First Post! There's so much to tell...

Hi everyone! I suppose I'll tell as much as I can tell you in this first blog. Just so you all know, it is going to be a long one... but I'll try to keep it interesting.

My name is Kayla. I'm a 23 year old woman originally from Gig Harbor, Washington, but I currently reside (and will probably stay for a while) in Tacoma. I graduated with a degree in Communication (emphasis PR and Advertising) from Pacific Lutheran University, with no clue what to do with my $100,000 education besides attempting to get into retail management. So for the time being I'm a sales specialist (clothing and shoes!) at REI, and I dabble in bartending. I would love to go back to school for my MBA in human resources or sustainable business, but that's at least a year or two in the distance.

Enough about my life story, though. This blog is about my adventure, my vacation of sorts coming up this summer. Since so many people want to know about my plans, where I'll be, what I've done to prepare, and so on... I figure blogging is the best way to keep people up to date. I guess I'll start out in an FAQ format.

Q: Where/What is the Wonderland Trail? And why did you decide to do this trail?

A: The Wonderland Trail is a 93 mile trail encircling Mt. Rainier, known for its many elevation changes. The highest point is on Panhandle Gap, where the trail peaks at 6750 feet. As my coworker Melissa puts it, "there's no flat ground on that thing."

What led me to decide on this trail was really random. I came across the trail in a book about loop hikes. Seeing that it was such a long trail, I figured it may be fun to do a backpacking trip there over the summer. However, after picking up Discovering the Wonders of the Wonderland Trail, a book detailing the trail and how to prepare/plan/pack for it, I learned there was much more to preparing for this trip than just purchasing the gear I didn't own. So, since March I have made this something to work toward.

Q: How have you been preparing?

A: I am working out a lot more, that's for sure! I'm reading about the trail, going to map and compass courses, breaking in my boots, going on practice hikes with elevation gain, and talking to other experienced outdoor enthusiasts (working at REI makes these people easy to find)! On top of that, I have lost 7 pounds and I am on a quest to lose 13 more before I leave! It'll be easier for me to get around with less of me to carry (I am not all that large, but I can definitely afford 13 lbs to go).

Q: You work at REI, so you must get a sweet deal on all the gear you still need?

A: Yes, yes I do! In fact, one of REI's many employee benefits is the chance to receive an REI employee challenge grant! The requirement was that I had to submit a grant proposal stating why this trip is a personal challenge for me, and list what items I would purchase with this grant. So far the grant has been approved by my store manager, but it is really up to Public Affairs to approve or deny my grant proposal. I'm awaiting their decision with crossed fingers! Should I be approved, I will be purchasing my tent, long underwear, cookware and my first aid kit.

I think I've covered all of what I've been up to so far... updates to come. I definitely welcome and appreciate feedback from all of you! :)