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Melissa Riordan

Hi All! I'm Melissa, 2022 NOBO PCT hiker. Born and raised at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, they've been the back drop of my life. My family spent our summers camping and hiking all over Northern California. Imagine spending 7 days tent camping with your parents and little brothers in Modoc & Lassen at 13 years old when all you really wanted to do was hang at the mall and movie theatre with your friends... Those experiences as an ambivalent teenager gave me the confidence as an adult to start hiking and backpacking on my own. In 2019 I hiked the JMT and thought my thru-hiking urge had been sated, but almost as soon as I'd finished I got the itch again. Follow my journey as I trudge toward Canada!

Posts

PCT Day 0 to Julian

PCT Day 0 to Julian

My first 6 days on the PCT It's just walking. And then some more walking. And then you walk some more. Day 0 I awoke around 4:30 am after having

May 3, 2022 : Melissa Riordan
All The Questions I Get Asked When I Tell People I’m Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail

All The Questions I Get Asked When I Tell People I’m Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail

Friends and family who are not familiar with thru-hiking often have a lot of questions. Most people are excited for me, but very curious. These are

Mar 19, 2022 : Melissa Riordan
My Why

My Why

Always Remember Your Why There's a phrase floating around out there Always remember your why. This is an important mantra applicable to many

Mar 17, 2022 : Melissa Riordan