Oldest Woman to Solo Thru-Hike PCT
Donation protected
10 years ago my life partner suddenly left me, and I thought all was lost. As an RN in a busy metropolitan hospital, I went through each day on auto-pilot, relying on my years of experience to guide my practice.
Weight dropped off my 5'3" frame quickly, and a worried sister suggested I join Meet-up interest groups. East North Bay Adventure Xplorers and its enigmatic leader gave me new life. Backpacking and hiking had been at the center of my now broken relationship, and ENBAX gave me the confidence to continue on my own.
Solo trips were scary at first, but also exhilarating. I planned and completed a thru-hike of the JMT at the age of 54, and the final step I took at Whitney Portal launched my goal of hiking the 2,663 mile Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada.
Now 61, I've just been awarded the thru-hike permit I need to realize my dream. Planning and organizing for this solo long distance hike is daunting and unexpectedly expensive.
- Lightweight gear(much of my old gear is far too heavy for the #of miles at elevation
- Shipping expenses(for the 20+ resupply boxes I need to mail to myself along the route)
- Town costs: paying for gas when I hitch I ride to/from a town; paying for shower facilities; an occasional town meal or piece of broken or forgotten gear; etc.
- Trail Angel support: people along the trail who selflessly help hikers, but who appreciate a
grateful contribution
- Extra permits(some places along the trail require purchase of an additional permit for camping
privileges)
- Travel expenses to Mexican border
- Return travel expenses from Canada - bus from the remote trail-end; train to a city; plane for the final
leg home
My hike begins from the Mexican border near the end of April, and I hope to finish by the end the August. Connection to the rest of the world will be inconsistent and unreliable, so all homefront expenses need to have payments pre-arranged for the entire 4+ months.
Living the last 10 years as a single middle-aged woman in our youth-oriented society, I've learned that we are stronger than we know. We can be fulfilled and yes, even happy, within ourselves and without the need for affirmation from another. It is possible to be 'whole' without being half of a two-person unit. Friends are as crucial as air, water and food.
To date, there is no record of the oldest female to solo thru-hike this extraordinary route. This year I hope to prove that we are neither defined nor limited by our gender or our age. This hike is not just for me, but for all those women I've met, befriended and shared our struggle with.
When I step into Manning Park, Canada, at trail's end, I hope to create inspiration and dispel doubt for others facing the last chapter 'alone'. I will be eternally grateful for all the support and encouragement that enabled this endeavor to inspire and motivate a new direction
for all those who seek.
Weight dropped off my 5'3" frame quickly, and a worried sister suggested I join Meet-up interest groups. East North Bay Adventure Xplorers and its enigmatic leader gave me new life. Backpacking and hiking had been at the center of my now broken relationship, and ENBAX gave me the confidence to continue on my own.
Solo trips were scary at first, but also exhilarating. I planned and completed a thru-hike of the JMT at the age of 54, and the final step I took at Whitney Portal launched my goal of hiking the 2,663 mile Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada.
Now 61, I've just been awarded the thru-hike permit I need to realize my dream. Planning and organizing for this solo long distance hike is daunting and unexpectedly expensive.
- Lightweight gear(much of my old gear is far too heavy for the #of miles at elevation
- Shipping expenses(for the 20+ resupply boxes I need to mail to myself along the route)
- Town costs: paying for gas when I hitch I ride to/from a town; paying for shower facilities; an occasional town meal or piece of broken or forgotten gear; etc.
- Trail Angel support: people along the trail who selflessly help hikers, but who appreciate a
grateful contribution
- Extra permits(some places along the trail require purchase of an additional permit for camping
privileges)
- Travel expenses to Mexican border
- Return travel expenses from Canada - bus from the remote trail-end; train to a city; plane for the final
leg home
My hike begins from the Mexican border near the end of April, and I hope to finish by the end the August. Connection to the rest of the world will be inconsistent and unreliable, so all homefront expenses need to have payments pre-arranged for the entire 4+ months.
Living the last 10 years as a single middle-aged woman in our youth-oriented society, I've learned that we are stronger than we know. We can be fulfilled and yes, even happy, within ourselves and without the need for affirmation from another. It is possible to be 'whole' without being half of a two-person unit. Friends are as crucial as air, water and food.
To date, there is no record of the oldest female to solo thru-hike this extraordinary route. This year I hope to prove that we are neither defined nor limited by our gender or our age. This hike is not just for me, but for all those women I've met, befriended and shared our struggle with.
When I step into Manning Park, Canada, at trail's end, I hope to create inspiration and dispel doubt for others facing the last chapter 'alone'. I will be eternally grateful for all the support and encouragement that enabled this endeavor to inspire and motivate a new direction
for all those who seek.
Organizer
Terrie Arnold
Organizer
Vallejo, CA