When I Get to the California Desert, Will There be Camels? PCT SOBO Hiker Loins of Arabia

Trail corespondent ready for duty: Hiker by day. Clark Kent by night.

Loins of Arabia here; in the default world I’m more commonly known as Danya. Born and raised in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, a part of the royal family I was not and I own no oil but the quarter tank of gas in my car (although that would have made for a more impressive introduction). I currently reside in Cincinnati, OH, but spend a lot of time on the go. My love affair with hiking started about five years ago, which quickly developed into a healthy obsession. In 2017 I embarked on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I started off a NOBO, turned flip-flop, turned SlowBO, since it took approximately 9.5 months for this hike. They said to make sure to stop and smell the roses; we not only smelled them but planted them from a seed then really took the time to watch them grow and bud.

We leave June 20, heading north from Hart’s Pass to tap the monument and will then head south on the PCT until we hit the Mexican border. This journey begins in a car with my mom, who is driving us from Cincinnati to Chicago, where we will get on a train that will casually drop us off in Washington two days later. Then an old friend is taking us from the train station to the trail. Aren’t weeee lucky? I’m sure you noticed I’ve used the word “we” a couple of times. I will be hiking with Trash Panda, the love of my life. When I say I went slow on the AT it might have a little to do with a budding trail romance. Now that our bud is a full-grown bush, we are ready to get our feet back on the trail and hike, because hikers hike.

After hiking the Appalachian Trail, my first thought was what the hell was I thinking. I am never doing this again. My second thought was, OK, when can I start the PCT. Luckily, I already had most of my gear from the AT so I didn’t have to start from scratch when buying things for this hike. Let’s be real, though, that was two years ago and I am a glorified gear hoarder. So yes, I still bought a bunch of things. I want to give a quick shout out to Gossamer Gear for sponsoring Trash Panda and me by outfitting us with new packs, trekking poles, and miscellaneous items for this hike. You can see what all I will be carrying by checking out my gear list. There is not too much to say about why I am hiking southbound so I will make it quick. Trash Panda was working on a fishery boat in Alaska and he wasn’t going to be back in time for us to hike northbound. I am a bubbly gal but I’m not really a bubble kind of gal. Going southbound will give me the seclusion I crave when I want it and *fingers crossed the best weather.

Want to follow along on my journey because, hell yeah?

Instagram  is where I’m at.

(More ways to follow me coming soon)

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Comments 7

  • Cat Gibson : May 24th

    This is so amazing! Danya I am not only proud to see how you’ve grown but am lucky to say I got to go to school with you, and I could even say I strive to be as brave as you some day. After you kick this trail’s a$$ we totally need to make plans to do a day hike and catch up. Go get it girl!

    Reply
  • Stacy Mckeel : May 24th

    So proud of you girl! Can’t wait to follow this journey ! ??❤️ Love you

    Reply
  • Mechelle aka #1 mom : May 25th

    My first instinct is to throw a fit and cry. I know I’m in for endless worry while you are out doing what hikers do…. but I have ‘checked’ my first instinct now and have it down just to tears of joy for you and your next adventure. I’m so happy that with your blogs I will get to be there with you! Know that you and Trash Panda are loved and while you are out there doing what you’re doing this #1 mom will move mountains for your success. (FYI: prettt sure that there won’t be camels in the ‘American’ desert like you were once use to seeing! Just sayin’!!

    Reply
  • Stephanie : May 25th

    So proud to not only call this lady my cousin but to call her one of my best friend! You are one of my people DAMYA! I love you ❤️

    Reply
    • Auroralee AKA Trash Panda's mom : May 25th

      You are an amazing and beautiful woman. I am so proud of you and my son. The both of you are an inspiration to other hikers. You both bring adventure and the splendor of God’s majestic creations into our lives… and to those who have never experience or seen such grandeur. Cherish every moment of your new adventure and treasure each new day. We love you, Loins of Arabia & Trash Panda, beyond the highest mountain peaks of endless echoes! Charlotte & aka Trash Panda’s Mom

      Reply
  • Tara : May 27th

    Danya!!! I am so proud of you and your passion for life!!!! I am honored that I am your Aunt!! Be safe and I look forward to living through your experiences on the trail!!! I love you girl!!

    Reply

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