I am presently participating in a fitness challenge named 'You vs The Year 2026' to hike 1026 km before the end of the year. So far, I have hiked 184 km, and every day I explore the Sequoia National Forest along forest roads and mountain trails with my dog, River. Last year, we hiked over 600 miles together, and we always make sure to stay safe and respect the forest and others we meet along the way.

In 2019, I attempted a thru-hike on the PCT. Even though the hike didn’t go as planned, I learned a lot—especially about the importance of comfort, especially as a senior citizen. One thing I really missed was the simple comfort of a chair: a place to relax, put my shoes on, and get off the ground for a bit. Now, with all the lessons I’ve learned, I’ve set my sights on completing this 2026 challenge with a special reward in mind for both River and myself.

If we reach our goal, I’d love to get River a comfy new bed and treat myself to a real wooden picnic table, so I can relax and celebrate with my hiking pals and their dogs after our adventures. Any support you can offer will help us reach our goal and make our post-hike moments even more meaningful. Thank you for cheering us on!