Ya can’t go walking around hungry.
-Asher, my grandson
Today is the day.
Headin’ to Washington to hike the Pacific Crest Trail north starting at Cascade Locks, Oregon to Manning Park Canada.
- 508 miles
- Elevation gain 73,670 feet averaging about 3,000 feet every day
- 5 resupplies
- Lots of beautiful green landscape
This is a very special and unique trip for many reasons. Number 1, this will complete all the PCT miles I have been chopping away at over the last few summers. Number 2, I will be sharing this journey with my daughter, Bryn. This is a huge deal in my life.
Our family has hiked, climbed, and backpacked together since Bryn was in first grade, but since leaving for college we really haven’t backpacked together.
What mother gets the opportunity to spend an entire month with their daughter hiking through beautiful country? Pretty cool.
Food:
Both Bryn and I are gluten free and love a lot of the same things so food was actually not as stressful this year. Anyone that has planned for a long hike knows how hard it is to know what you will like and how much your body will crave until you get out there.
This summer we are eating more bars, dehydrated salmon and tuna, vegetables, chocolate, and fun dinners with added condiments, spices with a base of rice or quinoa.
Gear:
Over the last 2 months we have communicated mostly online buying gear and planning food taking full advantage of many sales and discounts.
I have loved every minute.
My gear stayed essentially the same with the exception of some new longer wider shoes. I am hoping this will resolve some of my feet pain that I had on the Tahoe Rim and Lost Coast Trails. Miles will tell on that one. Click here to view my PCT gear list.
Bryn’s gear and clothing is mostly all new. I wanted her backpack as light and comfortable as possible. Weighting in last night, both our packs weighted 20 lbs each with 1 liter of water and 4 days of food. That is absolutely everything. We are prepared for heat, bugs, rain, and cold. I am good with that.
Sharing a few items really helped. Here are a few:
– Bryn is carrying the Jetboil stove/fuel, polycryo ground cloth, Trent charger for electronics
– I am carrying the Zpacks Duplex tent, first-aid kit, tripod, stick-pic, bear hanging kit
I am hoping to blog regularly along the trail and maybe nudge Bryn to contribute as well.
Thank you readers for your ongoing support, advice, and comments. It is so encouraging to hear from readers while on the trail during those days when there is pain, heat, cold, difficulty or when things are going amazingly well.
Hi!
I’m planning to make my own freezer bag meals from dry ingredients for our 500-mile section. I was wondering if you’ve ever had any trouble with them spoiling? Do you use gloves? Do you vacuum seal them or just put them in a baggie and into the resupply box? How far in advance from your start date do you make them?
We’re planning to hike from Etna to Cascade Locks. Any tips or favorite resupply points?
I saw you said you had Knee & Foot pain on your TRT hike. A few years ago my husband and I did the TRT in 7 days and my right knee, both feet killed me. I’ve hiked a ton prior and never had that problem. I talked to a PT friend of ours and he said tight hamstrings & quads cause the knee pain, tight outer hamstring can cause forefoot pain. Try stretching after you’ve set up camp. We do this now religiously, and have never had that pain again.
Have a great trip! Love the picts and trip reports!
Sara, Great advice and works. Sometimes hard to do at the end of a long day. Makes a huge difference.
I switched to the men’s Altras and didn’t blow out the backs like I did on the women’s. Hope you have better luck too.
I’m so excited for the memories you and Bryn will share. Very special!
Such a blessing to spend this time with your daughter. I like that you added your pack weight here. It tells me I need to go lighter. Happy trails and I’ll watch for your posts.
It is always a work in progress. But so fun and worthwhile.
So excited for you both. I look forward to getting to know Bryn on this trek with you!
What a dream! Hiking with your daughter and taking it all in. And the dream of the PCT becoming a reality. You’ve worked really hard and I know for me you’ve really inspired me. I pray God brings it all together in wonderful ways you could never imagine. Go!Rockin!Go! (and Bryn too)
Hike on Girls! One of the best blogs I read! Always learning something new. Does Bryn have a trail name? Will Silly Chili and Dan be able to meet up with yous’ns?
Ah I wish Silly Chili could have joined us! He now lives and works in Nashville. I hope to someday do another long hike with him.
Drink lots of water . . . it’s a scorcher there now. Love the quote of your grandchild!
Can’t wait to hear the stories, particularly with your daughter along. Have fun!
-GoalTech
Great post. Have a great time, look forward to the trip posts…