Pacific Crest Trail

[dreavis]

On April 7th my son Quentin and I started the Pacific Crest Trail at Campo, CA and completed the trail at Manning Park, BC on September 7th.  The 2669.5 miles took us 153 days over some of the most incredible terrain this country has to offer.

In response to a number of requests, we will be sharing some of our experiences on the trail at the Sunrise Church on October 20th at 7:00pm.   

[Nolena]

Congratulations!! 

[pinetrees]

Wow, Dreavis!  That is truly amazing!  I hope I will be able to be at your presentation on Oct 20!  When I worked at Jensen's, I was privileged to visit with a number of PCT hikers from all over the world.  One couple who went by Hansel & Gretel were especially interesting.  After they took a few days off the trail in Wrightwood, I followed them online for awhile on the site where hikers can keep in touch with other hikers as well as friends and family at home.  It was interesting and I loved learning of their adventures! I know for sure there is no way I could accomplish what you have accomplished by completing the entire journey.

[ChrisLynnet]

What an amazing accomplishment and incredible memory for you and your son!   

[Joe Schmoe]

17+ miles per day?  That can't be right.

[in my dreams]

Why not Joe? An unsupported hiker broke a record this summer:

Heather "Anish" Anderson of Bellingham completed the hike in 60 days, 17 hours and 12 minutes on Wednesday, Aug. 7 - averaging about 43 miles a day, the fastest ever for a female hiker.

Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/08/09/3138377/bellingham-woman-hikes-pacific.html#storylink=cpy

[ChrisLynnet]

Once you're in shape I think 20 miles a day is a decent average on the PCT, assuming you don't run into lots of snow south or north. Given our very dry year I doubt that they did at least on the south leg. PCT is also faster than the Appalachian trail; a hiking magazine said "A person who averaged 15-20 MPD on the AT will typically average 20-25 MPD on the PCT."

[dreavis]

We actually took 25 zero days during this 153 day trip.  In the beginning we had trouble getting 20 miles in but by the time we passed through here we were doing 23.  Going over the High Sierras from Kennedy Meadows to Reds Meadow we averaged 19.5.  In northern California we had our first 30 mile day and made that our new normal.  When we got into Washington there was a lot of vertical and  that slowed us down to 27.  It is doable but you have to work up to it.

[Joe Schmoe]

Why not Joe? An unsupported hiker broke a record this summer:

Heather "Anish" Anderson of Bellingham completed the hike in 60 days, 17 hours and 12 minutes on Wednesday, Aug. 7 - averaging about 43 miles a day, the fastest ever for a female hiker.

That's just plain crazy! 

...and so is 17 miles a day.

[in my dreams]

  I think you're right Joe--crazy!!!!