PCT 2023: EP 1 - My Thru-hike Begins, Again!

[@larrypeake7632]

Wow, FANTASTIC first and second day!!!!

[@vickiebartnicki4216]

Yea Condor! Glad to see you on trail again. Amazing first day! Welcome back. Blessings and safe hiking

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Awww thank you 🤗💕 Make sure to check out my playlist in the tabs...I have all my 8 episodes saved there in order so you can catch up 😄🤓

[@JustBob5150]

Back on the trail again. So good to see this. Watching you from France!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! 🤗💕

[@billhansen9100]

Good 👍 happy hiking my Prayers are with you for a safe trip

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! I'll take all the prayers I can get, always!! 🙏🤗💕

[@victorkach8850]

We really enjoy watching your hike through each week. Thanks for giving us memories of sections of the PCT. Look forward to your next video and your progress. BTW we lived in Acton, near Agua Dulce, and rode our horses on the PCT (30 years ago). We live in New Mexico now and ride our horses in the desert, mountain trails and the valley. Wishing you safe and joyful hike on the PCT. We'll be watching.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you so much 😊 🤗

[@laurenbouchie2394]

Your training paid off for sure this time! Your doing a great job, I 'm glad your posting your videos!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! I think so too. More power to those who don't train before embarking on a thru hike. It's tough and I can't imagine not being used to the amount of exertion needed. It gives me confidence to know how hard I can push my body and how well my gear works/carries.

[@ShaBebeProductions]

Thank you for the “peaceful” hiking! So many hikers I would like to watch but their music drowns out any peacefulness of the trail. Nice to find your channel best wishes for your thru hike!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! I feel the same way when I watch other videos. Too many don't know how to properly edit the music in to compliment the footage. 🙏💕

[@supergran62]

Woo Hoo! Back on the trail. All very best wishes for a great hike this year from 🇦🇺

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you!! I appreciate your support 🤗💕

[@Mtnsunshine]

Yay! Condor! 🎉 I’m 4 days late in watching (work and all that silliness☺️) but congratulations on your new start. 👍 Will be sending all the good wishes possible that you have a fantastically fun and safe journey. And thanks for showing details like where to catch public transportation as part of getting to the border. Things like that can really help someone navigating a strange city in a strange land. Looking forward to any videos you wish to share. 😊

[@philipyoho8115]

Good strong start! Welcome back and good luck on the journey. I was in Big Bear today visiting a classmate from 40+ years ago. He and his son are making the trek together. Maybe you'll bump into at some point. His name is Troy and he is hiking with his adult son. Anyway great job and looking forward to seeing the progress. :)

[@turragorman59]

Glad your back on trail!!

[@kristenscott9438]

Wishing you the best this 4th attempt! Prayers are with you! SO sorry i gave up on your videos at the last attempt! Don't lose hope again! Stay strong and have fun this time!

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Good to see you on trail again. Wishing you a great PCT adventure

[@evapierce1090]

I'm behind on the videos but so stoked about watching them. Your off to a great start. Just so happy for you. Thank you for continuing to share your journey.

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

Tracy, love your PCT videos. I can relate. Happy trails!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Awww, thanks so much!! 🤗💕

[@marnieandnoelle]

So glad to see your video this morning! So excited to follow your journey. With the gates, sometimes if you lift up on them before opening they will open further.

[@Swimdeep]

I commend you on your perseverance Condor; you are an inspiration to many. Happy Trails! Get in touch if you need something.🌿

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thanks so much!! 🤗💕

[@tommckinney1489]

Great start! Lookin good! Hike On!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you Tom 🤗

[@mrdrone2758]

I just found this trail the other Day at first thought......yea no way never but since then all I been thinking about is this trail I think I can do it... just need to prepare myself maybe one day 😅 but it definitely is a goal now

[@TikiBirdTracy]

It does get under your skin once you start to research and watch videos. Enjoy the rabbit hole and hopefully one day you'll be going on your own big adventure on the PCT! 😄

[@tammyjarvis3699]

I think this is the 4 th time I have followed your attempts and I’m sure glad to be tuning in again. You look really strong and positive . Off to a great start!

[@timetraveler1128]

Enjoy the adventure and thanks for sharing.

[@MrJohn12041]

Yea so glad I get to hike with you LOL Praying for safe hiking!!!

[@anitavincent7447]

OMG. Doesn’t look very deserty, everything is so green and lush, I’m happy you get to see it in yet another way this year. I’m thrilled to be living vicariously through you Condor, the way you’re proceeding is perfect. Much love and positive thinking going your way. 🙏🏻🥰

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thanks Anita! It has been so beautiful with all the green everywhere. The flowers are a little delayed but still plentiful. Lots of water sources is always nice. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. It means so much!! 🤗💕😇🥰

[@stevenvarner9806]

Anita, most of southern California is not actually desert. There are only a few desert sections along the PCT. This is chaparral, which is the most common habitat in the state. The chamise, sages, manzanitas, chaparral yuccas, and ceanothus (California lilac) are sure signs of chaparral.

[@tinmanandoliveoylsadventur7129]

Hi, We now live in San Antonio Texas. OMG, what a difference. I'm from SoCal and have hiked these trails since I was a kid in the boy scouts, also a LASH in 21. I didn't know how knowledgeable I was until I went to REI in San Antonio and their jaw dropped, I was helping their customers with snow gear. Anyway, when you get off trail, hit us up. We'll buy you lunch or whatever here in San Antonio. Maybe you can show us some trails because apart from the Mission trails, there is no outdoors here. Looking forward for Luby's or something. Happy trails.

[@TheHikingChick1]

Yay! Best wishes for an incredible journey this year! It was a treat to meet you on trail!🌻💛

[@TikiBirdTracy]

I loved meeting you, finally!! It was a nice surprise after a long hard day of hiking. 🤗💕

[@sheStillouThere]

Just wanted to say thank-you for your posts! I am planning to do the first 100 miles in May and your mileage each day is helpful to know what to expect!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Best wishes out there. The first 100 miles are some of my favorite sections!!

[@gaylewalker4239]

Im so excited for you. Good luck. You will do amazing. A great beginning to you journey. Keep trekking. 😀

[@bethanylacerda8871]

This is your year, youve got this! Please share some of your food

[@lisasdayoff503]

Good luck. I was down there a month ago for a vacation / shake down hike. I'm headed south in June. Maybe I'll see ya Btw...lift the gate . It will open further

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Ahhh, now I know. They never open far, haha. Good luck on your SOBO hike 💕💕

[@lisaallison4371]

It's so fun to see you back on the PCT!!! I love the dynamic, beautiful vistas and nature. Great idea to experiment with your hiking technique to make it easier for your knees. Can't wait for the next episode! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you 🤗💕

[@MalFunktion1]

Yay Condor! You so got it this time!

[@budrunner131]

Good luck this year, as I watch another start of your adventures on the PCT.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you for your continuing support. Let's do this thing!!! 🤗💕

[@ferretzfan]

It’s nice to see you back out there. It looks like you’re in the bubble this time and the training has really paid off. Onward!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! I was definitely in the bubble in the beginning couple of weeks. It has thinned as I've moved North. Feeling strong!! 🤗💕

[@loriann2194]

Good luck this year it will be very hard with all the snow SoCal had got. Be careful out there I have watched you from your first try at the PCT.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! I'm being as careful as I can. Trying to play it safe! 🤗💕

[@loriann2194]

I would love to come a hike with you a few days I’m in SoCal about the same age but I do hike but very slowly 😂 but love love hiking!!!!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

That would be awesome... though I'm hightailing it through the desert now to beat the heat 😅😅

[@stevenvarner9806]

Those gates are lift gates. You have to lift the gate in order to swing it open. - Glad to see you back on trail. Have a fun hike.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! 🤗💕

[@susanrogers3350]

Great start! Love seeing your video of the area. Just finished the desert section yesterday (doing pct as a section hiker). I think it’s great the time you started. You had lots of water; not so much now. Saw lots of thru hikers dealing well with the diminished water availability. Your class is very hearty. Your doing a really great job. Always look forward to your videos and your accomplishments. Hike on!

[@michelleoglesbee-flores2518]

Yay, fabulous first day. Good seeing you back on trail! Did I miss a video on your new pack? I have been contemplating a lighter pack- but not sure yet as not sure if will continue to do much backpacking after this year. Will see. Love how colorful it is

[@TikiBirdTracy]

I'm still testing it out. No videos on it. Still love my Circuit best though!!! 💕

[@Dora_walking]

Were you able to carryon your sticks?

[@PJ818]

It's been a crazy wet year here in CA. I love doing backpacking trips in the Sierra Nevadas, and the southern Sierras got almost 300% of their seasonal average. I'm planning on doing the High Sierra Trail this year (72 mi, starts near Giants Forest in Sequoia NP, goes over Kaweah Gap, down to the Kern, up to Mt Whitney, down to Whitney Portal), and while in a dry year I'd plan on starting late June/early July, a more typical wet year in late July/early August, this year I'm planning on late September (hope that's not a crazy decision). I live in the Burbank, CA area, and visited a buddy in the Palmdale area this past weekend. Looking at Mt Baden-Powell from Palmdale, there was a heck of a lot of snow still on it for this time of year. Usually in late May to early June I'll encounter only 1 bank of snow on the switchbacks up (I typically start at Little Jimmy's, camping there the night before), there's still quite a bit of snow on the mountain, as well as the ridge to the west of it.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Yes, definitely still a lot of snow depth in the desert higher elevations. I've traversed through a lot of it. I'm for sure team "Wait for late season hiking in thru the Sierra", haha. But need to be mindful of getting through before bad weather returns or resupplies close for the season. Good luck on your hike!! 🙏💕🤗

[@Henning_Rech]

Snow melt will be until August, not in September anymore. A start between mid August and early September would be best.

[@123meaghanb]

Third (fourth?) times the charm!!!

[@Check_your_head]

Good luck with the trail!! How is the cellular coverage out there and also, what backpack & tent are you using this year???

[@TikiBirdTracy]

I have Verizon... seems to have the most coverage. Though that depends on the area. I would say about 40% of the time. Just turn calorie cellular on when you get to the tops of climbs or mountains facing cities/towns. I'm using the ULA Ohm 2.0 (custom) and Zpacks Duplex tent. Both great.

[@logictd567]

Nice to see you back. Question. Why didn’t you start where you left off on the trail?

[@TikiBirdTracy]

I answered this in my announcement video if you want to watch that, but in summary: I want to complete the entire trail in one season, I like to start from the beginning with all the other new hikers, it gradually builds up the legs and conditioning with the way the terrain is on the PCT, I am comfortable with the desert as I already know much of it so it makes me more confident as I get started. That's about it. Everyone has to decide for themselves how they wish to tackle a long trail. 😊

[@TikiBirdTracy]

And I am a desert rat. I love the landscape and the trails. I don't mind doing them over again.

[@stirlingslingerland4547]

All the best with your journey. What was your starting date?

[@maysusy4]

Tracy happy to see you . I live in Palmdale if you need to stay a nights It will be honored to have in my house . I work in Glendale . I drive through Los Angeles forest Hwy 2 . If you need anything please. . BACKPACKING IS LIVE !!! Go!!Go!!! Tracy.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thanks so much! I appreciate that. 🤗💕

[@maysusy4]

@@TikiBirdTracy hello my friend where are u at ? When is you next video . Be safe ,Have fun!!!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

I'll try to release two per week, but may need a couple weeks to get up to speed with videos in que. I'm not disclosing my location on social media for safety reasons. I'm doing well out here though 😊

[@wayneclary]

Best of luck. I'll be following you and hope you make it all the way!!!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thanks so much! Me! Too! 😅🤗💕

[@tootsla1252]

So great you are back! Question: what, if anything, are you going to do differently vs your previous PCT hikes?

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Not much really. Hopefully not being stalked this time 😜 I need to stay mentally in the game when things occur that make me anxious. I'm still learning so much as I go, and what I need to change as I go. I will give this more thought though.

[@tootsla1252]

@@TikiBirdTracy That stalking incident must have been terrifying. I recall a male hiker a few years ago who had a benign, well-intentioned stalker who tracked the hiker’s footsteps through the snow. Some followers have way too much time on their hands. But with female solo hiker there’s a very fine line that a follower should never cross. I’ve always been concerned when hikers post their videos too close to real time. I’d hold up posting for 2/3 weeks at least especially if you’re posting exact trail mile markers and locations. You want to be way out and miles away from your video footage. IMHO it’s your best hedge against an overly enthusiastic or not well intentioned “follower.” Be safe kiddo! You’ve got this one. You’re doing great!

[@izbiz671]

Good to see you again Tiki on PCT!!...Have fun!!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Awww thank you 🤗💕

[@josephfore8631]

What is the best guide book or maps to get for the PCT ?

[@randysmith6493]

Did you ever hear of Rain Maker Charles Hatfield ? In 1916 he offered to fill bone dry Lake Morena with water for a price. I heard one report it was $3,000 , and another 10,000. San Diego country agreed and he set up towers and his smoke concoction and it rained, and rained, and rained and the lake dams broke and the flooding washed out homes and a few people lost their lives. Crazy he could do that. They never paid him either. Never seen so much foliage of the trail start for you. So far so good

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Very interesting! Thank you 🤗

[@Mountian-Zen]

Any particular reason you have not linked your PCT miles by section hiking? Seems you would pretty close to Kennedy Mdws S. putting all the yrs. together.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Personal preference to complete the PCT in one season, start with all the other hikers, build up my condition gradually from Campo, start where I'm familiar so I'm more confident. You don't start from mile 17 if you didn't complete the first marathon, you attempt from the beginning... this is just for myself and what I want. People can do whatever they wish!! There are no rules, HYOH! 💪😄

[@tiger2too18]

You may have mentioned this. What date did you start the PCT?

[@TikiBirdTracy]

April 12th!

[@theobscuredbeauty]

What do you mean by your knee pinched?

[@TikiBirdTracy]

When my knee pinches, it is felt as a sharp pain versus just an achy knee.

[@hikerJohn]

Haha, Every time I see or hear a bird I dont know I think of Teki Bird. 🐦🐓🐧🦉🦩🦜

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Awww, that's sweet! I do love my birds! 💕💕