Smiley

Greetings! My name is Christopher Smiley. I am a twenty-year, retired veteran of the United States Air Force, MBA graduate from the University of Arizona, and survivor of stage IV head and neck cancer. I currently reside in beautiful Bend, Oregon, although I could be considered a nomad - having lived in a dozen states and multiple countries as both a military brat and service member. I spend my time cooking for family and friends, while daydreaming of my next big outdoor adventure. I will be living out my dream of hiking the PCT on the 8th of March, 2024. I have dreamt of hiking this trail since falling in love with backpacking as a young teen in Southern California. Some 30 plus years later... my time has come. I hope to see you on trail, or hear from you soon. One step at a time! - Smiley

Posts

Heading Into Oregon

Heading Into Oregon

Wow… welcome back! Rachael (aka Packrat) and I have finally found ourselves yet again marching north towards Canada, on the Pacific Crest Trail

Jul 23, 2024 : Smiley
Tackling the Sierras

Tackling the Sierras

Greetings friends. For those who have been following Rachael and I since the beginning of our adventure, welcome… I am glad to see you have

Jul 2, 2024 : Smiley
Detour: The Grand Canyon National Park

Detour: The Grand Canyon National Park

Hello friends! Welcome back. Packrat, Bird, and I miss you all. The three of us are pleased to report we are doing well and will be re-joining the

May 21, 2024 : Smiley
Days 60 – 63: Miles 652.5 – 703.4 (Kennedy Meadows South)

Days 60 – 63: Miles 652.5 – 703.4 (Kennedy Meadows South)

If you find yourself needing trail support anywhere near Walker Pass, fear not… you are well taken care of. Of all the towns we have passed through,

May 14, 2024 : Smiley
Days 54 – 57: Miles 603.3 – 652.5 (Walker Pass)

Days 54 – 57: Miles 603.3 – 652.5 (Walker Pass)

Welcome back! Thanks again for all the support. We are really appreciating all the positive feedback back and support we have received from our

May 6, 2024 : Smiley
Days 50 – 53: Miles 558.5 – 603.3

Days 50 – 53: Miles 558.5 – 603.3

Welcome back! If you haven’t had the chance to read my last blog titled, “Stay Gold in Tehachapi,” I would suggest you read that article as well. If

May 4, 2024 : Smiley
Stay Gold in Tehachapi

Stay Gold in Tehachapi

If trail angel (TA) homes were graded on the same scale as hotels, the home of Jason aka Stay Gold would easily be a 5-Star

Apr 28, 2024 : Smiley
Days 46 & 47: Miles 529.3 – 558.3 (Tehachapi)

Days 46 & 47: Miles 529.3 – 558.3 (Tehachapi)

It amazes me how quickly information travels on the PCT. Technology certainly helps, but it’s the desire hikers have to watch after one-another

Apr 27, 2024 : Smiley
Days 42 – 45: Miles 485.8 – 529.3 (L.A. Aqueduct)

Days 42 – 45: Miles 485.8 – 529.3 (L.A. Aqueduct)

You really need to be proactive in replacing your shoes well before they lose their cushion… a lesson I am learning the hard way.I noticed

Apr 25, 2024 : Smiley
Days 38 – 41: Miles 444.3 – 485.8 (Lake Hughes)

Days 38 – 41: Miles 444.3 – 485.8 (Lake Hughes)

I can’t tell you how happy we are to be going Northbound (NOBO) again. The San Gabriel Mountains were beautiful, but there was so much unnecessary

Apr 20, 2024 : Smiley