Silverton to Durango Colorado Trail - That’s a wrap! What a finale, I left the beautiful historic mining town of Silverton after splashing out for a nice room at The Avon (previously a brothel😱) and only had to wait for the second car before getting a hitch to the trail. My good luck got better The San Juans were breathtakingly amazing, the trail grade was perfect, walking above treeline, traversing valleys, that is what I love and the miles just flew by. SoBo’s were harder to find, a bubble was starting to form for NoBo’s for their last chance to start before the first snowfalls. But as the finish loomed, I had to make a decision! Shall I finish on the 8th or 9th? It would have been so poignant for the 9th as it would have been exactly 5 years to the day that I had finished the CDT, the reason that I was here on the CT in the first place. With the epic snowpack of 2019 @_allemi and I had to bypass the San Juans completely for the lower elevation Creede alternate. Emotionally, I never felt that the CDT ever got finished, for me it was such an integral part of the adventure. This morning I met a NoBo who had just started his journey who had hardly any food suitable, so I gave him mine. So, In the end, hunger and the prospect of lots of warm food got the better of me and I pushed to finish on the 8th instead. Even at the very end, kindness followed me, with 10 miles to go I met a lady who was out trail running, she ran home for the car and picked me up to take me to my hotel. 3 dinners later, I think my belly is finally replete, and can say that my divide adventure has finally an end.

Lake City to Silverton . This section above all was what brought me back to the divide: the elusive and untraveled San Juans. Leaving Spring Creek Pass was just as breathtaking as I had hoped. I got incredibly close to a raptor, fox, marmot, pika and pine marten. September was upon us, hikers were hardly present, definitely not a time for those who need the comfort of others. Timings for arrival in Silverton were not ideal, so I embraced the daily reduced miles to take in natures glory before the afternoon weather took hold. The nights generally became clear enough to watch the stars thru my open tent doors despite the cold. The day into Silverton was unexpectedly busy with hikers all waiting for the historic train which took us on the short, but breathtaking ride into the equally historic town and the eagerly awaiting calories it can provide

These small mountain communities are places I feel a deep connection with, their generosity, independence and how as a small community they all come together. Fact is, they have to. They’re so isolated, another town may be an hours drive away. So as we’re walking to the Presbyterian Church for a free meal, disaster strikes a neighbouring home whilst they grille under their porch. With a permanent population of only 400, volunteers appear from nowhere. Everything is tinder dry, luckily the wind is slight, nobodies hurt and the flames don’t spread to other properties. Nether-the-less, a home is totally destroyed, it was so upsetting to witness.

Salida to Lake City . I left the heat of Salida with enthusiasm for the cooler mountains and what a blast it was, walking along the ridges above the tree line is what I love most. Had more trail magic with The Jolly Rodger in his converter bus, people along the trail are what make it. I then met a 69 year old on his first thru-hike, he’s an ex mountaineer overflowing with memories - amazing. It just proves you’re never too late. . Had a hard day managing dehydration as I was following the Cochetopa Creek, it was so hot, water was plenty, but was filled with beavers (Think Giardia!) so I had to forego water for most of the day. . Arrived in Lake City this morning after a 90 minute wait hitchhiking and then started the lengthy process of filling my face with calories, I’ve been calorie deficient every day on trail so far. I’m super excited for the next final stage of the trail - the San Juan Mountains. It was most fitting that I ate at the Packer Saloon & Cannibal Grill, named after Alfred Packer, only the 4th person in American history to be convicted (in Lake City) of cannibalism after he ate his other 5 partners whilst crossing the San Juan Mountains in 1874

Twin Lakes to Salida Leaving the general store at twin lakes with weather changing was decision time! Shall I head on the lower elevation East route or the higher western route? Coming back to Colorado was always going to a part 2 to complement what was taken away by not seeing much of the trail whilst doing the 2019 CDT, so I had to rejoin the divide and take the prettier western route. Leaving Cottonwood Pass and hiking along the ridges was outstanding! Just what I wanted, it re-energised me after the previous weeks hard labour, but I now had to navigate the Colorado afternoon thunderstorms for the next few days until I reached the clear blue skies, and heat in Salida, and even had time for a shave.

Breckenridge to Twin Lakes. Thought age was catching up upon me for this section…. the days were still filled with 10 to 11 hours of hiking, but the miles remained unusually low at around 23-25/day. I was still feeling light headed but I had initially been putting this down to altitude and heat. But after reflection, I simply wasn’t eating enough, the healthier options just wasn’t palatable any more. The first day out of Breck I had to load out with Hot Dogs

There’s not been many crossing paths so far on the CT, but just after a moose encounter, I came across Lucy. Her infectious optimism (and raspberry jellies) spurred me on when I needed it most. Would be great for anyone’s the follow and support her with her mind blowing adventure being the first woman to walk the whole length of South and North America @tanglesandtail

As the years go by, the legs are feeling it more😱 Just arrived in Breckinridge for resupply. Body is slowly starting to acclimate, combo of altitude, heat and a paucity of sleep have all taken its toll. Colorado has brought back so many lingering memories from 2019, Yesterday i was back hiking the “Divide” but better than that was reuniting with a dear friend who hosted me before the trail. There will be many more memories that will be rekindled along the trail, Collegiate West, in comin’ for ya.

Even after 5 years from starting the CDT, I can remember every one of the 217 photos flashing by. The Potpourri of people I met along the way will never be forgotten. Some I lost after the first mile, others still warmly envelop my being like a favourite coat. But time doesn’t stand still, so today I’m not just celebrating the past, but the future too. Hello Colorado ’24 . @fearlesssarah @djh3327 @mandyleigh33 @guhraja @_allemi @armstronghikes @danstenziano @jake.dewald @zelzin_aketzalli @akunahikes @thedosukinuta @kootlyn @samson.the.bear @williamhalfpap@matthewsluiter @lauraandgnome @billhevrin @elyshdyer @k_moore @vinnymullin @granitegrabber @bambooathiker14 @legz_adventures_sometimes_ @lexy.the.newb @im_earthcake @danielpdodge @savfitz @ajhiguera @hikingdiaries @grace.a.baker @brockb28 @ourwildwalkabout @rwallis2019 @e.clair.e @1.deror @bearman_hikes @eli.exists @legzhikestheat @legz_adventures_sometimes_ @rob.thwaites_bearbait @unfetteredfootsteps @theconcretehiker @cjboudin @goodmantyler @oskarenglund @sentient.bees @annievarnot @seankamp

Day 6 . In the face of adversity, aspirations and reality can align through delusion, summit fever can be dangerous. . The night before I’d checked the weather for the next several days, prolonged very poor weather was forecast just as I was approaching the most scenic and challenging aspect of the hike, Triglav National Park. This would necessitate several days at worst stuck in a mountain hut, at best, only been able to travel a few km with still a risk that a sudden unpredicted storm could develop whilst on near vertical faces. I did the GR20 in 2016 when a group of 6 people got washed away to their deaths in similar conditions. Time has always been a factor, it may not always be so, but this year again reinforced that hikes should have an aspect of personal challenge whilst also not being a suffer fest. That line can be fine, I wanted to push so that I could reach the Adriatic with the 3 weeks I had available, thus far, I was well on target, but at what cost? . I was progressing at such pace that I was virtually alone, pushing the limits to an acceptable degree, but for how long? How long could I throw the dice and remain safe. Mother Nature had already thrown hers , the temperatures and lightning storms weren’t normal, I was already dehydrated, possibly needing antibiotics, and above all, didn’t want the prospect of being isolated at a mountain hut with no chance of a bailout plan if medical conditions got worse. I just love walking from sunrise to sunset, and this year was not the one to do it. . So I awoke at 04:30 and walked 18km with 1150m of descent in 3½ hours to the nearest tiny hamlet of Podvolovljek and stuck my thumb out. A lovely German family eventually stopped, the journey by car to the nearest town of Kamnik along a tiny mountain road was a story of the power of nature. The road was a scene from a tree apocalypse, hundreds of trees and boulders had blocked the road. Continue in comments…

Day 5 . Previous days I’d been drinking at least 6 litres with plenty of electrolytes, I didn’t want a previous experience of hyponatremia, but I knew it was hovering over me like a bad smell, yet I still awoke with a raging thirst, a little nausea, loss of appetite and fatigue. The previous day I started to feel the fate of this lack of hydration in the early signs of a UTI too, I needed to watch out fast. . This trail doesn’t get much footfall, passing Robanova Planina I realised so far that I’d only had 3 encounters on trail doing the SMT, I know it’s tough, but beauty was all around. I was so anticipating one of the highlights of this trail, the Via Ferrata, I would be experiencing a taster of it during the long 800m ascent towards the next hut of Korošica which was only a few short miles away. Those miles from the waterfall to the summit were hard earned, the heat was unrelenting, but I knew that I had to reach the shelter and safety of the hut very quickly. I was totally exposed, alone and without backup, not a place where you should be rushing, you’ll be just spinning a dice with your safety in these crazy weather patterns. From the summit onwards it was so beautiful, an isolated shepherd tended his cows with clanking bells. When I was young, I watched Peter - the goat herder from the TV series Heidi, and recollected halcyon thoughts as I passed. Shortly afterwards i descried Korošica in the distance, Spidy sense said run, semi-blue skies were still above, but still I ran. . I arrived at the hut after 34km without 100% certainty that anyone was there as the previous hut had burned down in 2017, a weeks prior to departure I’d checked, and the hut was still closed. But I’d heard on trail that it had opened with basic infrastructure these past few weeks, but without internet, I couldn’t confirm, so just in case i always carry 24h of emergency food. Thankfully a warden was there sleeping in the seemingly deserted hut, I hadn’t stopped for 7½ hours, I was famished. Thankfully my phone was working too, so using Google Translate, I quickly ordered a late lunch, It was amazing. Continued in Comments… . #BasicIsTheNewMore

Day 4 . I departed last night’s hut with an even drier mouth! Previous days dehydration and 3 meager fried eggs with half a loaf of dry bread for brekkie didn’t help, not even butter or jam! He must still have been smarting from the “incroyable” drinking incident in an otherwise empty hut the night before. . The forests were alive at dawn with old ladies and wicker baskets from the villages collecting mushrooms and blueberries. One man’s food is another man’s flotsam, what a difference you see between cultures. . I called into another hut for some Planinska Chai (Mountain Tea) which is a lovely herbal tea, he made mine from 10 herbs collected from around his hut, amazing. My La Sportiva Ultra Raptors had to have some surgery today, they had started to rub on the Achilles, so I ripped part of the heel cup away. Hmmm, I’ll have to amend my Lighterpack weight list. Really liking my new Hiker kit for this trip, big shoutout for @volpi_outdoor_gear It’s amazing. It defo allows you to travel quick and light, a huge sense of freedom too. . I pushed at a blistering pace on the best trail paths so far onto Koča na Loki in the heart of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, and then Velika Raduha for some stunning vistas as the clouds rolled in to finish. Again I just managed to get to a hut (Koča v Raduho) with 31km done for the day before huge winds and a lighting storm enveloped. No shower tonight, and no electric. Cell phone signal was affected again, so no weather report, but the warden still managed to make an amazing cabbage goulash beneath the emergency lights. . #GoulashisGreat

Day 3 . Started early as I had been stealth camping, Today was going to be a scorcher, tree blow-downs were all around, the biggest storm in decades had blown through N. Slovenia the week before. With extreme temperatures still passing through Europe, these bi-daily thunderstorms are not just the normal quick afternoon mountain types, locals are saying that it’s what they normally see every few years. I collected wild bilberries and alpine strawberries for a pre-breakfast as I gruellingly bore the heat and HAD to have an ice cream breakfast passing through Slovenj Gradec, a very picturesque town. Many hills, many thousands of meters had to be climbed today, some just to collect a franking stamp to place in a passport you carry to prove where you’ve been on the trail. Every hut I passed was deserted bar for their wardens. As the heat built up, my phone stopped working, it was totally soggy by now, along with its owner. Attempts to dry it was without success, it was a worry as the phone is my only form of navigation and I had been alone all day. I couldn’t afford to waste a single minute as thunderstorms were coming, I pushed on. I arrived at Slemenu hut exhausted, dehydrated after about 30km, just in time before another huge lightning storm. The hut warden couldn’t understand, and thought I was incredible (in a Slovene/ French accent), that I didn’t want to get drunk with him!!! . Slovenians are very friendly!

Day 2 started early with some Trail Magic! It was super hot during a climb, but for international relations, I had to accept. I’d started from a mountain hut, bargain at only €36 for a meal, room and breakfast. Rolling woodland and hills followed for about 37km where I stopped for a pizza (€9) and decided to camp in my tent (free😊) . Slovenia is a really cheap place to live!!!

Another year, another trail. This time, it’s a bit different. Instead of another long Thru hike, it’s the Slovenian Mountain Trail, so I’ve got to learn to adjust to a different ethos, different goals and the simple fact that it’s NOT a US thru hike. The SMT is the oldest trail in Europe and although it’s not the longest at 617km it makes up for with ruggedness with much more elevation gain than most, with some decent Via Ferrata thrown in for good measure too. I’m in the far east of Slovenia after only starting yesterday travelling largely through woodland from the super hot lower elevations of the valley floor of Slovenias 2nd city of Maribor. Really impressed with the country so far, everyone’s nice, everything is clean and everyone’s gardens are immaculately manicured. Super excited for what the journey will show ahead, and of course, what better a finish line than - the Adriatic Sea

For those who want to share my 2022 PCT hike, then the wait is over👏 www.YouTube.com/@_javelin (Link in bio too)

Other than getting a piece of paper, you may ask what comprises the PCT and one unforgettable journey. 2579 miles of the PCT walked in: 98 days… 4 Hours and 55 minutes 3 States 25 National forest 51 Wilderness areas 12 Nights in motels 11 Nearos 1 Zero 13 Showers in total 13 Longest consecutive days without a shower 2 Resupply boxes 2 Bears 2 Got wet by rain 6 Pair of shoes 16 Lbs lost 1 Haircut Shit my pants, Zero👏 Zillion Mosquitos Countless memories Ice cream, not enough Pop Tarts, zero Hunny Buns, 1 Friendships I truly miss

Just when you’re wanting to get day drunk after a long thru hike, the fire alarm shrieks and reminds you you’re actually safer on a thru hike!!! 3 fire engines arrived and put out a fire in the next room to me, thankfully all is well and no one was hurt (but I’m determined to make up lost drinking time) Thank you Seattle fire dept. #SaferInTheWoods

Canadian Border m2653.6 After 98 days 4 hours 55 minutes the PCT is over. Had such a blast meeting loads of interesting people who all likewise believe that living in the woods is the ultimate fulfilling dream. Super tired and hurting after the hard push these past few weeks, the body has been punished, but the heart and soul is overflowing. #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

Mazama - Rainy Pass m2592.1 With only about 60 miles left, like all good things, this amazing journey is about to end. #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

Stevens Pass m2465.2 The clock is steadily moving on, and we’ve only 188 miles to go! Washington has been beautiful, with the increased mileage it’s getting harder, so super looking forward to tagging the border in a weeks time… and the feet up in Seattle😊 #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

Snoqualmie Pass 2394.1 A few days ago I had to check my own irritation at the hundreds of day hikers at Chinook Pass, eager to get to some trail magic I had to wait for them to pass as they ever so slowly traveled uphill. I quickly realised they’re only doing what they should be doing, and I was just being impatient. Surrounded within the microcosm of fellow thru hikers, you can often forget that this niche pursuit isn’t a “normal” one. Some have the benefit of time and take much longer, some like myself, only have a short time window. Although I’ll finish quickly within the 1% who are able to do it in less than 100 days, everyone on trail are doing what they can, living their best life on trail. Ego has no place here, only humility. You only have to look at the simple, yet delicate Monarch Butterfly, a scant 0.5 grams, and yet it can migrate the 3000 miles from Canada to Mexico with such grace and beauty. Appearances can be deceiving. Often times, that is what it feels like on a thru hike: a migration. Spending all this time in the woods and under the stars, surrounded by nature, life seems much simpler, more fulfilling. But yet, after thousands of miles you start to crave this less, going into town feels more relieving than a chore it once was. Like the Monarch Butterfly, we all carry on with our inexorable journey, driven by some innate urge, feels sense of community, some desire to challenge oneself and complete a long cherished dream. These last days before the border are going to get much harder as we’re trying to further challenge ourselves both physically and mentally by reducing our time by another day. Luck has been our friend since the start of our journey with only one trail closure to bypass from last year’s fires. Our luck has just gotta last for a short while longer, and then, another journey. Home. #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

No description is needed to explain how much a happy place this is

With the wildfires baying at our heals, half of Oregon is now closed behind us. I’m so relieved that at least we’ve missed this, but sad that this isn’t good news for the NoBo bubble behind us and the SoBos coming towards us. We’ve only another 423 miles remaining, so only a few short weeks of this beautiful trail left. The past few days have been ones to put behind you, extreme temperatures and horrendous mosquitoes have at times made you ask questions and examine what you’re getting out of this. But all this are good lessons in resilience and fortitude which are easily transferable into “normal” life. Any company should be lining up to employ thru hikers for these skills, but alas, what’s good on paper isn’t always good in reality. Thru hikers will probably always disappear in the summer, always be gazing towards the trees and blue skies, and, can never stop the habit of stealing toilet paper! #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

A fond farewell to Oregon, you’ve been amazing, the people so kind and friendly. Just today in Cascade Locks a lady by a stall gave us free ripe apricots as we walked into town, then a lady bought us our meal, the USPS staff spent over an hour helping me with locating a missing parcel from FedEx. Then after we crossed the river into Washington, a guy within seconds gave us a ride into the next town. All just out of kindness. Beautiful people. My people. The Mercury hit 42c (108F) today, with the sweat washing out dirty bodies clean, we’ve had to make an unplanned motel stop for the rest of the day. An early start tomorrow is needed to try to escape the heat and get some elevation into cooler conditions. Washington, the final state, the last 500 miles. So full of expectation at what’s to come, the 5 12” pieces of Douglas Fir which marks the northern terminus ending this long desired journey nearly within our grasp. #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

For all those who like the 1980 movie “The Shining” here’s a few pics from Timberline Lodge minus the shower scene.

Some claim Confucius, but in reality a Princeton Professor in 1982, said: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” I’d say, F#%k work altogether, I’d rather live this life I love and never have to work again. These last few weeks have personified what thru hiking is all about, miles are always hard earned, but the century milestones are flying away behind us. In the past week we’ve seen the 1800, 1900 and 2000 mile markers disappear with the 2100 hardly over the horizon. Eternal sunshine and bluebird days all the way, this is what I signed up for on the PCT. Logistical planning and re-planning as the trail dictates are always key and there has been plenty of that these past days. The rapid change of scenery has been breathtaking; meadows, forest, snow, volcanic: Oregon has had it all. But in 3 short days the Bridge of the Gods awaits… and then into Washington. A man who dares to waste one hour of time hasn’t discovered the value of life - Charles Darwin #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

For a few days Swami, P Diddy and I managed to reunite and hike together again from Ashland to Crater Lake. The days have been hot, water sparse, the mosquitoes thick and sleep lacking. The miles are flying past us and we’ll be heading to Bend OR in a few hours time with a very heavy pack. I’ve never had to carry 160 miles of food whilst also carrying a heavy water carry too. But that’s what you gotta do to be a thru hiker.

On a long thru-hike many things will inevitably change, both internally and externally. After the VERY long state of California is now eventually laid to rest behind us, we can allow ourselves to wallow in moments of reverie. The miles for sure are getting more everyday with the end date of finishing looming just over the horizon spurring us on whilst also trying to temper this haste with the knowledge that snow is still abundant in Oregon and Washington. Timing is crucial for success. Despite the early issues with blisters and also hyponatremia, the old body is still holding up. But much has still changed, the stomach craves food beyond words, the ribs could be mistaken for a xylophone, the legs for that of a pig wallowing in its sty, the beard for that of a hobo: that is until now. Yes, I managed the whole 67 days without a shave (and only 9 showers) This isn’t my first thru-hike, but Internally though, you still change. Change is good and should never be shied away from. You realise where the beauty lies in the world, who and what gives you happiness; and more importantly, who now doesn’t. #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

What can better encompass NorCal better than with Mount Shasta nestled in the background, camping amongst the millions of beautiful trees whilst also passing mile 1500. These last few sections have shown that California’s Crown Jewels aren’t just in the High Sierra’s. The trail has been much kinder to the feet and body allowing more time to move your gaze away from the floor and onto the surrounding landscape. As for that, it’s been so restorative after walking thru 100 miles of fire burnt forest. #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking #atompacks #teamzpacks

12 days without a wash 25 days without proper laundry 6 days in a burn zone All these makes staying clean on trail a real challenge, but within this blackened scorched landscape small pockets of idyllic oasis exists. The simple beauty of sitting by a beyond beautiful lake and eating lunch whilst watching deer forage fill your heart with a 1000 reasons why I’m still here. Didn’t get a photo as it was over far too quickly, but got within 15 feet of a bear before it bolted away from its slumber. Had a similar encounter with a deer and a skunk! Having a much deserved Independence Day resting in Burney as I’ve had far too many 30 mile days and the tank is getting a bit empty. #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

After 52 days and 1323.2 miles I’m just half way into my PCT odyssey. Every step I’m now taking isn’t from a border, but towards one. With a renewed emphasis I’ll have to increase the daily mileage to fulfil my goal of completing within 100 days, but if not, it’s a nice place to spend a few extra days. Despite the past 3 days being very dirty walking through the blackened remnants of the Dixie fire of 2021, beauty can still be found. With climate change causing the yearly increase in wildfires, the days of completing a thru-hike in the western US is rapidly becoming short-lived. I’ve been so lucky so far. Had an amazing surprise with trail magic last night, an Angel (Flat Hair) was still doing his thing at 7:30pm!!! He even have me a miniature bottle of cinnamon whiskey to celebrate the half way, so thoughtful. With the simple concrete pillar to mark the passing of this half of the trail, what better way to celebrate it with tot of whiskey than to give thanks and heartfelt gratitude to all the angels who make this trail possible. You are all the complete embodiment of the PCT and what makes me beyond enthralled to be on it. #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

Sometimes you enter a town full of hope for the comforts that await, but sometimes you get there and there isn’t even a grocery shop to food resupply. That’s the case today, so the food I’ve got has got to last for another 70 miles until Bucks Lake, so gonna be hungry. Super grateful for the only shop that did open. Breakfast burrito 😋

Day 47 mile 1153 We left South Lake Tahoe a few days ago and had our first ever sprinkling of rain, for a limey, it’s astonishing to think we’ve had to wait this long. We then past Echo Lake and into the desolation wilderness, didn’t know what to make of this with a name like that, but it definitely wasn’t desolate. Missed the obligatory 100 mile marker of mile 1100, but did manage to find the 1111 one which to me sounded better. Sunsets and sunrises make start and end of every day super special. Hitched into Truckee for a planned quick in-and-out resupply, but slightly curtailed with a super long wait for a hitch along the I80😩 But we’re filling up with calories now for an Uber back to trail later #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking #atompacks #teamzpacks

Tahoe could not have come soon enough. Rolled into town with not even a crumb to eat, downed 2500 calories for a snack and looking forward to a triple helping at an Indian tonight. But before all that, I need a good scrub!! Not taken my shirt off in 12 days🙈 Had a beautiful few days since leaving Kennedy North, ditching the bear can was epic, the temperatures have been climbing much like the increase in the dreaded 🦟 🤮 Yosemite has been sublime, but equally looking forward to what’s beyond the horizon.

Thrilled to have been privileged to have had the opportunity to experience the delights which Yosemite has offered me. It’s truly inspiring, and I’m not talking about the ice cream or breakfasts: I walked into Kennedy Meadows (Sonora Pass) with zero food, I was so so hungry. The nights have been cold, but the days have been beyond beautiful, listening to frogs and woodpeckers, deer foraging around camp, all surrounded with total silence, it’s a tonic everyone should have. So I’ve now past mile 1000 and heading for Truckee next weekend where I hope to have some time off trail after over a month without rest

Left Bishop in 100F 🥵 so was glad to get some elevation and head further into the Sierra’s. Went over plenty of passes, Glen, Pinchot, Mather, Muir and Seldon then went into VVR to resupply. Absolutely stunning landscape, especially Muir which was laden with snow, super grateful as normally these passes are normally full of snow this time of year. Just past mile 900 so will soon be out of the Sierra’s. So grateful that @armstronghikes from the CDT came out to walk with us for 2 days, trail brothers never die.

These last several days have been a constant reminder why I’m here on the PCT. The days are long, the hunger real, the heat at times soporific, the lack of hygiene complete. the list could go on and on, but much like running a marathon and you’re 20 miles in, there’s a 100 reasons you could quit. But there’s one which keeps you moving on. And that’s grit. First you need to have a passion, interestingly which is from the Latin “Passio” [to suffer], so many assume that you must like to suffer? No no no. The easiest thing in the world is to succumb to the easy life of comfort and security, but many find that the good things in life are never easy, the easy things are never good. So the second thing after passion, is perseverance, the drive you need when the going gets tough. Wether you’re hitting the wall in a marathon, passion and perseverance will get you through. If you’re in a dead end job, perseverance gets you through the monotony so that you can continue to feed the kids. So grit got me past the 700 miles of desert into the indescribably beautiful Sierra’s, past the highest point on the PCT, Forrester pass @13200’ yesterday and just headed out through Kearsarge Pass into Bishop for the afternoon off today. The balance between beauty and discomfort is overwhelmingly one sided. Totally nurtured in nature, it just keeps on giving its sublime divinity in abundance. The word of the week for me is Stendhal syndrome

Afterward 700 miles we’ve arrived at Kennedy Meadows (South) which is the end of the desert and the start of the next stage, the Sierra’s. Parts of the desert have been fast, others very hard, even brutal with the heat. But now that is largely over with the hope that cooler temperatures and more water will be available. Super hungry getting into KMS, literally only had a sachet of pepper left, just had the biggest burger ever, feeling less hungry now, just need more to drink which I need to do now. In and out of town can be very hectic with so many things to do and plan: do guess I should just say toodles

1 - Left Agua Dulce, the trail was really fast, and so was the winds for the next 3 days 2 - Arrived at HikerTown, a surreal campsite montage of a Wild West town 3 - The LA aquaduct 4 - Joshua trees 5 - Bedtime along the windy aquaduct 6 - Dawn along the aqueduct 7 - Found these 2 dogs 8 miles from the nearest house, apparently a puppy was abandoned a few days earlier. I handed them over to a passing truck from the wind farm to look after. 8 - Dinner time on-trail doesn’t involve anything more than sitting in the dirt eating cold mash potatoes. 9+10 Although we’ve walked over 566 miles in 3 weeks, sometimes you need some encouragement with knowing you also have got a lot ahead of you.

Day 18 mile 454 Passing through Agua Dulce after leaving Cajon Pass over 100 miles ago. Lots of vertical and finally picked up my new trail shoes, so 🤞 no more blisters. Next town Tehachapi in 4-5 days

Big Bear Lake was just a few short days away, but, so much seems to have happened. Firstly, I feel so much better, the previous 150 miles were just a blur; a consequence of profound dehydration rendering me unable to produce enough saliva to chew enough food. But leaving BB Lake things kicked into place again. The paths were kinda cruisy, sunsets epic, and even saw my 1st skunk🦨 reckon I stank more as it soon scarpered on seeing me. The 300 milestone soon passed us by and just love the desert with all its beauty. Blister suck though #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

After 11 Days I’ve made it to Big Bear Lake, it’s a small milestone in that 10% of the trail is now behind me. A lot of vertical has had to be completed these past 3 days, especially San Jacinto, and the feet are starting to feel it.

Resting today with @anthony.stanzi @seankamp after 180 miles and, at times, brutal 7 days from the border into Idyllwild. Constant reminders along the way remind us that achievements are incremental and hard fought. The desert heat 35c was a bit humbling!!! #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

Eagle Rock PCT m106. #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

3 days on trail and you realise how nice you smell when a blind man say “Hello Hikers” as you pass. #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

Sometimes you just can’t come up with a suitably prescient John Muir quote, sometimes you just can’t express what it feels. Sometimes you just couldn’t be bothered to strike the perfect pose, but one thing I do know… a sense of purpose, and hopefully soon, a sense of community in tagging that 12” column of Douglas Fur which makes the God like stature of the Northern Terminus. ❝Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must move faster than the lion or it will not survive. Every morning a lion wakes up and it knows it must move faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve. It doesn't matter if you are the lion or the gazelle, when the sun comes up, you better be moving❞ - Roger Bannister #theTrek #trekthePCT #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #PCT2022 #PCTclassof2022 #hikertrash #leavenotrace #thruhiking #backpacking

Resilience. Patience. All words that seem easy upon reflection, but in the cold light of day when a gnawing ache appears to chew away at your hopes and dreams, well, it can just suck. After 2 cov19 aborted SoBo NoGo PCT trips in 2020 & 21, May 2022 is looking brighter, and it’ll be NoBo😊 Life has never been better off-trail, but there is more than one way in which to grow, that I know. The PCT has been a goal for longer than I can remember and the 100 days or so will go far too quickly. The biggest journey though that awaits is one that is much different and also that we both have only just started.

Like the year just passing, I wanted Christmas 2020 to be equally “different” for various reasons. With my burgeoning belief that a more Spartan and simpler life has great advantages I spent Christmas Eve to Boxing Day solo in the hills. . As I was protected in my refuge within a sub-zero tent marvelling at the snowfall around, I could feel the presence of my family and friends hovering around me strongly with love. Despite seemingly having nothing except the frugal basics of survival I felt contentment with a purposefully deprived day. The blue sky, clean air, icy winds and snow all in constant flux all lead me to actually feel very humbled, rich, and fortunate. The greatest gift I could wish for; happiness, I received. . This was countered with another internal dialog I was having with the uncomfortable truth that although my actions were done through choice, many others may not be so lucky. . I’ve not always being so, but I’m in a great place nowadays, so I’m not saying this for myself, but as many will only share their day looking at the 4 empty walls around them, as they may have done for so many months this year. I’m sure we all know someone who may be in this situation, maybe not even through their own making. They could just be frail, virus phobic, suffering with poor health, or particularly the hidden many who have just fallen through the cracks in society. Giving the most important gift you have, your time over Christmas with a call ☎️ could brighten their day up more than anything else right now. To those who have helped me in the past on my journey, thank you. Share the love💖 . Huge thanks to the boffins @expeditionfoods They make backpackers meals so good that you’ve even got to have one Christmas Day😋 At 150+ cal/oz they’re perfect, just wish they had turkey flavour😂 #fuellingchampions #expeditionfoods #GiveaFuck

Merry Christmas Everyone

Uploaded my latest documentary video of the Kungsleden to YouTube. Check the link in my Bio, or www.zzer.net Super enjoyed the trek, but would love to do it again, but in winter! anyone fancy it? . . #ultralighthiking #ultralightgear #ultralightbackpacking #hiker #hiking #backpacking #backpacker #adventure #hikertrash #thruhike #thruhiker #whyhikeheavy #optoutside #ultralightgear #kungsleden #kungsleden2020 #madeinengland #inov8 #teamzpacks #plexamid #atompacks #arompack #atompackscustom #atompacksatom #phddown #peterhutchinsondesigns

Kungsleden, that’s a wrap. After just under 14 days it’s all done, what a variety of conditions from sun to clouds, dry to wet, warmth to freezing and stillness to ferocity, but all with a natural beauty I longed for. It’s only been a short trip, has had a good degree of wilderness experience despite the friendly Swedes providing a degree of tempered comfort occasional to allow a more diverse following along the trail. I’ve had several days without seeing anyone, but all have been as ever welcoming in a post COVID apocalyptic landscape. The flora has been beyond imagination in its richness stretching far past the horizon, the fauna has not just been reduced to Reindeer, the highlight was when i got really close to an incredibly rare to see Wolverine, no, not Hugh Jackman, the real deal! Heading to Stockholm for a few days rest now.

Some say all you need is love, but on a day like yesterday, all you need is a good set of waterproofs, shelter and food. Started off great in Adolfström then got trapped on very long valley with no shelter for 25K with storm force winds, un-forecasted rain, sleet and hail, definitely type 2 fun. Sometimes you’ve just gotta embraced the suck, and carry on, a 50K day😂. I stopped at the first tiny piece of flat ground I could find, with the help of many rocks the tent held up and my clothes and gear was still dry. What you also need in life, and on trail, is trust, trust in your gear, knowledge of its, and your limitations; and abilities. Two guys who set off from Abisko only got less than 20 miles in before they had to be heli rescued from blisters! The Swedish taxpayer got whacked with a >£1000 bill. Another guy panicked after at the first sign of snow on a peak and bought a SEK6500 (£600) -18c sleeping bag🤦 In Ammarnäs now, haven’t seen anyone for 3 days, washing a week’s worth of grime off whilst enjoying a beer😋

Just starting my second week and everything is still as amazing as the first, far too much so share, but this is just from the past day, had to run fast after viewing Vuonatjviken from 10km away and the boat was leaving in 2 hours! Made it in time, also crossing the arctic circle and had another lovely camp. This morning was the last of the lake crossings which I had to do 3 times to bring another boat back for others behind me. Heading out now, haven’t had electricity for over a week, so batteries low.

This is just a brief glimpse over the past 4 days doing the Kungsleden in northern Sweden. Had a very contrasting and varying conditions so far from wet, cold, windy to hot, dry and dead calm. Legs are a bit stiff from lack of use this year, so resting up at a hut in Saltoloukta for a much needed warm meal and drying out this evening. The sunset meal last night before Vakkatavore was amazing as I was blasted by the high winds, even the tent survived. Big thanks to #teamzpacks #atompacks #peterhutchinsondesigns

A year ago today I was by the Chinese Wall, a year before that - Mather Pass, this year after 3 cancelled thru-hikes of the PNT/PCT, Te Araroa and then the HRP/Camino, D Day is today, and had to be equally special - it’s 🇸🇪 Lappland! It may seem that life is throwing everyone a curve ball with three steps back and only one forward, but perhaps you’ve just got to believe in the ways of the cosmic universe sorting things out in affording me the opportunity to satiate my thirst. I may never have ordinarily gotten around to doing the Kungsleden, one of the last true wilderness areas left in Europe. With so much still to explore in the world and In the current climate, it may be about the perfect opportunity to reconnect this year, even though I’ll have to race through it twice as quick than is usual before resupply closure. I feel super fortunate. It’s been a hasty decision to come without the usual months of prep and planning, just a few days, but sitting comfortably idle and to do nothing, just isn’t an option. The art of exploration, not just traversing the landscape, but within your own mind with what at times may seem uncomfortable, is the only way you can challenge yourself; and grow. Camping beneath the Aurora Borealis is a dream I’ve held close to my heart for longer than I can recall, the right of Allemansrätten also the perfect antidote for what at times feels like being in the fake world for far too long.

As the dim sunlight dawns to start the new day over the Seattle skyline this morn, I should be there feasting on its warmth starting my 4½ month 467 mile PNT / 2635 mile PCT trek, embracing the 7 million steps of adventure, beauty, companionship and love it had to offer. But alas, the flight from the UK is cancelled, entry into the US not possible and dreams put on hold…. for now. The freedom I yearn for on trail is overshadowed more presciently by somethings which have a far greater cultural resonance and importance, looking at the state of the world at times would make prophets and angels weep, we all can introspect, educate and do more to effect change. The universal quest for freedom, liberty and equality is an obligation we should share for all, not just the privileged few. My plans for 2020 and the future remain in my hands alone, the future direction of humankind is in the hands of us all. Never ever give up✊🏾

@the_strange_familiar Happy Birthday Alice. 1 year ago today we departed Chama and Cumbres Pass for an epic adventure through Colorado, which immediately got off to a good start with Birthday cake! We’d been super excited, and apprehensive in equal measure, since leaving Mexico, many had baulked at the challenge, but together we faced the task head on. There was plenty of times which almost came close to Jesus moments, Colorado through everything at us, but I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Many can’t even imagine what we experienced, the level of extreme beauty and brutality, all encapsulated in thousands of precious moments seared forever in our minds. We grew so much and felt such fulfilment, what a blast. So here we are again on another birthday, you may be baking artisanal bread whilst knitting swanky hats during lockdown, just never forget what amazing thing you achieved. Happy Birthday Penguin

SOUND ON🎵 Will have to make do with these 4 one minute videos as I couldn’t fit it in My Story🤦

I never could have prophesied that this dawn began exactly one year ago at Crazy Cook, how could I have realised the quick beguilement which was to come as I surrendered my senses to the beauty and brutality of the CDT. I had yearned for the challenge for so long, the fulfilment was total, the 3000 miles had enough big sky’s and wilderness to breathe, thrive, and grow into. We may have become a bedraggled bunch over the months that past us by, with haircuts resembling the current Covid style, we may have had only our meagre possession limited to the barest essentials, we may have been starved, windswept, drenched, freezing, baked, parched, bruised, cut and broke our bones, but life felt so REAL. As some are increasingly becoming aware under lockdown, you don’t really need much to make you happy. The dichotomy between trail life and the present pseudo virtualised life has never been so stark and far apart, but also, never so close. A free harmonious life with simplicity at its heart is best brought through choice not imposed necessity. It could be so hard to choose which of the 2700 photos to pick which best encapsulates the adventure, but in reality it was easy, the people make the trail. #uck it, don’t mind saying it, miss it and y’all so bad. Thanks to you all for making life so real. @fearlesssarah @djh3327 @guhraja @mandyleigh33 @jake.dewald @armstronghikes @danstenziano @zelzin_aketzalli @akunahikes @kootlyn @granitegrabber @samson.the.bear Joe Dirt @matthewsluiter Mighty Mouse @the_strange_familiar Bobber @billhevrin Cargo @rwallis2019 @e.clair.e @1.deror @lauraandgnome @bearman_hikes @eli.exists @sloppyjoe760 @elyshdyer @lexy.the.newb @k_moore @vinnymullin @thedosukinuta @im_earthcake @rob.thwaites_bearbait @paulinequierzy @bambooathiker14 @danielpdodge #CDT2019 #thruhiker #DontEatBats

So, after years of l👀king, I’ve found someone who makes me really super happy❤️

All set for the PNT-PCT after the winter hibernation and keen to get going with my super ace atompacks backpack, but alas anxieties always seems to lead up to my pre-trail set off. 2018 was Yosemite Fire closures, 2019 was CDT Colorado snow and now it looks unlikely that the PCT, amongst others, will be doable for the vast majority of Europeans this season through Corvid19. Obviously this comes with disappointment, but no one has died from that. Despite the uncertainty, the wilderness still calls and will remain an unspoilt idyll for a return next year, still hope that things can be sorted for an autumn TA in NZ though 😊 What will define humanity is how we choose to spend these coming months, either being selfish, or selfless. Tens; hundreds of millions of people are worried about the present, but after this pandemic is over, perhaps reflect that the decrease in pollution just in China alone these past 2 months has saved several tens of thousands more than Corona has claimed. The world is such a beautiful place, wouldn’t it be great to leave it better than we found it. I don’t wish to sound flippant nor insensitive to a very complex issue, but the far greater tragedy would be that we don’t learn. Just wishing that after spending some enforced time with your loved ones, things then make more sense. #atompacks #pacificcresttrail #thruhiking #pct2020 #pct #pacificnorthwesttrail #teararoa #teararoanztrail

Finally received my completion certificate today, but why do the USA reverse the day and month when clearly the English way was invented first? The up side is that “officially” I now finished weeks before even @andrewglenn_ 😊

I arrived at the Canadian border today after 136 days on trail in the drizzling rain and overcast skies with a mixture of emotions. I feel both relieved that's it's over, whilst at the same time saddened that the dream that I've been living for so long has had to come to an end. . Waking up to the sound woodpeckers hammering on tree trunks, frogs furtively sounding their mating calls, bald eagles whooshing as they swoop and turn around you, coyotes howling at night, distant freight trains hooting their horns, these are the sounds that I'll remember. . The raging heat of the Bootheal, the squelching mud of the Mesa's, the constant water crossings of the Gila, the snow in Colorado, the meadow flowers in Wyoming, the mosquitos in the winds, the hot pools of Yellowstone and the breathtaking views off the numerous national parks, these are all the things which have inundated my senses and have being seared into my memory. . I've watched and felt immersed as Spring turned into Summer and nearly into Autumn, one moon turn into another as it waxed and waned along its arc through the heavens, seen the majestic infinite grandeur of the stars as they shine and illuminate the sky at night. All this has left me with a feeling of a deep connection with the beautiful mother Earth with which we all share and inhabit. . As I look back now at the thousands of miles of footsteps that lay behind me, it's not the personal sense of accomplishment, nor the brutal beauty of the trail that I'll remember the most. I've met so many people along the trail that i simply couldn't list them all, some I only met for far too briefly, whilst some I was lucky to have had the privilege to have traveled as a family together for many months. These, and the selfless acts of kindness shown by trail angels and randoms in towns, these are the things which will sustain me in the darker months which will follow after this epic adventure. Thank you everyone for being a part of this dream we've all lived.

Glacier NP

East Glacier into Glacier NP

Darby to Lincoln

Lincoln to East Glacier

Lima to Darby

Shoe tree in Lima, the trail eats through them mercilessly

Yellowstone to Lima

Dubois to Yellowstone

Lander to Pinedale

Pinedale to Dubois

Rawlins to Lander WY

Encampment to Rawlins

COLORADO

Steamboat Springs CO to Encampment WY

Steamboat Springs is well posh, even the restrooms at Jimmy John's are amazing

Grand Lakes to Steamboat Springs CO

Grand Lake to Steamboat Springs CO

Finally clearing the snow and flying

Closest Mouse encounter yet!

Fraser to Grand Lake CO

Breckenridge to Fraser CO

It's beer time somewhere in the world, and a hot tub! Decided to zero in Breckenridge😁🍺🛀🏿

Leadville too Breckenridge CO

Great to see such delicate beauty of a hummingbird after the sometimes harshness (& beauty) of the wilderness.

Salida to Twin lakes CO

Creede to Salida CO

Pagosa Springs to Creede CO

Chama to Pagosa Springs CO

Chama to Pagosa Springs CO

Lots of mud....

CDT NM

CDT NM

CDT NM Ghost Ranch to Colorado

CDT NM San Pedro Mt to Ghost Ranch

CDT NM Pie Town to San Pedro Mt