Why on earth, of all trails, did I end up choosing the Pacific Crest Trail?

Many people have asked me why I chose to walk this specific trail. Being a Norwegian born in a land of nature; breathtaking fjords and stunning mountains. Scenery people travel from all over the world to see and I chose America? Why? When I have so much natural beauty in reach on my doorstep?

Well, as a lot of things often do it started with love... I had traveled many places around the world and didn't actually have USA very high up on my list, if I did at all, I don't know why it didn't catch my eye, there was so many other places that seemed more interesting. But then I met someone... an American.. and I was lost. Lost in love and bound to travel to the land of opportunities. So in the last almost three years I have been traveling back and forth over the ocean and have fallen in love with the Pacific Northwest. The #pnwonderland's magnificent nature and the people who live there. There is a greatness. Diversity. The tallest trees. There is stunning mountains and dinosaur-forests covered in moss and ferns. The views moved into my heart and imprinted itself. 

I remember sitting in the kitchen one rainy day in Olympia, because it is raining; a lot.., having coffee, talking about this and that when a friend said; "you know there is a trail that goes all the way from Mexico to Canada?" And we talked about how crazy people were that would actually hike that entire distance. He thought the name was something like Pacific Crest something. Then it was just interesting trivia. Little did I know how it would absorb me later. The PCT had entered my life and subconsciousness.

Then came the fascination and admiration of people actually doing it; reading hikerblog's, watching the film Wild and Reese Witherspoon's struggles in the wilderness picturing Cheryl Strayed and her challenges on the trail. Blisters, agony, pure happiness and revelation. Learning about the trail-community, the togetherness, the beauty of the nature, people's dedication and love for the trail. And a seed started to grow deep down.

The decision of the hike was made in a moment of seemingly pure peacefulness on the outside, but on the inside existential panic, sorting through newly sheered sheep wool in the veranda a sunny day in May last year. Also because of love. The difficulties of living in a long distance relationship was tearing me apart and the state of constant longing and loneliness led me to crave and search for the feeling of wholeness in just being me. That may sound contradicting, but being in different relationships all of my adult life, I longed to feel ok just being me, to feel safe just being me, to feel like a whole human just being me. A strong need to care just for myself and my own needs after caring for many other souls for years; humans and animals. 

So then it came to me. In that moment. Right there and then it was as clear as day. I'll hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Of course I will. That's it! What a bliss! What happiness!! My entire being just new it and had probably already known for a long time.

I think it was meant to be. When decisions come from the heart doors tend to open and they did. All of the doors. And now I am here writing this. In 61 days I will be on the border between California and Oregon ready to take my first steps on the trail. It is surreal. I don't think all things in life are random, I think some things in life are meant to be. My quest for love led me to discover a lot of things about myself, but also led me to find my second home. Of all places; America. I can't wait to hike, eat, suffer, smile, fall asleep and wake up on the trail every day. Being just me. And hopefully, if I am lucky, find wholeness.