Hello, I’m Sigrid!
I completed the Pacific Crest Trail in September 2024.
Flash back to April 2024 where I had been living in Whistler, BC for the past 7 years. I originally moved west after graduating in Political Studies from Queen’s University. The logical move? Apply for the qualification and become a ski instructor. Skiing is probably my biggest passion in life, as it’s the only thing I’ve maintained since learning at Mount Hood when I was 3 years old.
Growing up in Toronto, ON, it was quite common (and certainly privileged) to get involved in ski racing. I loved the training, reaching the goals and the speed. It was something I looked forward to every week. Unfortunately, I tore my ACL and meniscus in a racing accident when I was 16 years old. I was fortunate to have surgery without problems and healed at the expected rate.
The scars I have from that surgery serve as a reminder to take advantage of a body that can move any way your mind wants. It’s not lost on me that the ability to walk more than eight hours a day is not something many people can do; Both physical and mental limitations can get in the way.
I loved my time in Whistler and still think I will return, but I knew I was craving change and challenge. It wasn’t until I was out on a bike ride in Bellingham, WA with a friend, that he told me about a colleague who had just finished hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. That would be my challenge.
Returning to work the following Monday after the trip, I couldn’t get the thought of doing the PCT out of my head. So I looked it up to see what it was about. I had seen the movie “Wild” so I had an idea what it was about. But as we know, ignorance is bliss, BABY!!!
I arrived in time to apply for a permit and entered the lottery. This was just another piece of the puzzle that worked perfectly. I knew I wanted to start in mid-April. Finally, I got a date that would work and gave my employer 6 weeks notice. I was able to move out of my dream place with the best roommate ever and start preparing for this hike.
In some ways, I feel like the PCT never existed, but I am constantly reminded of the challenges I faced. The challenges definitely changed from Mile 1 to Mile 2000. A little idea of how little I knew… I didn’t download the layers in FarOut and it wasn’t until Day 5 when I asked where anything was after Mount Laguna and a trail angel couldn’t read my… map. I had literally been looking at a GPS arrow on a line with no topographic details. Once again, ignorance is bliss. I don’t know if I would have spent more than a week on the trail if I hadn’t stayed at Scout and Frodo’s and met ‘Road Salad’ on my first day on the trail.
Now I know how to read a map AND use FarOut, and my body can handle the mileage. So in my opinion, do I think I’m ready to walk Te Araroa?
I’m doing this hike to explore New Zealand as I’ve spent the last 10 months living in Christchurch – mountain biking, skiing and hiking. Also, sometimes going to class and completing assignments to become a teacher (thanks AI!!!).
Life is good here, it’s hard to miss family and friends on the other side of the world! This is my farewell tour to Aotearoa and I can’t wait to get started.
Another reason this walk made sense is that I can start walking when I turn 30!
3,000 kilometers for 30 years? LET’S GONNNNNN!
That’s my word vomit for now. If you have questions, I will be happy to answer you!!!
Be fun, be careful.
sigrid
PS: If you’ve made it this far, I’m looking for sponsors because I LOVE BEING OUTSIDE!!!
Instagram: @sigridmckay
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