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Jan 4, 2017 : Mackenzie Findeisen Pacific Crest Trail

This Week’s Top Instagram Posts from the #PacificCrestTrail

Thru-hiking season is in full throttle on the #PCT! And there are some great photos floating around thanks to all the hikers out there! Unfortunately, if you are reading this right now, you probably aren’t out on the trail (thanks for reading if you are!). Good news, this is the next best thing!

If you’d like to be featured, we search Instagram for great photos with the hashtag #PacificCrestTrail, #PCT and #PacificCrestTrials (our personal favorite) and select a few standouts each week for your viewing pleasure.

Here’s some visual splendor chock full of the insta-greatness we have all been waiting for. The following photos were taken between 12/26/2016 and 1/03/2017.

Here's to 2016. The year that bought me immeasurable happiness. The year that taught me how simple life can be. The year where I sat in the dirt on the side of the Pacific Crest Trail and laughed until I cried. The same trail that taught me more in 4 months than 27 years. Here's to the people I met. Each hilarious, cheeky and beautiful person that shared their time with me. Those that hiked with me, those that became family and especially those who challenged me to be a better person. Finally here's to always stoking that little adventurous fire in my belly. To live life in the most genuine way I know how. To remember to look up when I am navel gazing. To never forget I'm so very lucky to be able to do the things that I do. Here's to 2017. May it be filled with magic too. ✨

A photo posted by A y e s h a "Heaps" (@wilderbound) on

5.29.16 Day 35, Mile 519.8 If there's one section that defines just how cruel the trail can be it is this one. A 15.1 mile waterless stretch through the Mojave heat all along the Los Angeles Aqueduct. The water can be heard flowing below but can't be accessed until the Cottonwood creek faucet. Even then the faucet isn't always on. . . . #pct #pct2016 #pctig #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrials #openmyworld #goplayoutside #greatnorthcollective #wildernessculture #letsgosomewhere #ourplanetdaily #wildlifeplanet #keepitwild #stayandwander #campvibes #lonelyplanet #passionpassport #themountainiscalling #theoutbound #mindthemountains #explorewildly #finditliveit #adventuremobile #optoutside #exploremore #antelopevalley #Mojave #thetrek #trekthepct #desert

A photo posted by Kevin "Gump" Elens (@mr_meursault) on

Mile 1008.9: Happy Birthday to my trail buddy, Doctor "Fresh", you incredible hiker trash and incredible human! Doctor "Fresh" and I started the trail on the same day, though we didn't meet until a few days later. What's dope, pushing some solid miles on our last couple of days, we finished this rad walk in the woods together as well! Pictured here, is the summit of Sonora Pass, another picturesque mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada range. Don't be fooled, we were completely wind blown descending this pass and some butt glissading definitely ensued. – – – – #healing #solitude #nature #selflove #pct #pct2016 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrials #thruhikesyndicate #thruhike #leavenotrace #hikeyourownhike #hikertrash #theTrek #theTrekPCT #mexicotocanada #safehaven #embracethebrutality #trailprovides #mindstimulant #wildernessmakesyoubetter #consciousness #aviewwitheverystep #awakethesoul #trailconnection #backpackingculture #introspection #engageinthepresent #keepsmiling #keepliving

A photo posted by Sherry Winslow (@sher_nanigaans) on

Halfmile's PCT maps came in the mail today. I studied a few of them before tossing them aside, overwhelmed by the volume of information they contained. We left the house shortly after; Steve has promised me for weeks we would go see the movie "Moana". As I watched the story of this young girl traveling across the ocean, finding herself on this journey, my heart couldn't help but feel connected to her. She helped me feel a little more courageous. "See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me. And no one knows, how far it goes. If the wind in my sail on the sea stays behind me, one day I'll know, if I go there's just no telling how far I'll go…" #pct2017 #pct #hiking #thruhike #moana #inspiration #courage #sheadventures #livingthedream

A photo posted by Montana Palmer (@bigskygirlpnw) on

Crossing the lava fields in Oregon. Like walking on Mars

A photo posted by Charlie Knight (@charlie_knight_1) on

A small, but wonderful post of visual splendor for you. It’s the dead of winter and I’m just surprised that there are some out on the trail. For those that are training for the #pct, don’t forget to use #pct2017 or #pcttraining2017 for a chance to be featured. And don’t forget your PCT Guide by Zach Davis and Carly Moree

As for me, I’m back from Australia. Driving (and even walking) on the right side again has actually proven difficult. But it’s time to come back reality and kill it in 2017.

Happy hiking!

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Mackenzie Findeisen
Jan 4th : Mackenzie Findeisen
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Mackenzie Findeisen's Bio

Hi, my name is Mackenzie, but most refer to me as Mack Daddy. Hawaii native, living in Boulder, Colorado (shocker). I am a student at the University of Colorado, Boulder pursuing a BS in Journalism and a BA in Communication. Meanwhile, I spend my time climbing rocks, riding down snowy hills, chasing waterfalls and snuggling with my cat. I fell in love with backpacking when I was 16 and hiked a small portion of the #AT. Since then, I've been busying myself with school and short backpacking trips around Colorado (still haven't found a favorite, suggestions?).

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