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