Currently hiking the pacific crest trail: a 2,650 mile trek that runs from Mexico to Canada.
Reflections From the PCT Desert: Lessons From the First 600 Miles
From embracing discomfort to finding contentment in letting go, the desert has been a relentless, beautiful teacher. Here are five lessons the trail has etched into me so far.
Crossing the Mojave: The Last Stretch of the PCT Desert Section
We blinked, and suddenly found ourselves standing at the north end of the Mojave, squinting back at the hundreds of dusty miles we had traversed. Somewhere in the blur, we became something new—hardened, grateful, a little feral.
This desert stripped us down gently, layer by layer, like water over stone. In the absence of excess, I found peace. Not from gaining anything—but from shedding it all.
The trail is a mirror. A teacher. A gentle nudge toward trust, resilience, and choosing presence over perfection.
Breakthrough Week on the Pacific Crest Trail: Building Strength and finding My Flow
Week three on the Pacific Crest Trail brought a transformative shift. The initial aches began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of strength and rhythm. Each step became more purposeful, each mile a testament to endurance and adaptability. Navigating the diverse terrains of Southern California, I found not just physical resilience but a deeper connection to the journey itself. This week wasn't just about covering distance; it was about embracing the trail's lessons and discovering a newfound flow.