PCT 2023: Reflections and Lessons
People always ask about what “real life” or “normal life” will look like when I’m done with the trail. Doing what I love, and thus thru hiking, IS “real life.”...
Thru-Hiker Mantis
PCT 2023: Reflections and Lessons
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Trail Angel Stories: Kathy & Peter
The conversations came so easily. It was hard to believe we had really just met! I find it had to believe how kind strangers can be and how quickly they...
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Trail Angel Stories: Carbs
At last, Journey Man and I bade Carbs and the hikers farewell. They probably chuckled as we stumbled back to trail, having indulged a little too much in the wine....
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Trail Update: Mosquito Hell
You can hear them sometimes before you see them. The incessant buzz rings in my ears even as I try to fall asleep. We’ve entered Oregon, where every other comment...
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Crossing into Oregon!
Our trail friends packed up camp quickly and started hiking before Journey Man and I had even eaten breakfast. This was normal; Journey Man and I are usually last to...
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Trail Angel Stories: Family Reunion
Today, these kind folks welcomed us into their family lunch and provided trail magic that made our day! Sometimes trail angels plan events for hikers, and sometimes they happen into...
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Trail Angel Stories: Mr. Kitchen
He offered to cook us breakfast, pulling out his flattop grill before we could even say yes. He sautéed onions to add to a delicious grilled cheese and the three...
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Trail Angel Stories: Mark
The man walked off into the forest before I could catch his name or snag a picture, but I have a feeling he wouldn’t have been comfortable with the notoriety!...
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Trail Angel Stories: Doug
On the thirteen mile drive, we learned that Doug’s grandson is also attempting a thru hike this summer. “I liked to help hikers out here and there in years prior,”...
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Trail Angel Stories: Charlene
In a town called Burney, the Word of Life Church offers hikers a free place to stay. They provide laundry machines, a full kitchen for hikers to cook fresh food,...
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What's In Your Pack? Gear Choices with Mantis
Zenbivy: What item(s) in your pack would you describe as "luxury items"? What is the strangest thing in your pack? What is the least favorite piece of gear you are carrying and why?
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Trail Update: Northern California
I breathe deeply in the forest. A breeze finds me on the forest floor and reminds me to fill my lungs. The landscape feels softer, more welcoming to me. There’s...
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Trail Update: The Red Dirt Path
Surrounded by pines and green undergrowth, it felt like we were hiking on a whole new trail! It was refreshing not to have my foot slip with every step. My...
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Buses, Airports, and a Tough Decision About the Sierras
Journey Man and I had a decision to make, because we had flights to go back home to the east coast on June 7th for some family events. For the rest...
