The Pacific Crest Trail
Since 2019, I (Elyse) have been training on and off for a thru-hike of the entire Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) travels 2,655 miles from the US-Mexican border to the US-Canadian border through all of California, Oregon, and Washington. A thru-hike, as opposed to any other hike, is defined by the completion of the entire trail in one season. I carry everything I need (in theory) on my back and visit towns along the trail every week or so, to resupply my food and take a shower (or two, or three). The whole journey takes 5 months to complete, on average.
The trail passes through sandy deserts, dense forests, over snow, through water, up and down mountains.
I first attempted it in 2020, and then again in 2021, completing roughly 1,500 miles. During that time, I backpacked mainly solo, but in 2024 Tom offered to follow me in our 4×4 campervan, Ogre!