The Challenge
In April 2023 I will fly out to California where I will start the biggest challenge of my life. The Pacific Crest Trail is 2,650 miles long (4,265 kilometres. It starts at the Mexican border in California and ends in Canada. If you have seen the film “Wild” with Reece Witherspoon then you will know which challenge I am talking about.
My plan is to complete sections A to G and beyond (the goal is 800 miles to reach Mount Whitney) from April to June 2023. I will be leaving the UK as a solo female hiker with all my kit on my back and will be 52 years of age when I take my first steps in California.
The first section from Campo to Mount Whitney will take approximately 2 months of walking where the weather ranges from 44 °C in the desert to battling through the snow in temperatures under -12 °C.
I will sleep in my tent in the wilderness for the more significant part of the journey (keeping costs low), but once in a while, I will enter towns along the trail and spend a civilised night in a motel or hostel.
Battles to overcome…
Of all the things to be scared of on the PCT, bears and mountain lions are the least of my worries. Lightning strikes and wild snow storms will have me running for cover; rattlesnakes make frequent appearances and butt chafe might strike at any moment (so I’m told!).
My intention is to blog and produce a video series about the journey whilst fundraising and raising awareness of SHOUT.
