Emily and Parkes

We have never been very good at listening to society. They told us we were too young to get married, but we did it anyways. We were told to get good paying jobs, buy a house, have kids, and work hard to get that promotion. So we got an education, we got that job, we bought that house, and realized there is so much more to life, and so much more to the definition of "success". So we are quitting our jobs, selling our house, and leaving it all to hike the PCT together, as husband and wife. We got tired of being inspired by others, it's time to be our own inspiration.

Posts

Pacific Crest Trail NOGO

Pacific Crest Trail NOGO

A Harsh Reality Most mornings, I wake up with the sudden realization of our painful reality. Instead of waking up in my tent somewhere in the

Apr 20, 2020 : Emily and Parkes
Hiking for More Than Just Ourselves

Hiking for More Than Just Ourselves

Fragile "I'm not hopeful." Those were the words that rang through my head as I stood in the emergency room with some of my dearest friends from

Feb 25, 2020 : Emily and Parkes
My Why

My Why

Why? "2,600 miles?! Girl, are you crazy?!" my boss exclaims as he barges into my office. I broke the news to him the evening before through

Feb 16, 2020 : Emily and Parkes
The Journey Inward – Facing Oneself on the Pacific Crest Trail

The Journey Inward – Facing Oneself on the Pacific Crest Trail

Cowboy Logic One of the greatest mentors in my life is an old cowboy named Roger. He's played a huge role in my life since I was in seventh grade. I

Feb 10, 2020 : Emily and Parkes
How to Train for a Thru-Hike while Working that Cubicle Life

How to Train for a Thru-Hike while Working that Cubicle Life

You can't. Let’s be honest. There is no way you can physically train your body to endure the amount of strain you will put yourself through in a

Jan 8, 2020 : Emily and Parkes
Dirtbag Dictionary for Dummies

Dirtbag Dictionary for Dummies

Hiker Trash Talk As a thru-hiker newbie, I was unaware of trail “lingo” in the early planning stages as I am a Pacific Crest Trail hopeful. As I

Dec 6, 2019 : Emily and Parkes
All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Carbon Z’s

All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Carbon Z’s

Dear Santa... Santa Claus: And what do you want for Christmas? Me: I want official Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z lightweight 9 ounce, 100%

Nov 26, 2019 : Emily and Parkes
My Journey from Polo to YOLO

My Journey from Polo to YOLO

Change #1 It was senior year of high school, Lil Wayne was blaring through the speakers of my Chevy HHR as I drove to my private Christian school.

Nov 18, 2019 : Emily and Parkes
My Name Is Emily, and I Am a Closet Hiker Trash

My Name Is Emily, and I Am a Closet Hiker Trash

Coming Out I find myself envious of those who are able to post screenshots of their permit approvals on their social media accounts. As of now this

Nov 10, 2019 : Emily and Parkes
The Hike Has Already Begun; Road to the PCT

The Hike Has Already Begun; Road to the PCT

To the salesman at Walmart who lured me in to ask how much I currently pay for internet, I am simply a liar, insane, a cotton-headed ninny muggins?

Nov 7, 2019 : Emily and Parkes