With life suddenly shifting and my weekend plans falling through I impulsively fell back on the thing I love most; hiking. The 20km section of the Great North Walk from Thornleigh to Browera was just I needed.
The mental toll of thru-hiking the PCT
It’s proven hundreds of times a year that the human body can walk all the way from Mexico to Canada, and it’s known that the second half of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is truly just a mental battle against the monotony and long days in your head. Not only did PCT take a heavy …
The physical toll of thru-hiking the PCT
I always thought that after hiking the Pacific Crest Trail I’d be coming home in peak fitness and health, but in truth I was far from it. I came home suffering from exhaustion, malnutrition and a list of overuse injuries. This is the toll the trail took on me: PAIN – It took a full …
Day 174 – 177 Stehekin to Canada!
The FINISH of the Pacific Crest Trail!! After 5.5 long months of hiking I finally make it to Canada! Click more to read how it felt reaching the hard earned goal.
Day 169 – 173 Skykomish to Steheiken
The highs and lows of the last week on trail. I hike consecutive 50km (30mile) days and am utterly exhausted. Then I’m back to hiking with the gang along fire closures and get great news at the end…read more to see how I handle it.
Day 160 – 168 Snoqualmie Pass to Skykomish
On a short road trip we visit PCT Days and enjoy some rest. Then back on the trail I have emotional coming to terms with a fire closing the end, finishing our hike early and incomplete. I’m reunited with the gang and we form Operation to walk to Canada. This was such a tough smoky section.
Day 153 – 159 Goat Rocks Wilderness to Snoqualmie Pass
We hike through the gorgeous Goat Rocks Wilderness with amazing mountain views, and then, I break away from the group and hike solo to smash out a huge 160km (100miles) in 3.5 days to catch a hitch from Snoqualmie Pass to PCT Days. This still remains my favourite section of the whole hike.
Days 148 – 152 Cascade Locks to Goat Rocks Wilderness
Leaving Cascade Locks I silently celebrate as I start on my final state, Washington, meaning I should finish the trail in just a few short weeks. It’s hot, I’m gross and chaffing, the hills are intense and I’m low on water. It’s a roller coaster but, I’m so so grateful.
Days 144 – 147 Government Camp to Cascade Locks
Recovering from being sick we rest at Government Camp then make our way to Cascade Locks, officially finishing Oregon! Phew, glad that parts over…
Days 133 – 143 Crater Lake to Government Camp
In possibly my lowest week on the PCT I say goodbye to Ross, get extremely sick with a UTI, and incredibly homesick as a result. But! There was still beauty, and we celebrate walking 2000 Miles!