Robert Francisco

It seems appropriate to give a little bit of personal information about myself for those who do not presently know me. I live in Sacramento with my wonderful wife, Liz Bergeron, our dog Floyd (Weimaraner) and our cat Sally (tiger-stripe).
Those of you who are familiar with the PCT and the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) may recognize my wife’s name. Yes, it is the same Liz Bergeron who is the Executive Director of the PCTA. Thus, I am pretty familiar with the PCT and very involved with the PCTA: The mission of the Pacific Crest Trail Association is to protect, preserve, and promote the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail so as to reflect its world-class significance for the enjoyment, education, and adventure of hikers and equestrians.

Liz is going to join me for the first month of my hike. We will meet at the Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick Off Party (ADZPCTKO) and she will actually start at Pioneer Mail and hike to Aqua Dulce. The ADZPCTKO is an informal gathering at the county campground at Lake Moreno (20.6 miles from the Mexico border). The event is loosely sponsored by previous hikers and trail enthusiasts and many NOBO hikers show up for the party. I have been to the KO a few times as a volunteer and it is a really fun event. It is very exciting to be going as an actual hiker in 06. And on Sunday Morning Freefall (PCT 2003) is cooking pancakes for the hikers heading north.

I am 42 years old and will be 43 when I start my thru-hike. In March of 2005, I retired from my job as the Northern California Regional Leader of Jones & Stokes (J&S). J&S is an outstanding environmental consulting firm and it was a really difficult decision to leave. Unfortunately, my position there had me dealing more with accounts payable, achieving business plan, cash flow, and personnel issues…..rather than the project work that brought me into the industry in the first place. I am an environmental scientist by training with a minor in biology. Since retiring, I have realized that it was absolutely the best decision for Liz and me. I will likely work professionally again, but I am in no hurry and am keeping an open mind regarding what “next”. I figure a thru-hike should give me some time to give it some thought.