Final day of the Pacific Crest Trail - reaching the northern terminus at the Canadian border

The penultimate PCT day began with the best cinnamon roll ever at a bakery reached by loaner bike, followed by a solo shuttle ride to Hart's Pass where a half-hour nap was possible. A routine 13.6-mile cold day ended with the perfect reunion: Pete and Nick, who had just completed the PCT and were hiking back south, joined camp for the final night on trail.

The most heartbreaking skip of the entire PCT: 157.9 miles of gorgeous Washington lost to five different fires. After luxury morning of hotel breakfast, spa jacuzzi, and cold pool laps, I browse a magical bookstore trading Tom Sawyer for Battlestar Galactica. Four hours of bus rides through Wenatchee, Pateros, Twisp, and Mazama reveal fire helicopters creating containment lines uncomfortably close to our route. Eight stranded hikers converge on Lion's Den, united by wildfire logistics and shared destination dreams.

With just two days left on the PCT, I discover the most generous trail magic I've ever experienced. Lion's Den offers unlimited food from overflowing hiker boxes, cozy beds, and a welcoming hiker hut with kitchen and common area - all donation-based. This fire-displaced hiker haven becomes my favorite stay on the entire trail, making it bittersweet to leave when I'm finally so close to finishing. The abundance of good food from other hikers fleeing fires creates an unexpected feast in the wilderness.

A humorous afternoon in Wenatchee discovering American city blocks take forever to walk, spending nearly an hour searching for coin exchange to operate laundry machines. The day was filled with typical hiker town chores including rearranging hotel furniture to accommodate drying gear, but at least ending with the reward of pizza before tomorrow's long travel day zero.

Short hiking day ending near a town for resupply and rest

A surreal two-hour stopover in America's most Bavarian village, complete with German-themed McDonald's and Starbucks. I grab my final resupply box while navigating the complex logistics of five active wildfires blocking my path north. The elaborate multi-day bus journey ahead through Wenatchee, Pateros, Twisp, and Mazama reveals the challenging reality of finishing the PCT when Mother Nature has other plans.

Hiking through Washington state on the final section of the Pacific Crest Trail

Against all weather forecasts, a cloudless and sunny day provided perfect hiking conditions for the final 20+ mile day of the entire PCT journey. With no pressure for big miles and the end less than a week away, a relaxed pace allowed for longer breaks and an early 5pm arrival at camp, marking the historic last time hiking 20 or more miles.

My first PCT rainy night becomes a luxurious morning of tent breakfast and tea before an 8:30am start. Everything stays white and wet through persistent fog until a magical mountain goat encounter - she politely steps aside, creating the perfect trail moment. When sunshine finally breaks through during my cheese and cookie lunch, I can't believe the transformation. Three hours of uphill climbing in actual sun with real views proves that even Washington weather can surprise you.

After infinite pancakes and trash duty at the hostel, reality hits: I'm researching how to enter Canada and planning the final stretch. With 71 miles to cover in 4 leisurely days before Stevens Pass, I pack my first book of the hike. But cold weather and absent views kill my slow-hiking plans, and I'm camping by 5pm. The beginning of the end feels both thrilling and surreal as I prepare for the last push to the Canadian border.

Short hiking day ending near a town for resupply and rest

Another cold, wet morning gave way to the day's stars: endless huckleberry fields that initially proved too challenging for frozen fingers to pick, but later provided the best electronola lunch ever. A shorter 23.6-mile day ended near Snoqualmie Pass ski resort, where tomorrow's plans include resupply pickup and strategizing the final PCT days with wildfire detours.

Washington's chill required the warmer clothes brought specifically for this section. A full day hiking through dense fog and mist created an ethereal experience with water drops falling from tree leaves in forests and thick moving clouds on exposed ridges. Despite the atmospheric conditions, it was a pleasant 29.9-mile day with encouraging local hikers and finishing the 'Greenlights' audiobook for the second time.

Hiking through Washington state on the final section of the Pacific Crest Trail

Crossing a mountain pass on the Pacific Crest Trail

Magnificent mountain views returned with a challenging 31-mile day through the spectacular Goat Rocks, including the famous Knife's Edge ridge walk with cliffs on both sides. The day's dramatic finale came with a heart-stopping encounter with a young bear just meters from camp, leading to concerns about its mother and the differences between black bears and more aggressive Washington grizzlies.

After late-night Olympic Games viewing, a chance coffee encounter with Clara led to an unexpected 106-mile fire skip when trail angels offered a ride to White Pass. The PCTA volunteers, a mother-son team who had created an alternative route around the William's Mine Fire, drove four hours to help hikers, reuniting the group with Pete and Nick for the final push toward Canada.

Zero miles hiked. Maximum frustration achieved. Fire closures have scattered my resupply boxes across the Pacific Northwest while stranding me in Cascade Locks with no clear path forward. Fellow hikers share the same bewildered state as we crowd into coffee shops, desperate for answers the post office can't provide. Should I wait? Skip 150 miles? Bus to Portland? Sometimes the trail's biggest challenge isn't the hiking - it's accepting you can't control Mother Nature's timeline.

A perfect 10-mile downhill start into Cascade Locks led to successful resupply pickup including long-awaited flip flops and stove. After an efficient day of sorting packages, buying gear in Hood River, and sending boxes to Trout Lake and White Pass, devastating news arrived that a new fire had closed the trail exactly between those two towns, completely destroying the mood and plans.

After a rainy night with perfectly dry gear thanks to the rain fly, another day brought fresh trail magic with fruits and vegetables from a retired PCT veteran. The highlight was the spectacular Tunnel Falls on the Eagle Creek alternate route, where you hike behind the falling water through a cold dark tunnel, and a profound encounter with a girl who called thru-hiking 'a gift.'

One thought consumes my entire morning climb: buffet lunch at Timberline Lodge. After weeks of trail food, the promise of unlimited fresh vegetables and warm meals drives me uphill through crowds of day hikers and tourists. Six plates, two beers, and five hours later, I'm finally moderately full. The luxury of fresh salad feels almost decadent as I feast alongside fellow smelly thru-hikers, probably horrifying the weekend visitors with our collective trail aroma and gluttony.

Unexpected kindness and help from trail angels on the Pacific Crest Trail

A full day hiking through monotonous burnt forests in returning heat, followed by a resort detour to solve the cold dinner problem. The creative solution: tortillas with nutella for dessert and wrapping the usual cold soaked salad in tortillas with almonds, significantly improving the meal experience while hoping for trail magic tomorrow and the anticipated Timberline Lodge buffet.

Amazingly low mosquito presence continued through Oregon as the day began with pleasant morning hiking past five beautiful lakes, contrasted sharply by afternoon miles through endless burnt forest landscapes. Despite crossing paths with various southbound hikers, the day ended at a truly horrible campsite, though warmer weather promised better sleep ahead.

A wet morning start with condensation-soaked gear led to the hiker-friendly Big Lake Youth Camp at lunch time for cheese toasties and tomato soup. After meeting fellow hikers including Rocky, DIY, Free Mile and Soybean, enjoyed dinner but resisted the vortex temptation, hiking two more miles to avoid tomorrow's late breakfast and maintain the ambitious Timberline Lodge schedule.

Dealing with mosquitoes while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

A massive 35.7-mile day starting with improved smoke conditions and glimpses of blue sky, despite returning mosquitoes requiring full protective gear. The highlight was unexpected trail magic from Ducky's Mom and Dad - hot dogs, chips, and iced tea provided by dedicated trail angels since 2016, fueling the remaining 23 miles through smoke and burned areas.

Another fire-related 58.8-mile skip due to multiple closures, followed by a drowsy 1.5-hour car ride to Shelter Cove Resort. After resupplying, eating burgers, and treating himself to Ben & Jerry's, pushed through severe smoke exposure for a short but scenic 4.9-mile hike to one of the most beautiful lakeside campsites on the PCT.

Midnight deer visitors kick off a moody morning with Garmin troubles and fire closure anxiety. The trail closes at mile 1824 as expected, but the stunning Crater Lake Rim Trail alternate awaits. Three hours at the restaurant charging devices and consuming 3 liters of tea plus 2 of coffee while planning around the fire ahead. Smoke thickens as I hike, burning my eyes and throat, but Free Mile's message brings salvation: a secured ride tomorrow from Highway 138 to Shelter Cove. Sometimes trail magic comes via text message.

One of the coldest PCT nights due to below-freezing temperatures and inadequate warm clothing, followed by an 8.5-mile road walk with beautiful views and light traffic. Meeting Free Mile at highway 138 after consuming all snacks along the way, then waiting with zero food remaining and hoping the planned ride to town would actually show up.

An uneventful day becomes eventful when I spot a hiker reading while walking - the trail's version of texting and driving. But the real drama lies ahead: the Trail Fire has expanded its closure zone from mile 1848 to 1824, threatening my food timeline. With only one day of provisions left and 15 miles to Crater Lake's cafe, I'm racing against fire closures to reach my resupply box at mile 1907. Sometimes the trail's biggest enemy isn't elevation - it's flames.

Unexpected kindness and help from trail angels on the Pacific Crest Trail

Hiking through Oregon on the Pacific Crest Trail

Short hiking day ending near a town for resupply and rest

Inspired by fellow hikers Diesel and Red Lentils, I revolutionize my resupply strategy with one massive food haul. After buying 30+ dinner packs and 200+ energy bars, I create three strategic boxes and ship my stove, cooking pot, and warm clothes 400 miles ahead to Cascade Locks. My grand experiment begins: hiking Oregon completely stoveless with cold-soaked meals and walking food. I'm systematically removing every trail pleasure, one comfort at a time.

Hiking through Oregon on the Pacific Crest Trail

The steepest day leaving Seiad Valley with constant uphill climbing, equivalent to 412 flights of stairs and burning a record 5,478 calories. Despite beautiful smoky horizon views, the poor air quality and challenging water sourcing from trickly streams made for a tough but rewarding 28.1-mile day, ending with welcome cooler temperatures at higher elevation.

A challenging day dealing with the Shelly Fire closure, requiring a 155.3-mile skip and 3-hour drive to Seiad Valley. After meeting fellow hikers 40 Count and Speedy, tackled just 1.2 miles of steep climbing in extreme heat and smoke before camping, while grappling with breaking the continuous footpath but prioritizing safety over pride.

Officially skipping my first PCT miles - 155.3 miles lost to the Shelly fire. Trail angel Doc arrives early with cookies, bananas, and chips for pre-breakfast Doritos, having given rides to over 1400 hikers last year alone. A mushroom burrito and peanut butter latte fuel my morning while I secure another miracle: trail angel Beth agrees to drive me from Mount Shasta to Seiad Valley at 1pm. Time to kill gets filled with coffee shop updates, wildfire research, and a whole pint of Ben and Jerry's.

An excellent 32.5-mile hiking day starting before dawn with consistent pace on mostly flat terrain. Strategic breaks included a 45-minute lunch after 17 miles and trail angel candy fuel-up before tackling 10 uphill miles in peak heat. Thankfully, leafy trees provided crucial shade during the hottest portion of this 52km day.

Perfect morning efficiency maintained while refining water management strategy from 1 liter per 4 miles to 1 liter per 6 miles. A costly wrong turn after Mount Shasta photos led to wasting an hour and 2.4 miles, forcing careful water rationing over 15 miles. The day ended with abundant fearless deer encounters, including a campsite patrol deer.

After a fantastic breakfast of waffles, potatoes, eggs, and hash browns at the beloved Burney Mountain Guest Ranch, reluctantly leaving despite the body craving a zero day. A strong 24.9-mile day with excellent pace including a 15-mile stretch in exactly 5 hours, ending at an awesome campsite after extending the planned distance.

A determined 25-mile speed hike starting at 5:30am to reach the famed hiker-friendly Burney Mountain Guest Ranch in time for pizza, cold drinks, and a saltwater pool. After 10 days, finally enjoying a shower, laundry, bunk bed sleeping, homemade burgers with fresh salad, and the company of 6 other hikers.

Down to one cliff bar after a perfect night's sleep, I race to Old Station for power outlets and internet before the stores open. My reward: frozen burritos, ice cream sandwiches, coffee, and a six-pack for breakfast. The colorful resupply box from Maike and Jessica brings joy, but wildfire news dampens my spirits - Etna's under evacuation, the PCT is closed past mile 1600, and I'm already planning to send my sleeping mattress ahead. The Shelly fire isn't just crossing the trail - it's rewriting my entire route.

Perfect morning efficiency achieved with a 20-minute wake-to-hike time, followed by an easy 23.4-mile day through dead forest terrain under overcast skies. The day ended at an excellent creekside campsite with swimming, stretching, laundry, and plenty of time to relax before arriving at Old Station tomorrow for resupply and wildfire updates.

A pleasant day with clouds returning after days of clear skies, featuring morning efficiency improvements and a rejuvenating 2-hour riverside lunch break. The highlight was vigorously washing salt-stiffened socks that felt like wood and enjoying the first relaxed evening in a long time at a busy campsite with 9 other hikers.

A milestone day reaching the PCT midpoint after 3 months of hiking, celebrated with extraordinary trail magic featuring homemade food and countless fresh fruits instead of typical junk food. The 28.3-mile day included dry camping surrounded by creepy 'widowmaker' dead trees, with ambitious plans to complete the second half in under two months.

Twenty miles on autopilot delivers me to Belden by 1:30pm - five wooden houses, air conditioning, and pure hiker heaven. A burger, fries, and five non-alcoholic beers fuel my Snickers and cookie resupply strategy. This marks my first PCT hit-and-run: arrive, eat, resupply, and leave without spending the night. Eight scorching uphill miles later, I'm camping with Sprouts and Banana Bread, reuniting with fellow Scout and Frodo alumni while comparing notes on our scattered original hiking group.

Mastering morning efficiency with a 25-minute pack-up time, then tackling a massive 32.7-mile day through fire-scarred dead forest landscape. The highlight was a refreshing 1.5-hour riverside swim break before a brutal 4,000ft climb in intense heat, ultimately deciding against a restaurant detour and accidentally creating the disgusting 'olivranola' flavor combination.

Hiking through desert sections of the Pacific Crest Trail

The warmest night on the PCT with clear stargazing through the missing rain fly, followed by relief that yesterday's fire had subsided. An impressive 28.8-mile day in 39°C heat included a touching encounter with 75-year-old Japanese hiker Snakebite, discussions about the Shikoku Pilgrimage, and an ironic rattlesnake encounter on the same day.

A bittersweet return to the PCT after saying goodbye to Maike, with renewed determination to finish quickly by pushing marathon days and taking fewer zeroes. The first 20.2-mile day back featured busy Sunday crowds, returning mosquitoes, and alarming wildfire smoke nearby, requiring vigilant camping without a rain fly to monitor the fire situation overnight.

Murphy's Law strikes our PCT restart day. A no-show rental car at 7am becomes a canceled reservation. Multiple rental agencies have zero cars available. Our Fiat 500 pickup gets pushed to 4pm, forcing us to abandon today's hiking plans. Driving east through 35°C heat and 7000ft elevation gain, we spot smoke from nearby wildfires and helicopters carrying water buckets - a sobering reminder that we're entering wildfire season. Tomorrow's new plan: crush miles and escape the flames.

Another scorching heat wave day spent indoors, but this time I'm finally resupplying and re-equipping for my PCT return. With the Sierra section conquered, my strategy shifts to crushing miles and longer stretches between towns. For the first time, I'm mailing a resupply box ahead, planning 8-9 day sections with minimal town stops. After saying goodbye to incredible hosts Chris and Jessica with downtown live music, tomorrow begins a new chapter focused on speed and endurance.

A 40°C Independence Day forces us indoors for the most American celebration possible: air conditioning and abundant food. Chris and Jessica host a Brazilian gathering complete with lasagnas, children, and dogs, where I discover former colleagues from Brazil among the guests. Five liters of beer, multiple plates of lasagna, brownies, tiramisu, and Melona ice cream help me continue my crucial weight-gain mission. The thermostats surrender to the heat, complaining it can't keep up with Mother Nature's fury.

Luxury strikes again: waking up at 8am instead of 5am feels revolutionary. After coffee and sandwiches at Beanstalk Cafe, we explore Nick Dong's immersive light and mirror artworks at Yerba Buena Center. A chill afternoon of walking, occasional coffees, and Embarcadero lounging ends with the shocking realization that I've eaten breakfast, lunch, AND dinner today - plus half of Maike's portions. Trail hunger meets city abundance in the most delicious way possible.

A leisurely San Francisco day starting with slow breakfast and sleeping in - luxuries not enjoyed for two months. The highlight was biking across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito on a perfect sunny day, complete with lunch, ice cream, and a scenic ferry ride back, ending with a beautiful sunset walk to the hostel.

After disappointing hostel toast and jam, we take the trolley to Castro for a free walking tour that becomes pure magic. Guide Robert, a decades-long Castro resident, shares the neighborhood's incredible LGBTQ history with passion and insight. Lunch at Cafe Mystique and brigadeiros at Cafe de Casa fuel our slow walk home, where Brazil vs. Colombia and Mrs. Doubtfire at movie night complete a perfect day of learning, eating, and community connection in one of San Francisco's most vibrant neighborhoods.

My PCT dream finally comes true: being a trail angel! Armed with cookies, Gatorades, and fresh fruit, we head to the trailhead expecting maybe 4-5 hikers. Instead, we discover veteran trail angels from the 2021 class setting up a full gazebo operation with hot dogs and shade. Our trail magic combines into something beautiful, meeting Pain Perdu, Space Case, Sharkbait, Rosie, and reuniting with Koda from my pre-trail days. Empty coolers and elevated spirits prove that giving back feels better than receiving.

A short 7-mile day brings unexpected magic: reuniting with Clara, my only pre-PCT friend, after not seeing her since day 10 in Idyllwild! She's crushing miles toward her September 6th finish date. We hike through a surreal ski resort complete with lifts and gondolas, even walking down a blue piste. First-try hitchhiking with Australians Dion and Nick, followed by instant trail angel Dave, gets us to town and our Airbnb. Sometimes the trail provides exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.

The first day of a one-week PCT vacation spent with friends Chris and Jessica, and Maike, featuring 'American rafting' down the Truckee River with a cooler full of drinks and snacks. The day included intentional swimming, lakeside pizza with Tahoe views, and evening grilling and games at the Airbnb.

Dealing with mosquitoes while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Dealing with mosquitoes while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Dealing with mosquitoes while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Maike's perfect PCT introduction unfolds in the stunning Desolation Wilderness. Our hiker rhythm plus jet lag combo works like magic - awake at 6am, breakfast with triple-crowner trail angel Diva, and back on trail by 9am. Hiking Echo Lake's rim reveals astonishing views across 4-5 gorgeous lakes, but mosquitoes wage war on our exposed skin. A perfect sampler day: ascents, snow, wind, sunshine, stream crossings, mud, and stunning beauty. By 8pm, Maike's already mastered hiker midnight, sleeping soundly by Lake Gilmore.

An early start thanks to jetlag and hiker rhythm led to a 4-hour drive back to South Lake Tahoe for bear canister organization, pine tree picnics, and snack tetris preparation. Tomorrow marks the continuation of Bruno's PCT journey and the beginning of Maike's first wilderness adventure, with excitement and intimidation as she ventures far from civilization for the first time.

The calm before the storm: equipment store for Maike's remaining PCT gear, supermarket for resupply, then the sacred ritual of eating, packing, and chilling. By hiker midnight (9pm), we're already tucked in and ready for tomorrow's adventure. Sometimes the most important trail days happen off the trail, in the quiet preparation that makes everything else possible. Tomorrow, Maike joins the PCT journey that will test us both in ways we can't yet imagine.

A quiet morning of coffee, food, and PCT research in San Jose before driving to San Francisco International Airport to pick up Maike, who arrived to spend several weeks in the US and join the PCT adventure for at least one week together starting Monday.

Sometimes doing very little is exactly what you need. A breakfast burrito sets the stage for minimal achievement: burger and fries, new shorts and sun hoodie from the equipment store, methodically airing out tent, sleeping bag, and mat. Then pure luxury - chilling in the hammock, listening to music, letting time move at whatever pace it chooses. Zero days aren't about productivity; they're about remembering that rest is a skill worth mastering on the trail and in life.

An unexpected encounter with Portuguese-speaking Christopher and his son Julian led to a ride to South Lake Tahoe, where rental car complications were solved through the Turo app and a creative scooter ride across town. The day ended with a 5-hour drive to San Jose, transitioning from Sierra wilderness to highway civilization and city lights.

Hiking through the Sierra Nevada mountains on the Pacific Crest Trail

After staying surprisingly warm in -6°C temperatures, a rare breakfast by Bullfrog's campfire with tea and chocolate electronola before a pleasant 20-mile day through chilly but less windy conditions. The absence of mosquitoes and a relaxed pace made for an enjoyable hike, ending before 4pm just 19 miles from South Lake Tahoe and the promise of pizza.

A cold night and morning made it difficult to leave the warmth of the sleeping bag, leading to a 7am start. Despite chilly winds throughout the sunny day, the 19-mile hike was pleasant with minimal snow patches, ending with an early 5pm camp where Bullfrog joined and built a warming fire for the freezing night ahead.

The final week in the Sierra Nevada begins with a luxurious morning of pancakes, eggs, and ice cream before hitting the trail with a significantly lighter backpack after ditching snow gear. A relaxed 17.3-mile day with minimal snow, dry feet, and the joy of hiking without mosquitoes, while meeting about 20 new PCT hikers along the way.

Rest day in town - no hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail

One of the worst mornings on the PCT with everything wet, gear falling apart, and challenging conditions. A short but demanding 12.5-mile day climbing to nearly 11,000 feet through volcanic rock terrain, featuring intentional and accidental glissading, creating footholds on snow-covered cliffs, and arriving at Kennedy Meadows North for a well-deserved zero day.

Dealing with mosquitoes while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail

Crossing a mountain pass on the Pacific Crest Trail

After a refreshing 12-hour sleep, a marathon 26.7-mile day through beautiful Yosemite National Park with flat morning terrain followed by moderate afternoon climbs. The melting snow brought both benefits (easier hiking, safer water crossings) and challenges (aggressive mosquitoes requiring full protective gear and dining inside the tent).

Crossing a mountain pass on the Pacific Crest Trail

A wonderful morning at the hotel with shower, breakfast and coffee before reuniting with fellow hikers Tangent and Rocky. The day included navigating broken bridges through tourist-packed alternative trails, then 12 miles of excellent PCT hiking with minimal snow, spectacular views, and ambitious plans for two mountain passes toward Yosemite National Park.

Short hiking day ending near a town for resupply and rest

Crossing a mountain pass on the Pacific Crest Trail

My wrong trail detour to VVR becomes a blessing in disguise: enormous breakfast burrito, melons, hot coffee, and calling Maike before rejoining the PCT. The hike back along Lake Edison is stunning, but two brutal stream crossings leave me completely soaked under a waterfall. Now camping on a boulder before Silver Pass, I realize separating from my group might be exactly what I needed - freedom to hike my own pace with sore muscles toward tomorrow's slushy snow challenge.

A perfect day derails spectacularly when I take the wrong trail at a junction, ending up 7 miles off-route toward Vermilion Valley Resort. Initial frustration melts away when I discover VVR's hiker paradise: free camping, free first drink, and pasta alfredo with salad, beer, and ice cream for dinner. Sometimes the best trail experiences come from the worst navigation mistakes. My group separation might actually be a blessing - time to heal sore muscles and hike at my own pace again.

Crossing a mountain pass on the Pacific Crest Trail

A 7am ride gets us started on our 12-mile road walk to bypass the broken bridge, but trail magic intervenes early. Outside Jay blesses us with donuts before we discover the luxury of slackpacking - dumping our backpacks in a bear box for a coffee and pie detour at a small cafe. Two hours of backpackless bliss later, we finally return to actual trail hiking with 3.3 miles up Piute Pass. Sometimes the best hiking days involve the least amount of hiking.

Rest day in town - no hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail

Hiking through California on the Pacific Crest Trail

Against all odds, I'm in town! After conquering the easiest pass yet without needing crampons or ice axe, the descent becomes a grueling snow slog where I lose my hiking group. Arriving solo at the trailhead, my third hitchhiking attempt succeeds with generous ladies Sports Girl and Angie. Four critical town needs await: pizza, shower, new hiking poles after breaking one, and facing the reality that Sierra food planning is nothing like desert rationing. Zero food left, exhausted legs, and 17 miles instead of 25 daily - lessons learned the hard way.

Crossing a mountain pass on the Pacific Crest Trail

Hiking through the Sierra Nevada mountains on the Pacific Crest Trail

Sierra reality hits hard: frozen shoes, complex snow conditions, and brutal rock sections that punish ankles and knees. I'm learning entirely new hiking skills while accepting lower daily mileage as the new normal. Plan B activates - Bishop Pass exit in 3-4 days for resupply. Glen Pass brings rare human encounters with fast-hiking Tangent and Bullfrog, while lunch with struggling Fizz leads to trail magic from bailing hikers Carson and Handstand. One extra day of food might just save my Bishop timeline.

Crossing a mountain pass on the Pacific Crest Trail

A cold morning start with frozen shoes led to excellent hiking on hard snow through the Sierra Nevada. The day ended earlier than planned when encountering an impassable river crossing at 4:30pm - the first time having to stop short of the daily goal due to dangerous conditions, teaching valuable lessons about Sierra timing.

A perfect hiking day through beautiful Sierra Nevada terrain turned challenging when snow patches appeared. After breaking a hiking pole in a fall and navigating increasingly snowy conditions with crampons, the day ended with soaked feet and the harsh reality of frozen shoes awaiting the next frigid morning.

Hiking through the Sierra Nevada mountains on the Pacific Crest Trail

The gateway to the Sierra! All-you-can-eat pancakes at 7am fuel my zero day transformation from desert hiker to mountain climber. Four hours with outfitter Charlie Brown yields crucial gear upgrades: bear canister, crampons, ice axe, extra puff jacket, gloves, merino base layers, and waterproof socks. The festive atmosphere carries undertones of apprehension - we're all about to tackle the PCT's most challenging section. With 8-9 days of food packed and 180 miles ahead, tomorrow begins my Sierra adventure. The desert is conquered; the mountains await.

A record-breaking 35.7-mile day inspired by fellow hiker Chezwick's determination, culminating in reaching Kennedy Meadows South - the famous gateway between the desert and Sierra Nevada. After hiking since before 6am, a spontaneous decision to avoid a crowded campsite led to an incredible night hike under a bright full moon, officially saying goodbye to the desert section of the PCT.

A chance encounter with Chezwick - a cigarette-smoking, SPAM-eating legend attempting his fourth PCT finish in under 80 days - transforms my Sierra anxiety into excitement. This triple-crown record chaser shares 28 miles of wisdom about motivation, challenges, and why we choose suffering over comfort. His words hit exactly when I need them: 'You got this, Bruno. The Sierra is the most beautiful place on Earth.' By day's end, I've broken my distance record at 45km and gained the confidence to face whatever snow and ice await ahead.

A beautiful pre-6am start under increasingly early sunrise reveals the desert's hidden lifeline: trail angel water caches sustaining 40 miles of hiking. Crazy overnight winds calm to breezes before afternoon gusts bring genuinely scary moments. Energy returns as my backpack lightens with each meal, pushing my pace toward a potential early Kennedy Meadows South arrival. Among today's six encounters, I'm the only hiker planning to go straight to KMS without another town resupply - a strategy that feels both ambitious and slightly insane.

A challenging morning in the mountains carrying heavy water and food loads, hiking 16 miles to the first water source. What started as a tough day with a full backpack and uphill climbs turned into a successful 25.7-mile day after meeting fellow hikers Aragorn and Dust at a welcome water source and finding renewed energy for the afternoon miles.

Hiking through desert sections of the Pacific Crest Trail

A challenging morning with intense wind gusts led to an unexpectedly smooth arrival in Tehachapi town. After hiking just 4.5 miles on minimal food and water, trail magic appeared in the form of a generous local who gave me a ride to town. The day was spent resupplying at Walmart, enjoying Mediterranean food, and preparing for the final 140-mile desert stretch ahead.

Day 30 brings the full sensory assault of a Mojave wind farm! 🌬️ Hundreds of turbines create an industrial symphony while hot, dry winds suck every drop of moisture from your body. The empty campground mystery is solved when night hikers arrive past midnight to escape the heat. A trail angel's outdoor 'bar' complete with chairs, library, cookies, and cold water provides blessed relief. But the day's magic comes from Magicman - spending his ninth year driving from Campo to Oregon, sitting by his truck all day offering free cold gatorades to random PCT strangers, never accepting donations, pure kindness incarnate. Tonight: camping behind a juniper, feeling like a tent-positioning genius! ☂️😉

When the morning deceives you with perfect conditions, the Mojave Desert reveals its true character! What begins as a delightful flat walk with music and good vibes transforms into extreme heat endurance across shadeless sand that reflects the sun back at your body. The umbrella makes its debut as sun protection (surprisingly effective!), poles get stowed for flat terrain efficiency, and strategic water management becomes survival. Twenty-four miles later, arriving at camp before 5pm feels like victory against the elements. Sometimes the 'easy' days test you the most. ☀️

Sometimes perfection comes from simplicity. 📕 Today unfolds like a textbook PCT day: wake at 5:30, camp broken before 6, smart pauses, the magical '10 before 10' milestone, and carrying just enough water to the next source. No drama, no complications - just pure hiking efficiency covering 22.8 miles of beautiful trail. The tent repair job with bandage tape holds strong (proper tape shopping awaits in town), but today proves that when you follow the trail rhythm exactly as intended, everything flows perfectly. Sometimes playing by the book writes the best adventure stories.

The inevitable trail reality finally arrives - tiny criminals have invaded the tent! Waking up to a giant hole in both tent netting and food bag, the rodent raid targeted trail mix but left behind important lessons. Meeting Lizard, Spider, and Peaches 🦎🕷️🍑 (the only humans seen all day) brings hilarious horror stories - including a mouse in someone's sleeping bag! From now on, food stays outside the tent. With 78 miles to Tehachapi and exactly 4 days of food remaining, it's time for big mile days and strategic planning. Sometimes uninvited guests teach you the most important lessons. ⛺️🕳️

Mother's Day brings the most ridiculous hiking feast imaginable! 🇲🇽 When a Mexican restaurant on the PCT offers all-you-can-eat buffet and you're a starving hiker, magic happens. Four plates deep: 8 quesadillas on the first plate alone, plus rice, beans, peppers, eggs, salads, fruits, waffles (?!), and 1.5 liters of iced tea. The christening of 'Two Goats' (new shoes) meets trail resupply strategy meets the hilarious challenge of hiking uphill in 30°C heat after a feast. So full I couldn't drink water for two hours, but hey - now I can hike 100 miles without resupplying! 😁

When the trail delivers magic right when you need it most! 🪄 Today brings the perfect combination of challenging terrain and human kindness. From early morning starts and steep climbs to unexpected encounters with trail angels who restore faith in the hiking community. Sometimes the miles are hard-earned, but the reward comes in the form of cold drinks, warm conversations, and the reminder that the PCT family extends far beyond the hikers themselves. Trail magic isn't just about the treats - it's about the timing that feels almost supernatural. ✨

Mile 400 - a beautiful milestone wrapped in the profound ordinariness of trail life! ✨ Some days on the PCT aren't marked by dramatic events but by the sweet rhythm of becoming a hiking machine: sunshine and clouds, ascents and descents, five Cliffs bars, watermelon electronola for lunch, a casual snake encounter, and the glimpse of a storm that changes its mind. When nothing extraordinary happens, everything becomes extraordinary - casually hiking a marathon distance becomes 'just a normal hiking day.' Sometimes the magic is in the mundane, and today that magic delivered 400 miles of pure adventure! 😊

Finally, the sweet liberation of hiking with headphones! 🎶 Sometimes the PCT becomes a perfect asphalt meditation - poles stowed, music flowing, no need to constantly scan for rattlesnakes or check maps every five minutes. A late 10am start leads to 22.9 miles of surprisingly chill road walking on mostly car-free roads (only 4-5 cars all day!). The backpack feels heavy with non-freeze-dried food purchases, but tonight's double dinner will lighten the load by 600g. Road walks get a bad reputation, but when you can just let your mind wander and your feet find their rhythm, sometimes the simplest days become the most restorative.

Pure indulgence disguised as a rest day! When the accommodation owner offers to do laundry for guests, it truly sounds like music to thru-hiker ears 🎶 Pizza becomes a four-meal marathon (dinner, breakfast, lunch, dinner again), new shoes get christened 'Two Goats,' and strategic decisions emerge about Mount Baden-Powell. But the real luxury? A full-body massage at this day spa oasis, epsom salt foot soaks, and feet that miraculously don't look like they've been hiking non-stop for three weeks! ✨🦶✨ Tomorrow brings eight days of food and finally hiking with music - sometimes rest is the best preparation for what's ahead.

A miscalculation turns a planned 10-mile day into 17.5 miles with dangerously low food and water supplies. Climbing to 8,500 feet reveals the mystery of unmeltable ice - frozen slush that refuses to melt despite blazing heat, demanding microspikes in desert-like temperatures. Running on three cliff bars and three liters of water, the day tests every limit until generous trail angels provide rides to Wrightwood. Third shower in three weeks calls for a celebration pizza - a new trail tradition is born! Sometimes the hardest days lead to the sweetest town rewards.

The legendary PCT McDonald's experience turns unexpectedly underwhelming when no veggie options lead to fries, caramel sundae, and disappointment. But salvation arrives with the Fruit Dude's massive fresh fruit cup - the real treasure at Cajon Pass! FaceTiming Maike and joining hikertrash for trail community moments, then loading up with 6.5 liters of filtered water for the next waterless stretch. Sometimes the most anticipated landmarks teach us that real trail magic comes from unexpected places and fresh vitamins, not golden arches.

Sleeping through windy rain like a baby, then waking to a perfectly pleasant hiking day around a beautiful lake. Two river crossings mean half a day with wet feet, but sometimes that's just part of the trail experience. Dark clouds threaten but deliver only cold wind before the sun returns. Discovering my appetite has doubled creates budget and weight concerns, but tomorrow brings the legendary PCT landmark - McDonald's at Cajon Pass! Sometimes the simplest days are exactly what your soul needs before the next adventure.

Mile 300 celebration with a record-breaking 25-mile day! Meeting Hanne from Belgium and learning Clara also fell victim to the water contamination adds perspective to my lucky escape. Mastering the art of river crossings - shoes on, shoes off, rocks and branches, hiking poles or backpack storage - each crossing becomes a strategic decision. Despite accidentally hiking backwards and camps being full, the windiest solo spot by rushing water becomes home. Sometimes your biggest days happen when you least expect them, fueled by gratitude for good health and flowing water.

From quarantine ward to collaborative breakfast kitchen! Kenny's house transforms as illness-stricken hikers recover enough to make chili potatoes, waffles, and scrambled eggs together. While others take zero days, feeling physically strong means continuing north for an unexpectedly excellent 20-mile day with perfect trail conditions. Reuniting briefly with Max the French hiker adds to the trail magic, while ominous reports of helicopter rescues remind everyone how lucky some of us were to avoid the mysterious water contamination. Sometimes escaping disaster makes every step feel like a gift.

A freezing night below zero leads to french toast and chili potatoes at Kenny's hiker haven, but something sinister lurks beneath the hospitality. Nine out of thirteen hikers are violently sick, possibly from Mission Creek water or a norovirus outbreak that filters can't stop. The fascinating and terrifying realization that everyone got sick simultaneously turns Big Bear resupply into epidemiological detective work. With fingers crossed and wood knocked, only four remain healthy in this trail outbreak scenario. Sometimes the wilderness battles you fight aren't against nature, but against invisible microscopic enemies.

After yesterday's creek adventure, waking up in a weird mood leads to the most welcome kind of day - beautifully ordinary. Above 8,000 feet with manageable ice patches, destroyed trail sections requiring creative bushwhacking, and nothing particularly scary or stressful. Sometimes the greatest luxury on the PCT is a day where you can simply walk, walk, and walk without drama. High mountain beauty without the terror - exactly what the soul needs after recent adventures.

When Hurricane Hillary destroyed 10 miles of the PCT, hikers must now navigate upstream through an ice-cold creek for 8 grueling hours. Barefoot stream crossings at dawn, scrambling over endless rocks, and crossing water nearly 100 times while dodging rattlesnakes with death-sentence rattles. The full rattlesnake experience includes almost having a heart attack when confronted by the monster itself. After 11 exhausting hours in the same rocky creek scenario, finally rejoining the real trail feels like victory. P.S. - toes now resemble chickpeas ready to be peeled!

Welcome back to the desert, where beautiful sunrises quickly become unbearable heat with zero shade relief. After losing water bottles in yesterday's fall, every drop becomes precious as I navigate between trail angel water caches and discover unexpected oases like the windmill company office complete with sodas, snacks, and ice cream! A rattlesnake's warning rattle adds desert drama, while Whitewater Preserve provides the perfect free camping finale. From mountain snow to desert heat in one day - the PCT's dramatic personality shift continues.

One microsecond of distraction on melting ice changes everything. A gorgeous sunny morning on snow-covered trails turns into a spectacular slide down a mountainside, losing water bottles and bloodying knuckles. The mental challenge of hiking on slippery surfaces meets harsh reality as microspikes can only do so much against slushy, sun-melted snow. From frozen morning conditions to desert heat by afternoon, this day captures the PCT's dramatic terrain changes and the humbling reminder that nature always has the upper hand.

Welcome to the wonderful world of trail terminology - a 'nearo' is near zero miles, and today's 3.9-mile adventure proves that short distances can pack maximum charm! Starting with raspberry ice cream and pizza for breakfast (the ice cream cup becomes a muesli container - trail innovation at its finest! 🙃), this day brings serendipitous connections: Leo the trail angel, Hanne from Belgium, and meeting the legendary SanJacJon who reports weekly on snow conditions. Snow-covered trails at 9000 feet, abundant mountain water, Pad Thai dinner, and even some impromptu sewing repairs. Sometimes the shortest hiking days create the most memorable experiences.

The magical contradiction of a 'zero' day - you'd think you'd rest, but instead it's a whirlwind of town chores that feel luxurious after wilderness living! Breakfast burritos at Mama's Egg House, reuniting with Clara over proper coffee, and meeting Mary the adorable ranger who makes permit paperwork feel like genuine care. From exploding backpacks in hotel rooms to inventing 'pizzalata' (pizza + full bag of salad), this charming mountain town of Idyllwild wraps you in small-town warmth. Wet socks in 4°C temperatures, gear upgrades, laundry, and falling asleep by the fireplace - sometimes rest looks a lot like organized chaos. 🌯☕

When a tent pole snaps in 40mph winds at 4°C on a mountaintop, survival instincts kick in. Just as despair sets in, four familiar voices call through the storm - Toni, Noelle, Tenor, and Virginia to the rescue! What follows is an epic night descent through snow and ice, hiking in complete darkness with a dead headlamp, and a terrifying solo wait in mountain lion territory. Sometimes the trail's most frightening moments become the most unforgettable adventures, saved by unexpected guardian angels and unbreakable human bonds.

An efficient morning at Paradise Valley Café turns dramatic as gathering storm clouds force a race against time to reach Cedar Spring. Wind so fierce it sounds like ocean waves, micro spikes collected, and a rattlesnake encounter that barely registers against the mounting weather concerns. Sometimes the trail tests your resolve before rewarding you with shelter just in time.

The most challenging and adventurous day yet - and it's only just beginning. Battling brutal winds that literally knock you off balance, climbing 2,000 feet to 8,800 feet elevation through snow and ice. From putting on microspikes for the first time to meeting fellow hikers Toni, Noelle, Tenor, and Virginia, every step is earned through sheer determination. Camping alone on a windswept mountain with stunning views, thinking this is the most adventurous day ever... but the real adventure is still to come. To be continued...

One week on the PCT and still alive! 🥳 Waking up in dense mist leads to the most gorgeous day yet - watching fog trapped in valleys while mountaintops emerge in golden light. Carrying 7.5 liters of water makes this the heaviest backpack ever, but Mike's Place delivers life-saving water as promised. With Bloopu finally gone but a new blister relative threatening the right toe, it's a day of stunning views, physical challenges, and anticipation for tomorrow's famous café. Sometimes the most beautiful days demand the heaviest sacrifices.

A leisurely morning with Maike's call turns into a comical disaster when curious cows lead to a spectacular fall into mud and 'cow juice.' Despite spending miles smelling like a barnyard, good humor prevails on this most beautiful trail day yet. Oak trees provide blessed shade, the heaviest backpack ever (5.5 liters of water!) tests endurance, and the reward comes at sunset - the most stunning sky imaginable from a mountain campsite. Sometimes the trail's messiest moments make the best memories.

A sacred ritual of trail life: the resupply. Sheets, pillows, unlimited filtered water, and the luxury of laundered clothes feel almost decadent after desert camping. But the real highlight? Dehydrated peanut butter that promises culinary adventures ahead! 🤤 Today also marks a bittersweet farewell to Bloopu the blister - armed with needle, thread, and fire-sterilized courage learned from the Camino, it's time to put hiking medicine to the test. Four days of food, fresh fuel, sunscreen for sun-kissed calves, and fully charged devices. Tomorrow: 77 miles to Idyllwild begins!

A sweltering desert night under brilliant stars leads to pasta and chili for breakfast at 5:30am - just another day on the PCT! When Bloopu the blister threatens to derail progress, trail magic water cache saves the day. Crossing the 100-mile mark with no food or water left, I feel like I'm flying until Mike arrives for rescue to Ranchita Bodega. First shower in days, Red Hot Chili Peppers on the radio, and enough supplies for the next stretch. Sometimes trail life's simple pleasures feel like pure luxury.

When the desert heat threatens to break you and water runs dangerously low, mysterious angels appear with cold gatorades and impossible kindness. Day 4 brings the first snake encounter, brutal 30°C temperatures, and a life-saving water cache under a bridge that restores faith in humanity. Carrying 5 liters of water through shadeless miles, salt-stained and sun-battered, this is the day I learned the sacred code of the trail: what goes around, comes around. Trail magic isn't just about the supplies - it's about the reminder that you're never truly alone out here. 🐍✨

Pizza for breakfast and the best sleep in days set the perfect tone for an incredible Day 3. Reuniting with Max the French hiker, we crush 10 miles before 10am in a burst of trail energy that feels unstoppable. From mountain winds at my first wild camping experience to meeting Bloopu (my new blister, short for Blood Pudding), this day captures the rhythm and humor that make PCT life magical. Sometimes the simple joys - music, friendship, and pizza - fuel the greatest adventures.

Day 2 brings unexpected culinary creativity and a stroke of trail luck. From inventing 'electronola' (gatorade-soaked granola in a cup noodles container) to discovering the joys of solitude on a challenging 21.5-mile mountain ascent. When the campground turns out to be closed, desperation leads to serendipity - a kind stranger offers a tiny house sanctuary for $20. Sometimes the trail provides exactly what you need, even when things don't go according to plan.

The moment has finally arrived - Day 1 on the Pacific Crest Trail! A magical sunrise at the Southern Terminus, arms stretched toward Mexico, and the first 20 miles through the unforgiving desert heat. From frozen sleeping bags at camp to guzzling 6 liters of water, this is the raw reality of beginning an epic journey. Clara by my side, new hiking companions, and the thrilling exhaustion of knowing there are only 2,630 miles left to go. The adventure of a lifetime has officially begun.

The final preparations before the adventure begins. After saying goodbye to Scout and Frodo's warm hospitality, it's time to head to Campo - the gateway to the PCT's southern terminus. Last-minute gear shopping, meeting fellow hiker Clara over burritos and beers, and learning rule number one: don't die. With the official PCT tag now attached to my backpack, tomorrow marks the start of 2,650 miles through America's wilderness. The anticipation is overwhelming.

An unexpected reunion with my childhood companion Lucas after 10 years apart. From innocent adventures in Fortaleza to shared memories in São Carlos, this heartfelt encounter in San Diego reminds me why some friendships transcend time and distance. A beautiful Portuguese reflection on brotherhood, nostalgia, and the profound joy of reconnecting with someone who shaped your past just as you're about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

An overwhelming introduction to trail magic at Scout and Frodo's legendary hiker haven in San Diego. Fresh food, warm welcomes, and inspiring stories from the couple who opens their home to 25 hikers every night during PCT season. Their only payment? Kindness to fellow hikers and the trail. A heartwarming reminder that generosity and community spirit fuel the greatest adventures, leaving you with one word: gratitude.

A profound reflection on the serendipitous moments that shape our lives. From a random Creative Mornings talk in Amsterdam to discovering the PCT through Tim Voors' inspiring story, this is about how chance encounters and shared passions can redirect an entire life's trajectory. Sometimes the things we didn't know we were looking for find us exactly when we need them most.

Everything I need for 2,650 miles fits in one backpack. From tent to toiletries, this is the complete gear list for a PCT thru-hike - 50+ carefully chosen items that will become home, kitchen, and lifeline on America's most challenging long-distance trail. Each piece serves a purpose, every ounce matters, and together they represent the beautiful simplicity of life distilled to its essentials.

The dream begins in Germany with careful planning and boundless excitement. 4,200 kilometers of wild American wilderness await - from Mexican border to Canadian frontier, through desert valleys and snow-capped peaks. This is more than just a hike; it's a complete life transformation disguised as a walking tour. From my home in North Rhine-Westphalia, I'm meticulously preparing for the ultimate test of endurance, resilience, and self-discovery. The PCT doesn't just cross three states - it crosses into a different version of yourself. Adventure awaits! 🗺️