The PCT turns 40

Hello fellow backpacking enthusiasts, my name is Ashley. This year, I will be riding the PCT heading north starting in early May. Although I’ve been hiking my entire life, this will be my first long-distance hike (hence the lack of a name for the trail).

a little about me

I love spending time outdoors, learning new things and challenging myself. Over the years I have picked up a lot of outdoor hobbies including snowboarding, sailing, hiking, camping, paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, RVing, motorcycle camping, etc. I love dogs, a good book, a nap in a hammock and sitting around a campfire in good company.

For the past 15 years, I have worked in fairly demanding positions in the security industry, limiting my adventures to a few weeks’ vacation each year. However, I have been able to explore many beautiful places in the US and the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Chile, and Tanzania, to name a few.

Taking a tour of Milford Sound in New Zealand.

This year the stars have aligned and I have the time, health and resources to take on the challenge of a long-distance hike, something I’ve been daydreaming about for years.

Why do you ask?

I suppose anyone who reads Trek blogs shares the same love of nature and understands its attraction. When I first discovered the PCT many moons ago, I just wanted to do it for the adventure. As I get older (close to 40), there is an added desire to unplug and slow down life.

Some will read this and think of a midlife crisis. I am not in favor of using that term in this context. Partly because it has a negative connotation and partly because in the security industry, «crisis» takes on a specific meaning. Reevaluating how one spends their time does not fall into that bucket. I prefer middle-aged lighting, or something closer to it.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the constant distractions, and the never-ending challenges that pile up. I am looking forward to immersing myself in the healing powers of nature, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and being surrounded by the hiking community, which I know is full of genuine, kind-hearted people who share similar values. Simply put, I’m going to reset my nervous system.

My version of meditation.

Main concerns

Health, both planned and unforeseen issues. If there’s one thing that could shorten my trip, it’s knee problems. Specifically, the right one, who has had a total of 8 surgeries. I am convinced that doctors continue to replace parts with faulty non-OEM hardware. I have accepted my fate that I will always have some level of pain and discomfort in my knee, and I am now very good at recognizing what is typical pain versus what is damn, I tore my ACL again. So I’m not too worried.

As for unforeseen events, I’m at the age where you wake up with injuries for no apparent reason. Last week, for example, my jaw became misaligned while I was sleeping. Fortunately, a physical therapist was able to put it back in place and I can now eat again, which seems pretty important for PCT. This is just a look at the random injuries that seem to be cropping up with increasing frequency. Luckily, I recover quickly.

Temperature regulation is another concern. I get cold very easily. I’m from Houston, Texas, a city known for being too hot, some would even say uninhabitable, and I’m still cold all the time. I’m cold as I write this and it’s 70 degrees. To compensate for this weakness, I have upgraded my sleeping system and will sacrifice extra ounces to wear warm layers (more details in a later gear post).

Sleeping with all my layers on is common.

Lastly, nutrition. From my research, it can be difficult to find healthy foods on the road. I don’t eat a lot of junk food and my middle-aged body can’t survive on ramen and M&Ms. I’ll feel like poop. It’s not logistically feasible to mail all of my refills, but my current plan is to mail about 8 boxes and get creative with the rest to make sure my body gets the proper fuel it needs.

preparation work

I’m heading to San Diego in two weeks! I’ve been busy testing my gear and making last-minute adjustments, reading the blogs of those already on the trail (I hope all those snakes are gone before I get there), and making final preparations to put my life on pause for six months (which is a lot more work than I anticipated).

Next week I’ll be sharing my gear list with all you gear junkies out there before I head out to Campo!

Happy trails.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.