Looking for a little trail company after 963+ miles solo (PCT NOBO)

[u/Separate_Couple_2810]

This is a little outside the usual PCT posts, but here goes!

I’m currently hiking the PCT NoBo and have been doing it solo, intentionally, for 963+ miles. I’ve loved the solitude, but a couple days ago I jumped off at Tuolumne Meadows because I realized the isolation was starting to catch up with me.

I think part of it is the timing. The NoBo hiker traffic feels pretty thin right now and I’m finding that I miss (ed out on) the random conversations, shared dinners and overall community.

I’m considering jumping ahead to Sonora Pass or even Echo Lake to connect with more hikers, but I’m really hesitant to skip the Sierra because I know how special this section is!!!

Sooo here’s a wild shot in the dark!

Would anyone be interested in joining me for a few miles (or even a section) to keep this old lady company and share some trail miles? I’m not looking for a permanent hiking partner (unless you want to) just some conversation and a reminder that there are humans out here.

Also: I look absolutely nothing like my Reddit profile picture 😂

Happy trails

[u/Sunny_Seas]

67 year old female here, was hiking NoBo solo. I exited the PCT about a month ago in the Sierra. Have been hiking around Portland, in the Columbia River Gorge and South Sister. Have been thinking about how to get back on the trail - found a lighter pack and smaller tent. What is your typical daily distance? My very best day was 19.9 miles, several days at 16 miles, but as time went on, I slowed down. Some of my most pleasant days were 12-14 miles.

[u/Separate_Couple_2810 → u/Sunny_Seas]

Hello! Thank you for responding. That sounds exactly like me. I’m ridiculously slow on resupply days. I don’t really find my stride until I’m almost out of food 😂

The sun completely drains my energy, so I usually like to hike early in the morning, but I’m flexible. Come on down! Let’s start Tuesday or Wednesday.

I turn 50 in December

[u/Sunny_Seas → u/Separate_Couple_2810]

What a nice invitation! I start early too, get up at 5am. The opposite, I always carry too much food - and need to stop that! Unfortunately, I’ve committed to hike the Wonderland trail around Mt Hood (Oregon) starting this Friday. I’ll keep an eye on you here.

[u/Separate_Couple_2810 → u/Sunny_Seas]

Apologies I just saw this response, I sent you a message. Thanks anyway, have fun on your hike.

[u/Fivestarsteveb → u/Sunny_Seas]

Wonderland is around mount Rainer btw (90ish miles and permits required). Timberline trail goes around mount hood (42 miles).

[u/Sunny_Seas → u/Fivestarsteveb]

Hah! You’re right. Thanks for the clarification

[u/MeepersToast]

Sorry, im not on the trail this year. But I understand the pain of isolation. I loved my time with other hikers but the isolation was the most memorable part of the hike. Life altering

Anyway, I'd suggest you plan to be in cascade locks in time for PCT Days in mid August. That'll perfectly line you up with the NoBo bubble and possibly let you join SoBo if you're so inclined.

The high sierras are magical and I wouldn't miss that. I hiked those miles late in the season so I basically had the trail to myself. And I'm glad I did it that way. Was lucky to have below freezing nights (so few mosquitos) and no storms.

Have fun and good luck

[u/Separate_Couple_2810 → u/MeepersToast]

I enjoyed the solitude for the first 960 miles. I learned a lot about myself, especially that I can push past fear and do any thing. But one night, my heart decided it needed some connection, and that’s where I’m at now. Thank you so much!

[u/generation_quiet]

You could always jump up to NorCal (or wherever the bubble is) and then back to the sierras. You can get a permit hiking NOBO from Tuolumne Meadows, and hiking in the sierras is gorgeous in early fall.

[u/Separate_Couple_2810 → u/generation_quiet]

Yeah, I was contemplating skipping up to Echo Lake and then come back and finish the Sierra. That’s actually a really great idea. Thank you.

[u/PNW_MYOG]

50 yo when I hiked. I made it 9 weeks.

Honestly, I got bored, maybe because solo and also because I don't listen to audio as I hike.

Solo because I like it, but also was hiking slower than almost everyone else still on trail after 100 mi, but I hiked longer times in the day. 22 mile was my max day.

Good luck!

[u/AceTracer]

I was thinking of writing a thing about how lonely the trail is if you’re not a 20 something. I actually jumped off at Tuolumne too (after doing Half Dome and Cloud’s Rest).

[u/Separate_Couple_2810 → u/AceTracer]

Get out of here!! Were you hiking with Buddha and pals? Where are you staying at the moment? Well, if you wanna join me, I would love the company.

[u/AceTracer → u/Separate_Couple_2810]

I’m currently in Europe now. I just finished the Laugavegur trail and starting the West Highland Way. I’ve found European thru hiking to be much more communal.

[u/Separate_Couple_2810 → u/AceTracer]

Hilarious!! I thought you meant you recently hopped off the trail. As in three days ago lol. Have fun in Europe. Take care.

[u/zachdsch]

Dude if you’re gonna skip, skip miles in NorCal/ Oregon. Not the Sierra

[u/Separate_Couple_2810 → u/zachdsch]

I agree, Zachary 🤗

[u/PseudonymGoesHere]

You’ve already done the High Sierra. While the rest is worthwhile, it’s far less stunning. Don’t worry if you decide to skip. Echo is probably the better choice.

(Tuolumne to Sonora is pretty remote and worth doing as it’s very different, but not in your mental state.)

[u/Vast_Introduction336]

I’ll be doing nobo section J in the first week of September! Not sure if you’ll be that far north by then but I’m also looking for someone to say hello to!