I have walked 700 miles from Mexico…Wow. It still feels surreal.

I will never forget the feeling of walking up towards the Kennedy Meadows General Store and everyone clapping for me as I walked in. It is such a special tradition and I am endlessly thankful that I got to experience it.

Despite all the challenges, logistics of travel, hot afternoon 5000-foot climbs, many miles, difficulties, injuries, tears, and tough days… everyone who was there has persevered to make it to this momentous mile marker.

Having only been on one prior backpacking trip, it has all been a giant learning lesson. As I awkwardly set up my tent the first night in a rainstorm, took hours to pack up in the morning, couldn’t quite figure out how my pack should fit, or tripping over my trekking poles… I am here to say that if you are similar to me in the experience category of backpacking… you will get the hang of it quick;)

No matter if you have made it 5, 500, or 2,655 miles on the PCT… be proud of yourself. It’s not easy, it’s not comfortable. It’s hard work and it’s challenging. If you are thru-hiking, you are accomplishing something that such a small percentage of people will ever get to do. What a blessing it has been to experience this hike so far.

Enough emotional rambling…

Here are some desert highlights as I move further on the trail to the Sierras, Northern California, Oregon, and then Washington!

1. The Southern Terminus

2. Mile 100

3. Eagle Rock

4. Julian

5. The sunrises and sunsets

6. Mayor Max and Idyllwild

7. The LA Aqueduct night hike

8. Trail magic

9. The snow

10. Kennedy Meadows

Here’s to more miles and adventures to come! Stoked that the desert is conquered and Sierras here I come!