From the familiarity of Appalachia to the strangeness of the Pacific Crest

The name is Huddle.

I hiked the Appalachian Trail in the 24th and instantly fell in love with it. Since then, I’ve spent my free time working on trails, meeting new hikers, and more. I enjoyed my experience and now enjoy helping others experience it.

He Chop

Of course, that was not enough to satisfy that chop.

Meeting hikers in the south, all talking about their thruhike, their excitement about hitting the trail (or getting off it for a zero day and ice cream), excitement about gear lists and being in a new environment, it all continued. itching that part of my soul.

That part of me that wanted to get back out and experience a hike again. But now that the OT is over, what’s next? My first thought was, of course, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). I had many debates about when to go and when is the best time. But I figure if I don’t leave sooner, when will I be able to go? I am now committed to it and look forward to the chop to go hiking again.

Will the PCT be the same experience as the AT?

Of course, the PCT will be a different experience. Last time it was an easy start. I grew up in the South and had a lot of experience on the Appalachian Trail, before hiking it completely. To the edge of the Smokys, my dad and I had hiked most of it. So, committing to start the AT was not very complex. Of course, that didn’t save me from rainy days or miserable climbs, but it was nice to have knowledge and support groups at the beginning of the trail. But for the PCT? I had barely seen the desert in my life and had barely traveled west, other than short trips along the coast. I don’t know anyone who lives out there either.

Am I nervous?

Of course.

It’s me? ready?

I think so, I just have to finish my work, prepare all my paperwork and finish gathering some new pieces of equipment for myself. I plan to bring my experience from my last trip to California to launch a new adventure. One can never be fully prepared for a new path, but I like to think that my post-AT experience has me prepared.

a little about me

While I had been backpacking for most of my life (my parents made me hike mountains before I learned to spell «mountain»), I only really became adept at it on the Appalachian Trail. Since then, I’ve learned the usefulness of ultralights, the importance of a good picnic, and the value of counting calories at the grocery store.

After returning from the trail, I volunteered with the Georgia AT Club to work on the trails, which included helping hikers, managing trails, and installing water diversions. Lots and lots of water diversions. While I haven’t been in the club for very long, I have learned a thing or two about how a proper trail is built and maintained. It has been a fascinating job and I have learned a lot through trips to the club (fun fact is that I am now crosscut certified).

Outside of the tour, I enjoy going to church, playing DND with friends, and thinking about the tour.

I hope to take all of these skills with me on the trail and look forward to meeting you all on the trail.

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