A Trial of the Pacific Crest: The Trek

I returned to Southern Terminus in March 2026 and discovered a courthouse where there was once a chapel. Last year’s quest for fantasy has been replaced by a longing for wisdom, and as I commit, for better or worse, to the miles ahead, I do so with the understanding that it will take some work to stay the course after the honeymoon period ends.

The snakes come out as if they were paid to do it.

So, as I was saying, the PCT in 2026 will be held in a courtroom where the judge and jury have fangs and bells, and my lawyer is still deciding whether or not I am fit to stand trial. California is experiencing a heat wave that has sent many hikers home by helicopter. The snakes come out like they’re paid to do it, and I’ve pissed off so many of them that I think we’re friends now. Yesterday was a super fun game of: “which one do you hate the least?” Where I could choose between a.) death by snake bite, b.) death by fall with serious consequences, or c.) twisted poison oak. Surprisingly, I chose option C and ended up with a very attractive, swollen rash on my legs for a day and a half. I would give that choice a 10/10 on the “still alive” scale and a 1/10 on the “still having fun” scale.

New Year, NoBo

Compared to last year, I have stronger legs, I’m in better shape, I have lighter equipment and an earlier departure date. I had a better plan for this hike than in 2025, but it still wasn’t bulletproof. I planned for cold and rain, and showed up with historic heat. I planned to stay alone and “heal” a little on this hike, and instead I found myself drawn into circles of people I now can’t imagine going without knowing. I planned to walk 20+ miles every day from day one, mileage I’m physically capable of accomplishing this year, but I’ve been so immersed in the experience of everything I’ve seen and everyone I’ve met that I’ve completely gone with the flow. There’s a lot of irony in all of this for me, as I’m extremely «type A» in my normal life, and it turns out that «healing» has taken on a whole new meaning for me here.

In my next few posts, I’ll delve into the people I’ve met and how those interactions have shaped my experience along the way so far. One thing is certain: the Universe has spoken loud and clear, and this is where I belong. The jury is still out on whether or not I’ve made the best decisions since getting here, but this fact remains: I’m staying. For better or worse.

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