#pctdesert

[𝗠𝗮𝗰'𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 - 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗜] So long as we're in isolation, I figure I'll dive into the archives and post a photo from each of my favorite EXTREME WALKS and other adventures across the years. First up? The Pacific Crest Trail in 2013.⁣ ⁣ This photo was taken 11 hours into day one of the hike - around the 17 mi / 2𝟕 km mark. This was my first time EXTREME WALKING, my first time overnight backpacking, my first time setting up a tent, my first time hiking more than 10 mi / 16 km, my first time pooping in a hole, my first time filtering water, my first time using a backpacking stove, and my first time thinking to myself "maybe this walk from Mexico to Canada wasn't such a good idea."⁣ ⁣ A lot has changed.⁣ ⁣ I spent most of the desert section (~the first 700 mi / 1,125 km) alone and met fewer than 50 other hikers during my first 40 days on the trail (how long it took me to reach Kennedy Meadows).⁣ ⁣ The Sierra Nevada (the second section of the PCT) had zero snow when I arrived which was probably a good thing since it likely would have scared me off with my (at the time) zero exposure and snow travel experience. By Northern California, I had made some friends and was finally getting into a rhythm, but just a couple days into Oregon and I was ready to quit. I kept moving and when I hit the Washington border I left my hiking companions behind as I put my head down and prioritized making as many miles as possible every day. However, when I reached Snoqualmie Pass, I was taken in by an incredible trail angel and decided to wait for my friends to catch up.⁣ ⁣ The wettest September on record in Washington would put a damper on the end of my hike, but I still talk to (and EXTREME WALK with) all (some) of the hikers whom I waited for whilst held up at Snoqualmie. Worth it? Probably definitely.⁣ ⁣ 📸: @mjcorkill

Pacific Crest Trail Day 25: After the morning's first water source, there are two water sources for the remainder of the day - they're both caches (which means they are not natural water sources and are instead places where people leave water for hikers) with literally hundreds of liters of water at each (at least this is what was reported most recently in @guthookguides). If not for these caches it would be like a 35 mi / 56 km waterless stretch. However, you are in NOT supposed to rely on these caches - there is no guarantee water will be at them; that said, most hikers end up relying on these sources which is something that could one day spell disaster (fortunately, that day was not today). . Halfway through the day, I see a ton of people (like 30+) hiding under Joshua tree shade - I hike through the day opting to bake in the sun instead of relaxing in the shade (probably not the best decision). It's hot, but not like 100°F / 39°C - probably in 80s (like 30°C). In the distance, we (my kittens and I) hear the roar of a T. Rex. The kitties seem unfazed, so I am too. (Kittens can detect when tyrannosaurus rexes are near.) . Some guy rolls up while I'm cooking dinner and I invite him to camp (it's well after dark), he does. This is my second time camping with someone all trail. Tonight, Sprinkles, Muffin and Crumpet decide to snuggle with him. I am lonely and cold. . Day: PCT 603.7 to PCT 641.7 Day's distance: 37.69 mi / 60.64 km Day's elevation gain: 6,331 ft /  #pctdesert #PCT Drawings and caption: @paulinadao

Pacific Crest Trail Countdown: six days. Leaving #Cabazon at the start of #PCT #California Section C was my first time ever night hiking by myself. As the sun was setting I was thinking, "This is great! I'm feeling good and I'm not going to be hiking under the hot Southern California sun! Huzzah! Let's enjoy #hiking!" However, as civil twilight gave way to nautical twilight, and as nautical twilight gave way to astronomical twilight (did you know there were three phases of twilight?), my optimistic attitude quickly turned to dread. Still new to backpacking, night hiking on my own was not the grand adventure I had hoped it would be. I've since come to be a bit more comfortable with night hiking in high alpine or open areas, but night hiking through the forest still gives me the heebie jeebies. #PCTdesert #SouthernCalifornia

Pacific Crest Trail Countdown: one week. If you've never thru-hiked before or are new to backpacking and are planning a #PacificCrestTrail thru-hike, don't be intimidated by all the gear talk and ultralight douchebags. Shaving every last bit of weight from your pack will not be the difference between your thru-hike being a success or failure. The #PCT was my first time ever overnight #backpacking and despite all of my research, I still had no idea what I was doing in terms of gear. Just look at my #backpack: it nearly towers over my head, my tent is outside my pack (smashed under the hood), a solar charger is uselessly dangling from the back, and there are countless other unnecessary pieces of gear filling the rest of the pack. You usually suck at things you've never done before, and packing your life into a bag to live out of for months at a time is no different. So if it's your first #thruhike, just accept that things might suck for a while (including you) before you get it all figured out (and trust me, you'll figure it out quickly once you're on the trail). #PCTdesert #SouthernCalifornia