Good Day ~

My name is Casey ‘Aqua-Man’ Owen, and I’ve decided it is time for a blog about an amazing journey that begins in a few short days.  I am an aspiring writer.  I am also a story-teller.  I tell stories, my stories, to anyone who will listen: the grocery-bagger, the bank teller, my favorite servers at the Omelette Parlor in Colorado Springs, and just about anyone else with whom I can connect.  I want to share how passionate I am about hiking, learning, growing… connecting, caring, giving back and loving.  So let’s do this… Let’s start this thing… Here’s what is next for me:

I am going to hike 2,663 miles, Yes – I said… hike 2,663 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail.

I am going to walk from Mexico to Canada… Really…  With my feet.  Your probably wondering – What inspired me to do such a thing?  Well, it all began with an attempted Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2013; a decision that has most certainly changed the direction of my life.

I now find myself preparing for another long distance hike and I am hopeful to share the experience through this blog; specifically for the two non-profit organizations I’ve decided to support during my hike.  While hiking the A.T. I supported Hike for Mental Health and the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association to help raise awareness and financial aid for Mental Illness and Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Just two years after a successful Thru-Hike of the A.T. I’ve decided to take on another long distance challenge, this time on the West Coast.  The Pacific Crest Trail is where I am headed and based on all of the recent feedback, it’s going to be a record breaking year.  Currently, California is in the worst drought in its history, and is sure to provide water shortages, dry conditions and potentially a significant increase in wildfires.  Ironically, my 2013 thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail was noted as the wettest year on record.

While I am looking forward to this experience, the continued growth and insight I am sure to gain, there are other reasons for my hike.  I’ve decided to use a newfound love of backpacking as a vehicle to help others in need.  The goal is that this experience will provide a means to help with reaching out, raising awareness and generating financial aid to help others that are struggling in their fight against Mental Illness, and ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

It is said that Mental Illness affects 1 in 4 families.  This means that most people who are reading this, are in some way affected by mental illness.  Maybe it’s a family member, a friend or loved one that you know is struggling with this battle each day.

This year, Lou Gehrig’s Disease will affect the lives of approximately 5,600 people.  A disease that is still taking time to truly understand.  It is a tough experience for anyone that has been diagnosed, or touched by this disease in anyway.

I am hopeful that the community of people that have been diagnosed with A.L.S., and those who face the challenge of Mental Illness can find themselves joining me on this journey by following my blog and find a place of peace while taking a virtual with me on this 2,650 mile hike.

Please take a moment to review each of the links on my blog page. You can donate to either organization and help in the fight against Mental Illness and Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Thank you for your support, love and consideration!

 

Casey ‘Aqua-Man’ Owen