Monday, October 10, 2011

A New Beginning

I will be taking the next step in life very soon. I will be retiring on December 30, 2011. I have made an appointment with the Retirement Board to sign my papers on November 8, 2011. I made my decision while contemplating my next adventure. I have a dream of hiking solo from the Mexico/USA border (Campo) to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). I do not want to put off this adventure for another year and if I truly expect to complete the hike in one season, I need to hit the trail mid April to finish before the snows begin in the north (No later than the first of October).

I began reading everything I could find on thru hiking the PCT to get an idea of what I was getting myself into. I contacted several people who had completed the hike as well as several who made the attempt but fell short. I learned much from them and am excited to give this adventure a go. Hiking for five to six months straight; 2650 or so miles; alone; carrying everything I need on my back; will be challenging, difficult, rewarding and at the same time rejuvenating and a way to purge the negative memories of 32+ years in law enforcement.

Several people ask, "who are you going to hike with?" When I tell them no-one, I get the same, "you are an idiot" look. Many cannot fathom undertaking such a task willingly and alone. I get questions about being lonely. I explain my desire to enjoy the solitude of hiking mile after mile, lost in my own thoughts and dreams, doing what is often described as, "hiking your own hike." There are usually five to six hundred individuals who set out to hike the PCT every year. I will stumble across many during my hike and when the desire strikes will have people to talk and share stories with. I plan on writing daily and sharing my thoughts and experiences.

I will soon "re-tool" so to speak this BLOG and begin to write about the preparation for my hike and use this site to write about the adventures ahead. I will throw in a few shots at politicians and the goings on in San Diego as well as thoughts of a department that once was and what it has become.

I hope to entertain and at the same time allow you to share in my adventure; the pain, the joy, the sights and sounds, as well as the struggles of living in a tent for days on end and eating food that can be cooked by adding boiling water.

Life is good and I look forward to the next chapter.

A small example of where I will venture, living simply, enjoying the peace, quiet and solitude of what the PCT has to offer.

4 comments:

Just Wondering said...

Congratulation for making through the meat grinder and escaping the stresses of life on the PD.

Sadly what used to be one of the premier law enforcement agency in the country, finds itself decimated by those who were elected by its citizens into office.

Over the last few days I've been reading Paradise Plundered which has shed the light of day on the political mismanagement of this City over the past 30 years, beginning with Pete Wilson and continues today. The book is incredibly detailed and with well documented sources on the facts and the actions of those responsible. It's well worth everyone's time to read so you may thoroughly understand how we got here, and how Carl DeMaio and his made up plans are not the solution for San Diego.

Good luck in your attempt on the Pacific Coast Trail, there's no doubt in will not only be a challenging experience, but a fulfilling one too.

Anonymous said...

cool blog

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Steve. You have survived the San Diego Police Department and all of the City's BS! You are exiting alive, well, and with a plan. I look forward to seeing you blog about your PCT adventure! Natalie Stone

Kristina Davis said...

Congrats! I look forward to reading about your new adventures!