We have officially walked across the United States through all of California, Oregon and Washington, a total of 2655.2 miles, to Canada. I feel so proud of Kyle and I, this goal was 2 years in the making.
The end of the trail was jam packed with craggy Cascade views! Near Rainy Pass, the scenery is spectacular, and many mountains are crowned with rocky spires of Golden Horn granodiorite. North of Harts Pass, the PCT offers a variety of scenery and terrain: High meadows, wooded slopes and valleys, and rugged, precipitous ridges make up the bulk of this section. This last section was topped off with Larches, this deciduous pine tree’s needles turn yellow in autumn which nicely complements the reds and oranges from the surrounding shrubbery.
It’s hard to put into words the emotions we felt when we turned off a switch back and saw a clear cut in the woods, and we were at the base the northern terminus monument. The weather had grown cold in this section. We had a light dusting of snow and temps in the 20’s on the morning of our last day on trail. Given the signs of the changing seasons and the end of summer, it felt appropriate for our hike to be coming to an end as well.
We’ve taken a few days to reflect, and likely will need more time to process what we have accomplished, but there are some of our thoughts so far.
What perhaps was the most amazing part of this trail was the unrelenting support from those around us. The trail is the great equalizer. Your personal identity, career, upbringing, political party, all these things fall to the way side and you are simply a thru-hiker. One of many, set out on this pilgrimage. Trail angels, too, accept all those who need help, often asking for nothing in return for their time and kindness. The selflessness of these acts are inspiring to see. I hope to carry forth this supportive, and inclusive community into the world after trail.
What has the trail taught us? The biggest thing we have gained is self-confidence. There were numerous time on the PCT where we gave the trail every ounce of energy we had to haul our packs up a pass, or cross an icy raging river. Shoulders aching, gasping air into my lungs, at times I felt that surely I couldn’t keep going. But somehow I did, the trail would level out, we would reach the opposite bank. Facing and meeting these challenges daily for 6-months has made us realize we are strong and capable of anything we put our minds to. I personally am also appreciative of my body and its ability to take me on this journey through life. The trail was also an excellent practice in flexibility, as often our plan was changed by unforeseen obstacles - be it a high water crossings, downed bridges, rerouting due to fire or trail closures. The trail had made us more adaptable and resilient.
There are many things I’ll miss about thru-hiking, the first is that I will no longer get to spend all day, everyday with Kyle. I’ll also miss hanging out and meeting fellow hikers from the States and around the world. I’ll miss not knowing what the day will bring. It’s so adventurous to wake in the morning and not know where you will end up that evening, to see new sprawling landscapes around each turn, and be in constant awe of your surroundings. I will miss being outdoors all day, and being connected to nature. Perhaps most of all, I’ll also simplicity of how we lived.
Thank you to those of whom who have supported us through this hike. Special thanks our parents; especially Keith and Deb, who were an amazing resupply crew! Thank you for all the emails and letters of support, including letters from Mrs. Buraczynski’s and Mrs. Reabe’s classrooms. Thank you to the trail angels for their random acts of kindness. Thank you to all my fellow through hikers for your encouragement and company! Thank you also to those who followed along with this journey or made a donation to Bigger Than The Trail.
We could not have done this without all of you!
Next stop, De Pere Wisconsin!
