I think it’s about time for you to officially meet some of my trail family! Meet Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego.

We met in Big Bear Lake which was mile 266 which means we have been hiking together for over 1000 miles!

We hiked out of big Bear at the same time and turns out I couldn’t out hike her so we ended up hiking together.

Along the way she has been vlogging our journey on the PCT so if you are interested in seeing the day to day life of the trail, check out

https://www.youtube.com/user/saradhooma

After countless adventures, here’s a quick interview with my friend Carmen!

How did you get the name Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?

I was named on my second day of the Appalachian trail from a hiker who followed my trail prep journal. He was amazed at all the hikes and trips I have done internationally. Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego was a IBM educational geography game for kids about a thief who would steal geographical locations.

If you can have any animal as a trail pet, what would it be?

“One of those dragons from game of thrones. DRAGON BLAZE!”

“No, I mean a real animal”

“Oh a Pokemon so you can call it into a ball so it’s easy to carry”

“Ughhh…. Okay”

If you can have any Pokemon as a trail pet, what would it be?

“Snorlax, then I don’t need a sleeping mat anymore. It goes in the pokeball so it’s still super ultralight.

Why did you decide to hike the Pacific Crest Trail

I had a close to death experience that helped put my life into perspective.

Two years ago, I suffered a massive pulmonary embolism due to a blood clot in my leg. I was walkingto a bus stop and collapsed. I am very lucky to be alive.

The pulmonary embolism was unprovoked without any identifiable cause. The recommendation from the thrombosis specialist was to take blood thinners for the rest of my life. One of the more serious medication side effects is the risk of uncontrollable bleeding with no antidote. Blood thinners are a good option to elderly patients, as they do not usually participate in physical high risk activities.

I consider myself an adventurer and still have much more of the world to see. I decided it was worth the risk to stop taking the blood thinners after six months. If I ever have another blood clot, there will no option but to stay on the medication forever.

Since the hospitalization, I saved up funds from my medical administration job to take a one year mini-retirement. Since August I have been “trailing around the world” and hiked in France, Spain, North Korea, New Zealand and Nepal.

There is no better feeling than loading up a backpack and heading into the wilderness for a multi-night hiking trip. I want to embrace the harmony, anguish, and wonder of the Pacific Crest Trail. I am hiking because I want to live, not just be alive.

Describe your best day on trail

I would definitely have to say it’s the day we hiked into Agua Dolce. We hiked to Vasquez Rocks and that was significant because it was where a famous scene in Star Trek was filmed and I am a huge Star Trek fan.

Also, we walked past a bunch of kids on a field trip and the ranger stopped us to tell the kids about the brave adventurers hiking to Canada. They were so impressed and really looked up to us. That really inspired me to hike on.

We made it into town later and saw all our friends that was hiking around us and had an amazing meal together, ending the day perfectly.

What’s the one food you can’t live without on trail?

Mike and Ikes! Everyone knows that’s the answer.

If we have to describe you with a spice, what kind of spice would you be?

I would have to say cinnamon, because I’m spicy sweet. I’m nice and friendly and make things exciting no matter what you put me in. I also like the song Cinnamon Girl by Neil Young.

What’s the one piece of advice you have for people who wants to go on a big adventure

Don’t under estimate the strength that comes from meeting good friends on trail. Because those people will carry you through the toughest times. (I think she is talking about me 😁)

I think this article is long overdue, I hope you guys got to know a bit more about this incredible friend I have been journeying with.

We still have countless adventures coming up, we are halfway there but the fun is far from over! Stay in touch with our awesome journey!