Why I’m Getting off the PCT

The PCT so far has been an amazing adventure. I have gotten to backpack farther than I’ve ever backpacked before. I have pushed myself to my limits hiking long days. I have met amazing people. I have seen so much of God’s beautiful creation. I have grown in my outdoor skills. I…

PCT Days 44–49

Trail Miles: 444.3–558.5

Day 44

I slept in until around 7 as it was a zero day. Since I normally get up around 5, 7 felt great. I got up and lazed around all day. I took another shower. I lounged around chatting with other hikers. I ate a pint of…

PCT — Days 1–5

Trail Miles: 1–41.5

On April 24th, Monica and I flew into San Diego and were picked up by a past hiker of the PCT with the trail name Scout. He and his wife, trail named Frodo, host hikers the night before they start on the PCT. At their house we were able to pick up the gear…

PCT Days 11–18

Trail Miles: 109.5–166.6 + 15 off trail

Day 11

We “slept in” till 7 and then took our time getting ready for the trail. We only had 5.4 miles to do so we weren’t in a hurry. We ate our oatmeal, coffee, and pop tarts before setting off. We…

PCT Days 40–43

Trail Miles: 374–444.3

Day 40

I woke up well rested after a night in a real bed. The trail angels, Mike and Sue, were very kind and generous. I was the only hiker staying the night and I had a good conversation over dinner with them. I’ve been…

PCT Days 35–39

Trail Miles: 342–363.4

Days 35–37

We continued resting up for Monica and enjoyed our time with the Trail Angels, Layne and Elise. They took good care of us and we really enjoyed our time with them.

PCT Days 19–26

Trail Miles: 179.4 — 266.1

Day 19

We woke up at the Idyllwild Inn rested and ready to go. Thankfully my fever was gone and I felt ready to hike. Taking two zeros wasn’t what we wanted to do, but it was needed and without it I don’t think I could…

PCT — Days 6–10

Trail Miles: 41.5 — 109.5

A lot happened in 5 days on the trail. In the moment time doesn’t seem to be going fast as you put one foot in front of the other and sweat drips down your arms and face, but in retrospect time flies. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been on the…

PCT Days 50–56

Trail Miles: 566.5–702.2

Day 50

With hot and dry miles ahead of me I wanted to get an early start. Thankfully there was a trail angel in Tehachapi who was willing to drop off hikers on his way to work at 6 in the morning. I had a nice chat with…

Nourishment on the PCT

As Monica and I set out for the trail one of the questions we get a lot is what we are going to do in regards to food while on the trail. First off, we are not going to be carrying all of our food for the entire trail from day 1. The trail goes through and near a decent amount of towns…