Procrastination Becomes an Art in Chaotic PCT Prep Journey
In a world ruled by meticulous planning and organized spreadsheets, one adventurer embraces the chaos of procrastination — Mikhayla, known as Babylegs on trail. Despite having multiple trails under her belt and a fairly dialed-in gear setup, Mikhayla candidly shares her formidable struggle with organization, as she prepares for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) amid winter’s retreat.
The Chaotic Symphony of Last-Minute Prep
“I had ALL WINTER to prep and plan,” she muses, reflecting on the frenzied two weeks preceding her departure. Mikhayla finds herself caught in a whirlwind of dehydrating foods, last-minute shopping, and hurried crafting sessions with her mom to create a fanny pack — a testament to her attempt to balance too many passions at once, including squeezing in a few more days of skiing.
An Unexpected Cocktail of Emotions
Underneath her habitual procrastination lies a deeper, more poignant mix of fear, anxiety, and disbelief. “For so long, my Ulcerative Colitis has been my biggest barrier,” she admits, revealing an autoimmune disorder that has shaped much of her journey. Despite her condition being in remission, the logistics of managing medication refrigeration pose a unique challenge during thru-hiking.
The PCT isn’t just another hike; it’s the culmination of years of dreaming, and the dawn of its reality makes it feel almost surreal, like a dream awaiting interruption by an unexpected wake-up call.
Breaking the News — Embracing Support
In an engaging narrative twist, Mikhayla finally confides in her work peers, revealing her plans only a week before setting off. Her fear of judgment dissipates as her boss, a fellow backpacking enthusiast, supports her, highlighting the critical role of others in chasing dreams. “All the fear melted away as we came up with a plan,” Mikhayla reflects, understanding once more the necessity of community support in realizing personal goals.
Setting Foot Towards Self-Discovery
With gear packed, a shakedown hike completed on the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, and reassurance from pivotal figures, Mikhayla prepares to embark on her PCT adventure. The trails await, promising simplicity, peace, and an unspoken acceptance of every step of the preparation process — including the chaotic ones.
As she ties her laces and steps forward, Mikhayla embodies the universal truth shared by many dreamers: often, the hardest part is simply beginning. Her journey illuminates the art within procrastination and the beauty found in confronting fear and embracing vulnerability.
Learn more about the PCT and capture the firsthand experience of adventurers like Mikhayla by visiting The Trek.
Exciting adventures await on the Pacific Crest Trail, where the real challenge is not just the miles but the story it reveals.
