October 10, 2017 – As I laced up my hiking boots to take my first steps on the Pacific Crest Trail, I had no idea of the journey that lay ahead. In a matter of weeks I would face challenges big and small, from rodent robbers and extraneous equipment, to black bears and shin splints, to a devastating wildfire that halted hikers in their tracks.

I learned many things in my time hiking the PCT. Among them, that alongside the natural ecosystem of the trail exists a human one. In three weeks on the trail, I only camped alone two nights – one by choice. There were always people around, always someone on the trail with whom to share a moment, an afternoon, or an entire journey.

Most of the hikers I met started at the Mexican border months before I set out on my 511 mile trek of Washington’s PCT. They had names like Hollywood, Noodle, Chewie, Double Tap, Gusher, and Cowboy, and had seen much worse than me. Yet, these happy hikers met me as Tom, the old man hiking for the young kids of Kindering, and bestowed on me the trail name “Fearless.” Hiking with Courage the Lion garnered a lot of attention on the trail, and I became known first as the Lion Tamer, then the Fearless Lion Tamer, then simply, Fearless. I worked my hardest to live up to this nickname for the Kindering kiddos who overcome their own challenges and embody this moniker every day.

Courage and I were able to complete all but 150 miles of the trek. The fire closures from White Pass to Chinook Pass forced many of us to “jump” 98-miles ahead. Then, with only 60 miles left to go, I developed shin splints so severe it became hard to walk. I went home for a few days’ rest. Those days turned into weeks as my legs remained swollen and painful, and now I’m looking ahead to next year to complete the journey.

What I’ve learned has emboldened me to be smarter for the next challenge. I’ll bring even more food, and work on creative solutions to get the 5,000-6,000 calories per day needed to sustain such an effort (watching my fellow hikers, I learned that it’s okay to eat three cinnamon rolls, two donuts, and an omelet in a single sitting, and then top it off with a candy bar for dessert). I’ll continue to hone my “efficiency” skills to make the most of the hours of daylight. And I most look forward to the new faces of the trail. The people you meet along the way always add the richest memories to any journey.

This journey made me smarter than I began and I remain invigorated for the unknown challenges that still lay ahead. Together with your support, and inspired by Courage and the Kindering kids, we’ve come a long way toward our $600,000 goal. But there’s still work to be done! If you haven’t had the chance to donate, please consider supporting Trek for Tots today at www.kindering.org/pct, and see some fun ideas on how you can get involved!