Sunday, August 23, 2026 – It’s finally here! My backpack is packed and in the trunk of Eva’s car. We are on our way to the little town of Quincy, a short 30 minute drive from the Bucks Lake PCT trailhead where I start hiking. We’ll make a stop in Sacramento to visit our daughter and granddaughter and and enjoy a nice dinner before we arrive in Quincy.

I don’t say it often enough, but I am so grateful for my wife’s love and support, allowing me to hike for weeks and even months at a time. Thank you Eva for being the best base camp manager and taking care of everything at home while I am gone. I love and appreciate you so much!

I’m excited but it’s not uncommon for me to be anxious before a hike, especially on longer hikes. And today is no exception: I’m worried I’ve forgotten something, I’ll get injured, there will be an emergency at home, or a hundred other things. But the mountains are calling and I must go. Wish me luck, say a prayer, or eat a butterfinger candy bar and think of me!

Check out the links below to see where I am on trail and the photos I have uploaded.

Thanks for following along!

Loren, AKA Butterfingers