Macy Gustavus

Hi Everyone! My name is Mini P, short for Mini Pony, because "I'm small but I'm strong." I'm hiking the PCT as a scientist researching trash and microplastics on trail with No Trace Trails and I couldn't be more excited to see what we discover! Backpacking wasn't my first love, but as an avid distance runner, I've quickly fallen in love with life on trail. Follow along to hear more about my journey!

Posts

Trail Tales #5 – Kennedy Meadows South, the New Terminus

Trail Tales #5 – Kennedy Meadows South, the New Terminus

Taking your first few steps on the PCT is full of emotions. Feelings range from nervous to excited and everything else in between all at once. As you

Nov 28, 2023 : Macy Gustavus
Trail Tales #4 – Mt. Whitney Surprise Bachelorette Party

Trail Tales #4 – Mt. Whitney Surprise Bachelorette Party

It isn't very often that you can write an entire essay about a single day of your life, but that is what made the climb up to Mt. Whitney so special.

Nov 17, 2023 : Macy Gustavus
Trail Tales #3 – Our ride through the Sierra Nevada

Trail Tales #3 – Our ride through the Sierra Nevada

Tis' the season for hitches from Burning Man attendees returning home and for sharing the trail with JMTers -- we made it to the Sierra Nevada! After

Oct 28, 2023 : Macy Gustavus
Trail Tales #2 – NorCal, The Remix

Trail Tales #2 – NorCal, The Remix

Given its famed reputation, it felt crazy to split the Northern California (NorCal) section of the PCT into two parts - one to be completed in the

Sep 4, 2023 : Macy Gustavus
Trail Tales #1 – Washington, a Wonderland

Trail Tales #1 – Washington, a Wonderland

Washington immediately felt different from Oregon. No sooner than crossing the Bridge of the Gods did we begin an uphill climb that felt

Aug 24, 2023 : Macy Gustavus
How messaging a stranger on the internet got me to Kennedy Meadows

How messaging a stranger on the internet got me to Kennedy Meadows

On April 23, 2022 at 10:22am, I sent a message to a stranger on Twitter that would ultimately end up changing my life. Most people would say

May 26, 2023 : Macy Gustavus