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PCT SOBO – My Triple Crown Hike
This summer will be a big one. I’m excited to say that I will be hiking the Pacific Crest Trail this year and with it will be completing my Triple Crown. There are so many emotions tied to this trail and this accomplishment for me. When I first started hiking, I had no intentions of hiking across the country multiple times, but here I am!
Going SOBO
Unlike the majority of PCT thru-hikers, I’m hiking the trail southbound this year. So far, I’ve done the CDT SOBO and the AT NOBO. When I first discovered thru-hiking, my dream was to hike the PCT NOBO, which is why I chose to start with the CDT when my schedule wouldn’t accommodate a NOBO PCT start date. Now that I have a bit more experience under my belt, I’ve changed my mind about that.
Enjoying Bellingham, WA, before setting off for the PCT
First of all, I’ve found that I love hiking in solitude and camping with smaller groups. There’s less competition for campsites and little more camaraderie since we’re a smaller group.
I also am not a huge fan of snow. Going SOBO will allow me to avoid the more difficult snow challenges that are often found in the Sierra. I won’t have to wake up at 3 or 4 am to hike when the snow is firmest; instead, I’ll just have to get over a few patches of snow in Washington and that’ll be it (hopefully).
From what I’ve seen, I’ll also experience each section during their best seasons. Washington in the summer is gorgeous; the wildflowers will be out and I won’t have to worry about impending snow storms. Oregon will still be hot, but I’ll be able to high-five all of the passing NOBOs. The Sierra will be a little chilly, but there will be fewer crowds and I’ll be able to see the fall colors.
Lastly, I’ll be able to have a smooth finish in the desert with strong trail legs. While the desert will probably be chilly at night by the time I get there, I won’t have to deal with as much elevation gain and loss as I would have to in WA. I find that by the end of a thru-hike, my body is so tired that dealing with huge mountains becomes a challenge. During last year’s AT finish, I had to fight through everyday until the last few days, when I felt I could finally relax. In contrast, I felt light and carefree for the last 2 weeks during my SOBO CDT hike. The miles were relatively easy, the weather was perfect, and I even slowed down to finish the last hundred or so miles with my friend. I loved that relaxed ending, so I’m hoping to recreate something similar for this go around.
A Huge Accomplishment
When I first started thru-hiking, I embarked on a journey of self-clarification. I was in search of a new direction and I needed time to think without the external input and pressure that society can impose. At the end of that first hike, I found that clarity. I also found a love for the outdoors that continues to pursue me to this day.
Packaging up my resupply
Completing the Triple Crown will be the end of one chapter, but the beginning of another. The fact that my Triple Crown hike is the PCT is very ironic. It was the hike that I wanted to do first, but I’m ecstatic that it will be my final one. I wanted to hike the PCT so badly that I did my shakedown trips along the trail in Yosemite, and even took a roadtrip to NorCal to take a picture with a PCT sign. I’ve been waiting for this moment for literal years, and it’s finally here!
The Final Chapter
When this hike ends, I won’t stop hiking. There are many more trails on my bucket list and so many beautiful wilderness areas to visit. However, my trips might look a little different in the future.
Still, my goal for this hike is to enjoy it to the fullest. I’m going to resist the temptation to stress about miles, and let the trail unfold as it will.
I hope you all will enjoy following along on this journey, and I can wait for it to begin!
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Comments 15
Excited to follow along your PCT journey!
Jen!! I am so happy to see that you’re starting the CDT! You are one of my favorite Trek bloggers and I look forward to following your journey. 🙂
OOPS! 😛 I meant to say PCT! You’re one of the rare breed who actually did the CDT as your first thru-hike!
Looking forward to reading about your latest quest! PCT meet the hiker with the orange skirt!
Princess👑! so looking forward to following your triple crown journey- epic! wishing you the best of everything: luck, weather, health & views and your latest thru. —minion
Yay!
I really enjoyed your AT blogs, and I’m excited to follow along on your PCT journey.
May you have strong legs, good weather and good trail magic.
It’s time to earn your Princess Crown. 😉
I’m so happy you’re back this summer and very excited for you to be able to do the PCT and finish your triple crown! I enjoyed following you last year and am looking forward to following you on the PCT, my favorite trail!
Hello Jen,
I followed most of your posts on your AT NOBO. I saw that you had finished the AT, and I wondered if that was it for you. Good luck on your SOBO PCT.
If I was a young man, I would defenitely take on some of these sectional challenges.
Jen – I followed your AT thru hike and I am looking forward to following your PCT hike. I love your Southbound approach.
Kathy
YAY you’re back in the game! Looking forward to your insightful posts and photos.
I loved your AT blog, so I’m excited to follow along on your next adventure! Thanks for continuing to include us!
Welcome back and good luck.
Cheers!
Glad to hear you’re going SOBO,.. can’t wait to follow along!
JEN!!! SO EXCITED TO FOLLOW ALONG! You were one of my favorite bloggers last year on the AT. So happy to catch up with you on the PCT!
O so glad to see you’re back! I really enjoyed reading your AT hike! I can tell this is going to be a great hike for you & perfect timing!! Have fun!!