safety
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Into the Sierras: snow travel on Mt. Whitney and Forester Pass
Kennedy Meadows to Independence. Miles 705 – 790. Days 33 – 37. After Kennedy Meadows, the PCT begins gradually climbing into the High Sierra. Hikers are rewarded for their endurance with mountain views and pine forests. The PCT passes near… Continue reading
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Packing for a 2,650-mile long backpacking trip
The countdown is on: in less than 3 weeks I’ll be thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a ~2,650-mile footpath across California, Oregon, and Washington. I can’t wait to set foot on the trail and share this journey with you… Continue reading
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The time I survived a tornado while backpacking on the Appalachian Trail
As an avid backpacker and thru-hiker, I’ve spent the night outdoors in some pretty insane weather. From rain and snow to hail and lightning, I thought I’d seen it all. But the storm I experienced on the southern Appalachian Trail… Continue reading
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The Collegiate East or West: a thru-hiker’s guide to picking the best route – from someone who hiked both twice
If you are planning a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail, you’ll need to decide between the Collegiate East or Collegiate West routes through the Collegiate Range. I’ve hiked both routes twice, and I’m here to help you make that decision!… Continue reading
Adventures with Val 