Days 11-13, Miles 179-207: Ice and Fire
One day, we're climbing a snow-covered peak with ice axes and spikes on our shoes. The next, we're battling triple-digit temperatures in...
Days 7-10, Miles 91-179: Cacti and Calories
Armies, per the quote of dubious Napoleonic origins, march on their stomachs. So do thru-hikers. Sometimes to their own detriment. But...
Days 3-6, Miles 26-91: Ups and Downs
The PCT is climbing, but the challenges are bringing rewards. On Day 3, our group broke camp before dawn, hitting the trail as the...
Days 1-2, Miles 1-26: Beginnings.
Two days into the PCT, I'm sunburnt, sore and covered in grime from head to toe. Yesterday, after removing my pack at the campsite, I...
Scout and Frodo.
At the end of a San Diego cul-de-sac sits a house brimming, nine weeks each spring, with nervous energy. This is Scout and Frodo's. ...
One week to go.
Most times you tell someone you’re hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, you get the sense they’re very impressed. “Wow, 2,600 miles!” “You’re...
Why I'm hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
It wasn’t Wild. Yes, I’ve seen the movie (I get asked that question about 75 percent of the time a friend finds out I’m hiking the PCT)....