PCT 2024: Why I had to leave the trail 😔

[@she_walksthru]

Canadian ( Newfie) here. I hiked the PCT last year and got off due to injuries in Lone Pine. I am back again this year… last year I beat myself up after having to get off. This year my mindset is different as I think I enjoy it more knowing I can hike for as long as I feel like it and then go home and start up the following year where I left off the year before- through hiking just doesn’t seem as important as it was last year. Show us the Rockies as we have done great views in Canada too.

[@cailinanne]

You know what… who the heck says you have to hike it all at once if you still hike the whole thing? So you didn’t do the “class of” thing. I think it’s quite astounding to complete the full PCT in a through, _but_ fully hiking it over time is still a noteworthy achievement.

[@thehumancanvasco]

Show us your Canadian Rockies brother! Don't worry about the PCT. ✌️💙

[@rhondallyons9842]

Well, at least your family got to have you back! ❤

[@alvalantine]

So sorry your back was hurting you my friend, I love your videos. You have to take care of yourself. I will be sticking with you and can't wait to see your other adventures. Much love plant papa

[@summerwood619]

Thank you for the update, I think you are a sensible hiker❤ from Gilbert, Arizona

[@HeidiEliason-d5z]

We got to go to Banff and Jasper and fell in love with it! You are very lucky to live so close! Would love to see your adventures there!

[@PlantPapaJohn]

Thanks for your support! Banff is only an 1 hour 15 minutes from my house. So yes we are fortunate to live so close.

[@Desertkns60]

We’re with you! Get well and please keep the videos coming!

[@PlantPapaJohn]

Thank you so much!

[@thewishedforhouse]

Cant wait to see Canada!

[@davemacco9848]

Thank you for taking me along on your hike. I retired at age 62 in 2017 and began my hike on the pct. Got to Idyllwild and had to get off trail. The trail takes its toll physically. Wish you the best in your future, enjoyed your adventures.

[@PlantPapaJohn]

Thank you. Have you been to BC or Alberta?

[@davemacco9848]

Yes, this time last year went to Alaska from Wisconsin. Was very impressed with BC. Plan to go back this fall for several weeks. I hate to admit it, but BC was almost prettier than AK 😮. Goal is to get to tuktoyaktuc(?) in NW Territory this time, only got to inuvik last year.

[@curtiswada2919]

Got to take care of yourself! Watch out for the grizzly bears in the Canadian Rockies! I understand there are places where hikers are required to hike in groups of 3’s for protection!

[@Andy-ku3jy]

Reckon your pack load was generally too heavy - us old guys gotta go super light on thru hike - best way to avoid injury.

[@Andy-ku3jy]

You also didn’t seem ready for the zen …in the less than spectacular parts you just gotta zone out and keep goin.

[@pete8516]

As a former long distance hiker for me the keys were shoes 👟..do they provide enough support for the weight your carrying...pack fit as you mentioned...but 65 l is big for a thru hike but I prefer light and fast and finally food...the Southern Section...dirty feet...even with gators my feet were disgusting...skip the thru hike and do the Sierras...everything else is secondary to the Rockies

[@PlantPapaJohn]

Our next video I discuss Food & Gear, and I do talk about my footwear, which was very good. Not a single blister for instance, and overall they felt great. Altra Lone peak 7

[@TheHikingChick1]

Maybe your pack weight was an issue? It sounded like some of your gear was on the heavier side (did you say in a video that your tent was 4 lbs, and I think those packs are in the 4lb range?) Just a thought. Gear is a personal issue so I'm not saying that was your issue, but maybe a factor. Have fun on whatever adventures are next. I'd also love to see some Canadian Rockies footage. 👍

[@PlantPapaJohn]

My pack weight was certainly part of the problem. I was carrying a few items for video purposes that added several pounds.

[@TeddyRumble]

Most thru-hikers have base weight about 16 pounds.

[@Henning_Rech]

I hiked until Chester this year, starting about 2 weeks later than you. Being too slow to thruhike in less than 6 months I decided the trail closure north of the midpoint due to the Park Fire is the right place to stop for this year. Will probably continue there next year in June, with less heat and (hopefully) no wildfires yet.

[@PlantPapaJohn]

Not sure if I will return to the PCT or not, But I am considering it. Some days I am ready to go for it and other days not so much.

[@steveparker9773]

I'm sticking with you Plant Papa. I'm 60 yrs old myself, The PCT has always been on my bucket list as well. That being said I am from Vancouver Island and have been on some amazing shorter backpacking trips just on the island out here and I have to say what BC and Alberta have to offer is just as challenging and amazing as anything the PCT can give you.

[@PlantPapaJohn]

Yes, there some very challenging hikes in the Canadian Rockies. I appreciate you for sticking with me. 🙂

[@jodimorrison]

From Vancouver Island as well and the PCT has definitely been more then a thought but or Island week long hikes are wonderful as well. The Vancouver Island Spine trai (700 km) will be first on my list to even see if I have what it takes to be a maybe an even longer distance thru hiker. Have you heard of Spine trail before ?

[@jimo3393]

I'm glad you are feeling better. You could always do some sections of PCT and decide what's best for you.

[@PlantPapaJohn]

Yes, I am considering my options. Section hiking might be a good option for the PCT.

[@ericanderson8890]

I'll stick around for some Canadian rockies videos. I've flown over them and they liked amazing. Rugged. But amazing

[@PlantPapaJohn]

Thank you. I appreciate your support.

[@robertt9270]

You didn’t seem very happy on the trail. And Canada is beautiful beyond compare! I would love to see some Canadian trails. You’ll enjoy the Oregon coast a lot.

[@PlantPapaJohn]

Some parts were great, but it was a lot different than what I expected. Our next video will explain a few things, especially my food.

[@dc13172003]

What didn’t you like about your food?

[@PlantPapaJohn]

I made a decision to use Emergency dehydrated food that I had purchased years ago. I will only say it was a poor decision. Watch for my next video, as I talk all about my food and what I would do different.

[@adlhikes3159]

Thx for sharing your thoughts about what’s going on. I’m in a similar situation for slightly different reasons. Think you made a smart choice. Trails (PCT) will always be there for us. For dialing in your nutrition, check out the Gear Skeptic’s 5 nutrition KZbin videos. Very informative, especially on electrolytes.

[@PlantPapaJohn]

Thanks and yes I will check out Gear Skeptics.

[@vanman3752]

Sounds like you weren't prepared for a through hike. You really have to have all your gear put to the test before hand as well as your body. Don't sweat it, through hiking is not fun but just another feather in your hat. Besides you would have never made it through the High Sierra this year with all the snow. And the Sierra's are the most demanding section as well as the most awesome place on earth so you want to hike them when conditions are good so you can enjoy being there. I'm not a through hiker but I have done most of all the sections that are worth the time and effort. Looking forward to your future videos.

[@PlantPapaJohn]

I did prepare physically for the hike with daily physical exercise. Several multi hour hikes with my pack. I am in very good shape for my age. My back just could not handle the grueling daily 8-10 hours and the heavy pack.. I did carry WAY TOO MUCH STUFF, so I will certainly need to change that aspect.

[@TeddyRumble]

​@@PlantPapaJohnSorry, a multi-hour hike is way not enough. You really need to do multi-day hikes. BTW the oldest thru-hiker was supposedly 81 years young.

[@Neotidus]

Bummer you had the problems before you got to the Sierra’s. That may have changed your mind about continuing. The desert gets old after a short while.

[@PlantPapaJohn]

I could not have continued with my back the way it was. Even now my back is still not 100%.

[@Neotidus]

@@PlantPapaJohn sorry to hear that. Best of luck to you

[@Neotidus]

@@PlantPapaJohn …about continuing after your back was better

[@jerryg957]

That sure didn't look like a fun hike, more like a crappy job everyday. Thanks for posting.

[@PlantPapaJohn]

LOL. Well there were plenty of good moments, but the trail did start to become very repetitive in terms of the type of terrain. I think Northern Cal, Oregon and Washington would have been more my type of hiking, so hopefully I can still get some of those sections done at some point.

[@cheycasters]

DANG!!

[@PlantPapaJohn]

Dang indeed! Might try again 2025.