A local man is learning the true meaning of the ancient Chinese proverb about a journey of a thousand miles beginning with but a single step.

Inspired by a radio interview of a 66-year-old who made the 4,240-kilometre journey, Marvin Barg recently began his own hike of the Pacific Crest Trail.

After obtaining a leave of absence from Northern Health, cardiac rehabilitation nurse who will turn 57 years old before the trek is over, set out from Campo, California on the Mexican border on April 20 with the aim of walking all the way to the northern trailhead in Manning Park.

According to Wikipedia, the trip usually takes between four and six months and of the 300 people who attempt to hike the entire trail from end-to-end, called thru-hikers, about 180 accomplish the goal.

Most thru-hikers start from the Mexican border and reach the north end of the trail before the first hard snow. Picking up supplies along the way, usually packages sent to them via mail, most hikers cover about 32 km. (20 miles) per day.

The Pacific Crest follows the highest portion of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range, 161 to 241 km. (100 to 150 miles) inland from the Pacific Coast, sticking largely to national forests and protected wilderness areas.

Barg has been periodically posting updates on a website, trailjournals.com and as of May 2 he had reached a point about 22 miles from the Palm Springs highway where a section of the trail has been closed due to forest fire.

But he has crossed over one one of the toughest stretches on the hike, the San Felipe Mountains, enduring 30 C. heat in the process. He's also acquired a nickname, "Grandpa Kilt" because he's wearing a hiking kilt and has found ways to overcome a wonky knee and cope with blisters.

To follow his progress, go to trailjournals.com (no www.) and type "barg" into the search bar.