Me leaving the Pacific (aug 28).

Photo courtesy of Darren Chemick, without whom I would have no starting at the Pacific photo.  Thank you Darren.

The cape at dusk picture (aug 27)

Hiking out to the cape picture (aug 27).

Me at trail head picture.

It begins. (August 27th and 28th)

Where to start. Gina and David drove me yesterday to within 3 miles of the coast.  (pictures to follow if I can get it to work). The day before that they found me, fed me, drove around to get my last minute gear, and took me into their home.  They are amazing people.

I stand at the trail head.

I hike the three miles out.

I make camp at the coast and work some of the bugs out of my gear.  It rains.

Today I wake up, break camp, my phone dies, and I walk 3 miles along the coast.

Met Darren. Darren took photo of me leaving the Pacific. (Photo soon to follow once I figure out how to get it out of my email).  I drink a single tiny drop of the Pacific.  It tastes delicious.

I walk for what I guess is about 12 more miles (15 total) maybe more.  Pass woods, logged clearings, blackberry bushes, and small beef farms. Am tired.  No blisters yet. Knot in right shoulder. Made camp. Is raining again.  Am happy. Goodnight.

Donate Button and American Chestnuts.

After much consideration (and prompting from friends and family), I have added a donation button.

Wasn't sure about this, but many people want to help.

To square with my conscience about this, I have decided that half of all donations will be used for gear/food/supplies/etc. on my trip.

The other half of donations shall go to environmental protection non-profits (most likely The American Chestnut Foundation, http://www.patacf.org/ ) once my trip is complete.

If I fail in my endeavour, an amount equal to all donations will be sent by me to environmental protection non-profits.

Any extra donated funds left-over after my trip will be donated to environmental protection non-profits regardless as to whether I succeed or fail.

People who donate will be thanked by name unless they request otherwise.  Specific amounts donated will not be revealed by me unless the person(s) who make(s) the donation specifically requests that I do so.

Nerves.

Starting the trip west today, car to Pittsburgh, plane to Seattle, and then another car ride to the coast.

Will start walking by the 27th or 28th.

Feeling extremely nervous.  Have been a raw bundle of nerves all week long.

Easier to write if I use travel shorthand.  Easier to think; easier to type.

Assailed by last minute doubts.

Planning for trips always stressful.  Didn't expect this much, though.

Wondering if the winter will stop me. 

Wondering if I will not make it back in time for spring planting. 

Wondering how I will feel a week from now; a month from now; six months from now.

Writing makes me feel better.  Helps clear my head.  Gonna get back to packing now.

Thank you all for your help.  Will try to type more specific details soon about gear, pack weight etc. later.  For now, just trying to stay focused.