Start-on-PCT-early-April-2026 – The Trek

Introduction:

Hello everyone. I’m excited to share my 2026 Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Northbound (NOBO) hiking adventures.

It is a true honor to have been selected by The Trek to be PCT Blogger 2026. I have never blogged before. I will do everything possible to earn this selection.

Background:

A little information about me; I’m Mark, but my hiking name is «Shades», why Shades?

Because they called me the Shadow guy.

Over the years, I have collected dozens of sunglasses from all over the world. Every color, style, shape and size imaginable.

My hiking experience is limited, it started during COVID in 2021.

During a routine health checkup and associated blood tests with my primary care doctor. I learned that he had some serious medical problems that needed immediate attention.

Medical problems:

He was 235 pounds overweight and spent more time inactive than active. Blood results showed A1C results of Hb-A1C 8.5, mg/dl 225, mmol/l 12.6. It’s not good by any standards and I needed to make changes. I have now added diabetes to my medical problems to include sleep apnea and thyroid disease.

Go outside:

He started slowly, first walking and trying to stay away from fast food lines while at work. Encouraged by the initial results of losing some weight and starting to feel better. I knew I needed to do more.

I enjoyed watching videos of people hiking long distance trails (Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail). I also followed The Trek bloggers and listened to Backpacker Radio.

It didn’t take me long to get hooked and follow various hikers and videos on YouTube. For me this was simply amazing, carrying everything you need on your back and following a path through nature. What a challenge and rewarding adventure at the same time.

I’m an introvert by nature, so the idea of ​​being around large crowds at the gym didn’t appeal to me at all.

I start collecting backpacking gear and doing short day hikes of 3-5 miles and then work my way up to an overnight hike.

First scary night walk – I learned a lot:

My first overnight hike was on the Appalachian Trail near where I live in Northern Virginia.

I remember it like it was yesterday, I was falling madly in love with hiking, literally.

On that first night walk I broke all the rules, I was not prepared. But I learned from that first night and I learn something new every time I’m on the road.

On that first night hike, I thought I had plenty of time to get to the shelter where I planned to sleep. I was walking toward the Whiskey Hollow shelter in northern Virginia.

It was getting later than I had planned and it was still 2 miles to the shelter. In the “Green Tunnel” it was getting dark quickly. The rain helped make things even more interesting. I knew there was a small scramble of rocks and water crossing ahead as the sky was now very dark.

When I took the lamp out of my backpack and tried to turn it on, the lamp was off (it must have been on inside my backpack). Lihat juga hsw3. The only light I had now was the light from my cell phone, which due to videos, photos and not having it put on airplane mode, its battery was now at 15%.

When I reached the water crossing and rock climb, I used the light from my cell phone to cross safely. I could barely see the trail using the light from my cell phone sparingly.

It was 8:45 pm when he finally arrived at the shelter, exhausted, hungry, alone and in urgent need of using the toilet.

When I came out of the toilet, it was still raining, I had my backpack on and decided to sleep in the vice of the shelter trying to set up my tent. I took about 2 steps down the toilet platform and my feet buckled under me.

Landing hard on my back. The weight of my backpack made it difficult for me to get back on my feet.

I arrived at the shelter and climbed to the upper platform. Completely alone, even with the rain, you could still hear the coyotes in the distance.

I stayed there most of the night thinking that daylight couldn’t come fast enough, laughing at myself for the mistakes I made and promising that I’ll do better next time.

I continued to learn with each new walk. What gear works best for me, what to eat on the trail, and how to take care of my mind, body, and soul.

Preparing for the PCT:

As I continue to train/prepare for my NOBO Pacific Crest Trail 2026 hike from Southern Terminus in early April 2026.

My decision is not to overthink or plan too much for this adventure. I won’t worry about the miles; Stay in the moment while you’re on the road.

My plan is to show up at CLEEF the night before (my adventure starts at 0100 EST when I leave my house and travel by bus, subway, plane, shuttle, tram, bus, and on foot to get to the “Eco Shop” and grab some supplies, then take a short walk to the campground, arriving around 7:00 PM PST). 3-4 days of food, 2 3/4 liters of water (as light as possible) depending on the FarOut app for navigation. I made/from water and food.

I will sleep under the stars, take the time to enjoy each new view, marvel at the Greatness of the Lord, and be grateful for the opportunities and blessings I receive.

Tell me why:

My friends and family ask me why? There must be a why? What do you hope to achieve, how will you survive? My short answer is «All things»

Then I will be a Walker, I will travel on foot with everything I need. Drink and eat what is available and look forward to All Things.

I am truly blessed to have the Lord in my life, a loving and supportive family, and the ability to take it one step at a time.

To all hikers on the trail; “May the sun be kind and the shade and water abundant.”

Shades

Youtube: @Shades1959

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