The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a 2,663.5 mile hiking trail that runs from the Mexican border at Campo to Manning Park which is located 8 miles into Canada. The PCT is a national scenic trail that traverses three states (California, Oregon, and Washington), climbs over 60 mountain passes, descends into 19 major canyons, passes more than 1000 lakes, visits 3 national monuments, 7 national parks (Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Yosemite, Lassen Volcanic, Crater Lake, Mt. Rainier and North Cascades National Park), 24 national forests and 37 federally mandated wilderness areas. It is a dream world of open space, natural joy and unbridled freedom.

These are stories I wrote from random libraries along the way during my 2012 thru-hike.

Post Trail reflections
Ten lessons from the trail

Washington
Done deed – Photo at the Canadian terminus.
I believe in Angels – An extended thank-you note to trail angels through Washington.
My 40-mile day, or how to shake off trail blues – One of my favorite days on the trail.
Washington – Kryptonite – Where I get humbled by the Washington terrain.

Oregon
Reintegration inoculation – Unsettling preview taste of post-trail life.
All downhill from here – Gobbling up miles in Oregon.

Northern California
Halfway! – Yep, halfway.
Sorry about my driving, my wife is giving birth … and more – Crazy encounters while hitchhiking.

Central California
The tyranny of the miles – Me and the Red Beast in the Sierras.
Place-holder story. – The beginning of the Sierras and side trip to Death Valley.

Southern California
The Gantlet of Goodness – At the Sauffley’s and Anderson’s.
The Fire Wastelands – Dancing with poisonous plants.
Teaching The Bobcat to walk – How I got over two swollen ankles.
Lunging tiger, twisted ankles. – A description of daily trail life.
“The trail provides” – Cases of spontaneous trail magic.
Expectations – reality – honeymoon. – One of my favorites. First taste of the trail.

Pre-trail considerations
And so it begins … – reflection on my fears and expectations.