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Trail Journal
Updates, stories, and reflections from the Pacific Crest Trail
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More of the same weather
Slow start to training hike today. Very cold and overcast. There are snow squalls all around the area and they just got to me. Good thing I have my gear with me. On goes the rain parka, heavy gloves and ear muffs. Much better against the weather. The snow stopped and I found a nice sheltered spot to have lunch out of the wind. The sun is even peaking through to brighten my day.
Confused weather today
Light breeze turned into steady wind. Sun turned to overcast then hail started to fall. Sun was bright but so odd with hail falling around me.
Is spring here already?
February 17; I spent time this morning listening to bird’s chirp like a chorus. They seemed to be singing to bring spring forward. The day was overcast and there was still nip in the air. I began my hike with a sweater but as the overcast lifted and the sun shone brightly I was soon down to my normal hiking shirt.
Three and a Half Weeks Left
February 16; I did a fast 7-mile hike today with a light pack. I feel refreshed and I have a lot of energy to experiment with cooking food I will be using on the trail. Three and a half weeks left.
March 17, 2026 Update
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Feeling Overwhelmed
February 11; Training hikes are taking a big part of the daylight hours. How am I going to get everything that needs to be done completed? I still don't have my pack organized, my meal choices keep evolving and we still haven't decided what day to leave home to head the trail. Feeling a bit overwhelmed today.
Gear Room Takeover
February 6; Realized I have journalled about my training, but nothing about finalizing my gear and logistics. I received paper maps that I am studying. I have taken over a spare room and have gear spread all over it. I have packed my pack numerous times and keep "deciding" I really need to buy something else. So far, I have gotten a new lightweight backpack and down 'puffy' jacket.
Testing New Speedgoats
February 2; My training is going well; I am now getting a couple of 15 miles hikes every week. My 'short' training hikes are now about 10 miles. HOKA Speedgoat trail running shoes are used by many PCT thru hikers, so I bought a pair to try out. They have a different feeling compared to Stinson's but no issued noted in the first training hike.
First 15-Miler!
January 12; just finished my first 15-mile training hike with over 2000 feet of elevation gain. My body is tired, but I feel great.
Building Endurance
December 29; another big week for me with 6 days of walking and three hikes over 4 hours. I am focused on time spent walking and not on miles walked but I can't wait to do a hike over 15 miles. Just need to remember this is a many month effort and I don't want to injure myself.
Biggest Week Yet
December 15; WOW this is my biggest training week so far. I walked for 6 days with two 3 hour hikes.
Shoes and Plans
December 5; been hiking in my new shoes and they feel comfortable, so I plan to buy another pair. I have also created a basic plan for the hike and major re-supply locations.
Trying on Shoes
November 23; tried on a bunch of different hiking shoes and decided to give HOKA Stinson 7 trail running shoes a try.
First Official Training Hike
November 22; My first 'official' training hike; 5 miles with a light pack to get things started. I also spent a long time reading about planning for the PCT. I've enjoyed The Pacific Crest Trail Association website. It has given me a lot to think about and is a great resource and starting point.
Breaking It Down
November 21; I will separate planning into several parts: route finding/resupply, equipment and training. I know that I need to start where I am fitness wise and be consistent and increase training volume by about 10% a week and cross train.
Permit Approved!
November 20; I received an email today that my permit is approved for Friday March 13. I feel like I have already been through the gauntlet and I haven't even walked a mile on the trail. Time to start sharing my plans with family and friends. My calf is feeling better. The silver lining is it taught me to really pay attention to what my body is saying.
Down to the Second
Thursday, November 13, 2025 - 02:01:16 PM Pacific Time; yes, I was assigned a time down to the second. It seems like a contradiction to have a time down to the second when I will be spending months on the trail. Ouch: all of April and most of May permits are already gone. Friday March 13 is available...I'll request that one.
More entries will appear as John continues his journey.
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