SCOUT leader Rob Harborne has set out to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in the USA from Mexico to Canada, nearly 3,000 miles, while raising funds for 1st Crookham Scout Group.

Only 5,418 intrepid people have completed the entire route, as permits are restricted to prevent erosion. Rob started his attempt on May 11 and hopes to complete the trail by early October.

Rob is hoping to raise funds for 1st Crookham Scout Group’s much needed new headquarters. His Scouting expertise has helped him in his preparation for the trail, which included a number of ‘short’ 100-mile hikes in the UK.

Hiking on his own, and meeting new people as he goes, Rob has had to strategically plan the five months very carefully. Travelling light and using a bounce box (posting food and equipment ahead at intervals) has been essential.

Rob, who is also a governor at Crookham Infant School, has had one trusted hike buddy, Flat Stanley, a laminated drawing by Oak Class at Crookham Infants as they didn’t want Rob to be hiking alone.

“He’s perfect,” said Rob, “He’s waterproof, quiet and only weighs four grams!”

Rob will experience all manner of extreme weather conditions from desert to snow and wide range in elevation from just above sea level to 13,153 feet in the Sierra Nevada. The route will pass through 25 national forests and seven national parks.

Already Rob has travelled 720 of the 2,659 miles of trail and stopped in some fabulous locations with great names such as Tahquitz Peak and San Jacinto mountain, Coon Creek Jumpoff, Tehachapi, Big Bear city and Antelope Valley. He’s also passed the challenging ascent of Mount Baden Powell, which reaches 9,406 feet.

Rob’s travels can be followed via his blog on 1st Crookham Scout Group’s website 1stcrookham.org. Here you will also find a link to his online fundraising page, as he hopes to raise £3,000.