Becky Wandell

Hi, I’m Becky, a teacher, writer and curious explorer of the world. From the earliest age I was always happiest when I was camping, but it wasn’t until my 20’s, when I started backpacking in the Pacific Northwest, that I found my soul. For thirty years since then, I have dreamed of seeing the PCT from end to end. After a side jaunt into the Peace Corps serving in Ecuador and the past five years living, working and tramping around South America, I’ve gained my confidence, my ability to sleep anywhere and deal with anything that comes my way. I’m ready. But during my trek, I want to acknowledge the enormous privilege, resources and support I have to start at the US Mexican border and be willingly homeless for six months while I wander the desert and mountains of my country. In an attempt to acknowledge my fortune and do good in the world, I’d like to dedicate this journey to the migrants who struggle to cross the Mexican border every day. While I have a fancy backpack filled with resources, they depend upon the kindness of others. If you would like to help provide resources to their plight, consider donating to Border Angels, a non-profit organization helping care for migrants along the California/ Mexican border. My “tip” button will take you directly to their website. Thank you for your consideration! Now, 2024 is my year on the PCT. Won’t you join me on this grand adventure?

Posts

Food: Feeding the Hiker Hunger

Food: Feeding the Hiker Hunger

Hiking for me is an opportunity to get back to the basics of life. All I have to do is worry about three things a day: Where do I get water? What

Apr 30, 2024 : Becky Wandell
Water, the Search for Delicious Across the Desert

Water, the Search for Delicious Across the Desert

One of the reasons why I love backpacking is because walking from point A to B with all your essentials on your back simplifies life to its basic

Apr 25, 2024 : Becky Wandell
Perfectly Suited for the PCT

Perfectly Suited for the PCT

In the days before my launch out onto the PCT, I started to fret and worry. Will I be warm enough in the desert? Will my ultralight pack be able to

Apr 15, 2024 : Becky Wandell
My PCT Hike, a Journey of Awe and Gratefulness

My PCT Hike, a Journey of Awe and Gratefulness

Five months ago I had an idea. Wouldn't it be fun, I thought, to hike the PCT?! And after all the training, the prep and planning, April is

Apr 7, 2024 : Becky Wandell
PCT Prep- Things You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know!

PCT Prep- Things You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know!

My niece wrote me the other day and exclaimed at how much "fun" she knew I was having. "Am I having fun?," I wondered. Ofcourse, I am, but with

Mar 31, 2024 : Becky Wandell
Packing, Planning and Prepping- Three Weeks till the PCT!

Packing, Planning and Prepping- Three Weeks till the PCT!

March has arrived and my countdown to the PCT has turned from months to mere days. Truth be told, with each passing hour, my emotions rollercoaster

Mar 19, 2024 : Becky Wandell
Training for the PCT in the Ecuadorian Andes at 8-12,000 feet

Training for the PCT in the Ecuadorian Andes at 8-12,000 feet

After securing my thru-hiking permit for the PCT 2024 season, things really got real! I now fill my days with lots of equipment research, Facebook

Feb 15, 2024 : Becky Wandell
An Ecuadorian Ritual for a New Beginning- PCT 2024!

An Ecuadorian Ritual for a New Beginning- PCT 2024!

As the evening of December 31st was closing in, I grabbed my backpack and ran five laps around the house, wishing for smooth travels for each section

Jan 25, 2024 : Becky Wandell
Becky: Teacher, Writer, Explorer and Thru-Hiker PCT 2024!

Becky: Teacher, Writer, Explorer and Thru-Hiker PCT 2024!

Hi Friends! I’m Becky, a teacher, writer, and curious explorer of the world. This year, I'm finally going to attempt a thru-hike of the PCT.

Jan 12, 2024 : Becky Wandell