MC

Hi, there! I'm MC, and I go by Spice on the trail. I first attempted a NOBO thru of the PCT in April 2019, but the snow, a nagging knee injury, and my not-so frugal spending habits took me out after only 1,650 miles. I'm back in 2021 for a NOBO flip-flop starting in Tehachapi, up to Canada, and then back down to finish where I started in Campo in 2019. I hiked the Camino Frances in 2017 and spent most of 2020 living, saving, and teaching out of a U-Haul that my parter and I converted into a camper van. Outside of hiking, I write, trail run, and teach. I work in Spanish-English bilingual education and even teach a course about the PCT geared towards aspiring kids! See you out there!

Posts

Straight from Casa de Luna: Lessons Learned in the First 500 Miles of the Trail

Straight from Casa de Luna: Lessons Learned in the First 500 Miles of the Trail

My fifth day on the PCT was so infamously awful that my tramily and I still casually refer to it as “Day 5,” long after most other days have blended

May 15, 2019 : MC
Day 14: Baby’s First Snow Hike (aka, Oh. My. God)

Day 14: Baby’s First Snow Hike (aka, Oh. My. God)

The story of our 14th  day on trail actually starts the night before. Let‘s set the scene:It’s 7 p.m. The sun is setting softly, casting a

Apr 19, 2019 : MC
I Was Told the Desert Would be Dry (ft. Failed Cowboy Camping)

I Was Told the Desert Would be Dry (ft. Failed Cowboy Camping)

So, I was always under the impression that the desert was dry. I was ready to carry eight liters of water in the desert every single day, knew fully

Apr 8, 2019 : MC
Top Three Fears and the Flimsiest of Plans

Top Three Fears and the Flimsiest of Plans

Tomorrow’s the day, lads. My flight for San Diego leaves at 6 a.m.Side note: Why do I consistently choose the cheapest flight (cheapest meaning

Apr 3, 2019 : MC
It’s the Final Countdown, and I’ve Never Felt Less Prepared

It’s the Final Countdown, and I’ve Never Felt Less Prepared

instagram: @MCZonthePCTI’ve been putting off writing this "preparation" post. I’m still actively putting it off as I sit here on my parents'

Mar 30, 2019 : MC
To All the Friends and Family I’ve Scared Before

To All the Friends and Family I’ve Scared Before

My name is MC. I'm hiking NOBO (northbound) on the PCT. I'm 25 and from Chicago, IL, and I've got some explaining to do.1. What on earth is the

Mar 30, 2019 : MC