After taking my first zero in Idyllwild, I felt it necessary to make up for lost time and go from Idyllwild to Cabazon in one day: a 33-mile trek (spoiler alert: this was a terrible idea). Armed with new socks, new insoles, and a freshly laundered wardrobe I felt rather invincible (especially
Taking A Zero
Sometimes when you punish your body in ways you have never experimented with before (namely, walking long distances in rugged terrain with a backpack that is in all likelihood entirely too heavy), it decides to fight back. Begging you to stop with an aggressive arsenal of aches, cramps, blisters,
The First 100 PCT Miles: Lessons Learned
Today I arrived in Warner Springs, marking the end of California Section A and the first 110 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Over the course of the past week I have learned much of hiking, camping, the Pacific Crest Trail, and myself (I don't like mashed potatoes as much as I thought, and
Murderers In The Desert (& PCT Checkers)
Up until this point we have addressed every hikers' (and person's) worst fear: bears. However, since bears do not pose a threat until somewhere around mile 700 of the Pacific Crest Trail (at least those we are aware of), I feel as though I must address the things most likely to kill you in the
The PCT Is Melting My Feet Off
My soft feet. Smooth as a newborn's bottom, my amazingly soft feet are one of my few (if only) redeeming qualities, and the Pacific Crest Trail is trying to take them away from me. Every time I remove my shoes and KEEN socks, I find that another section of my precious foot skin has decided to
PCT Day 1: What The Hell Am I Doing?
After a nice ride along Highway 8 I arrive in the infamous Campo, California - home to the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail. After obligatory photos with the monument, an encounter with border patrol, and some heartfelt goodbyes, it is finally time to start walking - to Canada. It
Hiking the 700 Miles of PCT Desert
For the first 700 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, northbound hikers have the Southern California desert to look forward to. It is only fitting that the trail begins in the desert, as hikers will need to be getting acquainted with how sweaty and uncomfortable they are capable of becoming (better