Washington

A southbound hiker begins the PCT on steep, exposed slopes and more elevation gain and loss than any other part of the trail passing one volcano after another like pearls on a necklace including Rainier.

Judy met a guy with a much lighter tent while hiking the Appalachian Trail and it was not a "coffin" but rather, a palace. That just pissed her off, so she went designed her own ultralight palace.

peeps of the PCT: Heart Fire, tent maker

May 26, 2020 5 comments

The need for a lighter tent that wasn’t a “coffin” led Judy Gross to design and make her own.

Melinda and Henry planned to hike the PCT from south to north, but came across deep snow and dangerous river crossings in the Sierra, so flipped up north to Washington and headed south to meet the spot where they left off.

peeps of the PCT: ‘flippers’

May 13, 2020 2 comments

It takes courage to change directions mid-stream.

a chorus of birds from both sides (of the world) now

February 10, 2020 4 comments

The chorus of birds on both the Te Araroa and the Pacific Crest Trail were glorious. Hear them for yourself!

peeps of the PCT: Catholic scouts of the trail

January 27, 2020 7 comments

There was nothing like sharing a service with boy scouts right in the middle of the rainy Cascades.

peeps of the PCT: G-punk

January 21, 2020 5 comments

The people I met on trail were interesting, fun and encouraging, especially beautiful Grapefruit Punk.

The Sweet Ephemeral

January 13, 2020 16 comments

For all that has been, Thanks! For all that will be: Yes!

peeps of the PCT: Karl and Holly, trail angels

December 18, 2019 8 comments

The trail will provide and often that’s because of people who are generous just because they want to be.

PCT Day 29, ‘zero,’ Stevenson, WA

July 29, 2019 7 comments

You always had the power, my dear; you just had to learn it for yourself. – Glinda, the good witch of the north what I did on my vacation from the trail: 1. soaked in really hot water – four times, then one more time with epsom salts 2. ate a second breakfast (or was that a third?) 3. lounged in the lounge with reasonably decent wifi

PCT Day 28, Rock Creek to Cascade Locks, 20 miles

July 29, 2019 12 comments

In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility. – Eleanor Roosevelt The men are awake and out by 3:15. True to their word, they are absolutely quiet packing up. They’re heading north to ‘meet their wives,’ they tell me from a very snug two man tent. I sleep beautifully in my tiny spot under […]

PCT Day 27, ‘pool of water’ to Rock Creek, 27 miles

July 29, 2019 4 comments

If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more. – Erica Jong My morning begins with Zach stirring, wanting to “get up early and bust out miles.” The mist is down and I’m concerned the ladies won’t get the great views. Judy drops by my tent as I sip chococoffee to show me how small her tent packs down. She’s persistent, but I imagine it will make me a customer. I forgot to mention that […]