Travel and Deal Features Dirty B (William Buckley) a 24 year old Geologist and backpacking adventurer! Here’s his story so far:
Growing up I had this idea in my head that I’d graduate high school, get a college degree in something I’m interested in and use that degree for a conventional job in the ‘real world’. Then surely I’d be set, right? Well in 2014 I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, a subject that I’m extremely passionate about. Afterwards, I got a job in the previously mentioned ‘real world’ and although it was interesting, it was not what I was wanting to do for the rest of my life. Long story short, I started to become very restless. I needed to figure out what made me happy and begin to pursue it…relentlessly.
Photo credit – William Buckley
Four years of Hard work.
It was at this time in May 2015 where I gave backpacking a serious shot. I had gear from being in the Boy Scouts at a younger age so I gathered it all together and headed for the mountains. I planned a solo overnight trip up to Mt. Baldy, a 10,064 ft mountain in Southern California. I backpacked to the top, camped on the summit, and came back down the following day.
Photo credit – William Buckley
The summit of Mt. Baldy – the trip that changed it all
I immediately fell in love. From that point on, the amount of backpacking in my life skyrocketed exponentially. The hikes became harder, the challenges got bigger, and the addiction grew stronger.
Photo Credit – William Buckley
Boundary Peak – Nevada’s tallest mountain at 13,146 ft
Due to my (sometimes overly) ambitious behavior, I was trying to find ways to challenge myself…on some real levels. I wanted to take on a task that some would consider extreme. That’s where the idea of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) came in.
Photo credit – William Buckley
Snowshoeing in the John Muir Wilderness
Truth be told (and I don’t blame them), a lot of family, friends, and acquaintances didn’t think such a task could be done given my backpacking experience at the time. My personal record at this point was backpacking a total of 50 miles in Yosemite when I was 14 (now I was 23). Surely I couldn’t do 200 miles, let alone the PCT!
Photo credit – William Buckley
Getting weird on the summit of Mt. Whitney – 14,505 ft
Most people don’t know this about me but there’s a special trait that I’m very fortunate to have and I’m also actively aware of having it. It’s something so valuable when used in its full potential – the ability to accomplish anything you put your mind to.
We’ve all heard this saying before. It’s nothing new. But it’s much easier said than done. To accomplish tasks of great magnitude you have to be passionate, your focus has to be laser-like, and self-control has to be razor sharp. Sacrifices have to be made on a regular basis. Add these things in with some stubbornness and you create a deadly cocktail.
This is how I was able to complete the PCT in one shot. No matter what obstacle stood in the way, I was going to hike from Mexico to Canada.
Photo credit – William Buckley
A makeshift bandage on the PCT in the wilderness of Oregon
Pain was the biggest obstacle during this long hike. I’ve estimated that there was some level of physical pain for approximately 80% of the trip – mainly in the feet. I battled numerous blisters, tendinitis in a few different spots, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, blown out knees, nerve damage in the toes, and toenails falling off. People then asked, “Why did you even do it? That doesn’t sound fun.” Well, it’s funny what you’ll do for the things you love.
Photo credit – William Buckley
A cake from my family upon my return from the PCT
So this is where I’m at now. I’m 24 years old and I found out what I want to do in life. This is just the beginning of the backpacking adventures and I guarantee that the trips will become increasingly more difficult as time goes on.
Dirty B.
For more inspiring Backpacking adventures, head over to Dirty B’s website at https://williambuckleyy.wordpress.com/ and instagram instagram.com/williambuckleyy.
