I grew up hiking with my dad and brother in the forests and mountains of the pacific northwest - developing a love of nature in what felt like endless wilderness - before moving to the UK in 2007. When I found out there was a 2,650 mile trail through the mountains from Mexico to Canada, and that people hike it in one go, the idea of trying it myself took hold. The immense challenge would be a love letter to the bioregion in which I grew up hiking.

That was in 2016, and after planning, saving, and postponing for a global pandemic, 2023 is finally my year to get on trail. Unfortunately, it's also an unprecedented year of snow, at 30% more than the previous high snow year. This means I've had to push my start date later in order to reduce the risks. 

While I've had to let go of the idea of hiking the whole thing, I still want to hike as far as I can on the trail with the 4 months I have. The current aim is to hike 1,600 miles. 

With such a big, physically and mentally tough undertaking, I knew it was a chance to support a cause I care about. In my adopted home of the UK, I've enjoyed some amazing hikes, but sadly it is one of the the world's most nature-depleted places (https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/58863097). Rewilding Britain funds and advocates for projects that support self-sufficient, healthy ecosystems, which are not only beneficial to wildlife but give people a place to challenge ourselves and fall in love with nature. For more information about where the donations go, please see their website (https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are-and-how-were-run/our-funding)

I'd really appreciate if you'd consider following along with my journey and donating to this important cause! Thanks! 

- Cedar