My wife, Kristen Hege, and I hope to complete a six-month backpack trip, from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon & Washington state. You can follow our progress here. We begin March 25, 2023.
So exciting!! I did the JMT summer of 2021 and brought the 1 lb chair as my luxury item and was happy I did. Also threw in a sarong at the last minute and it was perfect for apres swim and to wear when waiting for clothes to dry. I’ll def follow along and try and meet u at snoqualmie pass if possible! Jojoramsay@comcast.net and 206-919-0914. Best of luck!
Gib - best of luck on a safe and lifechanging trip. As someone who hopped out of Tech to thru-hike the AT (15+ years ago), I'm full of admiration and no small amount of envy (the PCT remains on the bucket list).
Ok, cool. I did a little googling and you seem to be quite right. Still, when you get to the North Cascades, you have a tiny tiny chance of bumping into one, although according to Trail & Summit, none have been seen since 2010. These miniscule odds at least allow me to share my favorite bear joke:
"...National Park Rangers are advising hikers...to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter. They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge. Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear's sensitive nose and it will run away. It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat. Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper". :-))
Good luck on your incredible adventure. I read the itinerary and am quite impressed, but remember to stay flexible. FYI: I know it's a long way off, but you cannot enter Canada via the PCT as shown on your itinerary but will have to backtrack to Harts Pass and get a ride to Mazama, WA.
Per PCTAssociation: "Travel into Canada via the PCT is not allowed at this time. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has suspended all Canada PCT Entry Permit processing."
So incredible Gib & Kristen! Enjoy those magical moments on the trail! You've probably read Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods, but if not, I definitely recommend. Funny and some good tips.
Hey Gib, this was mentioned in the Tuck WhatsApp community and I thought I'd follow up as it brought back memories of when I thru hiked in 1999. My trail name was Ulysses (from the Odyssey). I was inspired by the last stanza of Alfred Lord Tennyson's famous poem: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45392/ulysses
I was by myself and (obviously) much younger. I started May 1 and finished Oct 8th. I had about 3 weeks cumulative of rest and being off the trail. I started out as a traditionalist and at about mile 600 switched to lightweight. It was amazing how difficult it was to give up my equipment "crutches" but once I did my mileage went up and my body felt better. I never really missed anything I gave up. Your overall plan sounds great and the more leisurely pace appealing as well. My favourite parts were the Marble Mountains, JM, and the North Cascades. I will keep track of your progress and might see if I can break away and come find you somewhere.
Happy trails to you and Kristen and best wishes for a great summer trek!
Good luck Gib! Fantastic adventure. You only left one question out of your incredibly organized FAQ: “Are you afraid of bears, the Jaws of the forest/mountains, and what is your plan to deal with them”? 😳
Such an awesome and inspiring journey. God speed Gib!
good luck. Looking forward to reading more about your experiences.
Wow! What an amazing experience you will have! Good on you both for making this all come together. Great challenge! 👏👏
So exciting!! I did the JMT summer of 2021 and brought the 1 lb chair as my luxury item and was happy I did. Also threw in a sarong at the last minute and it was perfect for apres swim and to wear when waiting for clothes to dry. I’ll def follow along and try and meet u at snoqualmie pass if possible! Jojoramsay@comcast.net and 206-919-0914. Best of luck!
Wow, What a fantastic journey!
Will be great fun to hear of and see your photos along the way. Happy trails!!
This sounds amazing, congrats on making it happen!
Gib - best of luck on a safe and lifechanging trip. As someone who hopped out of Tech to thru-hike the AT (15+ years ago), I'm full of admiration and no small amount of envy (the PCT remains on the bucket list).
Ok, cool. I did a little googling and you seem to be quite right. Still, when you get to the North Cascades, you have a tiny tiny chance of bumping into one, although according to Trail & Summit, none have been seen since 2010. These miniscule odds at least allow me to share my favorite bear joke:
"...National Park Rangers are advising hikers...to be alert for bears and take extra precautions to avoid an encounter. They advise park visitors to wear little bells on their clothes so they make noise when hiking. The bell noise allows bears to hear them coming from a distance and not be startled by a hiker accidentally sneaking up on them. This might cause a bear to charge. Visitors should also carry a pepper spray can just in case a bear is encountered. Spraying the pepper into the air will irritate the bear's sensitive nose and it will run away. It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for fresh bear scat so you have an idea if bears are in the area. People should be able to recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear scat. Black bear droppings are smaller and often contain berries, leaves, and possibly bits of fur. Grizzly bear droppings tend to contain small bells and smell of pepper". :-))
Have fun and stay safe!
Good luck on your incredible adventure. I read the itinerary and am quite impressed, but remember to stay flexible. FYI: I know it's a long way off, but you cannot enter Canada via the PCT as shown on your itinerary but will have to backtrack to Harts Pass and get a ride to Mazama, WA.
Per PCTAssociation: "Travel into Canada via the PCT is not allowed at this time. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has suspended all Canada PCT Entry Permit processing."
Truly impressive. Have fun, stay safe and send along pictures.
So grateful that we can follow along. Thank you for allowing us to do so! Wondering if a book will follow??!! Heaps of love to you both!
Really inspiring challenge! Wishing you both safe hiking and looking forward to read more about your adventure.. good luck 👍
So incredible Gib & Kristen! Enjoy those magical moments on the trail! You've probably read Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods, but if not, I definitely recommend. Funny and some good tips.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9791.A_Walk_in_the_Woods
So impressive! I would love to meet up with you guys on the trail near Stevens Pass and bring anything you need. So cool!
Hey Gib, this was mentioned in the Tuck WhatsApp community and I thought I'd follow up as it brought back memories of when I thru hiked in 1999. My trail name was Ulysses (from the Odyssey). I was inspired by the last stanza of Alfred Lord Tennyson's famous poem: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45392/ulysses
I was by myself and (obviously) much younger. I started May 1 and finished Oct 8th. I had about 3 weeks cumulative of rest and being off the trail. I started out as a traditionalist and at about mile 600 switched to lightweight. It was amazing how difficult it was to give up my equipment "crutches" but once I did my mileage went up and my body felt better. I never really missed anything I gave up. Your overall plan sounds great and the more leisurely pace appealing as well. My favourite parts were the Marble Mountains, JM, and the North Cascades. I will keep track of your progress and might see if I can break away and come find you somewhere.
Happy trails to you and Kristen and best wishes for a great summer trek!
Good luck Gib! Fantastic adventure. You only left one question out of your incredibly organized FAQ: “Are you afraid of bears, the Jaws of the forest/mountains, and what is your plan to deal with them”? 😳