12 years since finishing the PCT

When I think back to the 7th of October, 2013, I still wonder how on earth I made it through that final day on the PCT. I have written and re-written about this day hundreds of times in my memoir, and each time I relive the experience, I have tears in my eyes. In fact, when I read the final chapter of my book, I find myself sitting on the edge of my seat with my teeth clenched, despite knowing the outcome.

On my 12-year anniversary of finishing the trail, I wanted to re-share the post and videos I captured on that day. I was so naïve to the danger I was in, and am glad that at the time, my determination to reach the finish propelled me forward regardless of the conditions.

I sent a query to an agent yesterday who feels like a perfect fit for my memoir. I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed that I hear something back soon.

Happy trails to all!

14 thoughts on “12 years since finishing the PCT”

  1. Hey Muk Muk!

    You were the first person I started following on the their PCT journey in 2013. I had just done Snoqualmie to Stevens Pass that year. Your story helped fuel my decision to to get involved in trail work in 2014. I’m still doing that work 11 years later. I enjoy doing the work by itself but I am deeply aware that I also enjoy doing the work to enable the thousands of hikers that pass over the PCT in our area. I had feedback from one hiker that the work we do “enables the dream” of hikers to complete the PCT. It’s been a journey – glad to have the connection with you after all these years. Looking forward to reading your book.

    Jack

    1. Aww Jack, thanks for this great message! I didn’t realise you started your trail work in 2014. What a great story! It is because of you, all the amazing volunteers, and trail angels that thousands of people are able to live out their PCT dreams each year. All the tireless work you dedicate to protect and repair the trail keeps the dream alive for the next generation of hikers. Thank you to you and your amazing teams for all the labour of love you give to the trail, and for all the support you’ve shown me over the years! I can’t wait to share my book with you! ☺️

  2. HAPPY 12 YEARS ROZ !!

    THROUGH IT ALL…

    YOU INSPIRE SOME OF MY FAVORITE ORIGINAL SONGS

    BEST WISHES

    YOUR FRIEND

    STILL SINGING

    LYNDELLA

    The sky was blue the clouds were white

    The trail was new the path was wide

    We ventured on side by side

    Laughing along this crazy ride

    We embraced the wind felt it on our face

    When it was at our backs we let it set the pace

    Remembered when love prevails

    We let that wind fill our sails

    We embraced the wind Embraced the wind

    We travel on through twists and turns

    Right or wrong lesson learned

    While up ahead around the curve

    Blissful Lands the journey’s worth

    To embraced the wind feel it on your face

    When it’s at your back let it set the pace

    Remember then love prevails

    And let that wind fill your sails

    Embrace the wind Embrace the wind

    Looking back on where we’ve been

    Forks in the road I’d choose the same again

    Though Darkness fell and storms moved in

    Adventures tell we braced for wind

    And if one of us must go an extra mile

    I’d gladly be the one just to see you smile

    As you wait for me up around the bend

    I’m on my way

    Until then

    Call my name

    I’ll hear you when

    You sing me home again

    We’ll embrace the wind

    Embrace the wind

    Embrace the wind

    HAPPY 12 YEARS

    1. Wow, Lyndella! You never cease to amaze me with your touching and thought-provoking lyrics. I love the part about the fork in the road and the reminder that even if darkness rolls in, there is sunshine on the other side of the storm. Thank you for your continued support! You have been one of my greatest cheerleaders and I appreciate it so much! May the wind be in your sails as we move into the fall season with new adventures on the horizon!! 💕

  3. Belated Happy Anniversary Rozanne! I’ve told so many people about your incredible adventure–and that fewer

    people have done what you did than have climbed Mt Everest. I got that fact from Nicholas Kristof, a NY Times columnist who grew up in Oregon and talks often about the PCT (forgive me if I told you this before). And it was

    an adventure for all of us who followed you online.

    And all good thoughts for seeing your memoir in print!

    1. Thank you, Dave! It’s so great to hear from you! I had heard this statistic before, or read it somewhere prior to my hike. There are many more people hiking the trail these days, I wonder if that stat will remain true. But I guess there are also many more people climbing Everest! Thank you for continuing to follow my posts and for always posting your words of support. I appreciate it so much! ☺️

  4. Oh Wow… how moving Serial Nomad! Congratulations for your persistence in navigating all the trials and tribulations of this experience. The joy of achievement must be enormous…you have such an adventurous spirit and strong will power. Best wishes for publishing your story. xox Helen

    1. Thank you, Helen! I will never forget the moment I arrived at the northern terminus! It was such a wild mix of emotions! Thank you for reliving it with me! 💕

  5. “was so naïve to the danger I was in, and am glad that at the time, my determination to reach the finish propelled me forward regardless of the conditions.” Meanwhile your supporters knew and worried, hoped and prayed, sent such positivity for a successful completion. It was an unforgettable journey, life changing in so many ways. I thought of your experience when I hiked that section, mine was much different but epic none the less. May your manuscript find the same success!

    1. Jan!!! It’s so great to hear from you! Thank you for this inspiring message! I’m sure you could easily fill one or two manuscripts with all the adventures you’ve had on that trail!! You’re such an inspiration to me! Thank you for all the support you continue to give me and all the incredible acts of trail magic you provide to so many hikers! That weekend at your house was truly unforgettable! Can’t wait to share the memoir with you!! 🩷

  6. Hi darling, it is hard to believe that it is 12 years ago that you finished the PCT. Those last days of your adventure were the most worrying for us. The rugged snow covered mountains and the hidden ravines you had to cross. You did this with a lot of determination. Hardly knowing which way to go, it was such a white, wide world. There was no communication possible. The relieve we got when you could reach us again was just enormous. Tears were rolling of happiness and that you could now finish the PCT. By watching your video, seeing you there walking to the finish and touching the monuments, I had tears in my eyes again and how much would I have loved it, to have been there and hug you.

    Congratulations, love you heaps, Mutti xx

    1. Awww Mutti, what a beautiful heartfelt note! This brings tears to my eyes!! 🥹 Thank you so much for trusting in me and letting me fly! Love you heaps! 💖

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