I QUIT Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail AGAIN (& What I Decided to Do Instead)

[@TheHungryHiker]

Here’s the story of how I almost fell out of love with backpacking and how I found my love for it again on the trail I love the most. Missed Part 1 of my crazy Summer of Pivoting? Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZavnoFmiMd9Z5I

[@nedVenturesOut]

People tell me to do a thru hike. I tell them no! I enjoy day hikes 10 miles or less day hiking makes me happy! And I always have a hot lunch now. It makes a big difference!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Leisure and Pleasure!!! I never considered myself a hot lunch person out on trail, but here I am. Even though I've thru-hiked before, I've really come to enjoy section hiking a lot more over the years. You can cherry pick where you go, when you want to go AND get to truly experience the area without having to rush through in an attempt to beat the weather. Plus, the trip planning logistics are WAY easier for those shorter trips.

[@sabijoli]

yep! except for the Tahoe Rim Trail, I did all of that during my trip, because where is the fun and relaxation if you’re not enjoying the scenery and the opportunity to be in gorgeous places!

[@stevecypher9213]

Leisure and pleasure - yes! I thought I'd become a thru hiker when I retired this year, but I like being comfortable and not rushed. It turned into shorter hikes focused on enjoying the scenery.

[@TheHungryHiker]

After this summer, I'm a huge fun of the leisure and pleasure backpacking trips! I thought in my heart I would always be a thru-hiker myself, but after section hiking much of the PCT over the last 5+ years, I'm learning that I actually prefer section hiking over thru-hiking. I love being able to cherry pick when and where I get to go out on trail without having to worry about racing against the weather. The trip planning logistics are so much easier with the shorter trips and you don't have to take as much time off of "town" life as I need to with a thru-hike.

[@elysezebeast]

Thanks for sharing. Lately I’ve been steering away from hiking because the last few hikes I have done have been so challenging; physically and mentally. Your video reminded me to just do hikes that will make me happy. Regardless of their difficulty. It’s ok to do hikes that you’re comfortable with and make you remember why you fell in love with it in the first place. ❤

[@TheHungryHiker]

Absolutely! I 100% agree.

[@pgrafton]

I just went over Bishop Pass 9/10/2024! We did the North Lake South Lake loop. The moonscape of the JMT got me rethinking my choices about hiking. Nothing like the Northwest or GNP. 😢 I now have a hole in my new GG The One tent, my BA sleeping pad, a tear in my GG Mariposa, and found the 1/8" GG foam roll beyond worthless. The plus side, Backcountryfoodie recipes and planner was a complete success. So much so I want to hike more just to use those delicious recipes! My Saucony trail runners performed perfectly. Walking through a river and not carrying 26 oz water shoes, big win. I am happy you bailed on the southern PCT and headed north. I really enjoy your content and even though I have been hiking for years I always learn a lot, and love to hear your perspective and thoughts. Hope to someday meet you on a trail, enjoy a meal together and swap hiking stories. 😊

[@TheHungryHiker]

I actually love the moonscape of the High Sierra. I also love the lush trees and high alpine up in the Pacific Northwest. Sorry to hear that you had some gear failures out on trail this year. Glad you had your food dialed in with the help of Backcountry Foodie. Thanks for watching and happy to hear that my videos have been helpful for you!

[@chemistryflavored]

I wouldn’t think of it as quitting. I think what you did is still amazing!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you! I really appreciate that.

[@Traybair]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks for watching the video!

[@hikergir01]

I have had trips like that, or have to pivot due to something spooking my dog (she's getting much better now) Glad you found someone to hike with. I am 60 and hike alone 98% of the time, and almost always backpack alone anymore. Sometimes I just go home because I get tired of being alone.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I feel like there's a time and a place for hiking solo and backpacking with friends. I like doing both for multiple reasons. I was happy to have a huge group of ladies who let me crash their various trips throughout the summer. Some of those adventures will be coming up soon in other videos. :)

[@floradaexplora]

This was one of the most incredible 'Solo not Solo' hikes I have ever done. I witnessed a beautiful transformation in the majesty of the backcountry that few of us ever get to experience. All I can say is that this journey was transformative. And, for all you wondering if something else was going on, well, I was there- it was real, honest and healing in only the way that nature can nurture. I am proud to be a graduate of CSFBS. Thank you Token for being my backpacking coach, my mentor and my friend❤ and....that DAMN BREAD!!!😂🥖

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you for allowing me to come crash your "Solo Not Solo" hike up to the Northern Terminus and for helping me find my love for backpacking again. I needed that trip more than you'll ever know. I'm so proud that you're a CSFBS graduate and honored to also have you as one of my friends. I still can't believe I forgot that DAMN BREAD in Steve's truck. I think I more than made up for it when we got back into Mazama though. Hahahaha!!

[@pattidoyle5102]

Those videos of the PCT in Washington are jaw-dropping!!! I’m so glad you trusted yourself and ended up having a positive outcome.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you! The scenery up in the Washington backcountry along the PCT is unreal. I was so happy to visit again.

[@cynthiaarnhold5037]

You are an inspiration!!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awe! Thank you for that!

[@lorikitzing9309]

Mary seems like the type of friend who could get you to have lots of good-ol'-belly-laughs while on trail! Thanks for the vulnerability. Hopefully it will help people listen to their gut and not continue when things get dangerous (that extreme heat and lack of eating seemed like a recipe for disaster).

[@TheHungryHiker]

Mary along with her "Solo Not Solo" backpacking trip was my saving grace at this point of my season. Being out on trail with her for a few days was exactly what I needed. There were so many laughs while we were out there.

[@Rollergirl601]

I really love that you were willing to change what you were doing and that you found that happiness again! So many important lessons from this. And fyi, those baguettes are my favorite!! You weren’t too far from my neck of the woods! 😊

[@TheHungryHiker]

This whole experience really taught me quite a few valuable lessons. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others out there to always listen to their gut and not feel bad or ashamed about having to pivot from a plan that isn't just working out. As for those sea salted baguette, if you know, YOU know!! I love Mazama!!

[@youngheart1065]

Good for you! Hiking should ALWAYS be enjoyable!!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

100%!!!

[@billcampbell6602]

thanks again, stunning scenery and more importantly , solid advice. Thank you. For me I would rather enjoy the walk, the scenery , over head down and rushing and missing all of Gods gifts, otherwise, what's the point.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks for watching. Glad you got a little something out of this video.

[@plants4thewin]

Hot lunch is the way to go....The outdoors is for us to SMOOTH It...I save "roughing it" for my "job". Good call..glad you had fun.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I love that and totally agree!

[@marceinthemountains]

Ha! I live in Winthrop, and we definitely know!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Yes!!!! #IYKYK. ;)

[@KevinRStrauss]

There's nothing more powerful than what your gut/subconscious is trying to tell you. Kudos for listening! I recently posted a video about solving the "bonking" issue which can help a lot. ☮❤🤝

[@TheHungryHiker]

I agree. Always listen to your gut. It will never steer you wrong.

[@fatmantv1]

Your great no matter what!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Well thank you for that. :)

[@paulastamper6225]

Thank you

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks for watching!

[@drewyager4020]

Welcome back to Washington. We have it good up here as you know

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!~ Washington is one of my favorite places. I know I can always count on this state for the incredible backcountry.

[@_andy_gibb_]

Glad you found a way to reignite your love for backpacking! I had a similar experience recently where it took me until day 4 of 6 to begin enjoying being up in the alpine, whereas normally as soon as I step foot into a meadow I feel like I'm where I'm meant to be. I was hiking near Rainy Pass in July and it got me thinking about Yoyo-ing to the border from there - it looks like amazing hiking!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Glad you can relate! A lot of people don't realize that backpacking is not always beautiful, big mountains, pretty scenery and frolicking through the woods. It's hard work and can sometimes be a downright sufferfest for multiple, various reasons. Once I pivoted and got back out on trail, it took me a couple days, but I realized that being in the backcountry was exactly where I wanted to be. So happy that I didn't give up on my love for backpacking and was able to find my heart in it again. PS: The whole area around Rainy Pass in Washington is stunning! I was sad that the Easy fire had broke out in the area this summer causing a lot of those trails in the area to close. Cutthroat Pass is one of my most places along the PCT in Washington.

[@heartattackhiker3527]

Done that section of the PCT twice very beautiful

[@TheHungryHiker]

Section L of the PCT in Washington is beautiful. I've hiked it three times now and it's been stunning each time.

[@debrapage6464]

Hot lunches? Do tell, what did you eat? Dehydrated meals or something different? Also love all your content and seeing you ‘hike your hike’, very inspiring!

[@TheHungryHiker]

This summer for hot lunches, I did a lot of peanut noodles which is basically ramen with a peanut butter packet. Super easy, super yummy and super cheap. It was enough of a power punch to get me through the rest of the afternoon and into camp.

[@applemaid]

Love this!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@Topo.On.Trail1]

That "damn bread" 😉🙃🤣

[@TheHungryHiker]

It's my favorite!! So good!!

[@joannehaberman8923]

I also totally know that ginormous tree!!! Glad you enjoyed yourself.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!!!! I don't think I've ever gotten to hug a tree that big before. It was awesome!! 10/10 recommend!

[@owensfolx]

I can't believe that it took you/me/us 7+ minutes to describe "Hiking Liberty! Girl, just do what's in your heart, body and mind. I have followed you for at least two years- we don't all need to be through hikers.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Hiking Liberty. Yes!! Thank you for this. There's a time and a place for us to be every type of hiker and backpacker we want to be. For me, right now I'm learning how to slow down, smell the wildflowers along the way and discover some new-to-me-places. Oh and enjoy the occasional hot lunch or two while I'm out there.

[@rfdinesen4027]

I have noticed that as I get older, I get better at actually hearing that voice, not dismissing it and powering through to prove some point. We become better listeners and therefore maybe a little wiser. Maybe?

[@TheHungryHiker]

I absolutely agree!

[@RStarflowerpower]

Just a couple gals out for a hike in the woods :).

[@TheHungryHiker]

And it was quite the fun adventure!

[@joannehaberman8923]

I totally know that store and that AMAZING bread!!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

It's one of my most favorite parts about visiting Mazama!!!

[@peterbedford2610]

I have backpacked since the 1970s. I've never been interested in thru hiking. After 5 days hiking, I feel very restored. Before social media, I'd say backpacking was about 80% less popular. And thru hiking was hardly ever even discussed.

[@TheHungryHiker]

It doesn't take much to get revitalized when you spend some good, quality time out in the backcountry. It's part of what keeps me coming back.

[@onlyinparadise4613]

Where do you get the cook stove koozi in your older videos? Thank you 🙏

[@TheHungryHiker]

I made both the stove and food cozy myself. Here's the video I put together showing how I made my backpacking food cozy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ7VkHdqps93j6s

[@onlyinparadise4613]

@@TheHungryHiker thank you! Excellent tutorial 👏

[@Dan__S]

How dare you enjoy your hike. Someone needs to call the trail authority.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Hahahaha!! Right? I'm not here for the sufferfest. Life's too short for that. Let's normalize leisure and pleasure out in the backcountry!

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

Glad your gut kicked in, the fires and smoke were horrible here in SoCal’s Inland Empire. I’ve been surrounded by fires, one of our state congresswoman’s house burned down in the area. Enjoy Washington!

[@TheHungryHiker]

The smoke from the nearby fires were starting to get really bad when I decide to call my hike in the Sierra. Plus, upcoming resupply stops were getting evacuated at the time. It was a tough decision to make, but have no regrets with having to make this pivot. The fires have been really tough this year, not only in California, but also Oregon and Washington. Fire season is my least favorite season. :(

[@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677]

@@TheHungryHiker mine too, my allergies are much worst with fire season in full swing. Glad you’re safe!

[@TheHungryHiker]

@@a.ramosakadrumgrl6677 Oh man! I feel that.

[@frankblangeard8865]

Where is the customs and immigration offices at the U.S./Canadian border?

[@TheHungryHiker]

Good question. The border where the Northern Terminus is at the PCT is not a manned border crossing. In order to cross into Canada legally via the PCT, hikers need to obtain a Canada PCT Entry permit through the Canadian government and will need to present that to authorities when they leave the country. Here's more info about the Canada PCT Entry permit along with details about crossing in and out of Canada via the PCT: www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/permits/canada-pct-entry-permit/

[@williamwadejr5302]

Yeah, if you don’t enjoy it then what’s the point?

[@TheHungryHiker]

Exactly!

[@outdoorswalker3744]

Why is it that you lose your appetite? That happened to me also I could not eat.

[@TheHungryHiker]

There are so many reasons why someone could lose their appetite on a backpacking trip. I think for me it was a combination of strenuous exercise in extreme heat. I typically don't have a big appetite on my first couple days of any big trip, but after a week of not really wanting to eat, I knew something was wrong. Even when I got into my two town stops, I wasn't eating as much as I should've been.

[@outdoorswalker3744]

@@TheHungryHiker i just got off a few weeks back and it was very hot

[@pete26167]

Hey hungry hiker😎.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Hello!

[@christofervandezande8853]

so you didn't quit? what a weird title

[@TheHungryHiker]

I quit my original plan and went to go hike something else.

[@happyperson8740]

I think there were quite a few “other” factors that you are not willing to discuss in your vlog. Most of us could see it. I would suggest doing something other than backpacking and do something else that you love. Everything has a season and this just wasn’t your season. Best of luck to you.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Nope, I was pretty honest in this video about why I was struggling out on trail this year and shared it in my story. It was because of my pivot that I was able to find my love for backpacking again. And even though my hike through the Sierra didn't turn out like I thought it would this, in fact, did turn out to be my season. I'll be showing in upcoming videos how the rest of my summer ended up panning out. Spoiler Alert: There's a happy ending!

[@TheQueensWish]

@Happy Person, every sentence you wrote was dreadful. And the last sentence was a dismissive discard. I suggest you change your name from “happy person.” It’s not fooling anybody … and most of us can see it. Find something you like! Best! 😊

[@andreatackorecunard539]

Wow...

[@tadghsmith1457]

Thru-hiking on your own seems a bit pointless to me. It's solitary, and if you've done it before I imagine it can be boring, monotonous, and not really that much of a challenge except as a feat of endurance. It doesn't look to be fun in the slightest. Now if you had friends or a "tramily" around you that would be different.

[@TheHungryHiker]

You don't have to understand why someone would want to thru-hike on their own. We all have reasons for why we hike out in the backcountry and how we decide to hike our hikes. Hike your own hike. :)

[@kozziemoto11]

What a strange comment to make of someone you don't know. 🤔 I have hiked certain trails repeatedly and have loved each adventure! I've even told myself, "This time I'll be able to do it much faster, as I've already taken every photograph possible along this trail" (one of what some people consider my downfall), and yet I have found that I shoot just as many pictures again each time, as things always look different or I see something new! 🤷‍♀️ Repetition may not be for everyone, but we each have our reasons for hiking the trails we do, which is wonderful. 🥳✨😍

[@TheHungryHiker]

@@kozziemoto11 I totally agree with you! I myself am guilty of hiking many of the same trails over and over again because I love them so much. I also love hiking those same trails throughout different times of the year just so I can experience them in all of the different seasons. I have such a love connection with the PCT that even while completing my thru-hike, I knew I wanted to hike it again and head in the opposite direction. Section hiking the PCT over the last few years has allowed me to experience this trail in a whole new way that I wasn't able to experience as a thru-hiker. It almost feels like a whole new trail to me.

[@amynapier3551]

Sometimes the trail is the only place where we feel we have the space, time and permission to grieve, heal and reset. Sometimes it's better to be by yourself to unpack all of that rather than being a burden to others. Sometimes you need to be surrounded by others who understand and respect the process. I don't judge anyone for needing to hike alone. You certainly meet up with others in town, hostels or shelters but you can empower yourself to hike your own hike.