It’s 2:15 AM when I finally land in Oakland. The flight was delayed, and it lands two hours late. When the wheels hit the tarmac, I wake with a start. California! I’m in California again! I get my bag at the baggage claim and call a Lyft. I think I’m going to pass right out …
There's a saying in the thru-hiker community: Either you do one of the Triple Crown trails, or you do all three. I hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2019, nearly three years ago. This year, I am embarking on the second trail of my eventual Triple Crown. I am officially thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in …
Continue reading I’m Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022!
7 miles - Ramshorn Lake to Buffalo Horn Trailhead The last day on trail is always the worst day on trail. Although I was ready to take a shower, wash my hands, and be done with rolling around in the dirt, I wasn’t ready to leave the woods. I love waking up as the light …
Continue reading Gallatin Crest Trail Day 4: Friday, July 16
10ish miles - Crater Lake to Windy Pass Wow, what a day. It started off with me sleeping in a bit, which isn’t in the least out of the usual. I woke up around 5:30, but didn’t get moving until 7:30. I had breakfast by the lake, and I also checked my maps, dug my …
Continue reading Gallatin Crest Trail Day 2: Wednesday, July 14
11ish miles - Hyalite Creek Trailhead to Crater Lake I woke up as it began to get light, around 6. It took me a while to get moving, because as usual for my first night of any backpacking trip, I didn’t sleep well. It was a beautiful morning, and I enjoyed a relaxed breakfast and …
Continue reading Gallatin Crest Trail Day 1: Tuesday, July 13
Hyalite Creek Trailhead - 8:01 PM Well, here I am at the trailhead! It’s a beautiful evening, my tent is all set up, and I cannot believe how incredible the mountains are in this canyon. Right behind my tent, behind the pines, a massive mountain rises and catches the sun. The sky is still a …
Continue reading Gallatin Crest Trail Day 0: Monday, July 12
July 11, 2021, 9:30 AM - In the air - flight from MSP to Bozeman, MT It feels weird to be flying again. The last time I was in a plane was coming back from Portland, Maine after finishing the AT. Several entire lifetimes seem to have passed since October of 2019, and I’m so …
Sarahmarie Specht-Bird 