“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people
are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home;
that wildness is a necessity”
– John Muir
As I type this, the reality of my upcoming adventure is truly beginning to set in. In my history of doing things, there is always a delay from when my brain starts processing all the details and logistics and when it accepts that things are actually happening. As my official notice for attempting to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail in 2015, from Mexico to Canada (nobo – north bound), starting May 3rd.
Now for the cool factoids. The PCT is the westernmost and second longest trail of the Triple Crown (the three big trails across the US). It traverses 2,663 miles in length and spans an elevation range from sea level (OR-WA border) to 13,153 feet (Forester Pass in the Sierra Nevada), with a side trip submit of Mt. Whitney (14,505 feet). I will pass through 25 national forests, 7 national parks, 3 states, and 2 countries. I will start at the Mexico border and complete my journey by crossing into Canada for the trail terminus at E.C. Manning Provincial Park.
As my “test” thru-hike, I completed the Colorado Trail in 2013. I learned a lot about endurance hiking with that adventure. However, it was a short three weeks, and I am driven to push myself further. These days I am filled with random bursts of ecstatic energy to begin this journey. First there are many hours of planning, gathering gear, preparing food, and more. Please stay tuned through individual blog entries as I document this endeavor.
The following links can quickly direct you to specific topics:
PCT Blog Posts
PCT Food Thoughts
PCT Gear List
“Possible” PCT Agenda
Care Packages!
Maps, Apps, and Other Navigational Aids
You can also follow this link to Scott Bryce’s PCT Hiker’s Glossary.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
– Lao Tzu
Elizabeth Erickson 