Every day, I tell myself, this is the best day of my life. Everyday, it just keeps getting better. Even the tough ones with tears, end with me feeling accomplished and excited for what comes next.

After leaving Hart's Pass, we hiked hard and long in direct sun with little water. What a delight to find a flowing creek to bathe in, wash clothes and soak up some afternoon sun. We were somewhere after Mebee Pass in Okanogan National Park and entered the "Enchanted Forest." I have a new understanding for the beauty and delicacy of ferns. It was magical. It was gorgeous. Again, it felt like the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

We camped early and Julia built a small campfire. We both have been hiking stoveless and absolutely love it, but the best trail food to date was that hot quesadilla. As night fell, that magical forest transformed into the most terrifying pit of wilderness when we heard a wolf howl nearby in darkness. I don't care what anyone says, it was not a coyote, it was not an owl, IT WAS A WOLF and it was close. My trusty friend, the Ice Axe, did not leave my grip until sunrise.

The official kick off day was postponed until July 12 to allow time for some much needed snow melt. I started my journey with a lovely young lady and hiked 30 miles to the monument from Hart's Pass. Naturally, a hummingbird greeted me at the trail head... I miss you Mom. Thanks for showing up and sending me off. And many thanks to the love of my life for driving us up (so sorry about your flat tire returning home). The weather was great and our spirits were high... until I had my first experience with the treacherous snow crossing over Rock Pass. My new favorite possession in life is the trusty ice axe. My life flashed before my eyes as I slipped traversing a snow slope of death. I can proudly say I now know how to self belay. Julia was ahead and snapped this bad ass action shot.

This is one of the reasons why I wanted to go Southbound (SOBO), to deal with my fears and get the hard parts out of the way from the start. It's all downhill from here.

There was something magical about seeing the monument poke out of the brush on the border. It was the first time reality set in. I'm really here, on the Pacific Crest Trail, about to start my life changing journey. I still can't quite comprehend what I signed up for, but it is far more spectacular than I could have imagined.

That front-country belly is burning off!