MYTHing the PCT in a Time of Change

“A thru-hike is an end-to-end hike of a long distance trail completed in one calendar year.”

https://thetrek.co/definition-thru-hike/

I truly enjoyed this.  I, too, am engaged in a MYTH of the PCT, but on a shorter timeframe than you.  I’m trying to do it over two years — 2021 and 2022.  Although it may now stretch to three given injuries I’m dealing with.

It seems like much of this is written about your section hike last year on the PCT.  I was ahead of you, also heading north.  If you use FarOut, I was that crazy guy reporting on all the water sources from Sierra City to Santiam Pass.

The part I loved the most in your article was this: “The trail has changed and it will continue to change. It is a living thing, and change is the essence of life. All we can do is keep moving and appreciate what good remains and work for more good to come.”

I hadn’t thought about the trail changing.  (By “trail,” I’m focusing here on the PCT.)  In fact, it seems like the trail doesn’t change at all, that only we do.  But you’re right.  It’s true given climate change and wildfires in the West.  A single-year thru hike of the PCT is not a given anymore.  It feels like it’s now a rarity, that it requires incredible luck or an extremely early start.  This makes me sad.  I’m desperately trying to find an upside to it.

Sorry about your dog.  I’ve had two I’ve hiked with in my life on overnights and short multi-day hikes.  One is dead and gone.  The other is now old with hip problems,  Dogs are incredible companions on the trail.

I’ve also been fortunate to have human companions, too.  My dad who got me started hiking when I was a kid.  My younger brother whom I hiked with when we were young adults.  My adult son who I currently hike with once or twice a year.  I feel blessed to have been able to pass my love of the woods to him.  After all, my father passed his love of the woods to me.  Now if only my wife enjoyed more than just a day hike.  :-)

Take care.  Thanks again for your article.

All I can say is…AWESOME article. I really enjoyed the read. Made me feel connected. Thank you for sharing.

Really enjoyed reading this, Drew. Always a treat to read your observations and insights.

A single-year thru hike of the PCT is not a given anymore

Think there were some years young UL hikers could more easily hike all the miles continuously but the Lionshead is still off limits (on either side of Ollalie Lake).   It’s not only light gear anymore, it’s probably taking more sacrifice (in terms of short town stops) to make miles before NorCal/Oregon start to burn.

A youngish hiker just finished a PCT NOBO in 77 days equals a late May start,

77 days going north , time to turn around. from PacificCrestTrail

… his last gear list (major items) being a Pa’lante pack, Deschutes Zero-G (no inner), Katabatic 15°F quilt, Xlite (length not specified), Pocket Rocket 2, Toaks pot, Frogg-Tog jacket, and Melenzma fleece.  His mileage averaged 34 or so MPD.

That said hitting the right time is critical.  Was following another semi-young hiker trying an FKT at 40ish MPD with a early-mid June (!) start, whose gear was based on an according foam pad, quilt, and a WPB bivy sack (guessing OR brand Ascensionist ~18 oz) .. just throw on ground, .. and cold soaking (fwiw think I had more comfort in military basic training) with posts stopping as the trail closes for the McKinnley fire along the CA-OR Border.

So it’s still doable but seems to require a high daily mileage/low gear wt.-fuss to get as many steps in as possible.