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Hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail in one go is the journey of a lifetime, and regardless of how prepared and planned you arrive for it at the start, the trail will both alter and defy your expectations. I first learned about the PCT in the 1980s, when I read The High Adventures of Eric Ryback, one of the earliest books written about walking the world’s longest contiguous footpath. Growing up in California and backpacking frequently in the Sierras and then later living in Washington and climbing in the North Cascades, I often crossed paths with the PCT and hiked parts of it, but it wasn’t until my 60th birthday this past year, that I decided to celebrate my advancing age by setting out with my wife to try and walk the whole thing. Here are a few things I learned along the way.
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I’m known for my relaxed style of hiking, and you’ll likely pass me on the side of the trail reading a book while on a break. If you look in my pack, you’ll find these luxury/comfort items that most hikers will not carry. Extra weight but worth it!
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This piece1, (Scottish readers will get that pun) is about what I have learned to use and enjoy from over thirty years of Backpacking and Bikepacking. I hope that readers find that it is about varied, enjoyable and sustainable eating; it is certainly not about the science of food and nutrition.
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Late August of 2021 the Forest Service closed all California National Forests to visitors. The Dixie Fire was raging in Northern California and they wanted to prevent any further fires and protect the public. When the news came through I...
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Your friends want to go backpacking in the National forest. A group from work is interested in hiking at a state park. You and some friends from college want to plan an annual trek in Costa Rica. These are all...
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