Still Looking From Campo And Seeing Manning Park. It's A Vision To Manifest.

The Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) has established a series of trails which circle the city of Tulsa. These trails provide connected walking and bicycling corridors throughout Tulsa City and County. My reason to walk the P.C.T. was to fulfill my lifelong dream of walking it, and to raise money for three cancer groups and a spondylitis arthritis group.

I may not be P.C.T. Class of 2016 however, I can still raise money and awareness for the groups listed in my sub-header bar above.

Maybe I will be P.C.T. Class of 2017, maybe I won't.
I will be using the determination learned during my progression of training and bring attention to one of Tulsa's treasures in the miles of trails during 2016:
AND raise attention and donations by utilizing those miles of trails for:
The Tyler Robinson Foundation,
The Scott Carter Foundation,
CancerSucks.com,
and the Spondylitis Association of America.

The determination to thru-hike the P.C.T. will continue within me for my life's duration. To paraphrase a favorite of mine; "Me surrender the idea of walking the P.C.T.?  Nuts."
Never surrender. Never.

H.Y.O.H.
L.N.T.
C.U. Nobo.
Hans

It is what it is. Challenges and Changes and Thankfulness; Life is awesome.

There is so much I have to be thankful for; number one my health.  When I retook ownership of my 1976 goal to walk the Pacific Crest Trail summer of 2013 my walk began in actuality then.  Knowing that I first had to earn the best possible grades in order to accomplish mastery of my bachelor’s degree, and that in two years, I would complete my goal of earning my bachelor’s degree.  I began slowly the first year exercising and eating better all the while earning 3.5’s to 4.’s every semester.  I continued learning.

2014 brought many changes into my life.  Mom was diagnosed with her fourth cancer in 25 years; bravely and with grace as always she fought but this battle she lost 5 December 2014.  Dad was diagnosed with his third cancer which there was no fighting and he died from it 22 October 2014. 

By August ’14 and fall semester’s beginning, along my proper eating and additional exercise my weight was over fifty pounds less than June 2013.  Fall '14 semester’s beginning was difficult.  Talk about a tough semester with no sleep or rest, classwork mounting, parents fighting for their lives, my second car of the year totaled, this one also by somebody else; it was just life quadrupled.  I didn't quit then just as I haven't quit my P.C.T. desires. 

          

2015 saw me maintaining my 3.5-4. G.P.A. earnings per semester.  The loss of my parents remained however, the emotions changed into a deep appreciation.  I changed my appreciation of everything with an awesome depth of clarity.  Class work has remained challenging, but doable and always completed.   Same thing with my diet and exercise; wearing my 20+pound school backpack whenever possible is still my thing.  

2015 12 December is my graduation day from Oklahoma State University with my Bachelor’s in University Studies, with an emphasis in general science and history.  My millennial G.P.A. will be right at a 3.69, while my lifetime G.P.A. will be right at a 3.02.  These last 5 years have been years of mastery and discovery.  I am so grateful for my mom’s unbounded and unwavering encouragement towards my attaining a college degree.

2016 my visions are still of being on trail, right now while mentally I am ready for the challenge, although financially I am ill prepared.  My goals are still to celebrate my 55^th birthday on the P.C.T.; unfortunately missing my daughter Ren’s graduation from the University of Oklahoma, as well as whatever else follows with life during trail time.  Reality is I will probably be celebrating my fifty-fifth birthdayJ 29 July somewhere in Oklahoma and not in No Cali or So OregonL on the P.C.T.

 2016 will find me with more time to hit the trails around the Tulsa area as well as attaining better employment.  So with a 30 pound pack and continuing towards a 36 inch waist which is 20 pounds away I will continue training.  

Who knows what the trail of my New Year holds, maybe I’ll be training for the 2017 P.C.T. hiking season.  “Plans change on the trail,” Edwardo from the Class of ’15 told me.  Plans change in life too.  I still envision myself enjoying the 360 degree view from atop Mount Whitney as a P.C.T.er.  Who knows what life will bring.  It is what it is.

As always I am thankful that you are reading this. 

H.Y.O.H.,

C.U. Nobo Hans.

P.S. Mom told me she didn't understand my wanting to sleep on the ground in the woods and wilds, but since it was to raise money against our enemy cancer and her granddaughter's spondylitis, she was all in for my walk of the P.C.T.  

Please remember to mention hearing about these folks from my blog when you contact them.

Scott Carter Foundation 

Tyler Robinson Foundation

CancerSucks.Com

 Spondylitis Association of America

Not For Lack Of Will Want Or Preparation. Meeting Life Head On. C.U. Nobo.

It is not from lack of will, or want, or preparation that will keep me from thru-hiking the PCT at the end of March of '16; rather finances. My student loans stay asleep for six months after my Dec. graduation from Oklahoma State. I am applying for a Master's program to begin either after the walk or fall semester of 2016. At 54 I don't have any time to waste either in attaining the stamina and healthiness necessary for the walk, let alone life; nor do I have any time to waste in attaining my master's degree. History in case you're wondering; it's always been my favorite subject; although I've been working on Beal's Conjecture for a while also.
Okay I'm off trail lol.
Back to the point.
I will be as physically ready and mentally conditioned as possible by trail-time; which is now right after Easter (27 March '16), with me arriving San Diego a couple of days afterwards or so.  Plans change during real life on the trail as they do so in real life as well.
Flexibility is strength. I am strengthening myself by using the stairs at work whenever I am not pushing my dolly. (google dolly as in two-wheeled device ha-ha)  Walks with twenty pounds averaging 3 mph is still usual, and I've doubled my miles walked. That's beginning to add fun  to twenty hours at work, twelve hours of class, and 25+ hours of study a week. I have to maintain my 3.72 G.P.A.

So I muscle on. I Cannot quit. Anyway I look at it I am coming out ahead in life. Positive forward is always awesome.

Couple of things I've learned while being in college full-time since January 2011 and that's to never give up. And one of the most enthralling speaches I've ever heard; "Never surrender. Never.", underscores this.  Another thing is always be over prepared for whatever you may encounter; as that there will always be changes and surprises.  Most importantly, to accept what you cannot change and change what you can. It is after all the positive attitude which gets you the positive altitude.

I am currently using my 1976 Kelty D-something or other as my training pack with 20 pounds of water bottles; not ideal long-term however, for training purposes it suits just fine. I will definitely want "S" straps on my PCT pack pick which is ULA either Catalyst or Circuit.  My JanSport book-bag which I carry throughout the day always weighs over 20 pounds, and the "S" curved straps are a definite plus.

Thank you for keeping up with my blog.  I'll keep you posted soon on my training progress.
C.U. Nobo.

This video is wonky so please click in the middle of it to view, and message me if it doesn't work. I am practicing everything including links for the upcoming journey. Thank you. C.U. Nobo.

Arriving San Diego 25 March 2016 on Amtrak. Then P.C.T. Thru-Hike Begins 26 March. C.U. Nobo.

Six month's from tonight I will be trying to sleep. Six month's tomorrow morning on 26 March I begin my walk Nobo with eyes on the prize of Manning Park before Labor Day Weekend 2016.

I am reminded by HotRod who was on the PCT this year; "Plans change on the trail." 

For the unplan-able there are no plans for which I know. 

For everything else I am learning what I'll need besides resolution. 

Right now I am working on how long a toothbrush handle I can function with. I also (please forgive me on this) am practicing to see how little T.P./A.P./toilet paper I will be able to get by with or without. I'll use the smallest tube of toothpaste available. I will probably get extended wear contacts. My titanium spork/foon is fun to eat with. My head lamp works well. I still need to buy a new phone although, I'll wait on that until a few months before trail time. I have a Sony Cyber-shot that I'll be using on-trail. Other equipment is still awaiting my purchase.

My Brooks Cascadia's number's nine and ten are great now. Now that I have learned the tight fit of my shoes that I've mentioned in past posts is due to my sodium intake. To solve this I now eat only unprocessed food. Not a paleo diet. Just one of meats I smoke or roast whole, as well as meatloaf made with lentils as well as turkey and beef. Carrots, broccoli, kale, sweet and baking potatoes, and all kings of fresh veggies in season.
Chocolate and peanut butter is my reward; as is once a week I eat a double meat, double cheese with Serrano's and Jalapeno's on it from Lota Burger for inspiration of the day when I eat at the Mickie D's, Subway, and Del Taco near the Best Western and Cajon Pass.

My training pack has 23, 16.9 ounce water bottles in it which equals roughly 24 pounds. I haven't weighed my pack yet though; it's my boyhood Kelty D-something or the other from 1979. The shoulder straps were comfortable for this morning's walk however, this pack no longer has a waist belt and from this alone I'm glad I will be using a ULA pack.

I chickened out on drinking from the Arkansas River this morning although, that test will be necessary and forthright in coming. It's just that I've lived in Tulsa for most of my life and I remember learning of our industrial and oil boom days. Je me souviens. I also remember a bout with giardia in 1978 and water filtering will be a must for me. I have my aquamira ready although, I will be using a Sawyer full size. At 3.5 ounces a lifesaver.

I have enjoyed this year's blogs from the P.C.T hikers as much as each of the past two years that I've read. My respect goes out to them.

Please contact me with any ideas you would like to share and thank you for following my blog.
Tonight I sleep on the floor in celebration of six month's from tonight.
I bid you peace.
C.U. Nobo '16. Hans

P.S. Please mention my name and blog when contacting any of the 4 groups for whom I am walking the P.C.T. You'll find their names on the header above.

http://navyseals.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/special-operations-nutrition-guide.pdf

http://navyseals.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/special-operations-nutrition-guide.pdf

I hope this Special Operations Guide helps you for your training.

Silent For A Good Reason Since Late April.

On 18 May in the morning, while on the westbound Amtrak Empire Builder and rolling out of Wenatchee on the way to Cascades tunnel under Stephens Pass and on to Skykomish, I looked out of the train window like a child awaiting the return of a parent. I saw where I will be next year come August '16 and my future. When leaving Seattle 22 May southbound on Amtrak's Coast Starlight I looked east and saw this same future also.

I have remained silent on here since late April '15 out of respect for those currently on the P.C.T. since my blog is linked to the PCTA and those walking right now are earning their way on trail and have earned the right to be read, I have not yet earned any right.

I will post more in a few weeks. 

Summer school at OSU-Tulsa is keeping me busy. I graduate Dec. '15.

Training is going well. I am now beginning my second phase of weight loss. The first was the 50 lb's that I lost between May '14 and May '15. Next up are my trimming pounds and fitness hikes in order to accomplish my 2016 thru-hike which begins in little more than 9 months. My unrequited dream from the mid-1970's is on target for me to get on with it. My goal also is to raise money for cancer and spondylitis research and assistance.

Thank you. H.Y.O.H. L.N.T.

C. U. Nobo Hans

Awesome Day For A Hike After Breaking Out Of The OSU-Tulsa Library

Absolutely nothing better after 5 1/2 hours studying in the library than packing dinner into my school backpack and walking down River Trails until I found a bench and sat and read. Since my school bag weighs about 22 pounds give or take a book I knew today's walk would not be as fast as I mentioned last post. After reading for 2 hours my friend Cory joined me and we averaged 20 minute miles- with me telling him to stop texting so much and to walk.  Good day with a slight breeze and around 80 F. 

Interesting observational note: 

People looked at us differently with me wearing my Jansport book bag with water battle attached, and Cory' wearing his small backpack; than when we have walked without backpacks before.  

No real eye contact to be had.  Today I saw some of the first strangers that I've ever seen in life (outside of NYC, Chicago, or L.A.).

I guess we looked like we might be some of the homeless folks who hang-out around there.

Since I am training for the PCT and all that-

I am quite flattered they may have thought of me as homeless:^)

H.Y.O.H. And be nice to others.

C. U. Nobo. Hans

T-shirt Weather At 60 F. & Tulsa Tree Ent Photoed.

Talk about an awesome capture by my phone. Definitive proof there is at least one Tree Ent in Tulsa.

Actually, there was no way after getting out of class tonight at 1900/7pm that I wanted to be strapped into a chair in OSU-Tulsa's library writing any paper or researching for any class in front of a computer. 

I received word today that my aunt died. 

I already had with me some carrots, sunflower seeds, and an apple. I stopped at QuikTrip's 15th and Denver store and bought a slice of their pizza. Alexis who works there, shared some strawberry cake she had made. Like totally awesomely deliciously good cake. 

Awesome employees there too.

Nice cool evening with a temperature of 60 F and a very light wind. I wore only a Scott Carter t-shirt, khaki slacks, boxer briefs (what I'll wear on trail), socks, and my Brooks Cascadia 10's. I wanted to exert myself and also needed to keep moving to prevent myself from cooling down. I averaged 17 minute miles for 4 miles with no pack, although I was carrying a full 2 liter water botta from my Eagle Scout days for the weight and for my thirst. I enjoy the friendliness of Tulsa and tonight at River Parks was no different. 

Also, I have never met a stranger.

Much better walking than sitting in a library for sure. Too bad I don't have a virtual helmet through which I could do my studies while I walked; then again watching Lord of The Rings in a virtual helmet while hiking might be a gas also. I hope you like the images I took.

Pick a flower and give it as a surprise to somebody today. It could very well make more than their day.

C. U. Nobo Hans

It Is After All Only Just A Walk

It Is After All Only Just A Walk

I cannot be Sequoyah doing what never had been achieved in history.

Nor can I ever write the eloquence such as Shakespeare composed.

Mine is but a humble desire contained in such a large thought;

This is to say a twenty-six-hundred and sixty miles plus or minus walk,

Is only just a walk…?

This journey goes down a different path of physical and mental known

And unknowns,

Where challenge comes from within and from all around;

More challenge or so as I've read from blogs,

Than what personally might have been have faced by me before;

More beauty also than will I ever thoroughly be able to describe

through words and photography.

And so I train for this challenge of walking The Pacific Crest Trail…

Class of 2016…

It is after all only just a walk.

But then again, that’s what Cabeza de Vaca thought.

Hans Pasco, C. U. Nobo

P.S. It didn’t rain today but it just did as I am posting this before bed of course.  I spent four hours in the library followed by several more hours in the computer lab as I have to complete this semester in less than three weeks and papers which must be written. I did keep up my routine of getting up every 55 minutes for 5 minutes though.  Well it’s off to bed for me. Peace for you.

Looking Forward To Rain This Weekend And Its Added Soggy Wet Training Dimension. Also The United States' Special Operations Forces Nutrition Guide Link.

I am so looking forward to some rainy weather to walk in this weekend which is forecast at 40-50%. I want to be wet and miserable for those four miles so I will know what I can expect 665 times over on trail. My plan is to wear no coat on the walk and get soaked to the bone. I live close to my beginning point on Tulsa's River Parks so I am not worried the least about any ill affects from my choice of wearing no rain gear. 

Mental attitude condition training is how I like to view it.

My vintage external frame Kelty (D-5 I think) from youth is now my training pack and with the addition of two full jugs of water gives me a pack weight of 16 pounds+pack weight. This makes an unstable and bulky carry which actually makes me happy and adds an extra dimension to my training giving me a more realistic experience. I will also carry a 2 liter bottle for additional weight and of course thirst needs.

Maybe I'll pack a jar of nutella for some yummy strength lol.

Since my school backpack weighs in at a nice 22 pounds, give or take a book, I am already use to carrying some weight when walking from the parking lot to/from work, and from the parking lot at school (OSU-Tulsa) to/from classes and their library, as well as using the stairs at both institutions. I do not see any sense in training without weight and then working up to trail weight. I believe beginning trail training should be with what I am currently use to. I will add weight according to the increasing of training walk lengths in order to build fuller dimensions into my preparations.  It is my whole body that needs conditioning and that is what I am going to accomplish. 

I am studying the United States' Special Operations Forces Nutrition Guide since the nutritional needs of combat troops and Pacific Crest Trail hikers are essentially equivalent: 5000-6000 calories needed per day.

http://navyseals.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/special-operations-nutrition-guide.pdf

I hope this helps the long distance hikers reading this.

I do not mention where I work because of policies in place which forbid contact with the media without written permission. Because of my publishing this blog into the WorldWideWeb I want to be careful and not over step those bounds. I enjoy my job and need it too.

Thank you for reading this post and I bid your training and life much success too.

I would love opinions, comments, suggestions, or advice so leave them in my comment section.

If you have ideas on how I can make this a better read now, so that I can make this blog a better read beginning March 2016, please type away.

Maybe you can be a trail angel for somebody

even if you are not on or near one of The United States' National Trails.
http://www.nps.gov/nts/nts_faq.html
http://www.nps.gov/nts/nts_trails.html

Less than four weeks left in this semester and I have lots of study left, so it's bedtime.

Please treat others as you want to be treated and always pass kindness forward.

H.Y.O.H

C. U. Nobo  Santahans  aka Hans Andrew Pasco

351 Days Until My Kickoff- Training On Schedule And Ready For My Post-PCT Thru-Hike Depression End Of August 2016:^)

Dogwood's are in blossom and scenting the air.  Beautiful weather and great for walking.  

Since every living thing is on a diet, I don't mind using the term diet as in what I am eating. My diet is still 20-30 gm of protein within 20 minutes of awakening for breakfast along with a blend of fresh green veggies, banana, flax, blueberries etc.  I eat fresh veggies and especially greens throughout the day. Lunch is usually whatever I want and dinner usually consists now of salmone and vegetables, although I mix up what I eat for dinner and include "real" meat sometimes, so I am not bored eating the same-o same-o every evening.  50 pounds down since May 2014 and on target for a 36 inch waist by my birthday this July.  I am looking forward to my 55th birthday on the PCT even more.

What I am looking at as a personal goal is completing the PCT and getting the post PCT depression when the walk is over. I have read about this condition from many successful thru-hiker's blogs, and I am ready to earn it.  

I'm seriously looking forward to the "I am done with the PCT Trail Blues."

Remember to treat others with kindness.

H.Y.O.H.

C. U. Nobo

Please remember I am walking raising awareness and hopefully donations for: 

(Please mention to them you heard about them here) 

http://www.trf.org/#philosophyanchor

http://store.cancersucks.com/pages/about-us

http://www.spondylitis.org/about/

And my favorite cancer warrior's favorite cancer charity,

(Rosanne Pasco 29 January 1936-5 December 2014)

http://www.scottcarterfoundation.org/#!scotts-story/c18h5

Scott called Mom "the chocolate lady."

If you would like to help me to shower and do laundry once a week, purchase some trail food, provide donations to the trail angels, etc., please visit;

http://www.gofundme.com/Walk4Cancer-S-A

I am walking for those who cannot.

Please remember not every disability is visible and that kindness goes a long way.

C. U. Nobo 

2016

365 Days And I Will C. U. Nobo! WOW YEY!!!

While I write this I am "listening" to the music from the party my upstairs "neighbors" are listening to and I think to the time 365 days from now when I hope to hear only the night's wilderness noises. That will be a time when the only thing between the sky and me is nothing; not the conversation of those above LOL. Tomorrow would have been my Dad's 87th birthday and I want to awaken and go to sleep on what would've been his 88th on the PCT. I also hope to escape severe heat too, thus less water to carry fractionally and combine that with early morning and late day into night hiking. Hopefully, the packs of "wow I want to live-out what I saw on the movie screen" hikers will have thinned a bit by next season. We'll see.

I've been taking the stairs when I'm not pushing my book-dollie at work, and continuing to eat low-fat, high protein, slow/low-glycemic, high fiber, and lots of vegetables. I park two blocks from my work and also where I attend my OSU-Tulsa classes. I am healing from my injury so I've not put in much Tulsa River Parks trail time.  That'll be changing this week though. My new Brooks Cascadias 10 have broken in much easier so far than the number 9's I posted about twice back at the end of January and first of February. AND these are in bright bright....well here's a picture...

Like the color for sure. 

H.Y.O.H. and be good to others. Happy walking.  Hans AKA SantaHans and C. U. Nobo.

Please mention upon inquiry that you learned about them from my blog.

http://store.cancersucks.com/pages/about-us

http://www.scottcarterfoundation.org/#!scotts-story/c18h5

http://www.trf.org/#storyanchor

http://www.spondylitis.org/about/

My daughter has spondylitis arthritis, and my both my parents died from cancer end of last year.  Friends of mine are living with cancer right now. And some are not any more. Friends of mine are unable to walk or far. Many of these people also have invisible disabilities.  I walk for them...and I walk for myself...because for 2660+miles it will after all be about me too LOL. 

Be good:^)

365 Days and I will C. U. Nobo.

For Now Always And Also On The P.C.T.

Look around yourself.  You are not alone.  Yes, you may be accomplishing life all by yourself however, we affect the lives around us regardless.  Life is like driving/walking down the solitude of a rural way; wave at the solitary car/person that passes you as you might meet them again, or if they pass again and you need their help.  Without even thought we affect those with whom we have contact, and how do we really want to be remembered.  LNT is one example for the PCT, and remembering the Trail Angels with kindne$$ is another.  Same as with the homeless whom you pass, maybe that piece of fruit on your seat would be better for them to eat.  Same as with those with whom you work, live, or even the service people whom you pass by.  Be kind to others and always H.Y.O.H.  You may think your actions matter only to you although you are not alone.  Look around and appreciate what your experience is and those around you.  Stick the trash both literal and metaphoric in your pocket and dispose of it.  Life is easier without the trouble of carrying around the extra weight. It is what it is.  Enjoy life for though the trail might be 2660+ miles, it will end almost as soon as it begins as time marches always on.

 

Not much exercise for today other than stretching, and my diet has been 30 grams of protein and veggie blend for 1st breakfast and grilled chicken and carrots for 2nd breakfast.  Lunch will be more of the same.  Dinner will be a bomb of a burger at Ron's Hamburgers.  Hey now, tasty is tasty.  I need to get back to reading for my Voting and Elections class, then home-cleaning, and more study tho this time for my Philosophy Death and Dying class.  Then this evening I will enjoy 40 something degree weather on Tulsa's River Park's trail.

 

I hope you will post or message me how I might best make this blog better thank you.

Thank you for reading and I bid you a most awesomely excellent adventure whatever that may be for you. 

Accomplish what you want to today because are you really sure you will have a tomorrow?

It is just like what Oklahoma's awesome Garth Brooks song talks about,

"If Tomorrow Never Comes." Lyrics posted below.

C. U. Nobo 2016.  Santahans Pacificcresttrail aka Hans

29 January 1936 - 5 December 2014

My Mom Rosanne Pasco (& my awesome Daughter Ren) is to whom I dedicate my 2016 thru-hike:

 Mom said weeks before her death;

"You really want to sleep on the ground outside for five months?"

Mom was proud I wanted to walk raising awareness and hopefully donations for cancer and spondylitis arthritis (an "invisible" handicap).

Also pictured are Bishop Lee Poteet, Tulsa Community College Honors Scholar Me, and our dear friend Jack Rea (who tutored me thru college algebra and trigonometry).

 

"If Tomorrow Never Comes"
By Garth Brooks

Sometimes late at night
I lie awake and watch her sleeping
She's lost in peaceful dreams
So I turn out the lights and lay there in the dark
And the thought crosses my mind
If I never wake up in the morning
Would she ever doubt the way I feel
About her in my heart

If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she's my only one
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face the world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes

'Cause I've lost loved ones in my life
Who never knew how much I loved them
Now I live with the regret
That my true feelings for them never were revealed
So I made a promise to myself
To say each day how much she means to me
And avoid that circumstance
Where there's no second chance to tell her how I feel

If tomorrow never comes
Will she know how much I loved her
Did I try in every way to show her every day
That she's my only one
And if my time on earth were through
And she must face the world without me
Is the love I gave her in the past
Gonna be enough to last
If tomorrow never comes

So tell that someone that you love
Just what you're thinking of
If tomorrow never comes

 

 

Stuck In The Library For Spring-Break Physically, However Mentally Thinking About Mile 2660+ And Manning Park.

I'd much rather be on a walk-about right now on Tulsa's River Trails right now or on Amtrak heading towards Campos, rather than taking a study-break in OSU-Tulsa's library.  The folks here are awesome and endure me for my study sessions and I give hearty thanks to them always. I will miss them when I graduate this December with my bachelor's degree.  I hope they will follow me here as they have my educational pursuit.  Had to post right now as my thoughts are on 27 of March 2016.  

My goal is to begin before the seriously hot weather beckons So. Cali so that I can source water more easily and hopefully avoid to much 90+ degree weather.  Also I want to be at least a full day on trail by my Dad's birthday of 29 March.  Only God knows right now if that plan is solid.  It is what it is and that is a hurry up and wait moment lol.  

I've had my Brooks Cascadia's on since 0830 this morning and they are great.  That's 8 hours if you don't want to do the math.  Breathable shoes and my feet are great.  With my posting on the FB site's of the Class of 2013, 2014 I have confirmed that my feet will "grow" at least a size while on the trail, and might shrink back down after the hike.  Heavens at that rate I won't need to walk across the Bridge of the God's into Washington state, but rather (since my shoe size should extend from a size 13 US to a 14 or 15 US) I can just canoe across the Columbia River in one of my shoes LOL.  

I've ordered  my Aquamira and will try out using Arkansas River water and I will do the same with the Sawyer when I order it as I progress in my training.  I NEVER have thought about drinking the Arkansas River water until I began my walking training.  Like I rarely eat fish caught from there here in Tulsa and now I will source water from there- Go figure!  Given where and what my water sources will be on the PCT, the river here even post-industrialization shouldn't be "too harmful" LOL Big-time!  It is what it is.  It is water.

When you clink on the links that I have posted during my blogging of those for whom I am walking to raise awareness and hopefully donations in the search for a cure/treatment for cancer and Spondylitis arthritis; I ask you please to mention my site as to where you "found" them.

Be good to all in your daily life.

Peace.  It's all good.

H.Y.O.H.

Santahans Pacificcresttrail

aka Hans

P.S. Cancer Sucks and so does Spondylitis arthritis.

Five Minute Walk Every Hour. I Really Want To Be Walking And Not Stuck In The Library...But I Graduate This December So Failure Is Not An Option.

Just because I Have to study and write papers inside the OSU-Tulsa library doesn't mean I am stuck inside all day.  Study breaks of 5 minutes an hour should keep my metabolism up while it also gets me outside to smell the beauty of this tree, the deciduous Magnolia.  It is one of my 5 favorites.  Oklahoma's state tree which is the Red-bud, is another of my favorites.  I sometimes call this tree the tulip tree since its blossoms resemble tulips so much.  I like this variety better than the "traditional Southern evergreen Magnolia.  Next time these are in bloom here I will be about to board the Amtrak for San Diego and my beginning of the PCT.

I now await excitedly as to what new tree(s) I will add to my list once I am personally acquainted with the flora of the PCT.  As far as the fauna goes, Rattle snakes I met in person while pipeline surveying through Southern Louisiana so I really don't need to add to my lifetime memories re: them.  I would love to see the California Rosy Boa in its natural environment, and a Gila or Beaded dragon would be neat to see also.  I am not worried about their toxicity since you really have to put your hand where they can gnaw on it lol and that will not be happening (take that to the bank).  Bears and cougars I would like a pass on also.  It will be what it will be, all of a surprise anyway.  

A high school classmate of mine wants me to not do my walk.  She is afraid that it is dangerous, however, after I mentioned to her that walking through the downtown area of Tulsa, Chicago, L.A., N.Y.C., etc., would place me surrounded by The most dangerous animal in the animal kingdom, she acquiesced.  Man thinks therefore is more dangerous than bears, cougars (4 legged kind lol) etc.

30 minutes til my 5 minute walk-about time so I must conclude for now and study for my voting and elections final that I set aside (took an "I") when Dad (22 Oct.) and then Mom (5 Dec.) died during the last weeks of this past Fall semester.  Hopefully, I will complete that class with a B.  Combined with the 2 B's and 1 A I earned last semester it is my worse semester G.P.A. Ever at a 3.25.  

It is what it is.

Today is a great time to begin doing what you always wanted to do.

Hike You Own Hike- H.Y.O.H.

SantaHans Pacificcresttrail 

aka Hans

Awesome Walk. Awesome Day. Life Is Awesome. It Is What It Is.

Life is good:^)  My college friend and I walked four miles along Tulsa's River Parks this evening. I enjoyed several hours in the OSU-Tulsa library through mid-day so I was ready for some outside time.  Cory is building back up from his heart problems a couple months back.  My attitude today was defiant in that only a real man can wear a t-shirt this pink. Especially with its motto.  We received smiles from almost everybody we passed.  Awesome.  The experience gave me a great idea for a logo of sorts for my walk.  

I enjoy meeting strangers, although I have yet to meet one in life.  Well okay, I have met some "strange ones" lol for real:^)

My Brooks Cascadia's are the 9.  The break-in time in city time was about 5 weeks, which probably translates into a week trail-time.  No shoe has ever felt better under my feet and for this reason I will tolerate the break-in time.  I ordered another pair.  This time I did so on-line through Brooks.  My order is the Cascadia number 10.  Awesomely BRIGHT too:^)  I will post pics of me wearing them soon.

I will need four pairs of shoes which will put an average of 665 miles on each pair.  The shoes are rated for 400-500 miles so if I need to break-in a pair on the trail I will do so.  My plan is to carry an extra pair of shoes and socks.  I know that's weight, however, the psychological advantage of a "fresh" change of shoes and socks mid-day should provide a boost.  Additionally, two pairs of shoes with alternating wear should make the shoes last longer. 

When I waited tables for ten years, I quickly learned that changing my shoes and socks mid-day was a huge win for me.  Hopefully, the transition into weight will be an overall advantage for my completion of the PCT.

The pains I experienced while breaking in my Brooks; I used those as a will building exercise.  If I quit on these shoes because of slight pain, what kind of hope or chance will I have on the trail for five months? NONE.

So I walked on.  I think the five weeks of adjustment on the shoes in city daily use would equivalate to about a week on the PCT.  That's why I will break-in the necessary shoes in advance of my walk.  Preparedness should help me as well.  At least that's what I read anyway;^)

"I look beyond here

Ahead where I am walking

My destination."

Haiku by Hans Pasco

With my head up and observing is how I am training now so that I will do the same on-trail and enjoy the world in which I will be traversing.

I bid you peace, asking only of you this time but to hike your own hike.

Santahans Pacificcresttrail

aka Hans

P.S. And Of Course...

Please mention to these groups you inquire from where you heard about them from please.

The Scott Carter Foundation which raises money to fight pediatric cancer.  Scott Carter was very dear to My Mom.  Scott called my Mom "the chocolate lady."

http://www.scottcarterfoundation.org/#!donate/ctzx

The Spondylitis Association of America which is the arthritis with-which my daughter is afflicted.

http://www.spondylitis.org/support/

Cancer Sucks .com which has raised over a million dollars which has gone 100% to cancer research in the past 10 Years thanks to a corporate sponsor paying all overhead. They have fundraisers, sell merchandise, and straight up talke donations on their site.

http://www.cancersucks.com/

And of course The Tyler Robinson Foundation which helps offset some costs associated with pediatric cancer for the families.

http://www.trf.org/donate/

Peace.  It's all good.

Brooks Broken In Now And Awesome. Losing Weight And Walking On. My Hat Has Got No Corners.

My Brooks Cascadia's are finally broken in. I am beginning to wonder if I should explore another option.  My feet feel sooo good in them now especially the bottoms of my feet that...well we will see.

With the snow around Tulsa these past few weeks I have had a chance to walk in the snow and all in all they are good in the snow.  I still don't know if I will wear shoes/boots with greater support for the section North of Kennedy Meadows.  I have more time for that decision.  

Although I only walked 2/3 mile up to the Quik Trip and back in them My toes and feet were still dry. No telling how they will be when I am post-holing through the Sierra's?

I began my new eating regement May of 2014 with protein drink and a vege blend drink in the morning.  I continue with wise eating for the duration of the day with smaller but nutricious meals four and five times a day.  I have lost over four inches around my waist in that time and I am now on goal to lose 20 more pounds in the next 6-7 weeks.  My goal is a 36 inch waist and I am four inches away.  

My next purchase is a water filtration system and I am seriously think about getting a Sawyer inline.  I will still use Aquamira because as I have mentioned in previous posts, I had Giardia when I was a wee lad of 17 and I Will NEVER put myself in that lol position again:^)

This weekend I purchased my hat for the PCT.  I will use it as a first of the line filtration device secondarily, and primarily as an anti-stroke and anti-sunburn device.

In its "Those Hot Days" position.

In its "Filtration" position.

And in its "Totally Looking Good" position.

PLEASE MENTION TO THE FOLLOWING WHERE YOU HEARD ABOUT THEM FROM:

I am continuing to walk raising awareness and hopefully donations for 

The Tyler Robinson Foundation which helps offset some costs associated with pediatric cancer for the families.

http://www.trf.org/donate/

The Scott Carter Foundation which raises money to fight pediatric cancer.  Scott Carter was very dear to My Mom.  Scott called my Mom "the chocolate lady."

http://www.scottcarterfoundation.org/#!donate/ctzx

The Spondylitis Association of America which is the arthritis with-which my daughter is afflicted.

http://www.spondylitis.org/support/

And I hope everybody's favorite Cancer Sucks .com which has raised over a million dollars which has gone 100% to cancer research in the past 10 Years thanks to a corporate sponsor paying all overhead. They have fundraisers, sell merchandise, and straight up talke donations on their site

http://www.cancersucks.com/

I am continuing on my training to hit the trail in little more than one year.  I am studying a lot right now to succeed in graduation 2015 December.

Do something nice for a stranger today- why wait until tomorrow comes, if tomorrow never comes. 

I will post sooner than the three plus weeks that it has been.
I bid you peace.  Hans

I Am Still On Track And Cancer Still Sucks

Hello out there to those of you reading this, and thank you for doing so.  Yes it has been eleven days since I last posted.  I've had Philosophy and Sociology papers to write, and two history classes to study for.

I have been keeping on my diet and still losing about 1/4 pound a day.  I didn't put on all the weight at once and it is coming off the same way, fractional pound by fractional pound.  I am exercising still of course as my kick-off date looms ever closer and closer.  28 March 2016 is closer than you think.  A blink of the eye and it will be here.

Valentines Day was okay.  I spent most of the day in the library writing and reading, thankfully no more math since trigonometry, whew!  After studies I took a walk along Tulsa's River Parks and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Brisk evening and one made for just getting the miles in with my head hunkered down.  It would have been better with a walking friend.  I am checking into what Tulsa has in the way of walking clubs/groups.

I am not so happy with my Brooks Cascadias and an thinking of sending these shoes back as defective since they will not break-in on my right foot...makes the walking difficult, still I muster on.  I'll keep you posted on that development too.

I hope that you will click on the box below and leave me a post or a private message about what you think of my blog...how I can/may improve it...and any other ideas about how best I can accomplish my goal of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.  I would appreciate some feed-back please.

A reminder that I am blogging and walking to raise awareness for and hopefully donations towards Spondylitis Arthritis, pediatric cancer/cancer in general research, and off-setting some of the costs associated with the fight of pediatric cancer.
Please mention to these groups when you contact them that you heard about them from Hans Pasco A.K.A. Santahans Pacificcresttrail.  You may find me under the same name on Facebook at Santahans Pacificcresttrail. ((((NOTE 18 March 2015- This is no longer possible since somebody reported me for having a fake name. Please find me on FB under my Real and only name))))
These groups are:
http://www.scottcarterfoundation.org/#!donate/ctzx My Moms favorite cancer charity.  Scott called Mom the chocolate lady because Mom always brought him chocolate.

http://www.trf.org/donate/ This group helps families off-set the costs associated with pediatric cancer.

http://www.cancersucks.com/ This group has raised $1,000,000 in 10 years, 100% going to cancer research.

And for my daughter who is afflicted with spondylitis arthritis,
http://www.spondylitis.org/support/

I am looking forward to your'alls input so please help me out by giving a response.
Thank you.  Hans A.K.A. Santahans
P.S. I tested how long a travel size of toothpaste will last and it is 12 days.  Maybe I can make it last 14 days on the trail.  I'll weigh the next tube next time to see what weight I'll be dealing with. TTFN:^)

Great Call To Brooks Customer Support...For University Consideration I Am Blogging Weekly For Now

I need to better concentrate on my classwork right now and I want to bring my 3. from last semester back up to my standards of a 3.5 or better.  I really want to earn a 4. this semester to vindicate last semester.  Even though 6 of the last 7 weeks of school included my parent's deaths from cancer, in a semester filled with major distractions, I walked on and completed that segment of the trail.  I would like to think that a "road-walk" will not/could not be as brutal while on the PCT, that I'll find out about soon enough.

I spoke with Brooks representative Jordan this morning about my pair of Brooks Cascadias being a tough break-in just above my big toes.  My left foot has resolved itself, however, the right shoe is still causing some break-in ouch.  Jordan told me that if it didn't resolve then to call back soon.  I also decided that I will probably carry a second pair of shoes since my feet will be/are my most precious commodity.  The weight will be about 12oz for my size 13, however the weight will be a savings if my feet are happy.  When I waited tables changing my shoes mid-day made me feel much, much better.  Hopefully same difference on trail and worth the weight.  Naivety I know already, however, still a good plan hopefully.  Jordan is very professional.  Thank you Jordan and Brooks.  Too cool speaking with Jordan since he was on "String Bean's" support team.

I will catch-up with you all on Sundays for now.  Peace.  It's all good.  Pass it on.  Hans

P.S. How can I make this blog a better read.  As with training for the trail, I am also training in making this blog a good read.  Thank you. Me.

Please E-mail Your Opinion

Please send me a message via the link on this page and tell me how you think this post might be more interesting.  If everyone of you twenty folks who read my blog would tell me how you think this blog could/would become more interesting relative to the subject, "My prep "the hows and whats" of what I am doing during the next 14 months to succeed and walk the PCT," I would appreciate your help.
Do unto others...Hans