When I was 19 years old I was living in Idaho going to college. A high school friend and I decided to take a road trip to Northern California to see a concert and do some camping. On our drive, we drove by Donner Pass, and that's where I saw my first sign for the Pacific Crest Trail. Doing some research on the trail, I was so intrigued by a footpath that went from Mexico to Canada through beatiful California, Oregon, and Washington that I told myself "I have to do that someday". A few years later I was living in Flagstaff, AZ. A backpacking friend of mine and I had a dream of hiking the PCT together someday. We both found ourselves deciding to go off to school, and had a plan that when we graduated, we would meet up to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Two weeks before I graduated from culinary school I met a beautiful woman, and decided this is the one to spend the rest of my life with. Now, almost 30 years later, I've been married for 25 years and have 3 wonderful kids, but my dream of hiking the PCT has never left the back of my mind. Now that my kids are older, it feels like the right time for a break from the intensity of kitchen life, and a chance to realize my dream to hike the Pacific Crest Trail!

I obtained the hiking permit that is required of any person to hike the PCT back in November. My starting date is March 16, 2026 walking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. I started this fundraiser to help out with expenses along the trail. The funds will be used for travel expenses, food resupplies, lodging and campground fees, new hiking shoes every 500+ miles, gear malfunctions, and town stop expenses. Any donation, big or small, would be greatly appreciated to help make this dream a reality. If that is not possible, your prayers, words of encouragement, and cheering me along the trail would mean the world to me.

I started an Instagram account for friends and family, or anyone who wants to follow along on my journey. @j.d.hikes If you have anything to share please click the donate now button, or share with friends and family.