"Proving to yourself what you already know."

I am going to explain what it means for Owee to "solo-hike," after I share with you some stories that tie this all together. I guess this is my modus-operandi! 

For Christmas, Owee wanted her "big gift" to be a SteriPEN, this is a handheld UV water sterilizer, I thought this was an unusual gift for a child but knowing her love for hiking, it seemed like a sound investment. Robb, Tyler, and I spent a lot of time researching online and at REI looking for the perfect SteriPEN; we were rewarded at Christmas when she was thrilled with her new "toy."

Later, Tyler and I went back to REI for GPS locators. We spoke with a saleswoman who showed us the specs on the SPOT units. She asked us what we needed a locator for and we explained that Owee wanted to solo-hike the PCT. The saleswoman's jaw dropped; she started talking about snakes the "party towns" the trail goes through, the day hikers, etc. I realized that she thought we were sending Owee out on the trail by herself. I quickly backtracked and tried to explain that she would have adults with her at all times, I tried to explain what "solo-hike" meant to Owee; however the saleswoman stopped listening to me. She stopped short of giving me any actual parenting advice, but the look in her eyes said enough.

This confrontation made me realize that other people may make similar assumptions about our obscure parenting techniques and believe we are going to send Owee out onto the trail by herself; this could not be further from the truth. It is also a good time to point out that although I may not look as if I would be able; I am physically fit, I have amazing endurance, and I have a psychological drive that will enable me (without a doubt in my mind) to complete these hikes. 

To Owee and myself, this is more than just completing a goal, it is about proving it to ourselves what we already know we are capable of doing.

I think this is a good time to explain in detail what a solo-hike is to us and especially to Owee. Many young people hike portions or all of the Pacific Crest Trail, but Owee wants some fame and recognition; Owee wants to be a "notable hiker" by doing something that has not been done before. She cannot be the youngest hiker, I refer to 8 year old Sierra who thru-hiked with her mother the entire PCT from April-September 2012. So Owee's goal is to carry all of her own gear, food, and water, she will prepare her own meals, she will set up and break down her own camp, and she will navigate her own way. This really is no easy feat. We hope that by having lightweight gear and dry food products, we can keep the weight of her pack under 30 pounds.

There have been times when I have tried to disuade Owee from this idea. I have been the devils advocate by bringing up dangers of the trail, the weight of the pack, sleeping in her own tent, potential issues, etc. But Owee, like her mother, is tenacious and determined. She is not scared, she knows she will never be truly alone, and she knows it is because we love her that we express our concerns.

My children are amazing, and yes I am biased; they may not be perfect, but they are amazing.