thru-hike

Day 7: Lake Valhalla to Lake Janus.
The morning of my seventh day on trail I woke up in pain. My legs were so stiff, particularly my shins. As I got moving, got my pack on, and hit the trail, I realised that I likely would be unable to keep going. I came to the conclusion that it was the end of the road for my time on trail.

Section J of the PCT is a pretty popular backpacking route for Washington hikers. The trail travels exclusively through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass. I was ready to be back on trail and excited to traverse this exception section of Washington’s PCT.

I’ve had a number of hikers and non-hikers alike ask me what my routine is like when I’m on trail. I figured I’d share some of the details here, including morning stretches, ways to keep your brain busy, and my daily schedule.

Day 7: Powerline Corridor to Mirror Lake (13 miles)
Day 8: Mirror Lake to Snoqualmie Pass (8.3 miles) 
My last couple days on trail for Section I passed in a bit of a blur. There were a lot of ups and downs, dirt forest roads, clear-cuts, douglas firs, and the occasional stream crossing to keep it interesting.

Day 6: Blowout Mountain to Powerline Corridor. I woke up this morning to a windy, wet world. The cooler weather provided a bit of a relief from the sun. I also saw things a bit differently as I hiked my 15 miles for the day.

Day 5: Crag Rock Spring to Blowout Mountain. Today I hiked 17 miles. Seventeen!!! That’s the most I’ve ever hiked in a day. I’m definitely getting my trail legs. The trail has also mellowed out a bit, allowing me to travel more easily.

Day 3: Rock Creek to Panther Creek
Today was my biggest mile day of my week on trail. I had good energy and the trail rewarded me with pleasant rambling, good company and even a shower!

Today I hit the trail. Not just any trail, but THE trail. The Pacific Crest Trail. The first multi-week trail I ever heard about. The trail that seemed like an impossible challenge. The trail I figured I’d never have time to do. I got the kernel of an idea, and have built on it until it has become my reality. So today I step out on a journey to complete the first half of the 500-mile Washington section of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Ever wondered how a thru-hiker eats or how to plan for your own longer backpacking trip? Over the years my trips have gotten longer plus I’ve had to figure out to maintain a healthy diet, take in enough calories and protein while keeping the overall food weight down. Click through to find out more!