Answers to the Questions Everyone Asks

What?

I will be attempting a thru-hike of the PCT, from Campo to Manning Park, starting in late March.

Who?

Hi everyone! I am Lucia Kalkman, currently a 20-year-old student living in Eindhoven in the Netherlands. I just finished my bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and will continue with my Master’s when I return. I will be hiking the trail together with my mom.

Why?

This is the question everyone asks when I tell them about my plan. The answer to this question starts a couple of years ago when reading a book for teenagers about a girl hiking the AT. I had never heard of long-distance trails and started to google them. I soon made up my mind that I wanted to hike such a trail, and the AT seemed nice. After some time, I told my parents about it, and surprisingly, my mom told me she would maybe like to join me. She did some googling as well and told me she would prefer the PCT over the AT.

However, I was still 16 and thought it would be a good idea to start with my study first. After that, a knee injury and Covid were in the way of hiking the PCT. This year it will finally happen! A few years back the main reason was just that it seemed like something fun to do, and I already knew I didn’t want my life to consist completely of studying and working and wanted to plan some cool thin as well. Right now, another reason is that I am looking forward to taking a break from my hectic life and slowing down for a minute (or actually half a year).

Me with my parents.

 

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Comments 2

  • Tracey : Feb 21st

    Wishing you and your mom the best on the trail. Maybe I will see you when you come through. I sometimes provide Trail Magic on the Hat Creek Rim. Hope you have a safe and enjoyable journey.

    Reply
  • Ernie Dunn : Feb 24th

    Hi Lucia,
    Congratulations to you and your mom for choosing the PCT for your hike. You will see some awesome scenery on your journey. My wife and I live in Oregon and the PCT
    crosses 2 roads not too far from where we live.
    Looking forward to following you on the trail.
    The best of luck to both of you. Enjoy and be safe!

    Reply

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