[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
