I am 28 years old, a Marine Corps veteran, and I love California. More than anything I love California's mountains. When I first learned that there was a trail that traversed the most majestic and rugged portions of these mountains, I immediately became interested in thru-hiking this magnificent yet fiercely challenging path. I first started reading about the Pacific Crest Trail while on my second deployment to the Middle East, and though the desire was there, my present situation was not so conducive to thru-hiking. I finished out my tour with the Marines and moved to South Lake Tahoe to attend community college, and it was there that I cultivated a profound respect and awe of the Sierra Nevada mountains. After a few years of taking classes and enjoying the pristine wilderness of Tahoe, it was time to finish up my degree. I then moved to San Luis Obispo, CA to attend California Polytechnic University where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Not wanting to leave the area immediately, I took a job at a local environmental consulting firm in order to further enjoy the Central Coast of California.
Not long after graduating, I found myself looking for a new challenge. When I learned that my long-time high school friend was attempting the PCT for a second time, I immediately knew that I would be hiking alongside. It was a calling I could not pass up this time around.
However in addition to fulfilling my own personal goals, I hope to help raise awareness to the needs of injured service members as well as aid the organizations that support them. My hope is that more veterans like myself will be able to fulfill their goals after fulfilling their service to this country.
If you would like to contact me, please
send an email.
Check out my
video blog on youtube for the latest from the trail!
Tyler's Twitter feed
