15 Sep 2018 @ 12.11

So this is it. Canada.

That was a hell of a walk to get to some wooden beams!

I spent my last night on trail with a mate I’d met along the way, but didn’t know that well. He had already finished and was yoyoing back to the US exit point.

I walked alone for my final day, thinking about what’s next, what’s just happened, what I’m still doing. I couldn’t tell you if it was hilly that day, I was in a dream state. Two friends walked south past me also yoyoing. Saying goodbye rather than see you later was harder than expected. I will miss the PCT, but the trail isn’t going anywhere. The people of the 2018 PCT thru hike, they are the ones leaving. The people have made the trail and saying goodbye to them and this almost cult like family is the hardest part about finishing. I definitely shed a tear for my friends.

I got to the monument with a guy I’d seen, but never met before. We hugged, we celebrated, we took a lot of photos. Even though we’d not met of the trail, somehow it was still something we achieved together.

Another random I’d never met turned up and told me Sundown, one of my close hiking buddies, was only half hour behind. I’d hoped he was close, but I hadn’t seen him in a few days, so didn’t actually know. So I sat, I snacked and relaxed.

Sundown turned up and we cheered and we took more photos. We sat and talked about what just happened. Then we walked… Still 8 more miles to get out the woods.

I took my last pee standing up for a while. We got to Manning Park just after they stopped serving food and painfully watched our friends finishing their meals and drowned our hunger with beer and a bag of crisps.

I Showered. Slept in a real bed. Ate a big breakfast. Did laundry. Relaxed in the hot tub. Called my parents. Ate a big lunch. Hitched into Vancouver. Ate at Tim Hortons. Caught the bus. Caught the train. Found a hostel. Found an another hostel with space. Ate some pizza. Drank a beer. Slept.

The end.

The PCT is done.

On to the next adventure.

Thank you to all your supportive words during my trip. I hope you enjoyed my rambles along the way. It already feels like a dream I once had.

10 Sep 2018 @ 10.51

Last night I finally arrived in my final town. I have less than 100 miles to go.
There was a fire detour of 30 miles which took me through this Christian retreat after 10 miles. Then you could choose to walk or catch a ferry to town. I decided to walk because we all know I don’t do enough of that. I did lase around in the morning and enjoy an incredible buffet breakfast at the retreat. Said what will most likely be my final goodbye to Benalie. They caught the boat and it’s unlikely I’ll catch up with them before the border.
In true PCT style there was lots of fear mongering around the detour and very little actual information. It’s a massive hill, super steep, bush bashing through blackberry bushes. In actual fact the trail was perfectly fine. True there was a big hill and it was quite steep, but beautiful and easy enough. Sadly the 17 miles from town was more like 21. Which meant I arrived at the road into town a couple hours later than expected.
The was a campsite at the road. I got there just after 7pm. Expecting to see the 15+ hikers who caught the boat and the couple of other detour hikers who left before me (I hadn’t seen anyone since breakfast).
It was completely empty.
Normally I would be thrilled to get a campsite all to myself, but this was creepy. Where was everyone?
So I walked a bit further. I figured everyone had gone to town for dinner. There’s no signal in this town and as I was at the end on a detour I had no maps either. I started walking into town, figuring it might be a mile or two. An hour later I walked past a trail map. I was still 3 miles from town and now 3 miles from the campground I could have stayed at. It was getting dark and this place was creepy. I went by two ‘schools’ that were just one room cabins – children less school are freaky. I had seen 3 cars in an hour and no other people. I was certain I was in the movie House of Wax and was going to die.
I don’t like to hitch at night and certainly not alone, but when a truck came along I flagged it down. It being dark I had no view of the driver and I was already quite scared. The truck sounded old and rickety, perfect murderers truck.
The nicest father son duo stopped and asked where I was heading. I used a lot of words very quickly to say I don’t even know. I explained I was a PCT hiker and I didn’t know where anyone was or where I was. I must have been a sorry sight. I had seen on the trail map there was a campsite near town, so they offered to take me there.
They explained the only way to get here was hiking or boat. The cabins where mostly weekend homes which is why everywhere looked empty.
They drove me a tad further than the camp to show me the small town, so I could get my bearings for tomorrow. I noticed a restaurant still open and I ran up to check if it contained hikers.
It did. So I got off there. As I left the Dad asked me why I decided to do this trip. A question I’m asked a lot, but usually on good days. I told him my standard I’m moving home and had the opportunity blurb, but also how in the woods I feel in control and safe. It’s the towns which are most confusing for me. His words were ‘well you certainly don’t seem to let anything phase you’ at that I wanted to laugh. He must have forgotten that 10 mins ago he picked me up on the edge of a breakdown.
There have been very few moments over the past 5 months I’ve felt scared and this was the first time I’d felt at a lost. I didn’t know what to do. I am incredibly grateful to those two for picking me up and even more grateful that they just weren’t murderers and wonderful people.
Now it’s daylight and I’m safe in my tent it’s easy to see I was never in any danger, but the feeling of vulnerability and lack of information was humbling for want of a better word.
Let’s hope the final 100 go without too many hiccups and I’ll see you in Canada!
Oh and the night ended with cheesecake and a beer with my mate Sundown.

26 Aug 2018 @ 18.37

Look at how far I’ve come! It’s crazy to see like this. Only 350 miles to go till Canada – a few weeks maximum and I’ll be done with the trail.

I heard Washington is beautiful, unfortunately the fog has rolled in, so I’m yet to see any evidence of this.

It was really freaky walking into the mist. Only able to see 10ft ahead and behind. At points I had a shear drop right beside me. Without a focal point it was genuinely scary at times, but super fun as well.

The following morning I was treated to an hour of views…

But the fog has rolled back in, so I’ve been hiding in White Pass gas station the past 24 hours. Definitely hiking out tonight… I’ve been saying this all day. So we shall see.

20 Aug 2018 @ 08.08

Oregon you have been so much more than I was promised. Although a tad lacking in phone reception 😉
As I was approaching my second state everyone described it as the easy state. The place to get big miles done. Smash it out. Get through to Washington’s actual beauty. Oh and of course the dreaded mosquitoes.

The reality was stunning views of Crater Lake, in fact of so many lakes. Tons of little resorts to treat yourself. So much trail magic. Very few mozzies but how every hill was a mental struggle – I thought there where NO HILLS in Oregon! The trail up every hill and every flat for that matter, was lined with blueberries, huckleberries, thimble berries, blackberries… It was hard to get anywhere.

Even with the tempting bush tucker, my daily miles did increase, but I certainly had no wish to smash it out though. In summary, it’s been amazing, if a tad smokey in the kick off.

I completed Oregon in time for Trail Days. This is like a hiker festival with tons of gear give aways etc. The best part is people hitch from all along the trail to get there, so I got to catch up with a bunch of people I didn’t think I would see again. I took my third zero of the trail and yesterday evening I finally crossed the Bridge of the God’s and entered my final state.

Less than 500 miles to go now. Although now there’s a fire closure at the border so let all keep our fingers crossed that reopens and I get to finish in Canada!

16 Aug 2018 @ 07.11

On trail you never can predict which days are going to be stand out. So much depends on weather, terrain, the people you run into plus everything else.
With my birthday coming up, I was considering slowly down to let my longer term friends catch up. But I ended up deciding it’s just another day and trying to plan anything would be pointless.
On the 8th August (the day before my birthday), we got some of the best trail magic of the trip. Pints of Ben and Jerry’s each and fresh grilled cheese sandwiches! There were so many hikers gathered it was a proper little party. I told the trail angel I was going to pretend this was a surprise birthday party, which no one knew they were at.
The rest of the 8th was also filled with socialising. I walked with 3 new people, all at different parts of the day and generally just was high on life by bedtime.
On the 9th my only plan was I wanted to walk 25 miles (last year I did 24km over two days, this was with friends and certainly wasn’t a challenge, but it’s crazy to see the differences in acceptable distances). When I first thought about doing 25 miles on my birthday I thought it would be a fun challenge. By the time it got to the day I actually had to do a smaller day than normal. This meant I may not see any of the group I’d been hiking around the past week or so. I pretty much expected the day to be a tad isolated and even lonely.
I started the day with a swim in the lake where I camped, then quickly ran into a hiker I have had passing chats with the past few weeks but hadn’t fully got to know. We ended up walking together for the whole day.
We swam in more lakes. An awesome father daughter hiker duo sang me happy birthday as I came hiking along! Then unexpectedly, there was a side trail leading to a resort – Elk Lake (this is pretty rare, we tend to know about all the resorts). Silver (my hiking buddy for the day) convinced me to go in. We got home-made mac and cheese, too many beers and even a Malibu cocktail I’d been dreaming about packing out, if I’d been with Benalie. It was Malibu, pineapple juice and coconut water – we named it “the girl drink”. Blokely bloke Silver still seemed to enjoy his cocktail!

We finished the day with a final dip in another lake, joined by another hiker and I ran off to complete my 25 miles.
On my way up the hill I saw Highlander and Tigger – I have never hiked with these guys and rarely even seen them on trail, but they have been there for my 1000 mile mark, the Oregon/California border crossing and now my birthday. The three big moments for me of trail. Strange, but cool, my personal cheering team.

I did finish my miles – 25.4, even if I was a little intoxicated for those last 6!
I couldn’t have been happier with a day which could have gone any direction, ending up so fun. One of my favorite things about the trail is the unlimited supply of unexpected.
Ooo I also got signal for a brief moment at Elk, so I even got all the lovely birthday wishes from home on the actual day, which was a bonus.

07 Aug 2018 @ 16.25

I finally sent myself a box.

The shop n cart in Ashland was too amazing not to. However once my box was sent I realised I’d sent it to the post office, rather than the store and planned to get there on a Sunday, doh!!
This however inspired me to up my pace a little and get there on the Saturday. I also had new shoes there waiting, something I was dreaming of as previously mentioned.

I did my three longest days, back to back. 27.1, 30.1, 27.4 This included my first (and possibly only) 30 mile day. I was so chuffed to have reach this milestone. A lot of hikers around me do regular 30 mile days, but it’s never really appealed to me. I enjoy my naps and sitting to look at the view too much. Whether or not it appeals to me regularly, the feeling of accomplishment, knowing my body can do it, was really nice. Not only did I walk 30 miles I did it in terrible shoes, a dress and with a heavy backpack.
I made it to the post office with plenty of time and having been loving my new shoes ever since. And the suprise gingernuts from my wonderful Nina.

31 Jul 2018 @ 16.00

When you finally send yourself some boxes and buy all the food!

This shop in Ashland was amazing. It had a bulk buy system and everything you could imagine. Including a sweet old lady who gave me a hug for chatting to her about the trail.

Ashland is brilliant.

30 Jul 2018 @ 19.28

Passed the 1650 mile mark drinking whiskey and eating blackberries (at 7.30am). Meaning less than 1000 miles remaining. It was awkwardly during a road walk, which made it a tad less exciting.

However, waking up that morning to people cutting down 30 + metre trees, less than 20m from my sleeping bag, was very exciting. The fact it was 6am and until the first tree came down I refused to get out of bed is testimony to my joy of sleeping.
We swung through town eating a ton of food and drinking the thickest milkshake of my life… Not attempting the 5lb pancake challenge, then headed up yet another massive hill in the scorching heat. The smoke from all the near by fires did seem to help block the sun, but still sweat was pouring out by the bucket load.

Since then I’ve reached Oregon. 8am is a great time for wine and whiskey, right? I promise there is not normally this much drinking on the trail. But there’s been a few big milestones to celebrate!

I’ve been incredibly lucky with fire closures. Having the Hendrixs closure reopen the night before I got to Seiad Valley, so no alternative route required this time. Then running into some fireman on trail who gave us their ration packs and an apple! These people are busy helping us not all burn, yet found the time to chat and feed us. Pretty amazing.

Hopefully hitting Ashland tomorrow to give my feet a short rest. I have new shoes arriving in 120 miles and I cannot wait. I’m pushing these to the absolute limits.

25 Jul 2018 @ 09.52

Day 107 @ mile 1599.6

I bought these trousers the day before I started the trail. They quickly proved to be too big around the waist and this problem only increased as I decreased in size.

They got new holes daily and were filled with my repair stitching.

They did however, protect me from the sun in the desert and the mosquitoes in the Yosemite.

A week ago there was a heat wave and I ‘modified’ them into shorts by ripping they/burning through the seams. A couple of days ago, I added a leg slit to help with the painful heat rash on the top of my legs.

Today we say goodbye. It’s been fun, but it’s time we both moved on.

I have a new dress to try out.

20 Jul 2018 @ 22.04

Day 102 @ mile 1518.9

Often I camp alone. I enjoy the solitude and the silence. I also normally avoid marked campsites, as they can be hidden among trees and are rarely as beautiful as other points on the trail.

Tonight however, after a long and hot day, including an exposed and steep climb, I enjoyed a night with a stunning view of Mt Shasta and Castle Crags, with a fun group of people. Some I previously knew, some I met today. The atmosphere of our little Rocky outcrop and shared home for the evening has been one of my favorites on the trail in a while.

I didn’t ‘crush’ big miles today, but I really couldn’t care less. The heat is unpleasantly high at the moment, so it was all about the shade, the napping and the chatting today.

Night.

19 Jul 2018 @ 21.42

Day 101 @ mile 1501

It’s like being back in Australia… It’s 40 degrees Celsius here and I’m melting. Currently writing this sitting on the sink in a toilet block at 9.30pm. It’s dark out, I haven’t been walking since 6pm and I’m literally dripping in sweat.

In more exciting news I’ve reach both my 100 day milestone and the 1500 mile mark!! It’s hard to even think about that distance. This doesn’t mean when the nice lady at my resupply store offered to watch my food, so I could carry it out to my pack in multiple trips, I even considered doing the additional 100m of walking. I instead piled my arms high with food and hobbled out of there with dignity and class…

I’m still a few days ahead of most of my crew (since I rarely take a zero day, not because I’m speedy). I’ve still got Benalie, so I’m never alone if I don’t want to be, but I’m definitely in a completely different bubble to the desert and even the Seirras. It’s great that even at this point in my trip I’m meeting new people every day.

Also an update for those concerned citizens. I have washed and even shaved my legs (Natalie had a spare razor she didn’t want to carry).

And for those of you who are really paying attention…yes each leg of my ‘shorts’ is different length. There’s a pocket of the right leg I wanted to keep, but I wanted maximum air on the left. Look at that hemming though!!

17 Jul 2018 @ 14.57

Day 99 @ mile 1440

We’re currently hiking through a heat wave, so I cut the legs off my trousers to make them into shorts.

I can also now graffiti my legs like the back of a dirty van.

17 Jul 2018 @ 14.52

Day 98 @ mile1418

This is what happens when you let architects design your trees…

14 Jul 2018 @ 13.00

I’ve added a trail log for those of you wanting to track my trip/judge my miles 😉

Enjoy: Trail Log

12 Jul 2018 @ 12.47

I made it to halfway!

Hopefully this is halfway only in distance not time, or I’ll be dealing with a little bad weather in Washington. It’s a great feeling knowing I’ve walked further than I have left to walk, but I don’t want this walk to be over, so a little bittersweet.

On the bright side I got a lovely care package in Chester! Filled with tasty goodies and supportive words.
Thanks Arwa, Gurav and Maria!

People on and off the trail have be outstandingly kind to me throughout this trip.
Getting letters and packages delivered to me along the trail is a real highlight, which always brightens up my day!!
All the way back at hiker heaven Sue, a friend of my Mum’s, sent me a foot salve she makes. Back then my feet were in good shape, but going through the Seirra it was a real luxury to balm my wrinkly feet after a day of creek crossings and post holing!
I’ve even been treated to care packages from good old England way. My wonderful Aunt and co sent me face wipes (ok, ok I get the hint) and the loveliest letters. And Mum and Dad topped up my candy collection with ginger chews!!

Not to forget Colin who delivered himself to the trail back in SoCal and brought with him a collection of goodies.
It’s easy to be alone out here, but with all these people looking out for me I sure don’t feel it.
Another huge thanks to each of you!

09 Jul 2018 @ 20.39

Day 91 @ mile 1286

Just eaten a massive burger, a salad, onion rings and the leftover chips from the neighbouring table in Belden, not to forget the 60 fl oz of root beer and 23 fl oz of iced tea. I’m now waddling my way up a far too steep of a hill and looking forward to camp… Currently on my second ‘im too full for this’ break in less than 2 miles.

08 Jul 2018 @ 21.06

Day 90 @ mile 1272

When it’s 8.20pm and you’re on the cusp of jogging to get to camp before dark, but keep stopping to take mediocre photos of yet another incredible sunset.

08 Jul 2018 @ 14.26

Day 88 @ mile 1228.7

To celebrate my longest ever day, mile wise, on trail (23.5 miles), I introduced Benalie to a bit of Aussie culture. Damper cooked over our campfire, then smothered in Nutella.

02 Jul 2018 @ 21.11

It turns out they lied to me. They were at Tinker Knob only a couple of miles ahead me when they claimed to be at Donna Pass.

We had a good relaxed 6 mile group hike into camp. Now to celebrate their bad influence, with whiskey and early set up.

Day 4: Tia -1159, Benalie – 1159

This will my last update of this sagga, thank you for joining us.

02 Jul 2018 @ 15.23

I found them!!!!

Together again 🙂

02 Jul 2018 @ 13.55

I hear Benalie are close according to other hikers!!!

And there’s trail magic, so not a bad place to wait!

Mile: 1153

02 Jul 2018 @ 09.31

For those curious… This is Tinkers Knob, although I’m currently walking up to it and it’s not so tinker.

Benalie do love an early morning and they are already at Donna Pass! Doesn’t look like I’ll be catching them for lunch.

Tia – 1145, Benalie -1153

02 Jul 2018 @ 08.47

This is my game face/ the sun is in my eyes.

Made in to their camp last night in less than an hour.

Mile 1143 @ 8.40am

02 Jul 2018 @ 07.25

Update from Ben… They are going to the Donna Ski Ranch for lunch (mile 1153) that’s 12.5 miles for me.

I better get off my phone and start walking!

02 Jul 2018 @ 07.15

I’m awake!

7.15am a record for this month. Aim to set of in half hour… Let’s be havin’ ya!!

(Although today looks rather hilly :/ )

01 Jul 2018 @ 20.45

Mile 1140 @ 8.30pm

Well I’m not going to catch them today, the sun in setting and my legs are tired. They are less than 3 miles ahead camping at the bottom of the hill I’m on.

Time to set up camp for the night. As always I’ll intend for an early morning, but it’s unlikely.

Day 3: Tia 1140, Benalie 1143.

01 Jul 2018 @ 18.35

Mile 1136 @ 6.30pm

It’s official Ben is definitely ahead, signs never lie.

01 Jul 2018 @ 16.35

@4.30pm Ben informed me they were at mile 1140… That is almost 10 miles ahead of me. But the good news is they are planning to camp at mile 1143, my goal for today is 1140. Wish me luck.

01 Jul 2018 @ 14.03

So this race report is going to be very one sided as I will have no new information on their location  till I actually catch them… but I’ve got to amuse myself somehow, so here we go.

Their last know where abouts was Dicks Pass (mile 1105) around 9am yesterday:

I’m now having lunch at mile 1130 – 2pm.

Day since Tahoe  Sleeping Location

.                               Tia         Benalie

1.                             1098     unknown but before 1105

2.                             1119     unknown

3.                             TBC

01 Jul 2018 @ 11.27

Motivation is back up again after a good feed and a nice sleep.

Today the race begins.

It’s been two weeks since I’ve seen these two losers (aka trail mum and dad, aka Benalie)

and after they took a few zeros in Tahoe I’m only half a day behind them.

They are a fearsome pair to compete with, but in their old age (mid 30’s cough cough) I reckon I can take them.

I was slow out the gate with a 8.20am set off, but I’ll keep you as updated as signal allows.

30 Jun 2018 @ 13.04

The day after leaving town is always a bit of a struggle.

Heavy pack, list of chores I didn’t get round to in town, lack of sleep as I always stay up to late in town. Plus you know it’s going to be a while till you’re back in town so an extra mile here or there can be made up for later.

But I don’t feel guilty about my 9.30am start today, because I finally fixed my trouser pockets and climbed a big hill before lunch… Up to Dick’s Pass hehehe.

27 Jun 2018 @ 22.18

What a section!
I’ve spent most of the past two weeks in my own company. There’s been a few people here and there as I’ve wandered along, but for the bulk of it, it’s just been me.
I finished by book which is a nice, but I’ve had to take up counting to 21 on repeat to stop myself singing The Proclaimers nonstop in my head…
However hell yeah I made it to 1000 miles!!!

This was such a big moment. I didn’t think I would really care, as all the other milestones have been nice, but just another mile in the big picture. But the 1000 really made me smile… realising I still have 1650 miles to go also puts into perspective how huge this trail really is.

I’m heading into South Lake Tahoe tomorrow morning where I fully plan to hit up the nearest buffet I can find. The past two days we’ve been treated to some amazing trail magic, including fried eggs and fresh veggies. The food was great, but honestly it was just nice to be back in a group of people (however smelly that group may have been).

I’m now down to the lower Serria, which is certainly nice on my legs and my lungs. This means more swimming in lakes and beautiful meadows,

although due to the swarms if mozzies it has been hard to sit and enjoy these. Nothing motivates you to do those extra couple of miles than being eaten alive if you stop for more than 3 seconds.

Doing my part for international hike naked day (21st June) I give you my best efforts.

I will state I only lasted a mile before I decided I didn’t want a new trail name and put my clothes back on. There were other naked people around that day though, I promise!!

Being alone for so long does mean I have really got into my style of hiking. This seems to be to sleep A LOT! I have reached a record of sleeping in till 9am, meaning I didn’t set off till gone 9.20am. I then have a nice afternoon read/nap and hiking till 8.30pm. This routine definitely contributes to the lack of socialising I’ve been doing. I do get some incredible camping spots all to myself and to enjoy every sunset.

These two photos I took while cooking up my dinner having just finished a pleasant 22 mile day of hiking.

It’s now 11pm much after my bed time and I still have 5 miles to go before my hitch into town tomorrow. So I will leave you with this picture of a butterfly. Goodnight.

18 Jun 2018 @ 08.02

The Serria has been everything it promised and so much more, including being a hole of no signal, so there’s a lot the catch up on. Watching the trickles of hikers along the trail as we came back into phone service after a 100 miles, just stopped in their tracks, was hilarious.

Leaving Bishop and knowing I’d done Foresters Pass the highest point on the PCT, I was a little cocky, thinking is was all easy going from there. I hadn’t gathered what a pass involved or accounted for the fact I had another 6 to do in this section. A pass for those who don’t know, is the low point where two mountains meet. This is however the hikers high point – imagine two up turned bowls on a table and needing to walk between them but you’re an inch tall and stuck on the kitchen floor.

I’ve hiked a total of 26617ft vertically up and 25118ft down in the past 125 miles which in metric is a whole load of elevation change (or over 8.1km up and 7.6km down).

After Glen Pass I quickly reevaluated and adjusted my food supply to suit a much slower pace, plan for only going over 1 pass a day, as in the afternoon the post holing is miserable.

The next pass was Pinchot which was fairly tame, however at the top I met Rooster and Horsey.

As challenging as passes are for people, they are a thousand times worse for a horse, so I tagged along and tried to help out where I could with route finding etc. Which also included a celebratory jump in the 90% frozen lake at the bottom. This was the coldest water I have ever been in and we got out as fast as gravity would let us. Horsey just watched on laughing.

The weird part of hiking is that people still get excited over really town like things. So when Rooster suggested watching a movie on his phone I was so down! So we cowboy camped with a fire going, so many stars in the sky and huddled around his little phone and got lost in the world of ‘the interview’. It was a lot of fun.

Less fun was the next day bringing the horse down Matthers Pass. Not safe for a horse but it was too late by this time. The poor horse and owner had to get down, this ended with bruised cut up feet on the horse from post holing so much. It was tough to watch and I’m sure much tougher to do. We finally got down and this is where Rooster decided to tap out and worked on a different route out the Serria so he wouldn’t have to drag Horsey over more of these passes.

Alone again I hit up Muir Pass, I would say the most difficult although not nearly the tallest. I’m so pleased there were no horses in sight. 4 hours of post holing hell will teach me that not all lay ins are worth it…

There aren’t many photos as I was too wet and exhausted to get my camera out. I did however learn to check every inch of my skin is covered with either sunscreen or clothes… This bit of my neck learn the full force of snow burn…

After Muir’s the following two passes were very relaxed. I’ve been in a weird bubble between groups of people I know, but it’s been really fun meeting new people and actually having some time alone out here, which is harder than it sounds.

The views have been next level and the hiking has become, not dangerous, but a little technical, where you have to actually think things through and figure out the best way to cross a creek or get around a snow patch etc.

I’ve passed the Ford where a lady died last year. Luckily this year’s snow melt has been much smaller than last and therefore it’s way safer.

I’m now just hanging out in Mammoth, a cute ski town, drinking some beers and sitting in the hot tub.

08 Jun 2018 @ 17.25

What an incredible start to the seirra!
Left Kennedy Meadows realising after 3 miles I forgot my phone in town and having to backtrack was an embarrassing start. Topped off by on the arrival at Kenned noy, everyone at the store claps. Awkward enough when you first reach it.

I woke up for my first day out the desert with a rotten cold. Typical. Luckily there is now plenty of water around, so I stayed nice and hydrated and it never got too out of control.

The change from the desert was so sudden and so drastic, I was quite taken a back. Grass everywhere, spiral trees, even patchs of snow.

My plan was to hike to Lone Pine and hitch to town to resupply, but the Seirra was too fun and I didn’t want to leave. I evaluated my food and figured if I rationed I could get all the way to Bishop – 4 days later. I then ran into some friends who gave me some food, but also convinced me into a 5 day extension… It was a good plan and it meant I got to sit by a lake for most of a day (nothing better for a cold than a dip in an icy lake).
[Picture coming out the lake]

This also meant I had friends to hike up Mt Whitney with. With my lack of snow experience I was pleased for this company, however their plan to wake up at 1am and get up for sunise was less welcome. I did however peel open my eyes and hike up there, due to my lack of food (although at the time a fully blamed altitude) I struggled hard with getting to the top, Ben and Natalie however fully stuck by my side, even though it meant missing the very start of sunrise.

It was worth the early morning, I got very snap happy.
On the way down I walked with Cap and Dirk, who I have been hiking on and off with since the beginning. It was the first time in over a month it was just the three of us and it was quite sentimental to think how much has happened since day one.

Down at the bottom I was drunk on altitude and lack of sleep and wouldn’t shut up. I rabbited away to anyone that would listen for the next 5 or so hours. Something I apologised for afterwards. Eh who needs sleep anyway.

Luckily that afternoon on the hike out I ate something and finally realised I’d been starving myself and my exhaustion wasn’t down purely to altitude. I increased my food and instantly felt better.

The next day was dreaded Foresters Pass, notoriously difficult due to snow. Yes it was a challenging day, but I cannot describe how much fun it was. Climbing up the patches of rocks in between the snowed off path. Learn quickly and often what post holing is (where the sun has softened the snow so your foot falls through it).

The views where incredible and I giggled and smiled my way through the whole day. Even when every step involved sinking up to your waist and I was truly exhausted, I just had to look around and I couldn’t be to annoyed.

Yesterday I made it into Bishop a town 8 miles off trail and down 3000ft of hiking (which I’m currently walking back up). An awesome little hiking town. I also hitched to Lone Pine and picked up some fun letters and parcels from back home. So much fun, thank you again to everyone who sent me something.

In town I stayed with the lads I’ve been hiking with, went for dinner at a brewery and for beers at the bowling alley. I’ve topped up on my calories and resupplied with all of Vons. I’m now back hiking and so keen to be at the top of this very long hill and back on the PCT.

31 May 2018 @ 12.43

However, everyone was feeling a little worse for wear the next morning and certainly not up for a big day of hiking.

The lads recovered in the best way possible, with some shade and another beer…

We managed a total of 5 miles that afternoon, but we did get caught in our first thunderstorm of the trail. Luckily it only lasted a half hour before the sun came out to dry us off again.

Reached mile 700 and hit Kennedy Meadows, which marks the end of the desert.

I’ve loved the desert, but I’m so excited for the Sierras. The past couple of days have just had too many rattlesnakes for my liking, including while I was relaxing in the shade after a much need swim, a rattlesnake slide up from under the upturned corner of my mat. Blocking the way back to my shoes and my pack. After noticing it, I have never moved so fast! I then had to use a stick and my mat to sneaky my way back to my things.

This is a little guy was laying in my way the day before (not a rattler, but still make up jump):

I finally got myself some new shoes (along with my bear can, microspikes and poles). The old ones held up well, walking well over 1000 miles, but the difference is crazy. I feel like I’m walking on platforms, they are so foaming.

Next stop Lone Pine where I’ll be picking up some mail from home. Can’t wait.

25 May 2018 @ 14.25

When walking 2650 miles isn’t enough, so they build in some hurdles to keep it exciting.

These may look small, but for tired legs they are the devil.

On the topic of tired legs… Check out my new tan lines…

And by tan, I most definitely mean dirt lines. This is why I shouldn’t roll up my trousers.

Officially reached 650 miles today. Meaning less than 2000 miles to go.

There’s just been a big snow dump in the Sierras, so I might be spending a few extra days in Lake Isabella. It’s hard to imagine the snow being an issue while the sun is shining and I’m sweating my way through the day. Thank goodness for the internet, this trail would be a lot harder without it.

20 May 2018 @ 19.02

Who would have thought walking through one of the largest wind farms in the world would be so windy.

We headed in the Tehachapi yesterday, hiked 8 miles this morning, then hitched back to Tehachapi for lunch again today.

Even with the excess of baked goods, today has been tough. The wind has almost knocked me fully over multiple times and it just generally takes it out of you being in a constant battle.

Crawling into my tent tonight, hidden among the trees on top on a big hill, feels well deserved.

Now for some dinner!

17 May 2018 @ 13.07

Hello from Hikertown.

This cute little place right on the PCT looks just like a film set, but with these rooms turned into bunk houses for hikers.

For some reason or other it has a bad rep on the trail, but under the protection of two other Brits I spent the night here. It’s been great fun, excluding the ever deflating air mattress. We even have a massive car in our garage, turned bedroom.

The next section of hike is meant to be exceptionally hot, so we’re all taking the day off to night hiking. Meaning we had plenty of time to get breakfast at this incredible little cafe, that not only had beautifully filled breakfast burritos (I may have ordered 3 and be packing 1 out for dinner tonight) but the kindness staff, including a chef who brought out his own brewed hibiscus tea.

Other than mile 518 on the PCT, I have no idea where I am in relation to the outside world, there doesn’t seem to be anything around for miles, yet I’m here eating incredible food and drinking fancy Newtown quality tea.

Also hit 500 miles yesterday! I was greeted there by my trail crew playing the proclaimers on their phone. I’m so chuffed, should be hitting 20% tonight. Who would have thought walking from Mexico to Canada would feel like it was going too fast.

15 May 2018 @ 07.07

Spent last night at Casa de Luna. A trail angels house, who’s been hosting hikers for 19 years. This kind couple open up their home and their yard for all the dirty bums. 100s of tents hidden around a fun maze of a forest. They fed us tacos for dinner and pancakes for breakfast.

The good people you never hear about in the news.

13 May 2018 @ 06.22

For all the people asking about an address to send letters and things… I will be in Lone Pine around the 31st May.

The instructions are to address it:

Tia Curry

C/o General Delivery

Lone Pine

CA 83545

ETA: 31st May 2018

Just let me know if you send anything, so I can be sure to collect it.

Please don’t send me heavy things. I will not carry those bricks!

Thanks everyone. Already excited.

11 May 2018 @ 19.39

Day 32 –

Woke up this morning to this incredible view. Up above the clouds. It was nice and warm and I got  a very reasonable 8am start (translating from hiker that’s like going to work at midday, these people are crazy).

The view took me back to 2015 – walking Mt Solitary in the Blue Mountain, testing out all my new shiney gear before the Larapinta.

However this time, I slowly decended into the clouds. Of cprsec getting excited to jump on the marshmallowy goodness.

Not so marshmallowy… In fact it was cold and wet. Luckily a bit of trail magic at the rangers station, provided me with a tasty root beer and a chance to complain about the weather to some other unfortunate hikers.

But the moment passed quickly and I live to tell the trilling tail.

Happy again now under the clouds, with new views and hills to climb. Sadly the wet weather didn’t do a very good job of cleaning my face.

11 May 2018 @ 14.54

I reached mile 400 a couple of days ago.

To celebrate I thought I’d write a few things about how my norm has changed while on the trail:

– I regularly walk up mountains and forget to look at the view until I’m on the way down.

– I navigate by people’s footprints, so paved roads are suddenly really confusing.

– Fist bumps are ‘cool’ again. For hygiene reason hikers don’t shake hands, so the fist bump is back.

– I regularly go days without seeing my reflection or an image of myself.

– Having a 3 hour nap in the middle of the day is quite acceptable.

Everyday is filled with fun people and incredible views. Only 2250 miles to go… It feels like it’s all going so fast.

07 May 2018 @ 18.39

At some point you have to commit to the ultralight lifestyle…

Only kidding, but after reaching two towns in a row on a Sunday and unable to get a haircut, the buzz cut was the only logical option.

(I also took my first zero in Wrightwood)

04 May 2018 @ 15.30

Sometimes on trail you have to come up with new games to keep things interesting.

I’m here to announce I’m the proud winner of the ‘who can go longest without pooping game’. This Maccas pie is my winnings.

Getting fuelled up ready for a 5000ft climb and two days without a water source.

03 May 2018 @ 13.13

Day 22 was incredible. Had a sleepover with Rachel (Rainbow) for warmth over night, woke up to the tent covered in snow.

We shivered our way through and by the afternoon we were rewarded with natural hot springs.

We hit mile 300 in the morning.

A day later I’m relaxing at mile 328 with some trail magic. Beers and potato salad in the shade, such a treat. Don’t forget a melted Snickers bar in a hot dog bun…

29 Apr 2018 @ 16.32

10% down! At mile 266.

The difference a shower can make.

In Big Bear tonight. Had a great few days. Starting with sleeping under the highway, really pushing that line between homeless and hiker.

I met up with a friend from a hike I did 2 years ago, who now lives in LA. Two days, 44 miles and a butt load of elevation. Feeling tired, but I’m sleeping in my first bed in 20 days tonight.

26 Apr 2018 @ 10.47

As 2650 miles is never quite enough. I took a little side trip to 10834ft – the peak of San Jacinto mt, the second tallest in Southern California. This photo is take 30 hours after the summit at 1500ft, not pictured are the sore feet.

An epic decent, including two rattlesnakes and only one water source (right at the beginning). It was a hot day, but I even found time to call the parents on the way down.

I’m now resting in Palm Springs. I just had my first real shower in 17 days and I feel amazing.

23 Apr 2018 @ 11.27

Arrived today in Idyllwild.

Yesterday was a brilliant day. After finding the scenery beautiful, but the walking somewhat easy so far, the PCT whooped butt yesterday, then rewarded me with even better views.

Due to a fire closure at mile 168 a lot of hikers decided to hitch to Idyllwild from mile 151. I almost did, but at the last minute (and after a big burger and a beer) I decided I preferred to keep going.

This 17 mile section was filled with burnt trees, steep, long assents and descents. I camped up on the top of a ridge at 7000ft elevation and watched an incredible sunset. I was so shattered from the hot day of walking I couldn’t even keep my eyes open long enough for the sun to fully set.

I’m extra pumped to keeping on walking.

I also resupplied today and found Braggs nutritional yeast! – my favorite hiking ingredient I’ve been missing dearly.

18 Apr 2018 @ 19.34

Last night I tried out cowboy camping… I.e. sleeping out under the stars.

I spent awhile convinced I was going to be snaked (a snake was going to curl up into my sleeping bag, not a likely situation), but I’m pleased to announce we all survived the night.

I officially reached the 100 mile mark and slept by this gorgeous little Creek at mile 105.

Today I spent the day relaxing in Warner Springs and ready to hit the trail again tomorrow, bright and early… ish.

15 Apr 2018 @ 23.28

Spending the night on the porch of Carmen’s restaurant with some other 30 hikers piled in together.  Anything for a night off setting up the tent.

15 Apr 2018 @ 13.12

Don’t worry I found the desert.

Today I’m in Julian. I am in a very sweet little town that takes good care of us hikers. I even got a chance to do some washing. Although putting clean clothes on with out showering feels a little redundant.

I am currently on day 6 and mile 77. The next resupply is mile 170 at Idyllwild, so my pack just got really heavy.

There’s a great hiker community beginning to form which is fun to watch and be part of.

12 Apr 2018 @ 17.09

Day 3 – finding it hard to believe I’m in the South Californian Desert right now, feels more like Felbrigg Hall – other than the mountain lion warnings.

So far everything has been going to plan. I’m carrying far too many days of food, but that’s better than the other way round.

I stayed at Lake Moreno last night, where there was a big group of hikers and a fun atmosphere. But don’t fear everyone was in their sleeping bags before 8pm.

The heat means up early, midday snooze and hike through the afternoon. I’m not sure I’m ever going to be as keen as the 5.30am risers but I’m getting there.

I did my first 18.8 mile day today, which I’m pretty chuffed about for day 3 and I should be in Lake Laguna for breakfast.

12 Apr 2018 @ 17.02

Day 2 – We showed a rattle snake who the boss was around here!… Or I mean, went on an epic rock scramble to avoid going anywhere near it…

10 Apr 2018 @ 09.58

After hitching a lift to the border with border control.

I’m about to take my first steps.

09 Apr 2018 @ 20.24

Food shopping done.

Over packed, as I’m not 100% on the quality of the next resupply store. Plus I just couldn’t resist 12 cliff bars for $ 6.99.

I’ll be in Campo in 13 hours and walking towards the starting point. This is it!

09 Apr 2018 @ 02.01

Thank you to everyone for all the warm wishes and excited pep talks over the past few weeks.

I finally finished work on Friday, finished packing Saturday and started my trip with one traffic filled journey to the airport Sunday.

I’ve arrived in LA and just waiting for my flight to San Diego.

01 Apr 2018 @ 20.14

Couldn’t have wished for a better send off. 3 days spent canoeing down the Kangaroo Valley with this bunch.

27 Mar 2018 @ 07.16

Let the 2 week countdown begin.

26 Mar 2018 @ 21.12

The view from the top of The Castle in the Budawangs. My final hike before the PCT.

25 Mar 2018 @ 12.45

Welcome to my PCT blog.

Check here for little updates from along the trail.

Start Date: 10th April 2018 @ Campo CA.

I’ll try to keep this updated with fun stories and check-ins, but no promises on consistency as I won’t have connection while I’m on trail.