Start of My Journey

Each of these pictures remind me of being in that moment and I loved every second of it.

How It All Begins

How did I get started with hiking? On January 4th, 2020, my good friend Greg invited me on a day hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. It was my first hike, and the rest is history. I still remember purchasing my first pair of hiking boots.

After that hike, Greg inspired me to tackle the Pacific Crest Trail. However, due to limited time off work, I started searching for a distance trail that could be completed in about three weeks. I found and chose the 211-mile John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.

Since then, I began preparing myself physically and mentally, and gathering all the necessary gear. Additionally, I started the process of obtaining the required permit for thru-hiking. I didn't realize how difficult it would be, as I had to go through their lottery system multiple times before finally securing a permit. At last, I got my permit to start hiking on June 26th, 2021. Here I am, taking a flight to California to begin my first thru-hike.

Why Thru-Hiking?

For those unfamiliar, thru-hiking is like regular hiking, but on a whole other level. It’s an end-to-end backpacking journey on long-distance trails—basically the marathon of hiking, but with more blisters and fewer medals. I usually tackle about half of the trail solo and the rest with close friends. I carry enough food for 5-7 days in a bear-proof canister, plus cooking and sleeping gear, resupplying whenever I get the chance. Along the way, I cross rivers, hitchhike for supplies, and often encounter wildlife.

Now, you might wonder, why do I love thru-hiking? Here’s why:

Solitude: I enjoy the rare chance to spend time alone. It’s just me, myself, and I. While I love being around people, the solitude allows me to reflect deeply and recharge.
Perspective: Being out in nature reminds me how small I am in the grand scheme of things. It helps me step back and realize that life isn’t just about me.
Time Awareness: Thru-hiking constantly reminds me that time is limited. There’s something about being lost in the wilderness with the sun setting that makes you appreciate every moment.
Simplicity: Out there, all I need is water, a flat spot to pitch my tent, and food. This stripped-down lifestyle makes me appreciate the simple comforts of everyday life—like curling up on a comfy couch with a cup of iced tea and watching TV.
Genuine Friendship: On the trail, I might cross paths with a few people each day, or sometimes, none at all. But when I do, the conversations are never just casual “hellos.” They’re real, often delving into life stories, shared experiences, and deeper connections. It’s like meeting a new neighbor in a small town. Those interactions can be surprisingly lasting and meaningful.

My Favorite Trail (John Muir Trail)

The John Muir Trail (JMT) is a famous long-distance hiking trail in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range. It stretches for about 211 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. The trail is named after naturalist John Muir, who was a strong advocate for the preservation of wilderness areas in the U.S.

Hiking the JMT takes you through some of the most breathtaking and remote wilderness in the country, including several national parks like Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia. The trail is known for its stunning alpine scenery, high mountain passes, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. Most thru-hikers take about two to three weeks to complete the trail, depending on their pace and experience level.

Ever since my first thru-hike on the John Muir Trail in 2022, I've been hooked and keep going back every year. Below are some pictures I snapped along the way. I've included a map with the spots where I took each photo and the year it was taken. You can probably tell from the pictures that I've been using the same gear and wearing the same stuff for three years straight!