to drive with him to the start of trail, but take the scenic route and drive along the California coast. I am going to miss the ocean so much -- I definitely have a major soft spot for the power and beauty it holds.

So far, we stopped at Firestone Walker Brewing for me to have a beer (My Dad is the most responsible/strict DD I know), stopped in at my Aunt Connie and Uncle Dave's for a quick hello/goodbye with them and my cousin Dennis, ate at the, "Best Indian food in Ventura," and this morning, walked 6.2 miles from one end of Venice Beach to the Santa Monica Pier! Warm up for the mile he's going to do with me starting PCT, and my venture for 2,600 more.

Sunday night after Easter I was so overwhelmed and exhausted from all the excitement, that I didn't want to do anything trail (even though I had no choice). I decided to work from the couch on the spread sheet of information for my family to have, while my sister helped set up the GPS spot my Aunt is loaning me for this trip, all while watching the 10 Comandments on TV. While Moses walked his 40 days through the desert, I could help but laugh hysterically while poor Moses crawled with his shaft and wool poncho through the Hollywood created desert-set. It's funny, but all too imaginable for myself... Haha? (Who put that question mark there..?)

Monday morning, I woke up thinking: okay Katie, this is it. Pack your bag, finish your boxes, you're leaving as early as possible. However, if you know anything about me, early doesn't really work. I'm more of a ten-minutes-late kind of person. I'd be the person late to their own funeral/wedding/birth/drive-south-to-start-this-crazy-fucking-hike kind of person.

I finished labeling the boxes, and layed out all my gear on the table. When Logan and Ryland woke up, they asked, "Auntie Katie, where are you going?" Only when they grow up will they understand the magnitude of where I was going and what I was doing.

Weighing my pack once it was all loaded was a trip. 32lbs minus Water. Holy moly... This is happening. 4-hours later, I said farewell to my Mom, and cried she prayed for my safety. I'm going to miss my Mom so much. Everyone. I am going to miss everyone so much.