
My name is Janine, aka J9. I am a San Diego-based yoga teacher, and in July 2022, I will be completing a journey that began last year: a SOBO thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. In July-Dec of ‘21, I walked over 2000 miles from Canada to Mexico. This year, I take on the NorCal section. I (clearly) enjoy long walks in the woods, 528hz music, podcasts, and all the small towns and people in them.
Posts
My Stubbornness may be my Downfall
I was so grateful to get in and out of Seiad Valley before the fires started. I found the climb, SOBO, in the heat nonetheless, a bit grueling, but
Something is wrong…
When I got on at Fish Lake (in S. OR), I felt great! Heading SOBO, towards NorCal. Yes, it was a repeat of some miles from last year, but good. I’d
The journey to PCT SOBO completion…
…and the journey wasn’t a straight line. Allow me to share what the past 7 months have been like. In Dec of 2021, I “completed” the bulk of my
Guess who’s back?
It’s me, Janine; Sofa Queen, if you’ve met me on the trail. I’m back! Apparently I couldn’t stay away. Last year, I set out to complete a SOBO
Did I Really Do That?
It’s been a week since I ended my SOBO PCT thru-hike. I made it to Mexico! I touched the terminus. I walked from Canada! It’s surreal. I
Winter in SoCal…
It’s here. The very end of my southbound thru-hike, less than 30 miles to go. The end has not been without its intense difficulties. I thought I
Idyllwild – A Love Story
Under 200 miles to go on my SOBO thru-hike, and let me tell you, my body knows it. My sacrum “went out” and my low-back muscles started to seize and
The Fear is Real…
I’m realizing I get scared easily on this thru-hike. Is it because I am alone? Is it because the trail is difficult? Is it the unknown that
My Ode to the Desert
Dearest SoCal: I knew you were beautiful, but had no idea the true extent of your beauty. I knew you’d be hard, but didn’t grasp the extent of
Hiking Alone: Welcome or Avoided?
The California section of my SOBO thru-hike has been interesting, to say the least. Early on in Washington and Oregon, I had the pleasure of