Two intrepid backpackers are about to embark on an epic journey that will take them along the entire length of the Pacific Crest Trail. Their adventure will cover hundreds of miles of backcountry through some of the most scenic and remote areas in the entire U.S., sending them off on one of the truly great long-distance hikes in the world. But these men aren’t just taking this walk for the pure adventure, as both of them are trekking for an important cause that is near and dear to their hearts.
On April 15 – Monday of next week – Tim Deatherage and Zach Barnard will begin their hike near the Mexican border in Southern California. From there, they’ll trek north, following the spectacular PCT the entire way. The 2663 mile (4285 km) journey will take them approximately five to six month to complete, ending in Manning Park, Canada. Along the way they’ll pass through Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, wander past Mt. Shasta and Rainier, and over Snoqualmie Pass and northern Cascade Mountains.
As I mentioned, both men will be trekking to raise funds for their own individual causes. For Tim, a former military officer who served for 11 years, that cause is the Operation Warrior Wellness program. OWW seeks to help veterans suffering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder through the use of Transcendental Meditation techniques. Zach on the other hand will be walking to raise funds and awareness of Cystic Fibrosis, a disease that attacks the lungs and digestive system of those afflicted. Zach has a close family member who has struggled with CF their entire life and so his efforts will go towards helping the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Once underway next week, you’ll be able to follow Tim and Zach’s progress on their website Trek4ACause.com or on their Trek4ACause Facebook page. Good luck guys and enjoy the PCT.
Thanks to Amanda Lee for sharing this great story!
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If you really want to help your cause, spending 5-7 months hiking throught the wilderness is one of the least effective ways to do it. Instead, consider volunteering all that time, or saving money from a real job and donating it. Not to mention that a cause is not going to help you finish a trip like this — you have to believe that you will be a better person at the end.