Pacific Crest Trail
Although I had initially planned to write a blog from the trail, it soon dawned on me that this would be quite of an (additional) challenge. Trail days are long, days in town are busy and wifi or cell reception are often non-existent.
There were so many new things happening on this epic journey though that I was afraid to forget, so I tried to type at least a few thoughts into my mobile every day. On some days, I could hardly keep my eyes open and the phone literally fell out of my hands, on other days, I was so overwhelmed that I did not know where to start or stop.
It was rather a journal for myself which I had no intention to publish. Not until friends & family said after the trail that they where missing my updates and that they enjoyed following my journey.
So here it is: from Mexico to Canada by foot in 171 days.
Southern California | Mile 0 to 698 | May 1 - June 26
Can one actually prepare for that thing called long-distance hiking? I'd say I was pretty well prepared for many things but some came unexpected: Crazy hiker hunger for tortilla, peanut butter, Nutella and Snickers all rolled into one; a desert with not so much sand, loads of wind and some snakes that I would have stepped on had they not rattled; a swollen ankle and a doctor who advises me to go back home. But I keep on moving because there is that faraway paradise on earth that everybody talks about as "the Sierras" ...
Sierra Nevada | Mile 698 to 1018 | June 26 - July 23
Finally, the Sierra! The big water carries are over: There is an abundance of lakes and small streams but also big, sometimes scary, river crossings. A pass a day …. makes the legs even stronger. And hungrier! I often wish I had an extra candy bar for dessert. The time of blisters and swollen ankles is long gone but now I get bloody hands from sliding down icy snowfields and a bruised chin from a broken tracking pole. Still, I wish I could stay here for much longer ….
Northern California | Mile 1018 to 1658 | July 25 - August 29
Fewer ascents in Northern Cali compared to the Sierra is what they said. Really? To me, it is still a lot of up and down accompanied by a lot of dust, heat, and swarms of annoying wasps around water sources. It is the time when I start struggling and doubting. Why am I doing this? I have walked so many miles already but still not even halfway through! California the never-ending story ….
Oregon | Mile 1685 to 2144 | August 29 - September 20
Crossing the Oregon border gives me such a push that I continue walking despite the mental struggles in Northern Cali. Let’s at least walk to Washington! On the way, I fall in love with Oregon: serene lakes that invite to call it a day early, fall showing first signs of its beautiful colours and familiar faces I had not seen for quite a while. Here and there, I wish I could stay longer. If only I could push away these nagging thoughts that start doubting if I could make it to Canada before winter kicks in ….
Washington | Mile 2144 TO 2650 | September 20 - October 18
Just 500km to go! It's impossible to stop now, even though a bit of concern lingers about Washington's notorious rainy weather and dropping temperatures. Throughout Oregon, I interviewed nearly every Southbounder about this concern. The simple advice I receive is, "Keep your sleeping gear dry." Homesickness and farewells to fellow hikers are inevitable. And while I contemplate whether I've adequately "geared up" for the final stretch, Washington unfolds all its beauty before me—majestic cloud formations, snow-covered peaks, and an abundance of blueberries along the way...
