I was recently contacted by the fine folks over at MadBody.com to do an interview with them about the Pacific Crest Trail. Given that talking about the PCT has become a personal expertise of mine, I could not pass up the opportunity to do so with such willing listeners. The following is what
The Pacific Crest Trail: One Year Later
It has officially been a year since I gave into the masochistic demands of a the voice inside my head and started walking north from the US-Mexico border in search of my spirit animal. So now the question is: were those four and a half months spent dragging myself through 2,600 miles of
Why I Say “Yes” To (Almost) Everything
Disclaimer: I am not attempting to prescribe advice to anyone. A magic bullet does not exist (except silver ones, those kill werewolves), and what works for me will certainly not work for everyone else. So if you’re sitting there taking this article to hypothetical, hyperbolic extremes, then my
The Legend of BearCat
As we have learned, we have plenty to fear on the Pacific Crest Trail (but not bears, or large cats). However, despite bears and cats being of no concern to us, a real threat does exist out on the trail and its name is BearCat. So just south of Mt. Laguna I was camped with Shark Rider, Rain
A Letter To Next Year’s PCT Class
Dear Next Year's PCT Class, Your lives are about to change. Chances are that you're peeing in your pants with anticipation (if you're peeing in your pants for another reason it may be wise to consult a physician prior to beginning your hike). With only days remaining before kickoff, the dream
I Hate Hiking, But I Love Adventuring
I loved being on the Pacific Crest Trail. I also really hated being on the Pacific Crest Trail - like really hated. A popular question in town (and among hikers) was why you were on the PCT in the first place. I always came up short with an answer. My reason for hiking the trail did not arise
17 Things Scarier Than Bears on the Pacific Crest Trail
As we learned from the absurd questions asked of Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers, people are mostly interested in hikers' thoughts on the "scary things" out in the wilderness. Basically: bears, mountain lions, and murders. Why people are so fixated on bears and murders? The last (and only)
VIDEO: Super Fun Time Thunderstorm On The Pacific Crest Trail
On day 113 of my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike I encountered a thunderstorm in the middle of the Three Sisters Wilderness in Oregon. Stuck hiding beneath a tree, begging for the mercy of the almighty Zeus, I did the only rational thing I could think of: I filmed my last will and testament.