mike

Welcome to Sweet Hiking

Updated April 4, 2023
Posted in Adventure / Hiking

Welcome to Sweet Hiking

Welcome to Sweet Hiking. My Name is Mike. I’m a thruhiker and ultra runner with type 1 diabetes. The focus of this platform is to share my Adbentures through photography and blogging. As I build out the Site feel free to follow my training on Strava and Photos from my 2022 PCT Thruhike on Instagram below.

sweet.hiking

Coming off trail is heart-breaking every year. .

Coming off trail is heart-breaking every year.
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What's the best way to heal heartbreak? Hike more 🤷‍♂️
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I flew back to Reno to pick up my van from South Lake Tahoe. While I was there, I decided to fast pack the Tahoe Rim Trail before heading back to front country life.
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I wasn't ready to go back, but I was quickly running out of money and needed to get back to work. The simplicity of trail life just felt right.
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While on the TRT, I got some of my favorite night sky photos. The next post will be daytime TRT photos.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #astrophotography #shootingstars #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #tahoerimtrail #trt #hikingadventures #hiking #backpacking #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

👑👑👑 . 7,875 miles > 1,000,000 vertical fe

👑👑👑
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7,875 miles
> 1,000,000 vertical feet
22 states
3 summers (about 14 months)
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When I left corporate life in 2019 with the intention to fulfill a lifelong dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail, I never expected to triple crown. I wasn't even sure I was ready to be a thruhiker.
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While out there, I fell in love with the simplicity of the singular goal. The peace and serenity of the minimalism of living out of a backpack. The bliss of eating ice cream without a concern of gaining weight. For the first time since I was a child, I fell in love with my life.
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Thruhiking has taught me to believe in myself, trust my intuition, and remember the trail will always provide.
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Thanks to everyone who's been a part of the journey. Cheers and Happy trails!
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunset #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #backpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #triplecrown #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

Extra big thanks to @drunken.potatoes for providing the Tiara, energy drink, and impromptu finish photo shoot. And tons of trail magic throughout washington. Trail family is forever 🖤🖤🖤

Tunnel Falls alternate seemed like a great way to

Tunnel Falls alternate seemed like a great way to end my PCT thru hike.
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I had a very peaceful last day on trail full of reflection and appreciation for the previous 3 months and 3 weeks spent on the Pacific Crest Trail.
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After the walking through Tunnel Falls, I had some cruiser miles down to cascade locks where I would have my Cheryl Strayed finish on the Bridge of the Gods!
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunset #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #backpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

My last full day on trail was full of emotions and

My last full day on trail was full of emotions and waterfalls...
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I was overwhelmed by joy and pride for completing a triple crown. While at the same time, I felt guilty for being successful in a year where closures continually derailed the bubble of hikers just days behind me.
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This guilt is kind of what kept me from posting and why it took until the week before my next hike to finish this story.
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Ramona Falls isn't on the red line of the PCT, but it's a must-see alternate.
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With one more day to Cascade Locks, this thruhike was finally coming to an end.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunset #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #backpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

The best breakfast of the 👑👑👑 . I went to

The best breakfast of the 👑👑👑
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I went to timberline Lodge twice once for lunch and the next day for breakfast.
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When I woke up in Government Camp after one last hotel stay, the power was out. A wind storm had come in, and to protect from fires, power was turned off.
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I didn't even attempt to go to the market. I knew I would be done in 2 days hiking from Timberline, so I did a trashy Best Western Breakfast resupply.
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I took the bus up to Timberline Lodge since they still had power. I picked up a package of insulin from the lodge charged some things and had lunch.
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I ran into White Stripe as she was finishing her hike, and we made plans to get breakfast in the morning. I then got a ride back down to the base so I could hike the miles from Government Camp up to the lodge.
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I ended up camping on the side of the trail just below treeline. In the morning, I continued up and was immediately pelted with sand and dust. I walked half blind with my buff over my face.
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After breakfast, I continued trying to just get back below treeline and out of the wind. My time in the PCT was coming to an end.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunset #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #backpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

Mount Hood . Mount Hood would be my last big climb

Mount Hood
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Mount Hood would be my last big climb on my thruhike. It loomed on the horizon all day as I made my way to Government Camp at the base of Mount Hood. This would be my last resupply before the final 2 days to Cascade Locks.
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The end was inevitable and I wasn't ready to be finished. As I walked deeper into the PNW signs of yeti seemed to increase, but I still never got a sighting.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunset #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #backpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

Mount Jefferson Wilderness and the approach to Mou

Mount Jefferson Wilderness and the approach to Mount Hood - September 6, 2022

Leaving Sisters, I climbed into Mt Jefferson Wilderness. I got some of my first good views of Mt Hood, and I already was dreaming about that breakfast buffet at Timberline Lodge.
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Because of the unplanned zero in Bend. My @afrezzainsulin insulin reserves were running low, but I had a resupply waiting for me at Timberline.
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The moon was getting full, and I used its light for a few hours before settling in on a lake shore for the night. Just before dawn, the moon had set, and the stars were incredible.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunset #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #backpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

The lava rock fields around the Mount Washington w

The lava rock fields around the Mount Washington wilderness seemed endless as I made my way north to Sisters.
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Because of my unplanned zero in bend, I was too late to enjoy a meal at the Youth Camp as they were closing for the season.
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At this point, I was well over 2500 miles into my journey, but crossing the 2,000 mile mark was still exciting.
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I got to the road to hitch the town of Sisters just as the sun was setting. Cars were barreling down the road, and it didn't seem likely I'd get a hitch in the dark.
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I decided to sleep near the road and start hitch at first light. After resupplying, I spent the morning recharging batteries at Sister Coffee Shop before hitching back to trail.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunset #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #backpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

North of Sisters Wilderness, I walked through some

North of Sisters Wilderness, I walked through some Obsideon Fields and Lava fields as I continued my way north through Oregon.
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Early September still felt warm and exposed, and I appreciated any opportunity to go for a swim.
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On nights before the moon rose, I got some great stargazing. I was really starting to enjoy hiking some of the night on trail. Once I let the fear drop, the miles just felt like a bonus.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #stars #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #ultralightbackpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

Three Sisters Wilderness . I left Bend with a full

Three Sisters Wilderness
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I left Bend with a full stomach of biscuits and gravy courtesy and a ride from a friend from CDT. I slammed a burger to pack on some more calories at Elk Lake before heading back into the wilderness.
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My feet were already feeling happier with the shoe change, and I fell right back into step as I took in the views of the 3 Sisters. It's amazing what new shoes can do for perspective.
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I made camp near the base of the middle sister. The moon was creeping towards the 4th full moon of my hike.
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One of my favorite parts of hiking long trails is how my body tunes up with the intrinsic flow of time through nature. This is as simple as matching up with the circadian flow of the daylight or measuring months by moon phases. It's a beautiful and simple flow that I love.
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The next day was to push through the Obsideon and Pumice fields the next day before my next resupply in the town of Sisters.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunset #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #ultralightbackpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

Bend, OR, feels like stepping back into the 90s. I

Bend, OR, feels like stepping back into the 90s. I had to see the last Blockbuster where you can still rent a movie. I even hopped on a bicycle and caught some of the Incubus concert at the ampetheter downtown.
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I took an impromptu zero in Bend to repair the damage of the wrong shoe for over 110 miles in 3 says. I knew the hike was almost over and was really feeling at home on trail.
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I ended up exchanging my Altra Olympus for Lone Peaks at REI because I knew my feet were not happy with the change, and the Lone Peak have never let me down on comfort.
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After filling up on ice cream, I headed back to trail where I would pass through Sisters Wilderness and hitch into the town of Sisters for my next resupply.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunrise #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #backpacking #wanderlust #adventuremore #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #ultralightbackpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #townday #trailtown #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trail

It took until after lunch to leave Shelter Cove an

It took until after lunch to leave Shelter Cove and continue north. After some ice cream sandwiches and some food, I chatted with some SOBOs and then continued on.
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The big day prior really tore my feet up. I instantly regretted the shoe change from the Lone Peak to the Olympus. While I thought the extra cushion would be nice for the lava rocks, the fit was not right for me. The toe box was just a little bit snug, and hotspots were quickly turning to blisters.
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I stopped by Irish Lake (25 mile day) to camp for the night and figured I could soak my feet before bed and take a quick dip to clean off.
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The next morning, I found some wild berries as hobbled down to Elk Lake to try to hitch into Bend to exchange my shoes at REI.
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I was still having electronic issues and needed a replacement charger to keep my phone on and @dexcom glucose readings coming in. CGM data is really important for staying ahead of any issues I could run into with diabetes on trail.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunrise #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #dexcomwarrior #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

I arrived in Chemult well after hiker midnight and

I arrived in Chemult well after hiker midnight and got a ride to the trailhead where I would start my final push to finish my thruhike at Cascade locks.
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After a few hours of sleep, I started in the dark. I was eager to see how "easy" oregon was and had big plans to go fast.
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Shelter cove was 59 miles away, and there was a "shortcut" on the old pct that included an apple and soda as trai mlagic from some campground hosts. This would end up being my longest day on trail.
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About halfway through the day, I ran into Gasket on his yo-yo and appreciated seeing him for the second time on trail. After catching up for a few, I continued on my way. Determined for ice cream the following morning.
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The sun set as I was rolling into the potential trail magic. Sure enough, the angels said hello and handed me an apple and a soda. This was just the boost I needed for the final press to shelter cove.
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I arrived around 1am and discovered my charger was broken. Luckily, the power strip had some USB ports, so I could top off everything. I knew if I could conserve power, and now I had an excuse to take an unplanned zero in Bend!
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunrise #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #ultralightbackpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

After hitting the northern terminus, I took a quic

After hitting the northern terminus, I took a quick trip to Seattle before taking the train back to Oregon to clean up 300 miles of trail I skipped due to a summer of fire closures. It was looking promising that all sections I missed were now open and ready to be hiked!
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Trail family is amazing, and my friend Mcguyver from the CDT shoved 5 of us in their Subaru and got us to Seattle. They put me up for a couple of days while I got new shoes, caught up on some calories, and booked my train ticket.
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I lived in Seattle back in 2013 and it was nice to be back doing touristy things around Belltown and Pikes Market. But as a thruhiker, I was mostly there for the food. 🙃
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After a couple of days in the city, I was getting antsy to be back on trail. I was eager to be back under the stars and excited to tackle the rest of the PCT and complete that triple crown. 👑👑👑.
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#pct2022 #pctclassof2022 #thruhike #backpacking #Seattle #tourist #wanderlust #adventuremore #streetphotography #optoutside #takeahike #travel #travelphotography #adventure #t1dlookslikeme

Bonus Miles! . Walking into Canada still wasn't an

Bonus Miles!
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Walking into Canada still wasn't an option, so I got to retrace my steps about 30 miles back to Hart's pass.
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Because I spent a lot of time at the terminus, this ended up being one more night on trail.
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I spent some of the day hiking with Bopit, but she got ahead of me when I stopped for a mio snowcone. I made a couple for Crush and Song Bird and continued towards Hart's Pass
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The smoke from fires started by the previous day's thunderstorm was looking closer to trail and it would inevitably be responsible for closing the northern terminus.
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I was running out of food, and I had stashed a few snacks and ramen in the bear box at harts pass. The plan had been to be there for dinner. I jogged on and off but eventually accepted I would sleep better a few miles from the pass and just eat when I got there in the morning. I had some gummy bears that would suffice for any low blood sugar overnight.
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One last beautiful sunset and sunrise on trail in Washington before heading back to oregon to wrap up the last 300 miles of the 👑👑👑
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunrise #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #ultralightbackpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

"The journey's never over, it's really just begun.

"The journey's never over, it's really just begun." I signed in the log book when I reached the Northern terminus.
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This is how I feel at the end of every thru-hike. The "now what" hits hard and the simplicity of continually moving towards a goal suddenly comes to a halt.
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This one hit differently. The trail felt unfinished because It was unfinished. I still had 300 miles of Oregon to go back and hike.
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Emotions were high so I decided to just camp at the monument. I woke to a sunny day filled with hikers coming down to celebrate their finish. After basking in the positive energy for several hours I started the hike back to Hart's pass. It was time to get back to Oregon and finish this triple crown.
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A few days after I stood on top of this monument, wildfires closed the northern terminus. This closure prevented hundreds of hikers from reaching the terminus. It was tragic to see so many dreams crushed again by wildfires. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to stand here and share this moment.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #ultralightbackpacking #backpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

I woke at first light 36 miles from the Canadian b

I woke at first light 36 miles from the Canadian border. The plan was to get to the terminus for dinner and either sleep there or night hike back to the last campsite.
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I passed Bop-it and she mentioned something about cell service. I noticed I had several bars of LTE and called Mcguyver to try to coordinate a ride from Hart's Pass.
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The ranger confirmed the road was almost clear but still not open to the public. We were told it was safe to walk it so all that was left to do was tag the border and get back to Hart's Pass and walk until we could find a ride to Mazama.
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The day was beautiful and I found a snow field to make some Mio sno-cones for the final push to the border.
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The weather turned on the final climb and thunder started snapping all around. The rain was cold but emotions were high and i laughed and continued forward. There was nothing to do but pull out the umbrella and get over the last climb and run back down to the shelter of the treeline.
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The storm was short and by the time I passed Hopkins Lake, the sky was clearing. I could see new fires on the horizon from the storm. It felt ominous.
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I didn't know at the time, but these fires would grow and eventually close the trail north of Hart's Pass preventing access to the terminus to hundreds of hikers just a few days behind me.
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The last few miles of trail were overgrown and wet from the storm. I was so eager to hit the terminus I didn't notice. I passed a trail junction 3 miles from the border where I stood in 2020 on the Pacific Northwest Trail. Bewildered by intersecting with my past self, I pressed onward to the border.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunrise #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #ultralightbackpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

The shuttle back to the trailhead was full of hike

The shuttle back to the trailhead was full of hikers. We all knew the northern terminus was a couple days away and everyone's feelings of accomplishment were high while never really being ready for it all to end.
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I had met Songbird (@jackienicoleofalltrades) and Crush (@gnarwhal138) at the sthekin bakery and we chatted for a bit before catching the shuttle back to trail. Once on trail, we all ended up falling into pace as we talked and shared our different experiences from trail
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I appreciated the company as I had been rolling solo since Snoqualmie pass and ended up camping with them the first 2 nights out of Stehekin. It was a nice change to take breaks with fellow hikers and stop and pick alpine berries along the way.
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The next morning I woke early eager to get to Hart's Pass ranger station to find out if the landslide that closed the road was clear enough to get a ride in.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunrise #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #ultralightbackpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #optoutside #hikertrash #trailrunning

Stehekin is a small lake town only accessible by b

Stehekin is a small lake town only accessible by boat or by hiking in from the PCT.
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I arrived between shuttles and started walking the road into town. I was out of food and wanted to get to the post office to pick up my resupply.
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Lucky for me a couple in an OHV picked me up and helped me get into town a little faster.
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The last few days on trail had been quiet. I hadn't seen many other hikers since a lot of hikers had gone to Cascade Locks for PCT Days and the bubble was a few days behind me.
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But when I arrived in Stehekin, the town was bustling with hiker trash eating, drinking, and swimming. I caught up with some old friends and made some new ones who would end up tagging the border with me a couple days later.
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The following morning, I took an early stroll to the bakery. It was further away from town than I realized and the walk had my blood sugar dangerously low when I got there.
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So instead of treating the low with 15 grams of carbs and waiting, I panic ordered and ate a cinnamon roll, a sticky bun, and a heaping plate of biscuits and gravy. I followed it up with some huckleberry ice cream and insulin for dessert.
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunrise #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #ultralightbackpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

As I dipped back below treeline I was immersed by

As I dipped back below treeline I was immersed by gargantuan trees and ferns covering the forest floor. I was expecting dinosaurs to pop up at any moment.
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This section approaching the North Cascades was exhausting. Climbs followed by descents; it was hard to get into a groove.
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I stopped to drink a rootbeer to treat my low blood sugar before one more climb. It was getting late but I knew it was enough to get me up and over the next hump to where I planned to camp along a creek.
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August was still dry in Washington and I took advantage of the opportunity to cowboy camp.
The next day continued in much the same manner as I crossed into the last 100 miles of trail.
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As I headed toward Sthekin, all I could think about was cinnamon rolls at the bakery I had been hearing about for years!
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#pct #pct2022 #pacificcresttrail #pacificcresttrail2022 #thruhike #goingfarout #mexicotocanada #sunrise #thruhiking #thetrek #hikertrash #amongthewild #wanderlust #adventuremore #takeahike #getlost #t1dlookslikeme #pctclassof2022 #hikingadventures #hiking #ultralightbackpacking #greatoutdoors #adventure #hikingadventures #mountains #hikeyourownhike #diabadass #pct2023 #hikertrash #trailrunning

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