"We met Pantry a few days outside Ashland. He is a great guy to hike around. Always positive and always up for an adventure. He was usually by himself, but quickly made friends with whoever he was around. His positivity is contagious as is his laughter. He's quick with a joke too. One time he asked me what time Mantis and I were planning on hiking out of camp and then quickly followed it up by saying, "Nevermind, why should I bother asking because I know it'll be later than you tell me." He was not wrong in the slightest. His friendliness and conversations were always welcome. We were lucky enough to see him again at Sonora Pass where he was hiking north and we were hiking south. He was planning on hiking out that day, but we saw him in Pinecrest later that day. He heard there was going to be a party and he knew too many of the other fellow hikers that were going to be there so he turned around and came back to celebrate with everyone! He is usually the guy who was up for an experience rather than the guy to take the hike too seriously, but yet he always still got the miles done!" - Journey Man
What's your name / trail name or both?
Nico aka "Pantry"
Where are you from?
Belgium
Why did you decide to do the PCT?
I love being on trail. Did other long trips mostly on bicycle, never this long with hiking.
What has been the most challenging thing you've encountered on trail so far?
There are 2 things. The mosquitos in Southern Oregon. And meeting so many interesting people and always have to say goodbye to them, seeing so many beautiful places to camp and not having the time to camp there.
What is something you've learned so far on your hike?
That determination and knowing what you want and focusing on it are much more important than physical fitness and abilities.
