Dispatch 1 - 5/5/26

Hi Geoff, Keya, and Maddy!

Sending you a check-in from my one-month mark on the PCT. Phew, it feels like I just got on trail yesterday, and at the same time like I have been out here for months…

Trail life has been surprisingly easy to adapt to for me. I feel at home on trail. There have definitely been some lows, but far more highs. In my first week and a half, I dealt with desert allergies that turned into a respiratory infection - I am fully healed now and lungs are feeling strong again. Otherwise, my body has been incredible (including my feet haha) I’m amazed at how quickly we can adapt to pushing ourselves while also listening closely to what we need. I do get the classic “hiker hobble” after some 20+ mile days, but yoga and elevating my feet have been lifesavers for recovery. (Wrightwood even offered free yoga classes to hikers, which was AMAZING!)

One of the most special parts of this experience has been the people. I started out with a trail family of about 10 of us for the first week and a half and while we’ve naturally all split up over time, those early connections meant a lot. Since then, I’ve met an incredible woman who I’ve been leapfrogging with, and while I’m currently hiking solo, I often end up camping with familiar faces I’ve seen throughout the day. The trail is constantly changing, so are the people, but somehow I keep running into hikers I haven’t seen in weeks. It really does feel like I’ve made lifelong friends out here - and the trail angel / trail magic community…. Wow. Thru hikers are loved and cared for.

I am currently at mile 444, just before Agua Dulce. I can’t believe I have about 250 miles left of the desert section, it’s gone by fast. It’s been beautiful, intense, hot, and full of long water carries. I’m definitely looking forward to being around water more often so my pack will be lighter

I’m taking each day as it comes… trusting the trail, trusting myself, my gear, and the incredible community out here. I truly wouldn’t be here without your support, and I’m deeply grateful.

PS I have not wrote a Trek blog since being on trail…. There is so much time and no time at all out here! Hiking all day is ALOT and town days are chores (showers, laundry, planning next sections, resupplying food…) I’ve been journaling everyday for post trails thoughts and memories / trying to update my Instagram story when i have service. I made one post on IG and plan to do another when the desert section is over. Not sure when my first on trail blog will appear :)

PSS my giving back has started on trail… i leave FarOut comments daily bc they are so helpful and helped a hiker in need who ran out of water in the desert heat. Here’s to more trail magic all around.

Here’s a few pics from trail ~

Talk soon!