Why A Boko-Maru With Gaia?

We chose to call our Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike A Boko-Maru With Gaia because we wanted a name that encompasses the physical, mental, and spiritual undertaking that this journey will require. From Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle, a Boko-Maru is a ritual of the mingling of awarenesses. It involves pressing the bare soles of one's feet against another's soles. Through the soles of our feet, each others' souls we shall see. Sole to sole. Soul to soul. Gaia is the Greek goddess of the Earth. She is the great mother of all: the heavenly gods, the Titans , the Giants, and the Sea gods. Gaia is our Mother Earth. This hike will take us back to minimalistic ways and bring us closer to the natural world, closer to Her. And so, as we place the soles of our feet against the elements, we bring ourselves closer to a mingling of awareness, intertwining our souls, and becoming one with Gaia.