When I started this blog in October 2011, I had just left my job as a genetic counselor in Western Massachusetts, and was transitioning back to my home in Pittsburgh. I had been working in genetics since graduating college in 2006, and after …
Category: PCT

south then north
Load the car and write the note Grab your bag and grab your coat Tell the ones that need to know We are headed north -Avett Brothers, “I and Love and You” This is it; we’re ready for the Pacific …

Finally on the trail!
Day 1: Campo to Morena Lake 20 miles A few weeks ago we looked like this: And now we look like this: After a wonderful couple days with my brother Drew in San Diego, we embarked on the PCT! He …

shade is our friend; days 3-5
Day 3: Mt.Laguna to Sunrise Trailhead, 17 miles Day 4: Sunrise Trailhead to Scissors Crossing, 17.5 miles Day 5: Scissors Crossing to Mile 94.5, 17.5 miles Other titles deemed appropriate for this post are: How are we so dirty after …

Blisters are for real: days 6-7
Day 6: mile 94.5 to Warner Springs, 15.5 miles Day 7: zero day in Warner Springs We woke up early on day 6 from our mountain campsite to get down to the valley before the heat of the day. The …

The magic continues; days 8-9
Day 8: Warner Springs to Mike’s Place, 17 miles Day 9: Mike’s Place to mile 144, 17 miles We got an early start from Warner Springs, and were on the trail by 630am. The trail was nice and flat, and …