We're Just Two Flaky Life-Enjoying Weirdos

"What am I doing out here?"

"I am no where near qualified to be traversing this terrain in snow"

"What if a bear shows up right now".

These thoughts cascade my mind while traversing a steep snow slope in the afternoon. The snow is slushy and feels like it could slide at any moment.

I try my best to drown out those thoughts, understanding that the situation needs my full attention. I complete a reset breath and switch my thoughts to making sure each of my steps are secure, confident and deliberate.

This pattern of thoughts occured multiple times over the past few weeks as we have been confronted with snow time and time again on this trip.

To say this thru hike has been physically, emotionally and mentally challenging would just scratch the surface. Sitting in a cafe in Ashland, sipping on a matcha has allowed me time to reflect on what we've experienced (so far) in California (we will be heading back to complete the sierras eventually).

Northern California was a step up on the challenge scale compared to the Southern California desert. The landscape switched from grand views to a more intimate setting engulfed in forests. Forests and higher elevations unfortunately mean more snow and downed trees. I would estimate that about 10-15% of our travel from Chester to the Oregon border had some sort of snow, whether it be small patches or long fields. The hiking is slow going, slippery, tiring and beautiful. And sometimes the trail likes gifting you with dry trails but hundreds of downed trees to navigate.

Trail from Seaiad valley to Ashland

Picture a baby giraffe learning how to walk, that is about how graceful I feel and probably look on snow and climbing over trees.

Although the travel has been challenging, the trail has still been a magical and growing experience. How lucky are we to be engulfed in forests surrounded by hundreds of trees, immersed in beautiful views and everything in between?

Not only has the trail flooded my heart with gratitude, but the individuals who we have met and helped us along the ways makes it burst at the seams. It amazes me how many people are out there willing to help us stinky hikers out. Whether it be a ride into town from a caring stranger, a cooler of sodas left on the trail, or someone driving us an hour to their house, cooking us dinner and letting us sleep in the basement (thanks Brian!), it reminds me how much good is truly in this world. People go out of their way to help us out with nothing expected in return. It is definitely inspiring me to be a better person and wanting to do more good in the world. A small gesture can truly go a long way to make someone's day.

The challenges of the PCT are in no way done and more snow is coming in our near future, but we will do what we can while still making sure we are enjoying the journey and not forcing ourselves to be out here. Enjoyment, fun and yes, some notches out of our comfort zone are the most important parts of why we are out here.

Here are some pictures of the last few weeks (:

Thanks for following along on our hike! ❤️

-No Sweat