Emily hikes to change lives through KOTO

Since the last report in September, Emily has applied for and received the long distance hiking permit for thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. As the situation around covid restrictions seems to be easing in the UK and the States it is now a little bit easier to make plans to travel. The loosening of restrictions combined with the approved hiking permit has allowed Emily to progress with the project as hoped in 2022. 

Emily will start walking in March from Campo in southern California and will continue for 5 months through California, Oregon and Washington ending on the border of Canada. She will carry everything on her back; sleeping bag, tent, food, water and equipment. She will plan to have frequent stops for resupplies and rest days in towns along the trail, the choice of town will depend on logistics and who she meets along the way. 

The trail is 2,600 miles and requires considerable logistical planning as well as physical endurance and personal motivation. There will be good days and bad days, she feels that raising money for a charity she cares about is going to give her a lot of motivation and energy to complete the full distance. Thousands of people attempt to complete the Pacific Crest Trail every year but there are not so many that actually do finish.  As Emily has been training and planning for this trip for several years she is committed to finishing the trail by September. 

This project is to raise awareness of KOTO Foundation and raise funds for their training program. Emily is thrilled that the money donated by her friends and family is already doing well for students but aims to meet her fundraising target from more donations while she is hiking.