audio narratives: peeps of the PCT

People are guests in our story, the same way we are guests in theirs. But we all meet each other for a reason because every person is a personal lesson waiting to be told.

― Lauren Klarfeld
I started the PCT with about thirty strangers riding up together to Hart's Pass from Bellingham in three rented vans.
I started the PCT with about thirty strangers riding up together to Hart’s Pass from Bellingham in three rented vans.

Thank you to all my supporters who made this project happen!! John Reamer and Associates, Carl Passal, Cheryl Kempton, Courtney Elford, Janet Horvath, Jennine Speier, Karen Dingle, Karen Neal, Karen Dingle, Marc Reigel, Norm Loomer, Patricia Saiger Limbacher, Rietje Marie Angkuw, Stefanie Jacob, Stephen Fusselman, and Steve Gray. You added a beautiful dimension to this hike and I am ever grateful!

peeps of the PCT: the start
As I prepare for the CDT, I look back to the start of the Pacific Crest Trail and advice to
peeps of the PCT: Karl and Holly, trail angels
Wherever we travel to, the wonderful people we meet become our family.Lailah Gifty Akita Last night I had vivid dreams
peeps of the PCT: G-punk
About all you can do in life is be who you are. Some people will love you for you. Most
peeps of the PCT: Catholic scouts of the trail
Thank God I have seen an orange sky with purple clouds. How easy it is to forget that we have
peeps of the PCT: Tammy & John, caretakers
Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have. Margaret Mead
Rounded edges of 1950's cars appear like faces crowding the lot on a summer's eve.
peeps of the PCT: used car salesman of the border
Home is a good place, especially when you have love, memories and hobbies surrounding you.
peeps of the PCT: Milk Jug
He was the youngest solo thru-hiker on the PCT, but still couldn't finish the pancakes.
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'
It takes courage to change directions mid-stream.
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
The need for a lighter tent that wasn't a "coffin" led Judy Gross to design and make her own.
peeps of the PCT: Joshua, fire manager
I met Joshua on Flat Iron Ridge in Lassen National Park building a fire break with hand tools.
peeps of the PCT: Casey, Sonora Pass Resupply
Casey Cox started his company after waiting, cold and hungry, his thumb out for a ride that never came.
Bob is the caretaker at one of the oddest places along the PCT.
peeps of the PCT: Bob, Hiker Town
It's a long 18-mile stretch in desert to Hiker Town, one of the oddest places I slept along the PCT.
Bonita is the friendly innkeeper at the Silver Pines, a very accommodating hotel for backpackers.
peeps of the PCT: Benita, Idyllwild Innkeeper
Historic Silver Pines Lodge has seen its share of "Hiker Trash," but the innkeeper says it's enriching.
peeps of the PCT: John, general store owner
The owner of Laguna Mountain Lodge & Store gives us good rules to live by: lighten up and be nice.