Today on episode 17 I want to give a very warm welcome to my guest Michael Langer, who along with his girlfriend Kenzie, walked away from lucrative engineering careers in Houston, Texas and moved into a van. Only months later, seemingly on a whim, they smashed the Pacific Crest Trail, hiking over 2,600 miles across California, Oregon, and Washington.
Today we will hear Michael’s perspective on this wild and unexpected journey, but it doesn’t end there. Next week stay tuned for an interview with Kenzie King, who shares her own unique perspective and motivations for their abrupt shift in lifestyle. After all, it takes a special couple to trade a solid paycheck for a heavy pack and mosquitos for five months.
Topics Discussed with Michael Langer:
- Desire to leave well-paying jobs in Houston, TX and travel in a van
- The financial dilemma of saying “I quit.” More on how Michael and Kenzie funded their journey.
- Mental health and the need for a break
- Exposing who we really are
- How Michael and Kenzie hiked the entire PCT having only backpacked three consecutive nights!
- Logistical considerations of hiking the PCT (gear, re-supply points, pack weight, day-in-the-life routines)
- Transition from the trail to society: culture shock and finding meaningful work
- Stories from the trail: people, weather, and wildlife
- Why Michael doesn’t see van living as a long-term way of life
Get in Touch with Michael Langer
Nervous Excitement on Instagram: Documenting People in Pursuit
Pacific Crest Trail and Other Backpacking Resources
Pacific Crest Trail Association
Clever Hiker: Gear Reviews and Tutorials
Recommended Books
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, By Bill Bryson
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, By Cheryl Strayed
Other Products Mentioned
Clipping Chains Related Posts
Walking the Walk and Other Tales by Foot
The Fallacy of Happiness and Meaningful Work
Contentment: The Greenest Grass of Them All
Van Life: The Economics and Trade-Offs
In Contrast: The Reality of Life on the Road
The Simple and Complicated Life on the Road
Early Retirement: Is It the Solution?
Should I Quit My Job? I Want to Climb!
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