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PCT to the CDT
A Starting Point
The Pacific Crest Trail was just the start of my thru-hiking journey – though little did I know that until the Continental Divide Trail started calling my name. It allowed me to step out of my quiet, introverted shell and really embrace social aspects of myself that I didn’t really know existed. Before the PCT, I was most definitely a person that kept to themselves and found joy in silence. Being alone with my thoughts was when I felt most at peace and able to make sense of the world. But very quickly on my thru-hike of the PCT I found that wasn’t really the case.
My Trail Friends at Kennedy Meadows Having a Nail Painting Party
I found myself drawn to the people. Everyone came from vastly different lives but we all bonded over the shared dream of thru-hiking the PCT. Making friends came easy unlike any other time in my life. Getting to know and share moments with all the hikers I came across was wonderful. I felt like I belonged in this sea of misfit hiker trash that slowly worked our way towards our common goal – Canada! The memories I made with these special people will always be cherished but the memories shared with one person in particularly stand out.
Love On The PCT
Around mile 517 at Hikertown, I met a lovely girl named Free Bird. We hiked from that point on together. Once we made it into Bishop though is when we both realized that we liked the other a little bit more than friends. We left Bishop, started sharing a tent and the rest is history. From that point on we hiked the rest of the trail together – over 2000 miles! We are still dating and she is probably the person I will miss the most on this new adventure of mine. I’ve thru-hiked more miles with her than without!
Free Bird and I at the Oregon/California Border on the PCT
Her free spirt and amazing laugh are really what drew me to her when we first met. She helped bring out those extroverted traits in me that I didn’t really know existed. In general, she elevated my thru-hiking experience a lot and I am very happy that we have been able to continue our life together post-PCT. If someone asked me what I would have taken out of hiking the PCT a relationship would probably have been the last thing I said. But the world has a way of knowing what you need more than you do and decided to push me in the direction of a fulfilling love. It has led me into one of the most happy stretches of my life and I am eager to continue our journey post-CDT and when she visits me on trail.
Solitude On The CDT
Yes, I know… I just spent the previous paragraphs describing how happy I am that the PCT helped me find a fulfilling and loving relationship. And here I am writing how I am looking forward to solitude on the Continental Divide Trail. Sounds hypocritical, no? But trust me – every person I meet I’m sure will have to deal with me mentioning how much I miss my partner. As I mentioned earlier, I used to love being alone with my thoughts. I found peace in the solitude.
Camped Alone at Thousand Island Lakes on the PCT
After experiencing what one would call, a very social trail in the PCT, I am very curious about the solitude one can find on the CDT. Yes, I am sure that I will meet people and I look forward to that. But I also look forward to maybe stretches where I don’t meet any other thru-hikers between two towns. In those moments I hope to continue my journey of self discovery that I started on the PCT. That is the major reason that I want to hike the CDT.
Solitude.
I also look forward to visiting my family that lives in Colorado. My mom and brother visited me in Bend, Oregon when I was hiking the PCT. This time, however, I’ll get to see them a few times when I pop into the Colorado towns along the CDT. I can’t begin to express how excited that also makes me.
So between family and solitude, those are the reasons I am going from thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail to the Continental Divide Trail!
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Comments 1
It’s nice to hear how you’re growing up as an adult & really happy that includes a nice lady that lets you & one that you can peacefully enjoy at your pace! I believe life is to be shared but can get complicated but it looks like you have grown past that with family & friends & special one! Really nice! This trail is going to be fun watching out for you! Have fun & thank you for the great pictures!