I hiked the PCT for 3 months a decade ago this year (still seems like yesterday). It was one of the best choices of my life. You're going to love hiking the AT... but def keep the PCT on your list for the future. I think the terrain is more challenging but the weather is much more in your favor.

In 2025, I finished a master's degree in Urban Planning with a focus on making walking and biking safer and more convenient. Now I'm working on a PhD in Transportation Engineering, focused on the same. This is a second career for me, with the goal to make my community better.

I also wrapped up nearly all renovations in my home, the majority of which I did myself except for the new roof, mini-split A/C system, and refinishing the hardwood floors. Skim coated walls to remove texture, added trim that's more period-appropriate for the house, new lights and electrical, new plumbing, ran ethernet to all rooms, hung new high quality 5-panel interior doors ... all the little things that make a big difference. For 2026, I'm going to change the ugly brick fireplace to a craftsman style design, with shelves on either side.

Also did a surprising number of trips: DC twice, Miami, San Diego, Portland, San Antonio. This year I'm doing DC again, Vancouver BC, northern California, Minneapolis...

Hopefully more time for relaxing this year. Working full time, being a full time student, and working on multiple house renovations kinda drained me in 2025.

Happy new year!