The big decision: why we will leave Denmark for the PCT in 2026

Have you ever felt a deep connection to something, even before you tried it? That’s what we think about the PCT. In some ways, this path already has a special value for us, even though we have not yet set it up. And here’s why.

Oh, but first, nice to meet you: we’re Ditte and Benjamin! A Danish couple with an insatiable desire for travel, life and the outdoors. Very soon, we will embark on the biggest adventure of our lives, Chasing Endless Horizons, which includes hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. As part of The Trek Blogger 2026 team, we’ve had the honor of sharing with you our raw, real, and incredible moments before, during, and after the PCT. We sincerely hope you want to join us on this journey!

Our first encounter with the PCT was a normal afternoon in October 2022. Sitting on the couch in jogging clothes, very comfortable and with a glass of boxed wine. We stumbled upon a PCT documentary on YouTube and within minutes of watching it, we were hooked. It wasn’t just the landscapes or the challenges that attracted us; It was the core values ​​of the trail that we recognized as our own. From that night we knew that one day we had to embark on this adventure. Now it’s finally happening as we will be part of the Pacific Crest Trail Class of 2026.

The moment also became the turning point that silently, almost without realizing it, unleashed what would lead us to risk everything and bet on our dream of living abroad and exploring the world. All while telling stories through our vulnerable, creative and personal Chasing Endless Horizons project. On December 31, 2025, specifically, we will uproot our Danish roots and begin an adventure with no end date.

Leaving everything behind and starting our new way of life is about more than promoting the PCT: it’s about choosing curiosity over safety. We are moving away from routine and toward a simpler, more intentional life, defined by presence, connection, and the courage to face the unknown.

But we can already feel how the PCT is helping us reduce life to what really matters. We want to see what happens when comfort disappears and all that’s left is what we wear, who we are, and how we move together.

There’s no BIG why: just the perfect combination

Undertaking a breakthrough attempt like the PCT comes with many motivations and possible outcomes. As is often the case, it is a completely individual experience. People may have clear subjective reasons for trying, or no particular reason at all. We’re probably somewhere in between.

“Hiking is not one thing, hiking is many things.”

We are drawn to nature: the vast deserts, rugged mountains, deep forests, and rushing rivers that the PCT runs through. We excite the personal challenge, the scary moments, the blisters, the discomfort, and the days when we will learn more about ourselves than we expected or thought possible. And, above all, we are energized by the people, the hiking companions who could become lifelong friends, the spontaneous conversations, the laughter, the angels of the trail, and the kindness of strangers who give without expecting anything in return.

Ditte at sunrise just before reaching the top of Mount Toubkal in Morocco 2024

Separate yourself from everyday life outdoors

It’s no surprise that the beauty along the trail is absolutely captivating. From harsh deserts to lush forests and untamed wilderness, from towering mountains to sparkling rivers, experiencing it all feels like a dream come true.

Through our many hiking adventures, both alone and together, we have both discovered that we feel most authentic when we are outdoors. We felt at home there. It may sound strange to some, but immersing ourselves in nature and its tranquility creates a feeling of belonging to something bigger than ourselves. There is something humbling and powerful about feeling small in the vastness of the world. A reminder that life is not just about us or you, but about everything we are a part of.

It is often along the way that we gain greater clarity, creativity, and meaningful insights; It’s probably no coincidence. We believe that being able to spend almost half a year embracing a simple life on the trail will provide a unique opportunity to slow down, reflect and connect, both with ourselves and our surroundings.

Benjamin rests while hiking in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco 2024

Grow and find meaning through challenge

Traveling 4,650 km (2,650 miles) will certainly be a challenge. It would be naive to think otherwise. Rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, snow, burned sections, wildfires, and relentless mosquitoes are all part of the journey. There will also be exhaustion, pain, hunger, tears, and extremely difficult days to get through, but that’s exactly the point.

We hope this path takes us far beyond our comfort zone and tests us in ways we have never experienced. Like many hikers, we are drawn to the challenge: discovering our limits and finding satisfaction in pushing them. If so, the reward we expect is not external; It is the quiet sense of accomplishment that comes from realizing what we are truly capable of doing, both individually and together.

For many, moving forward on the PCT will inevitably be a path toward some form of self-discovery. A space to learn more about personal strengths and values. Engage in continued growth and development. We may notice small changes along the way or realize what’s different by looking back. Without seeking it, hiking often brings perspective and direction to life, helping us understand what really matters and guiding us toward a more meaningful life.

Ditte will test its PCT equipment in Switzerland in 2025

The people and spirit of the PCT

Perhaps our greatest motivation to undertake this enormous (and sometimes overwhelming) project: the people. We have spent countless hours watching other people’s PCT documentaries and videos. As I’m sure many of you have done too. While doing so, we often find ourselves saying, «We hope to meet people like them when it’s our turn.»

We can’t help but feel excited when we talk about the wonderful, like-minded people we will meet. Fellow hikers, we will live this trip with us. The stories we will share, inside jokes, bathing in cold lakes, moments of swearing in the desert or laughing at how bad we all smell. We also imagine ourselves sitting together in silence watching the sunset, in awe of the stunning views, or ecstatically celebrating a big greasy burger in the city. The thought of earning our first trail names and hopefully forming lifelong friendships with our trail family feels great too.

Likewise, we’re looking forward to meeting some amazing Trail Angels – some of the heroes of the PCT. Ordinary people, of all ages and genders, who go out of their way to help strangers. They help hikers with everything from snacks, barbecue, cold drinks, water, attractions or even a place to stay. And much more. An important detail is that they normally expect almost nothing in return. Each and every one of them manifests fundamental values ​​of kindness, generosity and love, with only one condition: that you will transmit the same to those around you.

Ditte enjoying the view and lunch at the top of Teide in Tenerife 2023

Our “why” in a nutshell

It’s one of the most beautiful things about this trail community in general. We see it as a community where everyone supports each other, treating people and nature with kindness, humility and respect. A place where material and selfish tendencies are left behind at the starting point and everyone surrenders to a simpler and happier way of life. Or at least, those are the people we will choose to surround ourselves with.

The answer, therefore, is that many aspects, and mainly the experiences along the way, before, during and after, are part of the reason why the PCT became the starting point for us to strive to pursue the life of our dreams.

Well, we guess all that’s left to say is that we hope to see you at Southern Terminus, somewhere on or around the trail, or anywhere else in the big wide world!

Happy hiking everyone!