A little bit about Rod. Rod is taking a six-month sabbatical from his job as a field rep for operating engineers for Local 701, whose office is in Gladstone, Oregon. He works out of his home in Irrigon. Rod decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail because his trainer Pat Bentz told him he needed a goal. And hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was the first thing he thought of. He enjoys the outdoors, hiking, and after training with Pat for a few months, she gave him the confidence to attempt this goal. After he and Pat quit training together, he developed some physical issues, and a number of people helped him work through them.he wants to thank Drs. Pam and Joey, Dr. Ben Matheson who over the last year to regain strength in his shoulders, knees and elbows, and Rod's wife Wendy for her support and countless friends who have encouraged him along the way.
As Rod begins his adventure, he is anxious to get started, and he is preparing his equipment. While his feet are still bothering him a bit, he feels that even if he only makes 500 or 1000 miles, he knows that that is farther than he has ever gone before. However, he has full confidence he will make the over 2650 miles by October 10, 2014. Such a lofty goal but one I know he will accomplish. Rod is one of those guys who when he sets his mind on something, it gets done!
Rod won't be taking this journey totally alone. His father-in-law, Jim Ellis, plans to travel in close proximity to the trail and resupply him where the trail crosses the roads. Jim is stocking two months worth of food his pickup. Rod says he is lucky to have Jim as his personal trail angel. Most people have things shipped as close to the trail as they can but then those folks have to hike or hitchhike off the trail to get their supplies. Jim plans to put those supplies as close to the trail as possible so Rod doesn't lose much time.
Two more folks plan to actually hike the trail with him -- Keith Kitchen and Andy Englehart hope to meet up with Rod as he makes his way north on the Pacific Crest Trail. Andy plans to met Rod near Mt. Whitney in California. As Andy is an avid mountain climber, he is excited about climbing Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48. Keith plans to hike along the trail in Central California. Rod's brother Ed has hinted he would love to hook up with Rod along some short hikes in Northern Oregon and some in Washington. Brother-in-law Jim Junior has said he wants to climb Mt. Adams with Rod as he goes by the mountain.
