Two backpackers stand surrounded by sagebrush with low mountains in the distance. They have huge smiles on their faces. They are wearing shorts, trail runners, wool socks, polypropylene shirts, and sunglasses. The young man wears a green safari hat and the middle-aged woman (me) wears a Seattle Mariners baseball cap. In front of them is a neon green miniature version of the Pacific Crest Trail monument that can be found at the two trail ends (border with Mexico and border with Canada). A hiker named Girl Scout made this mini-monument for everyone on 2005 who finished the trail somewhere other than the traditional ending points. Girl Scout brought it to hikers wherever they were finishing their hike. Girl Scout’s action is just a small example of all the Trail Angels, trail crews, government agencies, associations, family and friends who make such an accomplishment possible. I am forever enriched by my time on the trail.
OTD in 2005 @tapirsmith.bsky.social and I finished our #thruhike of the #pacificcresttrail #pct. We hiked over 2600 miles in 5 mos and 10 days, flipping from #kennedymeadows to #manningpark in June d/t high snow in the #sierras. 🙏to my son for sharing it all with me and support from home! Alt text!
