Pacific Crest Trail

Alex and I traveled throughout South East Asia on our motorbikes a couple of years ago, yet our paths did not cross until we reached Dumaguete, a small city in the Philippines that so few have heard about. We rang in the New Year together, alongside a group of like-minded backpackers, and shared countless memories together, including a crazy, “let's all shave our heads”, night in our hostel. But we’ll have to tell you that story at another time. 

Alex is one of the funniest, most independent, and inspirational individuals that I have ever met. I don’t think I have ever seen her off the road or without an oversized backpack on her back. Always chasing a new adventure. Her most exhilarating journey was an entire hike through the Pacific Crest Trail in 2020, relying on her previous backpacking experiences, and training for months before tackling this arduous journey.

She described this journey of a lifetime as one of endurance, discovery, and self-transformation. The trail stretches across 2,659 miles, spanning from Mexico to Canada, and cutting through the heart of the majestic western landscape of the United States.

Leaving behind basic comforts back home and embracing the untamed beauty of the mountains, deserts, forests, and cascading waterfalls, Alex was able to complete her goal and raise money for her charity at the same time. Her mental and physical endurance through long stretches without water, scorching heat, icy winds, and steep mountain passes is one that I truly admire. Especially her ability to push through exhaustion, blisters, and inevitable moments of self doubt. The journey allowed her to not only discover her own capabilities and inner strength, but also let her reconnect with the raw beauty of nature. She inspires me to want to lace up my boots one day and follow the trail on my own as well! 

Want to learn more about how to train for the Pacific Crest Tail, how to obtain your permit, what to bring, how to resupply food and gear, how to document your hike, and what season/ start date to begin your journey, Alex is your gal.