Adventure of A Life Time!
The Challenge
In April 2023 I will fly out to California where I will start the biggest challenge of my life. The Pacific Crest Trail is 2,650 miles long (4,265 kilometres. It starts at the Mexican border in California and ends in Canada. If you have seen the film “Wild” with Reece Witherspoon then you will know which challenge I am talking about.
My plan is to complete sections A to G and beyond (the goal is 800 miles to reach Mount Whitney) from April to June 2023. I will be leaving the UK as a solo female hiker with all my kit on my back and will be 52 years of age when I take my first steps in California.
The first section from Campo to Mount Whitney will take approximately 2 months of walking where the weather ranges from 44 °C in the desert to battling through the snow in temperatures under -12 °C.
I will sleep in my tent in the wilderness for the more significant part of the journey (keeping costs low), but once in a while, I will enter towns along the trail and spend a civilised night in a motel or hostel.
Battles to overcome…
Of all the things to be scared of on the PCT, bears and mountain lions are the least of my worries. Lightning strikes and wild snow storms will have me running for cover; rattlesnakes make frequent appearances and butt chafe might strike at any moment (so I’m told!).
My intention is to blog and produce a video series about the journey whilst fundraising and raising awareness of SHOUT.
THE JOURNEY SO FAR…
To follow the blog “live” then follow me on Find Penguins. I will update the blog below when I am able to get to a computer.
PCT 2023 – Day 8 The one with the frigging scary rattle snake and moms pie! #2
The one with the frigging scary rattle snake and moms pie! Location: Julian to MM 80.4 tent site. PCT Mile Marker: 80.4 with an elevation of 3074ft I actually walked: 5 miles (known as a “Nero” on trail). Money: Resupply $54 Health: I feel awesome after a great nights...
PCT 2023 – Day 8 The one with the frigging scary rattle snake and moms pie!
The one with the frigging scary rattle snake and moms pie! Location: Julian to MM 80.4 tent site. PCT Mile Marker: 80.4 with an elevation of 3074ft I actually walked: 5 miles (known as a “Nero” on trail). Money: Resupply $54 Health: I feel awesome after a great nights...
PCT 2023 – Day 7: The one with the blazing heat, trail magic and a fabulous historic cabin!
The one with the blazing heat, trail magic and a fabulous historic cabin! Location: mile marker 47.8 tent site. PCT Mile Marker: 77.3 and elevation started at 5253ft and finished at 2251ft I actually walked: 15.4 miles Money: Cheeseburger & beer $15 and $213 for...
PCT 2023 – Day 6: Snake Day!
The one with the amazing sunrise, two snakes and a fantastic campsite. Location: mile marker 47.8 to MM 63.6 wild camping on both occasions. PCT Mile Marker: 63.6 elevation 5850ft max, camping at 3874ft. I actually walked: 16.2 miles Money: No money spent...
PCT 2023 – Day 5: THE ONE WHERE I GOT MY TRAIL NAME!
Location: Mount Laguna to mile marker 47.8 tent site. PCT Mile Marker: 47.8 / elevation 5450ft I actually walked: 9 miles Money: Breakfast $16 coffee $2.60. Bounce Box $22.80 Health: I feel great today. The night in a hotel really helped rest my body and my...
PCT 2023 – Day 4: THE ONE WITH THE HALF NAKED MAN!
Location: Cibbets Flat to Mount Laguna. PCT Mile Marker: 42.6 / Elevation 6212ft (high!!) I actually walked: 12.8 miles Health / Physical / Mental:- I felt a bit down this morning as I had to leave my friend DinkyDi at the campsite. She has dizzy spells (she...
PCT 2023 – Day 3: THE ONE WITH THE BEST LUNCH SPOT
Location: Lake Morena to Cibbets Flat Campground PCT Mile Marker: 32.6 / elevation today reached 4219ft (and I felt it!). We actually walked: 15.11 miles. Food: Expedition breakfast, cheese and crackers for lunch, pasta bolognaise for dinner and snacks throughout...
PCT 2023 – Day 2: THE ONE WITH THE SQUIGGLE
Location: Mile 11.4 to Lake Morena PCT Mile Marker: 20 : 3496 ft I actually walked: 14.7 miles Weather: Perfect! The umbrella did come out when we started to climb Hauser Creek but it was manageable. Health / Physical / Mental:- I struggled with not being clean today....
PCT 2023 – Day 1: THE ONE WITH PLENTY OF WATER
Location: Campo to Just short of Hauser Creek. PCT Mile Marker: 11.4 / elevation 3396ft Health / Physical / Mental: very positive today. Feel good but I’m filthy and smelly which is a mental struggle for me. Money: $22 on my Wise card for shipping a bounce box to...
GETTING TO THE TRAIL HEAD.. PCT
The one where I flew to the USA, my dream became reality and an inspirational talk at a campfire. Location: UK to San Diego I actually walked: No PCT miles yet! Weather: Perfect! (Very cold on the plane!) Health / Physical / Mental:- Super excited and a bit...
PCT 15 DAYS TO GO!
It's been a busy week! Good news! My PCTA permit has been received, printed and laminated for safekeeping. A permit is essential for all PCT hikers (either local permits or one sent by the PCTA). Any hiker can be stopped by a park ranger at any time and if you cannot...
PCT 22 DAYS TO GO!
Is it wise to visit the “Outdoor Expo” just before heading out on the PCT? You think you have your gear dialled in but can I stop myself from buying more stuff? This weekend was the National Outdoor Expo at the NEC. It was a packed show, but with the volume of people...
The Journey…
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