PCT 2023: Why and Where I Left the PCT This Year

I really struggled with putting this video out for you all so it's a bit late to the party, but I want to be as open about my PCT experience as I can manage, especially with those who have followed me and have been so supportive of me and my hikes over the years. I'm happy I finally decided to close the chapter on this season though and am already making plans to finish the sections of the trail I missed. See what's ahead....
Condor 🩷🪻

[@debralints8926]

Very nice video. Congratulations on becoming a Grandma. Nice to see you again. God bless you and your family. Happy holidays

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! Blessings to you and yours as well! Happy Holidays! 🩷

[@susanrogers3350]

So glad to hear from you again! No judgments on the decisions you had to make. Just glad to have you back. I love your videos the way they are, but you’re an overachiever and I understand you want to upgrade them. I personally like the spontaneousness of them. No matter. I will watch them. Thanks for getting back with us, grandma. You didn’t let us down.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you Susan! I knew what had to be done but it's still been very tough on me. The only way to get over this is plan another hike 😁 🩷

[@TheHikingChick1]

I was excited to see a notification pop up that you had posted a new video. I can relate to so much of what you said and what you and your husband are dealing with. Lots of parallels there, which is why I'm doing sections. I'm glad to hear you'll be getting back out there. I'm planning on Section B and C (God willing) for next Spring. Again, it was so fun to bump into you on Section A this year. I hope we can connect for a Section sometime. I'll need a partner for the Sierra when the time comes. Hint, hint😉! I look forward to your future videos. 🌻💛

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! I appreciate that. Yes, I'm so glad I ran into you on trail this year, even if just briefly. We must keep in touch. I will take you up on the offer to hike the Sierra with me if it works out in the future. That would be awesome! Good luck with your plans to section hike next season as well. I'm already training for whatever I can manage in '24! Hugs! 🩷

[@TheHikingChick1]

@@TikiBirdTracy Likewise! 😊

[@gaylewalker4239]

Congrats on your new family member. Being a grandparent is the best. Seeing a bald eagle is a happy gift. You've had an amazing journey. Thank you four sharing your journey. Keep trekking. 😊

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you Gayle! It still feels weird to call myself a grandma but he is such a little cutie. I look forward to visiting again, hopefully this Winter. The distance is tough! I appreciate all your support of my hikes. Lots ahead... hopefully for many more years! Well not all PCT, haha. 🩷

[@jameter21]

Glad to hear you are OK and have taken your PCT time to sort some priorities.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! I'm very happy I came home. My family will always come first! 🩷

[@Shelly-e3c]

Glad to see another video from you! I’ve got of trail for very similar reasons this year and know it was the right thing to do. I just look at it as a gift that I still have a section to look forward too, because once I’m done then what will I do 😂.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thanks Michelle! I hope things are going well on the home front for you. We do get so mentally invested in the trail it's tough to shift gears, but family needs will always make the decision easier. I still miss the PCT tons though. You're right, we still have more to look forward to. Lots of great trails out there to hike yet!! Take care of yourself and family. 🤗🩷

[@LMicheleS]

Gratz grannie! We've driven through Ocean Park...just along the main drag. Me and Tami absolutely love that peninsula and want to retire there someday if we can. I know we've only barely scratched the surface of the hiking trails up there too. You know I'm always around waiting to watch your newest adventure. Thank you for the update

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thanks Michelle! I love that area too. I wish a i could talk my husband into living up there but he will only live where it's warmer. Bummer. It would be fun to own a tiny house there on a nice lot and AirBnb it out when we aren't there. Alas, I dream! haha! Thanks for sticking with me on my hikes. I enjoyed yours hiking videos too. Hopefully you'll have more adventures planned ahead. 🩷

[@timetraveler1128]

Good luck with your future adventures.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! As always, I can't wait to be able to hike again. The trails feel like home as well. I'm working, saving, and preparing for what's to come 😃🩷

[@mafp22w]

Thanks for taking the time to give us an update.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you for taking the time to watch. Definitely bittersweet but still lots more trail to enjoy for the future. 🩷

[@trishdenny9762]

If you go 1 mile or 2650, it is nice watching your videos.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you, Trish! That's so sweet. 🩷🤗

[@michelleoglesbee-flores2518]

So good to see you again. Been wondering how you have been and didn’t want to text and bother you. We all have to do what is best for us and you made that decision. It took my friend Mike- Marmalade- 5 years to finish. Your grand baby- so adorable and his hair, so much. Love the horses- so beautiful!!! I may be taking a short road trip in January down south- all depends on my seasonal job and it’s outcome as well as me dealing with - wait for it- a herniated disc in my neck. Not sure how my hiking and backpacking future will go. Day by day as just happened in October. Looking forward to your future plans and videos. Lastly- I have never been to the Washington coast line as an adult and that area was beautiful!!!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Hi Michelle! So great to hear from you. You would never bother me by messaging. I'm so sorry about your neck.., that doesn't sound very fun 😢 I hope you mend completely 🙏 I'm happy I came home when I did. I tried to force it a bit longer out there but already knew where I should have listened to my instincts. WA was gorgeous. I hiked a little of OR but I still have so much more to explore of both states ahead. I'm happy to keep this PCT adventure going to connect all the footsteps. I'll finish some year 😅 So happy for Marmalade!!! 🎉 🙌 Thank you for always being so supportive. I hope to see you when I'm on the PCT in the future. 🤗🩷

[@kimrobb1965]

So glad everything is OK now life is complicated and like you said the PCT will still be there and we will all still be here to watch you. I’m thankful you’re not gonna do the whole thing again because it just is stressful now you can see the rest of it and enjoy it❤

[@TikiBirdTracy]

You're right! Through hikes are stressful in so many ways and all the variables need to align in order to complete in one season. I look forward to completing the trail now in sections though. There's still so much more to experience and explore out there. Thank you for your support! 🩷

[@georgiegreyt2368]

Yaayyy! So good to have you back. Thanks for the update. I think you did amazing on the trail, and 800 odd miles is not to be sniffed at. Family comes first .I look forward to seeing your upcoming vlogs, whenever they pop up, no rush. 🙂

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you so much! I know I had to come home, but it still was mentally hard on me. I'm happy to have so much more to hike ahead though. I appreciate your words of support 🩷

[@jeffwills9577]

Thanks for the update. You did an amazing amount of miles! The trail will be there next year. You do an amazing job documenting your hikes. Take care.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you, Jeff! I appreciate that. I am so happy to go back and watch my videos and relive it all over again and learn what I would change for future hikes. 🩷

[@kristymoore7052]

Hope I’m speaking for all, but you didn’t let me down. You have time! I’m hiking the John Muir, hopefully in 2024 at now 60. Planned it for 2023, but, well. I hope I’m in shape enough to also tackle the PCT in the future, though I’ve completed many sections. Family comes 1st and know you are lucky to have the family obligations. Looking forward to your posts.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you 🙏 🩷 Good luck with next season's hikes. The JMT is phenomenal. I hope to hike it with my family in the future!!

[@marcellae3999]

Nothing wrong about section hiking the PCT. you do what’s best for you.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! I definitely need to stop beating myself up for "only" being able to do section hikes. I tend to be all or nothing and that can be a thief of so many positive things. 🩷

[@anitasimmons3599]

​ the section hiking community is awesome. Having been exactly were you are, minus the stress of vlogging, your future sections will be so much more rewarding and fun. The trail is different in season and with less people. The towns are more welcoming when they are not packed with thru hikers too. Family is precious and we don't know how much time on earth any of us have before we move on to eternal life. I will be watching your vlogs no matter the content. I really appreciate your journey and that you have taken the time to share it with us. I know how the decision to leave the trail can tug on you, but you did the right thing for you and your family. You should be proud of yourself and your journey. I'm praying for you to have a smooth transition back into your daily life. Thank you again for taking us along on your adventures.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! 🩷🩷

[@philwestmoreland8127]

It sounds like you made the right decision and followed your priorities. Congratulations on your new grandchild. The hidden bonus is that we all get to see more videos of your continuing journey.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Aww, thanks! I really have so much to be grateful for, though my heart does miss the trail. It starts to feel like home as well. Yes, lots more trail to hike still and more fun videos ahead 🩷

[@richardinjapan4578]

Excellent! No matter where the trail of life leads -- Be safe; keep at it!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you, Richard! I'm ready to keep going. Lots more to conquer and enjoy 😊 🩷

[@pamelalynn3767]

So good to hear from you! WA has great hiking so glad you got to explore. Family comes first! No worries about letting us down. You gotta do what works!!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you, Pamela! I can't wait to visit WA again. It truly is spectacular. Hopefully, I'll be hiking through it in the near future. I appreciate your support 🩷

[@catherinebrown1343]

Congrats on your new grandbaby! I really enjoyed your journey. Thanks for taking us along and will be looking forward to next year!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you very much! 🤗🩷

[@anitavincent7447]

Wow so much to deal with and I’m glad you put your family first, grandchild, son, husband, the most important things in life. Never ever think you let anyone down, you’ve accomplished more in the relatively short time since you started than most people do in a lifetime, still…… can’t wait to be a part of your next adventure no matter what format it take. Take care of yourself and the family, much love always. 🙏🏻🥰

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Hi Anita! Yes, family first. That makes the decision to leave much easier. I still miss the trail; as it starts to feel like home as well. As long as I can plan better and not hike when I know things are already unsettled at home, I will still have lots more trails to cover ahead in the future. Thank you for always being so supportive and encouraging. You are such an amazing friend! Love you! 🦅🥰 🩷 ... did you catch the lucky feather 🪶 in the tree at the end. I also took that as a positive sign that I made the right choice to turn back. ☺️

[@anitavincent7447]

@@TikiBirdTracy I did catch that beautiful feather, I agree it was a very good omen. Hope all is settling positively with all the events. 🙏🏻

[@jeffmixwvbr]

Congrats on the new grandbaby Tracy. I'm so happy for you.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you, Jeff! I appreciate that. I hope you're doing well. Take care 🤗🩷

[@yuccavalleynan2074]

Feel good about ALL you’ve done & shared with us! Most of all, CONGRATS on the precious grandbaby (❤️ all that hair 😍) . Will look forward to your future vlogs wherever they take you - your gentle positive spirit is a blessing! Take care & thx for posting update!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you for all your words of support and encouragement! That is so sweet. 🤗🩷

[@ferretzfan]

840 miles is a long way. Congratulations! It’s been fun watching your journey.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! I appreciate that. More fun trails ahead! 🩷

[@dougrogillio2223]

You haven’t let me down by any measure. I will always be a big fan.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you Doug 🙏🩷

[@coryoverstreet865]

Thanks for the update! Congratulations on becoming a grandparent and look forward to more videos and hikes. Take care. ☮️🤗

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you, Cory! I'm ready to get hiking again. The working, saving, waiting part is always the hardest. Thank you for always being so supportive 🩷

[@memathews]

Thanks for taking us along, again. Yes, doing big sections is a great strategy to complete the trail. You don't need to torture yourself with restarting at the border each year. We're adults with full lives to which we need to pay attention. I can relate to the home difficulties, I was the assigned Guardian for my mother for a little over two years as she went through stages of dementia and eventually-mercifully-passed quietly before things became horrific for her. Closing a home and managing affairs for someone can chew through mental and emotional reserves that need support. I'm with you for whatever you decide to do, but I hope you get a chance to do more trails, including finishing the PCT. I hope to say hi to you in Northern Oregon some day.

[@anitasimmons3599]

Yay, another section hiker! It will be hard at first to do your PCT in sections, but it is so much more enjoyable once you get used to it. Thru hiker habits are hard to break, but the trail is too epic to hike with blinders on. I have/had similar issues when I started the trail in 2014. Congratulations on being a grandma, I am still waiting and praying, but it may never happen. My husband did the same thing your husband is doing. I have taken 6 years off from the PCT to deal with "life ", but will be back out there next year. Your videos have been a great escape for me. I could never be anything but grateful you have put yourself out here for those of us that have not been able to get outside on the PCT lately. You should be proud of your backpacking and video vlogging. Section hiking opens up a whole new world on and off the trail. I feel like I have experienced a deeper connection with the PCT and the towns and people near the trail doing it in big sections. Thank you for taking the time to create your videos and taking us along on your journey.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you for all your support. I'm sorry for the loss of your mother. Ours is dealing with dementia as well. It's been a trying time but we take care of our families the best we are able to! We just wish she didn't want to stay in OH. The distance makes it extra tough. I hope our paths cross when I hike through OR in the future. 🩷

[@liverpoolhikers]

Bit late to the party (when are we ever not?) but glad to see/ hear you are okay. Family always comes first and as you said, the trail isn't going anywhere. With family in Washington going SOBO is definitely a good idea and section hiking? If we lived in the States we'd probably be doing that rather than trying a thru. You get all the fun of hiking for weeks and possibly months without the stress of 'having' to hit those big miles straight away to beat weather windows. Wishing you all the best from across the pond 👍

[@trakyboy5128]

Ok so ur still at it !! I respect your determination Tracy. But you're right, the PCT or any Long trail is a total commitment !!. And for those who can't do that won't make it. I think section hiking just as a thought process of that effort allows a lot of people to be able to go further than they actually thought they would have because it's not a burden on their mind anymore. But after the first trail is completed you'll never be the same 😅. But I think you're hooked already😂😅❤ !!!! ATB ☺️

[@TikiBirdTracy]

I sure am hooked. I love th pressure-free section hiking and it has its place in my “line-up” for sure, but I will never stop trying to pursue the long-distance trails. It drives and motivates me in positive ways in other areas of my life as well. I know I can do it. I have a lot of experience under my hip belt now. 🤗🌻

[@boomerabilia]

Hi Tiki Bird Tracy, I was concerned when you didn't come back on your weekly video. I figured that you either stayed in Washington with your family or something like that... I was just confused why you didn't get back to everybody right away but that's your business... I kept checking back and then eventually I unsubscribed. But tonight just January 15th 2024 I decided to check you out again and there you are. It was very entertaining to watch you this summer... Doing something that I totally can't, I ended up watching hiking with the codgers who did finish the trail... However, they got off before the snow in California and came back like you did... But they went through some tough times through the fires and stuff and finished in September... But that was very interesting. Beautiful scenery and I'm subscribed again, I want to welcome you back, congratulations on your grandchild and good luck on your new adventures.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you for reaching out! I waited a while because there was a chance I was going to go back out but then I picked up some real estate clients in August who had contacted me and hit the ground running with work. I apologize for not getting back sooner. I'll be better about that in the future... plus, uploading videos after my hikes are completed will be a lot better. No question marks! I hope you are doing well and thanks for your support! I'm working on my 2024 plans currently. I need all the stars to align for this year between work, finances, and enough time to be able to be away from family. 🙏🤗🌻

[@theskyehiker]

If it helps, I’m not let down by you stopping your hike. Life can get very complicated at home while one is out hiking and that is just true. Also, I’m a BASH’er (bad ass section hiker) so I can relate to your decision to finish in sections. Remember, it’s fun for us to watch you and your hikes but I would hope you wouldn’t worry about us. We’re just along for the ride.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you very much! I forever appreciate you and all your support 🩷🙏

[@beth.icanfly3983]

What a delight to get this update! I'm so glad you made the best decision for you and your family. We'll be here to cheer you on whatever the adventure. :) Congrats on the new grandbaby!!!!

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you Beth! That's so sweet! Have a very Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 ❤️

[@janacajkova8227]

You should make ASMR video, you have perfect soft spoken voice.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Aww thank you! My husband might argue with that 😅

[@Surfsqueeze]

You didn't disappoint! I've enjoyed your videos. Treasure every day no matter where you are and find one thing to be thankful for each day.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you so much 🩷🩷🙏

[@LynnStAubin-od5qe]

Real life trumps trail life every time. A LASH still counts as completing a trail.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you, Lynn! 💯 I appreciate your kind comment. I am hard on myself but need to just be happy with what I've been blessed to be able to hike this year. It was an amazing experience. The great news is, I still have lots more to explore and enjoy ahead. I think I'll have a rough idea of what I want to section hike next time but will keep my options open from the beginning.... In other words, keep going until I am ready to leave, simple! 🩷

[@MalFunktion1]

Congrats on your 2023 Section Hike and your new GB.

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! 🙏🩷

[@sandb5584]

Supporter from 🇫🇷. Congrats for what you accomplished, it’s very inspiring 🫶

[@TikiBirdTracy]

Thank you! I appreciate that 🩷