Earthen Odyssey Full Stride at 50 circular hiking adventure logo Earthen Odyssey: Full Stride at 50
This blog is to write about my backpacking experiences and my preparation as I plan to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2027. I will share my gear research, my training trips,  and the things I am doing to mentally prepare myself for this adventure. 
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Adventures at any age

My Big Four: Choosing My PCT Gear

So, What Is a “Perfect” Post?I wanted to post something once a month after my first post in May, but I have not done that. I’ll just be honest, I’m scared! I’m scared that what I write will be formatted wrong, that the words won’t be read, or people will think they are stupid or pointless. I believed what I wrote had to be absolutely perfect. I even started to write a post, but it got so long I told myself I couldn’t use it. So, what is a “perfect” post for a blog that is just beginning? What is...
Aug 26th, 2026

How Backpacking Became Home: My Journey From The Backyard Creek to the PCT

In 2021, I went on my first backpacking trip to Hawn State Park. My pack was way too heavy, we took a wrong turn and couldn’t find the water source, and it was at least 90° in Missouri, which means it felt even hotter with the humidity. When I left the park at the end of the weekend, I had been changed forever. Where It StartedI spent my childhood in the woods behind my house. I had a trail that was maybe ¼ mile long that followed a creek and ended at the rain tunnels under Interstate 64. I’ve always...
May 19th, 2026 Adventures at any age
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