I don't know I will react to my first rattlesnake and black bear.
Walking 4286km in memory of her father is going to be a ''big challenge''.
And it is one that Dr Julie Lawrence has already started to conquer.
Dr Lawrence will complete the Pacific Crest Trail trail, which follows the crest of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, in five months.
She is also raising money for the University of Otago's Brain Health Research Centre.
''It is a cause I believe in. My father had Alzheimer's and it's such an awful debilitating disease that strips away everything - your memories, your identity, your humanity. So if I can walk in the memory of my father and raise money for brain research it just makes it so much more rewarding,'' she said.
The journey has involved 18 months of planning.
Julie has been preparing for the past year, working on her fitness and strength, taking river-crossing and mountain safety courses, learning how to navigate with a compass and how to deal with bears.
''I read about the PCT five years ago and it's been sitting at the back of my mind smouldering. I've always loved hiking outdoors and having adventures.
''It's all going to be a challenge. There is a drought in California. Dehydration is my largest fear. I don't know I will react to my first rattlesnake and black bear,'' she said.
Dr Lawrence has prepared food and supplies that will be sent to places along the trail in mail drops.
The Pacific Crest Trail avoids cities and is predominantly wilderness. It winds through seven national parks, 25 national forests and 33 federally mandated wildernesses.
Dr Lawrence will walk through six different eco-zones, including the Mojave desert, rainforests and glaciers, and climb 60 major mountain passes.
''Life is too short not to do the things that excite you. Ultimately when people ask me why I want to do this, I ask them `why wouldn't you want to do it?''' she said.
If you would like to support Julie visit: givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/brainhealthjulielawrence#To keep up with her progress visit her blog: Taking a Long Walk.
