Help Mike D hike the PCT!

My name is Mike, I'm 31 years old and I grew up in the Los Angeles area.  I was lucky enough to spend most of my life in the outdoors, exploring & celebrating open spaces in diverse climates and remote locations.  My family were hard core campers growing up.  From the early days of Boy Scouts to the more contemporary years of my adulthood, I've had the privilege to explore hundreds of miles in the backcountry as a backpacker, dirt rider, and car camper. I’ve always dreamt of thru-hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), but would just as quickly write off the notion as ridiculous. 

By day, I've had the privilege to dedicate my life towards building power with low-income communities of color. I've been forced to grapple that same inherent privilege, trying to find the best way I can be an ally to the movement, without taking up space that was never mine to take. After spending roughly a decade doing various forms of community organizing and social change work, I'm taking 6 months for rejuvenation, and to set my sights on something I once thought would be unachievable. 

To make the decision was a horrifying proposition. I've allowed material possessions to possess me, and put too much value in acquiring and protecting my 'stuff'.  It never felt quite right. For years, I've spent my weekdays scheming and anticipating the weekend's adventure, and I realized that that might be where my heart belongs, outside. I've realized I have to let all this go - if I don't explore the world now, I probably never will.  (Did I mention I like camping?)  I have no family of my own (aside from my wonderful parents, brother and million cousins), I don't own property (rent from a bank), and I have no one that depends on me.  So, I've decided to commit - I am quitting my job, selling my stuff, and walking 2,659 miles from Mexico to Canada. Totally rational, I know. I'm scheduled to start the hike mid-April 2017, and arrive in Canada sometime mid-September 2017. 

So, what's the money for?
Doing this little adventure is going to cost me the very thing I'm trying to divest from, and I need your help to make it happen.   Because I won't be working (and will lose my health insurance), raising funds to support this effort is that much more critical. I want to try and do this hike with the lightest gear possible, which can get pricey.

Here's a super rough breakdown: 
 - hiking/survival gear suitable for all the climates I'll live in (desert, sierras, snow, rain).
- food! - I have to preplan my meals and supply myself along the way.
- postage - mailing all that food and gear into remote areas can get costly.
- emergency fund - in case I get injured (not planning on that!)

My goal is to raise the resources I need by January 2017.  This will give me 2 months to finalize purchases, make plans, destroy my furniture, and be fully ready when my number gets assigned for departure. 

I've never been very good with words, and I cannot convey what your contribution will truly mean to me.  It will help me get closer to Day 1 of this journey, and then the real test on my mind and body will begin.  It will help me realize my dream.  Your contribution will become a part of the greatest thing that I will likely ever accomplish. Knowing I have support from my family and friends makes being alone in the wilderness for thousands of miles a little easier. It will help me push through.  It will allow me to finish. Please consider donating, literally every dollar will help!

To see some of my photojournal outside adventures, check me out on IG or Flickr: @fraudfix.

In Solidarity,
Mike