PCT 2023: EP 6 - The Harsh Reality of Hiking the PCT & Heading to Idyllwild

Mile 127.3 - 151.9

[@sandrap3047]

Congratulations on hitting 150 miles! You're doing great Tiki Bird!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! 🤗💕

[@MWalkin]

Aaw, I miss this trail so much. Lows and highs ❤ so happy I can do it again via you 🥰 take care!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

🤗💕💕 I wish you could come join me 😊🙏

[@MWalkin]

@@TikiBirdTracy me too 🥰

[@ferretzfan]

You’re right to be cautious. A woman died of heat exposure out there a couple of years ago and she was an experienced hiker. Those flowers are gorgeous. That’s so sad that Mary’s Place will no longer be providing water after this year.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

I did keep that woman in my mind as I hiked through there again. I don't take anything for granted out there. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing!! 🤗💕

[@memathews]

You know these sections so well, every little piece of what to expect and how to manage it. You're a highly experienced hiker now and the new sections may be different but there's nothing they will throw at you that you can't handle! Sad to hear that Mary's is going to shut down, but she dedicated a substantial amount of time and resources to making that oasis work in the desert, she will be a pleasant part of PCT history.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

She contributed so much to the hiker community. She's ready to move on to other adventures but will be missed, for sure. 🤗💕

[@philwestmoreland8127]

In 2022 I had just left Mary's Place heading northbound during a heat wave when I got an occlusion to a branch artery in my right retina and lost vision in that eye. I hiked about .8 miles back to Mary's Place and was so fortunate she was there. Mary drove me to a hospital in Rancho Mirage and waited with me until I was able to get in to see a doctor. Watching your video on this section brings back the frightful memory of that event. Doctors and ophthalmologist attributed it to dehydration and pushing through the high heat. I have permanent loss of depth perception in my right eye, but it hasn't stopped me from hiking. It has certainly slowed me down dramatically on really rough terrain. Mary was a fantastic supporter of the trail and will be missed.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

That is an awful injury to endure while out there 😱 I've often worried about doing that as it seems all those pokey bits are always at my eye level, being so short. I try to be careful but like you said, when you're under stressful conditions, it's easy to get complacent. Glad you had at least an okay outcome and not complete loss of vision. Eeks! Sad to lose Mary in that location. I think she's ready to move on to different adventures. 🤗💕

[@ChicaandSunsets]

We’re really enjoying your videos. Love all your information for towns, etc and your honesty with how you’re feeling. Thx! We’re hiking it next year! - Chica

[@VivianInTheOC]

Not rambling. I like when you talk-to-camera with your thoughts from the day. Keep up the great work!👍

[@vickiebartnicki4216]

Beautiful flowers! Congratulations on 150. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your videos. Blessings and safe hiking.

[@adventureseeker9800]

One thing that I think is cool about modern day long distance thru hiking is that there are a variety of tools to plan one's hiking itinerary for a specific day. Planning the route, trail conditions, stops, water, etc.. You can actually say, I am planning on hiking (X?) miles today. At the moment, the thought of hiking 18.5 miles seems mind blowing to me but there are loads of videos like these where hikers have the day planned out specifically. If there's a phone app which I know there are (more than one!) and you can say ok this is my projected distance for the day based on data and maps that are available, the convenience factor would be huge. Our family knows someone that hiked the PCT clear back in 1988. I wonder what all the old timers think qbout all the new lighter gear - and tech these days...

[@tommckinney1489]

Beautiful flowers @time 4:39...purple!! (At least purple on my screen). Good advice on the electrolytes. Lots of people drink enough water, but ignore electrolytes.

[@kristenscott9438]

Hoping that lady made a full recovery! Such a bummer! My heart goes/went out to her!

[@tammyjarvis3699]

I just love how strong and sure of yourself you are out there now! As someone who has followed you for a few hrs now I see your confidence and strength seems to grow by leaps and bounds! Anything can happen on a 2500 through hike today you could be a rock and tomorrow at all falls apart but if you keep going like this way, you have it up to this point wow you’re just gonna do amazing. Also, as usual, you capture some of the best views on the trail and I just love how you always seem to be out there when the flowers are just going wild and you do such a great job, capturing it all for us. Thanks so much Tiki bird for Sharing your journeys with us!

[@GenX_outdoors]

Just discovered your channel. Great video! I’m also from Texas, a GenXer looking to possibly hike PCT in 2024.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Yay!! So happy to have you along for my crazy journey. You should totally - (a genX saying 😁) - hike the PCT. Start planning and researching now and you will be ready to start hiking from Campo next Spring... or whenever the timing is right. 🤗💕

[@rosew861]

What do u recommend for electrolytes replacement when hiking? I’m loving following ur journey 💟

[@TikiBirdTracy]

I use Nuun mostly. Two tablets per day of hiking. I alternate 1 liter plain water with 1 liter (1 tab) electrolytes... and repeat. I'm not opposed to more electrolytes though if I'm sweating a ton. But this seems to work well for me. In addition, I make sure to eat a couple pretty salty foods during the day also to replace salts.

[@pamelalynn3767]

great video

[@susanrogers3350]

Great job!

[@mtadams2009]

Enjoy your hike. It looks beautiful. I have learned not to get caught up in other people on the trial. That girl may be young but it does not mean she was healthy. You can and will do this. Take care

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you 🤗💕

[@guanaca6622]

How do you carry your umbrella.?good luck.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

I have 3 points I affix it to my shoulder strap. The elastic loop that's already on the umbrella at the bottom, middle area - an elastic loop I added to my shoulder strap that always stays on there (it's multi-use), and third spot is my bandana at the top of the strap... that one really secures it in place. It's not perfect but it mostly works great.

[@debgittins7426]

Absolutely beautiful hillsides. Thanks for sharing your emotional journey too. We all "hit the wall" at different times, but we all do "hit the wall". I think this video will be super helpful for newbies to realise, it's a normal part of the journey. Like managing your foot care,, we need to manage our headspace care too. I'm really enjoying your journey. I'm starting to prepare for a long walk, for this time in 2024. Only 1003km, but that will be the longest walk I've done. I'm starting from behind the 🎱 emotionally and physically, so it's going to be a journey just to get to the trail head.

[@hope2someday691]

The flowers sure are putting on a show this year. Really sorry to hear about Mary’s place going away. Do you know if there were any reason given? Are you taking any supplements for your knees? They seem do be doing great this year. Great tip for those following, the hot stretch into Mary’s place. It wasn’t much longer after you mentioned it a helicopter (or two) started circling.

[@kellyjohnson3617]

Enjoy your double zero in idyllwild. It’s a great little town. You’ve earned a double zero.

[@evapierce1090]

The flowers were so beautiful. I can see why it slows you down a bit. Stopping and enjoying the beauty is part of it though. Sad to hear its Marys place last year. Your doing so great. Im really enjoying following along. I love that room. It looks so cozy.

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

Articulating and showing the realities of the PCT. Thanks,Traci. I have another permit request in ATM. Hope it will not get denied like last time. I left my permit app a bit too late for SoCal heat.

[@heatherknutsen160]

Congrats on hitting the 150 marker ❤ enjoy your rest for the next couple of days you deserve it!! Love you ❤

[@anitavincent7447]

OMG Tracy, seeing the title with the helicopter I thought something had happened to you. What a relief to see you doing great (albeit a little tired) but good and healthy. The flowers that frame the trail are gorgeous indeed and the Mountain View’s are splendid. Two days rest will do wonders for your mind and body, you don’t always realize the accumulated stress an adventure like this can cause but it is soooo worth it. Carry on you’re doing amazing. Good thoughts and vibes your way. 🙏🏻🥰

[@Icewing10]

Keep trekking Tracy! This video was my favorite for the view.

[@theskyehiker]

Wisdom is what happens with experience. You know that section. You know your own body. You know how to deal with the weather so you are heads and tails ahead of the younger and faster hikers out there. Keep it going!

[@juliehanson1019]

Keep Killin It!!! The owner is awesome there. He gave us hikers rides when needed.

[@gaylewalker4239]

I hope the hiker is okay. You got to be careful with that dessert heat. It sneeks up on you. You are doing amazing. Keep trekking. 😀

[@TikiBirdTracy]

They were treated in Temecula and released same day. They continued on the trail. ❤

[@hikerJohn]

@24:18 . . . YEAH!

[@TheHikingChick1]

So sad to hear about Mary's place. Gonna make this section more difficult for me next Spring where I'll pick up where I left off at Warner Springs. I'll probably reach out beforehand for some advice.😉 Thanks for keeping it real.🌻💛

[@morganr9190]

I heard there’s somebody taking over Mary’s Place ❤️

[@TheHikingChick1]

@morganr9190 that's great news!

[@Swimdeep]

Man I was happy to see you break out your umbrella. I can’t hike in the sun without mine. ☀️☂️🏜️