TREK FOR TROOPS- Planning a 2,650-mile hike from Mexico to Canada are from left, Scott Williams, Matt Walker and Paul Rose. The effort will help Homes for Our Troops, an organization that constructs dwellings for severely wounded U.S. war veterans. A Conejo Valley threesome called Trek for Troops is preparing to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile journey. But they aren't doing it just for fun and to stay physically fit.

They will embark on the rigorous fourmonth trip to help U.S. war veterans.

The three men, all from Westlake Village and graduates of Westlake High School, will hike from the Mexican border to the Canadian border to raise money and bring attention to an organization called Homes for Our Troops.

Scott Williams (WHS class of '03), Paul Rose (WHS '04) and Matt Walker (WHS '05) want to help combat veterans with permanent disabilities.

For five years, Homes for Our Troops has helped severely wounded U.S. war veterans by building and adapting homes for servicemen and women who were hurt while defending America. More than 100 homes have been constructed so far.

Trek for Troops wants to improve the quality of life for America's heroes, said Rose. He's the son of Alan Rose, director of Westlake High School's vocal music department.

The three met on the WHS campus while pursuing a common interest in singing.

They explained their plan during a recent meeting of the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Club. They share an avid interest in hiking and camping, and the three of them still sing a cappella (aka barbershop quartet). Coincidentally, they're willing to present a five-minute performance for clubs and organizations to promote their cause. It's good; they received a standing ovation from the Kiwanis last week.

Williams, the oldest, served four years in the U.S. Navy. All three of them look physically fit, and have been training for four months, which they will continue for four months leading up to May when they plan to begin their journey near Campo, Mexico. As part of their training, they try to run 10 miles a day whenever they can.

They wanted to do something exciting, said Rose, something they would remember the rest of their lives. They enjoy backpacking, but wanted a major challenge—a personal sacrifice that would help a worthy cause.

Referring to Home for Our Troops, Rose said, "It was the right thing to do."

The Pacific Crest Trail, according to Wikipedia, is a longdistance mountain hiking and equestrian route that follows the highest portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Cascades which parallel the Pacific Ocean by 100 to 150 miles. It proceeds north across Southern California, east of San Bernardino, then cuts east, just south of Bakersfield, then steadily north through Yosemite National Park.

The route continues north, just west of Carson City and Reno, Nev., and eventually continues through Oregon and Washington to its northernmost destination, Manning Park, British Columbia.

"We'll see some of the most beautiful scenery in our lives," Rose said.

The men plan to hike all day, averaging about 25 miles per day, and sleeping in tents at night.

Water won't be a problem after they get past Southern California, Rose said. They plan to carry three to seven days worth of food and will make occasional detours by hitchhiking into towns so they can replenish their supplies.

They hope to reach their destination by Sept. 1.

All three are pursuing college degrees, but will spend this summer outside the classroom.

They're looking for sponsors and donations. If you can help in any way, please send an e-mail to trekfortroops@yahoo.com. A website is also under construction at trekfortroops.com. Rose can be reached at (805) 7507285.

Another website is at www.HomesForOurTroops.org/ goto/TrekForTroops.