June 6, 2026
Everything is locked in! I got my PCT long distance permit starting July 1st. I am flying into Reno/Tahoe a couple of days early to adjust to the altitude and staying with Buffer and Shawn. Buffer and I will start at Sonora Pass and head northbound. Shawn is going to be our resupply and transportation trail angel. Another hiking buddy of hers (and now mine as well), Sluggy, is going to meet us a couple of days in. He is from England and is going to be on trail for about 45 days, so he’s going to continue going nobo when we get off.
I am planning on getting off at Echo Summit, 75 miles in, or if I’m feeling good, maybe continuing all the way up to Donner Ski Ranch, redoing the section I did in 2024 sobo. I am in the middle of training and trying to find the balance between over-prepping and under-prepping. My left hip was acting up again on a training hike the other day, so I’m going to really focus these next 3 weeks on stretching and proper exercises to strengthen my hip flexors. I think it is more the hip flexor than the IT band.
Also, new gear! We are going to take bear cans the whole way, though I don’t think it’s actually required until the Desolation Wilderness past Echo Summit. Will just be easier logistically and safer for the bears if we have our canisters the whole time. I have my bear can that I used in 2024, but Bear Vault has come out with a new ADJUSTABLE canister that I’m going to try out. It shrinks down when you have extra space so it takes up less room in your pack, which is the hardest part of hiking with a bear can.
Very excited this is all coming together and happy I get to hike with friends, old and new. I will post a couple of more times leading up to the hike and then have a day by day recap when it is all done.
Also, quick reminder that today is D-Day. 82 years ago, our forefathers stormed the beaches and skies over Normandy to start the liberation of Europe and fight the fascist forces that had taken hold. We would do good to remember those brave men and the reason they were fighting when we look at our current world today.
Mexico to Canada 2023 (and beyond) 