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PCT 2023 - Prep & Trail
  • Juliadoherty
Apr – Jun 2023

PCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

This is a journal which will take me on a journey. From preparation to the trail itself. Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 15, 2023
    JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    FOOD FOR THE PCT

    October 23, 2022 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    I'm not sure if you are interested, but I thought I would share my preparation journey with you. At the moment I am on "food" and thinking about my resupply strategy.

    ISSUES:

    • My biggest food carry will be 5 days. So that is 4 breakfasts, 4 evening meals, 5 lunches and snacks. That is a lot of food!

    • Weight & waste. I need to minimise the weight that I will carry on my back and also minimise the rubbish. There will be no bins until I get to a town, so this is something I need to think about.

    • I will be burning around 3500 calories a day, so I need high calorie foods, but also want to eat as healthily as possible.

    • Being from the UK, I am not sure about American food. They have this thing called biscuits and gravy which they eat for breakfast (which I want to try). Half of the fun will be eating new things.

    IDEAS SO FAR:

    • I have purchased some Lakeland soup and sauce-sealed freezer bags which you can add boiling water to. I can decant freeze-dried meals into these (to help with volume in my pack). These can be swilled out and re-used, which will minimise my rubbish / trash.

    • I've purchased a thermo pocket (as it will get very cold at night in the desert). I can cook my meals in the Lakeland bags, then pop them in here to rehydrate without them getting cold.

    • I've been looking at Huel foods - but I'm not keen on the taste.

    • I've been informed that it will be a good idea to make sure that I have vitamins or green food powder to add to my meals, but I have no idea what I'm doing with all that (any advice is welcomed).

    • I think I will get fed up of eating porridge every morning, so it would be good to have some different options. Again, ideas are welcomed.    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    SAFTEY ON THE TRAIL

    October 31, 2022 in England ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    Last night I attended a zoom session for the preparation of the PCT which was all about safety, navigation and logistics. I thought I knew quite a lot already and wasn’t expecting to learn anything new, but I had notes galore!

    There are now some changes to my initial plan:

    🥾 I will be walking an additional 50 miles to Lone Peak as there are no transport facilities at Kennedy Meadows. This now means that I will be traversing a 10k ft mountain ridge and the ice axe will come in handy!
    🪓 I need to learn how to use an ice axe!
    📞 It’s wise to have one designated person at home who will call the authorities for me if they have not heard from me in three days. I can check in using the preset message system on the Garmin In Reach Mini (need to buy one of those!)
    🏬 I was going to rely on Farout (the navigation app on my phone) but after listening to some of the stories on the zoom session, I will also have pocket maps of the area and a compass (just in case). They said to wait until Black Friday before purchasing Farout (navigation app) and the National Geographic maps. (Good tip!)
    🚘 They shared lots of tips about hitch hiking (which is unavoidable if you want to eat, shower and have a bed in a town for a night). My biggest takeaway was to take a photo of the number plate of the car that you are getting in to and text it to your designated person at home.
    ✈️ Lots of advice about travelling by plane. I need to by a few Apple Air Tags for my pack.
    🚌 There is a shuttle service who will pick you up from the airport, then take you to places like REI to buy canister gas. (REI is a bit like our Go Outdoors). They also have a campsite at the start of the trail. Lots of people take up this service as they get to know fellow hikers before they start hiking. I like this idea.
    📸 Taking photos of your gear and let people at home know your trail name and the names of people that you are walking with is essential (safety precautions).
    🔑 The zoom session covered “worse case senario” which talked about things like having a last will and testament. They asked the audience if your designated person at home has all your passwords to things like bank accounts, eBay, Amazon, computers etc. I use 1Password so will make sure my family have access to this before I go.

    Blimey. Less than six months to go and I’ve got a lot to sort out!    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    Let the training begin

    November 7, 2022 in England ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    I promised that I will be as authentic and genuine as possible within this group.

    Last week I went for an eye test and the optician told me that I have an unhealthy level of cholesterol. How they know that from just looking at your eyes is rather fascinating. I've got an appointment with the docs in a few weeks to go through everything, but it made me realise that I only have 5 months to get myself "trail ready".

    SO, YOU GUYS ARE MY ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS!

    • My current weight is 9.4st (60kg / 130lbs) - I would like to lose a bit of weight.

    • The best way to train for a hike like this is to hike with my backpack as much as possible. I will walk a minimum of six miles (12600 steps) a day, with one day off a week until December. I will then increase this month on month. All walks are recorded on Strava. I love walking, so this should be easy.

    • Cardio is great and easy for me, but I am well aware that my upper body strength is awful (you should have seen my poor attempt at kayaking in Norway earlier in the year). Rachel has offered to join me in the gym for strength training. I need to carry around 30lbs on the trail, so it is important that I can do this with ease if I want to enjoy the PCT.

    • To get accustomed to the heat, I will start Hot Pod Yoga again - it will also be great to have a routine of regular stretches that I can do easily without thinking about it.

    • Food & drink - I don't drink anyway, so that's not an issue, but I do eat lots of snacks between meals and drink way too much coffee. Snacking and coffee is a habit rather than feeling hungry. I was chatting to my brother (Richard) who has recently changed to a vegetarian diet and he has given me the encouragement to eat as much veggie stuff as possible;. The book "Diet & Firness Explained" has opened my eyes.

    So that is the plan and I will revise it each month. I'm not keen on swimming or running. I'm a big believer in doing stuff that you enjoy and then you will stick with it.

    Wish me luck!    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    SHUTTLE IS BOOKED!

    November 17, 2022 in England ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    UPDATE - SHUTTLE SERVICE IS BOOKED.

    I will be starting my hike in April and venturing out on my own, BUT I won't be alone. I have booked and paid for the PCT Southern Terminus Shuttle Service which means that all I need to do is get to Old Town Transit Centre from San Diego Airport. (and there is a free bus service from the airport, so that's ace).

    The PCT Shuttle Service is $75 and includes:

    • Other hikers who are starting the same day as me will be on the shuttle.

    • Rolling classroom - so the owners / drivers of the Shuttle Service have walked the PCT numerous times and have also walked 1000's of miles on various trips (including the Camino, Appalachian Trail etc) - so we can all ask questions to them on the 2hr journey to the endpoint. (Invaluable).

    • The shuttle will take all of us to an Outdoor Store called REI to collect things we may need like fuel, lighters, tent pegs etc.

    • Next stop is the Green Store (where we can pick up our food for the first three days of the hike).

    • Then we are taken to a campsite which is literally 1/4 mile from the start of the PCT Terminus.

    • We will camp overnight, have breakfast in the morning and then we will be off!

    I feel better knowing that I will be with other people as I start my hike.    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    Important learning

    November 25, 2022 in England ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    I’ve just learned a very good tip on a PCT zoom session, but it’s a handy tip for anyone who has an iPhone!

    Go into your health icon. Fill it out. Name. DOB. Blood type. Meds. Allergies. Emergency contacts.

    And allow access when phone is locked.

    Just in case you get hurt and cannot talk the medics can help you. Apparently paramedics and mountain rescue are trained to look for this.    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    TRAINING UPDATE

    November 30, 2022 in England ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    TRAINING UPDATE - NOVEMBER

    🥾 I’m one month in and the training is going well. For those that are interested, my goal for November was to walk a min of 6 miles a day, every day, and as much as possible I would walk with weight in my rucksack.

    👏 Achieved: Average of 6.9 miles a day, so I’m happy with that. There were six days of “blue” (see below) where I didn’t achieve my goal. That won’t happen in December.

    🍅 Health: I’m so thankful to my hubby for dealing with my change of diet as he does all the cooking. I’ve cut out snacks in between meals and also not eaten red meat 🥩, or drank any alcohol for a month. I’m enjoying this new challenge. I was worried about my cholesterol levels after a visit to the opticians, but a test at the doctor confirmed that it’s all good and nothing to worry about.

    👨‍⚕️ - Opticians, Doctors and Dentist - all done. (A few bits less on the list!).

    TARGETS FOR DECEMBER:-

    1. 8 miles every day. (18k steps a day)

    2. To add my tent and cook kit to my rucksack for extra weight. (It will get heavier each month)

    3. Yoga once a week and learn a stretching routine off by heart.

    4. Go to the gym on a Thursday evening for strength training.

    5. Continue with healthy eating and also experiment with some dehydrated foods for the trail.

    6. I'm now adding "mental health" to my training. I will continue with the daily meditation and also leave my phone in a different room at night. (The phone thing will be difficult for me!).

    137 days to go!    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    134 DAYS TO GO!

    December 1, 2022 in England ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C

    Each week, as I consume Zoom sessions, read books and blogs about the PCT I learn new things all the time. My to do list is getting longer, which is a bit overwhelming. So what have I learned this week and what has been added to my to do list?

    💲 - In my bounce box I am going to add Persil tablets, but also a bag of quarters. You need change for the showers and also the laundry. (I have no idea if you can get US change in the UK?).

    🏕 - It is very difficult to pitch a trekking pole tent in the desert as the ground is either sandy (pegs won't hold) or rocky (pegs won't go in the ground). I need to add extra loops to the end of my guy lines before I leave so that I can pitch my tent using a double rock strategy. (Must practice before I go!).

    📱 - I have discovered something called an E-Sim, which allows you to have two sims in your phone (but the e-sim is virtual). Getting one of these will keep costs low for calls and text as I can have a local US number, but keep my normal number as well.

    🪥 - I am going to add a second little toothbrush into my first aid kit, to keep the zips on my tent and jacket clear of sand etc. (Not to be used on my teeth!)

    🧂️ - I have purchased a dinky salt and pepper pot. Apparently people get fed up of eating dehydrated meals and some salt and pepper makes all the difference.

    🥾 - Training is going well. I'm doing Yoga once a week, the gym for strength training every Thursday with Rachel and I am keeping to my 8 miles a day. I have added weight to my pack and this is coming with me on most AG walks.

    TARGETS FOR DECEMBER:-

    🥾 8 miles every day. (18k steps a day)
    🏕 To add my tent and cook kit to my rucksack for extra weight. (It will get heavier each month)
    🧘 Yoga once a week and learn a stretching routine off by heart.
    🏋 Go to the gym on a Thursday evening for strength training.
    🥑 Continue with healthy eating and also experiment with some dehydrated foods for the trail.
    💙 I'm now adding "mental health resilience" to my training. I will continue with the daily meditation and also leave my phone in a different room at night. (The phone thing will be difficult for me!).

    128 days to go!    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    127 DAYS TO GO!

    December 7, 2022 in England ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C

    I HAVE A SLIGHT CHANGE OF PLAN FOR MY UPCOMING PCT HIKE.

    🏔 - Goal post changes. My original plan was to walk from the Southern Terminus (Campo, Nr San Diego) to Kennedy Meadows (which is where you need to collect an ice axe, crampons/micro-spikes and a bear canister). However, after hearing that there are no transport options from Kennedy Meadows I have decided to continue my journey into the Sierra Navarra Mountain range and finish my hike on top of Mount Whitney - the tallest mountain in the US at 14,505ft (to give you an idea, Snowdon is 3560ft. So this is my new goal, but don't tell my mum!

    💲 - Thanks to Nikki Payne for donating some US dollars for my pot - it is appreciated.

    👰 - I don't want to lose my wedding ring (which can happen as you lose weight on the trail), so this week I purchased a silicone wedding ring. I know it's not the same but it feels like the sensible thing to do.

    🐧 - This week I downloaded a Travel Journal app called Find Penguins. It records your trail via GPS, you can add a journal entry, photos/videos and people can follow along via a link or by the app (which is handy for those not on Facebook). At the end of the PCT, I can request a photo book for the trip which looks amazing. I am experimenting with it at the moment, so I will let you know how I get on.

    🥾 - The training is going well with a 10 miler on Saturday and a 17 miler on Sunday, both with around 14 lbs in my rucksack. I am sticking to my 8 miles a day, and going to the gym on a Thursday which Rachel. Yoga is now a daily stretching routine (not really yoga).

    Photo below is Mount Whitney... yikes!    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    120 DAYS TO GO!

    December 23, 2022 in England ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    114 DAYS TO GO!

    The above photo is around mile 105 and is a short 6.5 miles alternate route from the PCT. It is called Eagle Rock and you can see why. This is on my list to visit whilst hiking the trail.

    So this week I’ve learned that it’s ok to have a rest. You need to listen to your body and my body has been screaming at me to slow down. I picked up a stomach bug and had no energy, so I’ve had some slow days and not achieved my 8 miles a day. Call it a zero! (Trail talk for having a day off)

    🐧 - I have now launched an official trail journal for the PCT (including these little preparation blogs). You can read the blog on Find Penguins and it will also be embedded in the new AG website automatically. I will be sending the links for the blogs to the Facebook Group as and when I get a signal on the trail. Find Penguins is really easy to use and I like the interface. I can upload videos and photos and then order a photo book at the end of my trip.

    🏕️ Training: I completed an 11.5-mile hike, then camped in -2 degrees on Saturday to test some winter gear. The Tyvek bivvy worked well inside my tent to keep condensation off my sleeping bag/quilt (still not sure if I'm taking it though as it weighs over 300g) . But, my down balaclava was drenched. I also left my water filter in my rucksack so it froze. When a filter is frozen, it’s compromised, so I had to buy a new one (£34). It’s so important to test all this stuff before I go. I'm learning all the time.
    💦 Also learned to put my filter in the hand luggage on the plane as it could freeze in the hold. I don't want to buy another one!

    🥤 I’ve purchased a titanium straw that weighs nothing. This is to help prevent spillage in my tent. I learned that the hard way as well.

    🥵 Heat pads work much better than a hot water bottle/bag and they are lighter (but more expensive). I’ll add a bunch of these to my bounce box.

    💰 Insurance. I spent ages looking at insurance for this hike. My current AG supplier quoted £1550 (ouch!). After speaking to Russ Hepton and Owen Davies (both did the PCT this year from the UK), it’s a toss-up between World Nomad £770 or Big Cat Travel Insurance £554. My hubby will check the policies for me as I’m not brilliant with detail before I purchase anything.

    🏋️‍♀️ I joined the gym. They have a special deal for a Flexi Package where they are giving January at half price. It’s £42 a month, but then I can give notice at the end of February. This will help with my training and also my steps. I know it’s not the same as going outside and hiking but it’s better than doing nothing which is where I have been heading this week.

    Thanks for listening to my ramblings.    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    113 Days To Go!

    December 26, 2022 in England ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C

    The cover photo is at the very start of the trail. This is the PCT monument at the Southern Terminus. I will be camping just down the road at a place called Cleef. The Mexican wall is on the far left. I can't wait to have my own photo taken right here!

    What a crazy week it’s been. I’ve been blessed with some awesome gifts for my PCT hike for Christmas and my birthday.

    🎁 The best present I received was a little stuffed bear from Rachel. When you squeeze his tummy I can listen to messages of encouragement from my family. This made me very emotional and will be the perfect luxury item. I know it will give me comfort on the days when I’m missing home.

    💰 I received some cash in my birthday cards (thanks to those that contributed). So, I emptied my money box (I’ve been saving for the last few years from selling drinks from the back of Dave the van to presenting Women's Institute talks etc) and went to Tescos on Xmas Eve. I exchanged all my cash into dollars otherwise I would be tempted to spend it! This will pay for a few meals and a couple of hotel rooms when I reach a town on the trail (a bit of luxury with a real bed and a hot shower!). Thanks to anyone who is reading this that has bought a coffee or snack from Dave or given me cash for my hike. 🙏

    💝 Other little gifts that I received were:-
    1. Zip care (like a chapstick but you use it on the zips of your tent/jacket). I’ll be walking through the desert and sand gets everywhere so this will help keep my zips working.
    2. Reflective strips - which I will stick on my tent and food bag.
    3. PCT pocket maps (just in case I have issues with my phone).
    4. Air Tag - To add to my pack for peace of mind. I want to get another one for my bum bag.
    5. Toe socks (I love the Coolmax ones).

    👃 I remember the one thing that got me down when I walked The West Highland Way, SWCP and also the South Downs Way was not feeling clean. I think this will be my biggest battle mentally on the PCT. There is a common hiker phrase “embrace the stink”, but that is easier said than done.

    👩 With the above in mind…. After a long chat with Rachel, I’ve decided to TRY to not wash my hair for as long as I can stand it. Apparently, hair can be self-washing. Who knew?? Washing your hair every day (like I do) is not good. It weakens the hair and drains the natural oils. I’m going to give it a try and see how my hair feels by only washing it with water. Apparently, the first two weeks are the worst and then it becomes self-cleaning. I’ll keep you posted! As I upload this blog I’m on day six and it’s starting to get to me!

    🇺🇸 ESTA - As I’m away for less than 90 days I wrongly assumed that I didn’t need a visa for the USA. Apparently, I need to get an ESTA, which is now on my ever-growing list of things to do!

    So that’s it for this week. Not much to report.

    Thanks for listening to my ramblings.    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    106 DAYS TO GO!

    December 31, 2022 in England ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    As December ends and we head into January, the next level of training has started.

    🐍 The above photo shows one of the many rattlesnakes that I will probably come across during my hike. If you know me at all then you will also know about my deep phobia of snakes. I remember when my phobia started. I must have been around 3 years old when I had an allergic reaction to Phenergan which made me hallucinate. I remember seeing snakes coming out of the kitchen cupboards and sliding around my fathers stomach. I’ve had therapy for my anxiety for snakes, but I’ve not really put it to the test as you rarely see them in the UK. So, as you can imagine, rattlesnakes are causing me some sleepless nights at the moment, but life is full of challenges and I won’t let it beat me! This week I’ve been learning more about snakes. How to deal with them, what provokes them, where they are likely to be hanging out etc.

    OTHER STUFF:-

    ❎ I failed my goal of walking 8 miles a day in December. My average was 6.8 miles a day. This was due to being poorly for nearly a week, and then having a few lazy days over Christmas.(Excuses I know!). My new goal for January is to average 10 miles a day which may have been an unrealistic challenge (as I also have to work!). Joining the gym will help as I can go running on the treadmill to get my miles in. Let’s see what happens.

    🥾 On the PCT I will have many mountains to climb. Even on the first few days, I will be climbing over 3000ft so I need to get as many hill training hikes into the schedule as possible. On New Year's Day, I drove to Matlock Bath and completed the Abraham Heights Trail. It was only around 5 miles but it was great training. The ascents up High Tor, Giddy Edge and Abraham Heights were quite tough. I had 24 lbs in my pack which was too heavy. I need to trim it down a bit. It was raining quite heavily and was extremely muddy so I decided not to camp.

    🏋️‍♀️ I’ve been attending the gym a few times a week with Rachel. We are working different areas of the body such as legs on one day then arms or back/shoulders on the next. I’m enjoying spending time with Rachel and I always feel sore the next day or so, which is a good sign right?

    🧘‍♀️ Stretching is becoming addictive! I find myself stretching in queues in shops or when having a conversation with someone! It’s a bit bizarre. But, I no longer struggle with “old lady syndrome” when I wake up in the morning and go downstairs. I have an established routine in the morning for stretching and I also stretch after a walk. My walking pole helps stretch out my neck and back muscles when I’m on a long hike with a heavy pack. It’s all good!

    👩 Hair. As I type I’m nearly two weeks into not washing my hair and it’s not as challenging as I thought it would be. The first week was rather gross, but it’s starting to feel clean. I’m showering every day and just wetting my hair but no shampoo.

    🇺🇸 ESTA visa thing has been done ✅

    😇 Trail Angels - there are people on the trail who are usually ex-hikers, live locally and like to help ThruHikers. They may offer you a lift into town, let you have a shower at their house, feed you or provide trail magic along the way such as putting out a cool box of water or fizzy drinks. Some even cook pancakes or bacon and eggs for you or burgers etc on the side of the trail. There is a whole bunch of Facebook Groups for these trail angels, so this week I’ve joined all the groups which will be super handy and also give peace of mind that there are people willing to help that are close by. #TheTrailProvides

    📕 A dear friend saw a book in a charity shop called The Unlikeliest Backpacker. It’s about a British couple who walked the last 900 miles of the PCT and they had no gear or experience. I finished the book this week and the last chapter is all about what she learned along the way. It was quite heartwarming. Thanks, Stephanie for the book, I loved it.

    GEAR ⚙️

    * A titanium straw has arrived
    * A new water filter (Platypus QuickDraw) and my last one froze.
    * New Salomon Senseride shoes are here but I’m only going to wear them to the gym. I’ll probably need a few pairs for the actual trail.
    * Ordered some Microspikes from Black diamond. I’ll need these for the icy section and mountains for better traction.

    I think I’m dialled in with all my gear now. My only dilemma is a mid-layer and a puffy jacket. I’m considering getting a Rab Vapour Rise Summit Jacket which will do the job of both mid & puffy (but it’s £115, so I’ve not pressed the trigger yet).

    Another week of ramblings!

    Thanks for listening.    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    99 DAYS TO GO!

    January 13, 2023 in England ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    THIS WEEK MY FOCUS HAS BEEN ON THE SNOW.

    ⛄️ Everyone in the PCT Facebook Groups is discussing 2023 being a high snow year which will make it incredibly challenging to cross the Sierras. High snow levels can contribute to hikers’ risk of hypothermia, avalanches, dangerous river crossings, and even springtime rock slides. We still have a few months to go so the weather can change in that time, but the charts at the moment are higher than 2017 which was a record snow year and that is quite concerning.

    I have promised my family that I won’t take any unnecessary risks. So if it means that my hike stops at mile 702, at Kennedy Meadows (which is where the Sierra Mountains start) then that’s what I will do. I can save Mount Whitney for another day although I know I’ll be dreadfully disappointed.

    💦 One of the bonuses of having a high snow year in the Sierras is that the desert section will have more water. Water is extremely heavy, so having more regular water sources on the trail will make life more pleasant during the desert hike.

    🐀 I learned a very cool tip this week. I have purchased a couple of turkey roasting bags. "What for?" I hear you ask! One bag will go inside my DCF food bag and the other will house my shoes at night, inside my tent. Apparently, the critters (including mice, rats, and chipmunks) are attracted to all smells and salt. They chew through everything so it's important to keep anything that has a smell to it inside an odourless bag, and then keep it inside your tent (turkey bags are perfect). This is only relevant to areas which do not require a bear canister which is a whole other topic!
    Note to self, find out what a chipmunk is!

    TRAINING - 🏋️‍♀️

    🥾- Completed a 10 miler with a full pack in the mud and rain on Saturday. The average walking distance per day for the last 7 days is 8.58 (According to my Garmin I have walked 60.1 miles this week).

    🎒 We have had very wet weather so I’ve been taking my full rucksack to the gym! I’ll be walking in the desert so I don’t need to practice walking in the rain! On the treadmill, I can increase the elevation which is very handy (Northants is quite flat!).

    GEAR ⚙️
    * Black Diamond Microspikes have arrived. I put them on my trail runners and they fit ok but I don’t think I’ll have an opportunity to test them out in the UK. I’m going to wait until I get to California before I hire or purchase an ice axe and bear canister.
    * Added reflective strips to my food bag so I can see which one is mine when it’s hanging in the trees.
    * Turkey bags are on their way!
    * Two new Sun Hoodies have arrived, but I need to test them out before making a final decision.

    Not too much to report at the moment as I am really just focused on training.

    The photo below is Forrester Pass - this is just past Mount Whitney so I won't be getting that far this time around. It looks quite scary!    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    92 DAYS TO GO!

    January 18, 2023 in England ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    86 DAYS TO GO!

    🙏 I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who is reading these mini blogs and supporting this adventure. I had no intention of blogging about the preparation leading up to the hike, but I find it very therapeutic and it also gives me goals to set for myself.

    🎥 Have you seen the documentary on Amazon Prime called “This Mountain Life?”. It’s essentially about a mum and a daughter who complete a hike across Canada (with some side stories thrown in). It’s all true life stuff and it made me realise that you are never too old to do anything. Keep your body active, fuel it well and you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to.

    STUDY 📚

    🪫 One of my anxieties about being out in the wilderness is to do with the battery power on my phone. I know that extreme temperatures will accelerate the loss of battery. So this week I have decided to see if there are any new tips or tricks that I can do to help prevent battery life on the trail. Most of my research came up with things I already knew such as:-

    * Turn on low battery mode
    * Reduce screen brightness
    * Look at usage and delete apps that you don’t use but are draining your battery.
    * Use do not disturb timings
    * Airplane mode
    * Turn off keyboard sounds and vibrations

    But… I also learned that:-

    1. Don’t force close apps - this is a myth and does not save battery life, it actually does the opposite!

    2. Don’t turn off Bluetooth - Bluetooth connection to AirPods or Fitbit trackers use very little power.

    Next week I’m going to look into sickness possibilities on trail. Altitude sickness, dehydration and heat exhaustion seem the main concerns. What are the signs and are there remedies/prevention methods that I can use on trail?

    GEAR ⚙️

    🧥 I pulled the plug and purchased an OMM Rotor Smock. It was quite expensive, but an insulated jacket that weighs just 219g where the kangaroo pocket turns into a fleece pillow was just too tempting. I can now dump my other pillow, puffy jacket and mid-layer (saving lots of weight and space in my pack). It should arrive on Thursday so I can test it this weekend in Derbyshire.

    TRAINING 🏋️‍♀️

    😞 In all honesty, this week I’ve not done so well on the training. I’ve still been out with my pack and attended the gym three times but my mileage is down. I was putting training over my day job and I can’t afford to let my business suffer. It’s a real battle juggling training and work. This week, work won that battle!

    Final Thoughts:-

    👩- The hair situation. I finally washed my hair after 19 days (it just felt horrible and hadn’t quite reached the self-cleaning stage). I now know that I can easily go for a week without washing my hair which is what it will be like on the PCT. I will continue to wash my hair weekly rather than daily now so that it’s a habit.
    Main photo: The main photo below is a typical scene in the California desert. It's not like walking in the Sahara Desert with sand dunes etc - in fact, there are meadows and areas of woods and forest trails to complete. It looks vast and I can't wait to experience it.    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    85 DAYS TO GO!

    January 22, 2023 in England ⋅ ⛅ -1 °C

    🏕️ This week I completed a winter shakedown hike (training weekend). I camped in the Peak District at -3 degrees for two nights. I packed up camp after the first night, walked 10 miles with all my gear and then pitched again for the second night. I need to build that mental resilience, especially in the cold (my nemesis) and this weekend was a test for that!

    Learnings:-
    * When packing away a frozen tent make sure that you have emptied all the tent pockets first! (My car keys were inside!).
    * Rocks are great replacements for tent pegs if the ground is frozen, but the rocks still freeze to the guy lines and floor!
    * The Tyvek bivvy sack (left open to reduce condensation) kept my quilt dry, so that’s a bonus. Heat pads, down pants and booties are essential!
    * I hate packing up in the cold. My hands get so cold and painful. I just need to be faster and get it over and done with sooner.
    * Let the air out of your sleeping pad while you are lying on it. Then you will have the motivation to get out of your warm sleeping bag!
    * Gas canisters don’t like the cold, so keep this inside your sleeping bag at night. (I couldn’t get my stove working so ended up having a coffee with Kevin in his camper van next door on day two). I won’t be able to do that on the PCT!

    😇 Great news! The lovely Ash from Ireland who is also walking the PCT and starting with me in 17th April has managed to secure a Snow Skills workshop for us whilst we are on trail! How cool is that? It’s a safety course conducted in the San Jacinto mountains (which I need to cross on my hike). Thanks Ash! Check out her intro video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/nfjt7iV7esY

    STUDY 📕

    I enjoyed a zoom session on altitude and dehydration which was specific to the PCT. Wow! I learned so much, but my main takeaways were:

    💤 We only acclimate when we sleep! So sleeping at different altitudes will help.
    👍 The good news is that PCT hikers will naturally acclimate as we start low and gradually build our way up into the mountains.
    🏋️‍♀️ It doesn’t matter how fit you are, AMS is sneaky.
    🤢 I learned the difference between HACE & HAPE. One is a type of altitude sickness that causes swelling in the brain. The other is a type of altitude sickness caused by fluid in the lungs. I now know what symptoms to look out for, so can help anyone else who may be showing signs.
    💊 Diamox is the only approved drug to help with altitude sickness. 125mg is adequate. Any more than that can cause severe side effects.

    ************************

    📕 I started a book about the mental challenges of the PCT.

    Why do so MANY hikers quit in the first 100 miles of the PCT?

    * Features tips and interviews with successful and unsuccessful thru-hikers, trail angels, and more.
    * Covers the mental side of thru-hiking along with sleep, FAQs, expectations, pooping 💩, and what to do if the thought of quitting early strikes.

    I can’t put it down.

    GEAR ⚙️

    I know this is sad, but I tried out my new jacket/pillow at home for a few nights this week. The fleece on the pillow combination is superb. It’s a winner for me (OMM Rotor Smock)

    FINAL THOUGHTS    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    78 DAYS TO GO!

    January 27, 2023 in England ⋅ ⛅ 5 °C

    I'm getting overwhelmed with all I have to do for this trip, but I will keep persevering as my list grows longer!

    My focus this week has been on building my mental resilience and also studying altitude and dehydration.

    Last weekend I took a group up to the Peak District. I was camping at the same place for two nights, but I knew I needed to practice breaking down camp in the freezing cold (-3 celsius / 26 Fahrenheit). I camped on Friday night and Saturday morning I broke down camp, walked 10 miles with the group, and then pitched my tent again (even though it was still frozen!) that evening. Repeat for day Sat/Sun.

    LEARNINGS:

    🏕 - Always check the pockets of your tent before packing it away as your keys or other valuables may be inside! (learned that one the hard way!).
    👩‍🍳 - Cooking - make sure you put your gas canister inside your sleeping bag when it's cold otherwise it will not fire up when its cold. You will not have a friend in a warm campervan who will make you a hot coffee on the PCT! (Thanks Kev).
    ⏩ - I need to speed up breaking down camp as I really do not enjoy this process in the cold weather. I also need to practice packing my rucksack!
    🥾 - Walking 10+ miles with a full pack was no problem, and I even got to test out my new micro spikes which are fabulous!
    👍 - The Tyvek bivvy worked brilliantly inside my tent and kept my quilt dry. This time I had no condensation as the vents were open on the tent and the bivvy was not zipped up. Result! I'm glad I've got this mastered now.
    ❄️ - If the ground is frozen then rocks are a fantastic replacement. But... the rocks still freeze to the floor and the guy ropes freeze onto the rocks. um...
    👍 - I really had to battle internally to pack up on that first day as it was so easy to just leave my tent there for day two. I'm so glad that I pushed myself and battled on, building that mental resilience.
    💤 - I learned that I need to let the air out of my sleeping pad while I am still in bed otherwise I procrastinate about getting out of a warm sleeping quilt. When the pad is deflated on the cold ground it is much easier to get up!

    STUDY 📚

    My focus this week has been on altitude, dehydration and heat exhaustion. I listened to a zoom session which really opened my eyes with regard to altitude. I didn't know that you acclimate during sleep and it is irrelevant how to fit you are, anyone can suffer from AMS. I also learned that there are two types of altitude sickness. HAPE & HACE. One affects the lungs (fluid) and the other affects the brain (swelling). Luckily, it is a low risk for PCT hikers as we are usually acclimatised by the time we reach high elevation.

    🥶️ Hypothermia - I now know and understand the signs and deal with anyone who is suffering from moderate hypothermia. I also discovered that there are some myths out there that are just not true. For example, we shouldn't take off wet clothes as the movement of the body uses up more energy that is needed for organs and body-to-body contact is not necessarily the right thing to do either. There is a technique called The Burrito Effect which we should implement for someone who is hypothermic.

    I won't go into dehydration and heat exhaustion here, but I now know the signs and what to do if I or someone in my proximity is suffering from dehydration or from excess heat.

    GEAR ⚙️

    * I'm loving the new smock that I purchased last week. This is 100% coming on my hike.
    * Bought some small items that I can tick off my list. ie: sticky heat pads, fire starters, waterproof matches.

    My physical training is going well. Rachel is keeping me motivated at the gym as we work different parts of the body (even when I don't want to go she has a way of persuading me that it's the best thing to do, and she is right). I am going 3-4 times a week and walking most days with a full pack. I hope to give myself the best chance that I can to complete this hike, both mentally and physically.
    Thanks for listening to my rambles! See you next week.    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    71 DAYS TO GO!

    February 3, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    So this week I have had two relatively clear days, therefore it gave me some time to watch a zoom session about safety on the trail and I also finished a book called "Surviving Section A, The First 100 miles of the PCT".

    SAFETY ON THE TRAIL (and notes for my family).

    🗣 I watched the presentation which was delivered by Kathy from Fowlers O Sullivan Foundation. Their details are now on the emergency checklist for my family. I know it sounds depressing, but it is important for my family to know what to do if I go missing. The presentation explained how easy it is to get lost on-route (especially women who tend to go for a wild wee and think "well, that tree looks a bit bigger, so I'll go over there" then they think "no, that looks like a better spot and they go over there" - before they know it, they have lost the trail. More people get lost on the trail by looking for a "bathroom spot" or searching for water than anything else, so Kathy's advice was excellent. I won't go into everything, but here are my main takeaways from the session:-

    🎒 Make sure you can see your backpack on the trail when going to the loo. Don't worry if you see someone coming, they will turn away! I am now very conscious of the fact that it is easy to get lost, so I will swallow my pride and keep the trail in view.
    ❤️️ If you do get lost on the trail, then use flagged tape to try and find your way back - that way you won't go around in circles. (ordered some flagged tape).
    🧭️ Ambiguous loss - I now know what this means. After a period of time, search & rescue will give up and declare that the person is missing but they will not spend any more time looking. What do the family do then? Visit https://fofound.org/ which is a charity that has a fabulous process for helping to find missing hikers.
    🆘 - There is no shame in hitting the SOS button on your personal location beacon.
    🥴️ - Never underestimate how easy it is to get disorientated.
    🗺 - Most people won't take a compass and paper maps, but Kathy gave examples of where apps were just not working. I will take my paper maps and compass and I know how to navigate using old-fashioned techniques.
    🎵 If you are lost, it's important not to panic. Have a break, listen to some music, eat lunch. Don't continue to hike. It is likely that another hiker will walk by in the distance soon, and then you know where the trail is.
    🥾 Go with your gut. If you feel that "something isn't right" then check the app or your maps, especially if you have not seen a PCT sign for a while. Don't continue hiking in the hope of seeing a sign. One woman walked over 20 miles in the wrong direction and search and rescue just didn't consider looking that far!
    📷 - I must take a photo of my gear and also what I look like at the monument as this helps speed up the rescue.
    ✍️ - I must sign every single trail register along the route. If I get into trouble then this gives rescuers a good place to start.
    👩‍🌾 - If I am given a trail name, then I need to let my family know that name. People on the trail will not know me as Julia, then will know me as my trail name.
    🔶 - Have something bright to signal the helicopter (I have a bright orange pad and my rucksack is also orange).
    🏕 - If you are lost then don't camp right next to a river. The sound of the river will drown out the noise of people calling your name, so camp away from a river (ensuring that you still have access to it).
    🏔 - Pay attention to San Jacinto Trail Report for the weather https://sanjacjon.com/
    ↔️ - When leaving Idylwild then let your family know which trailhead you took - there are multiple options and this can help speed up a rescue. After Idyllwild we will start the San Jacinto Mountain Range (which I will be taking). Trying not to fearmonger, but we have a record snow year. If I get to Apache Peak and Fuller Ridge and I do not feel safe then I can take the Black Mountain Road (which is 8 miles long) and avoid the snow. It's great to know that this is an option.

    There is another safety zoom scheduled for next week, so I will make some notes on that one and report back with a summary.

    TRAINING:

    🏜 On top of walking every day, I completed a 10-mile hike on Sunday but added an extra 3 litres of water to my pack. In the desert, I could possibly carry up to 7 litres (although we have a high snow year, so I don't think that is likely, but you never know!). Anyway, I actually found carrying nearly 30 lbs on my back quite tough on my hips and my shoulders (I'm small and only weigh 9 stone (126 lbs). I was glad to take my rucksack off at the end of the hike and I think I would have struggled to walk much further with that weight.

    These "shakedown hikes" are invaluable as I now know that I need to get my base weight down! For those that don't know, your base weight is everything in your pack, minus consumables such as food, water and fuel. My base weight is currently sitting around 22-23 lbs, so ideally I need to get this down to below 20 (that is my goal). I need to figure it out to make sure that I am not packing my fears, but that I am also being sensible. Perhaps my chair will have to go? (I hope not!).

    📕 BOOK - Surviving Section A, the First 100 miles on the PCT.

    This book is all about the mental game of a long-distance hike. Apparently, around 40% of hikers that start out at Campo do not make it to Warner Springs (mile 109). My goal is Kennedy Meadows (mile 702), so this book was super important for me to consume.

    There was so much covered in this book from weather to sleep to pooping in the woods. But from a mental preparation perspective, here are my main takeaways:

    1. Mental Flexibility - be flexible with your plans. Manage your expectations.
    2. Transparency - talk to others if you are feeling low. They are hiking too and will understand how you are feeling. Also, if you see someone sitting on the side taking a break, ask them if they are ok and just chat with them. You may have just saved their hike by doing so.
    3. Perspectives - Ignore the gear shamers (I'm expecting this if I take a chair!). Everyone has different levels of experience so appreciate that I am perhaps more experienced than some, but then many more will be more experienced than me.
    4. Acceptance - I can not change the past. What has happened has happened. On a hike you will spend many hours with your own thoughts. Don't go down the rabbit hole of looking at the past - you can not change the past.
    5. Resilience: Recover quickly from difficult conditions (I've been practising this one!). Remember the equation E+R=O (event + response = outcome). How you respond to an event will influence the outcome.
    6. Hope - Always have hope and remember the "why". Why are you hiking the PCT?
    (I will answer that one in a future blog once I can figure it out for myself).
    7. Be ok with being bored - I may struggle with this one, but recognising that I am perhaps a bit bored is a good start.

    EXTRA STUFF TICKED OFF THE LIST:

    Insurance - all sorted. £359 from Big Cat Insurance company.
    Water scoop - all sorted and is now in my kit.

    Thanks again for listening to my ramblings. It's all getting very real now!    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    64 DAYS TO GO!

    February 7, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    This week I’ve been pondering on my “why?” Many people are posting their introductions on the PCT Facebook Groups and YouTube. Part of the intro is their “why”. I’ve heard all sorts of reasons from processing grief to recovering from an addiction or some type of illness.

    Why am I walking the PCT? Why on earth would I want to put myself in a situation that would make me physically and mentally uncomfortable? Why would I want to spend time away from my family to do this?

    If the PCT is anything like the Camino, then my “why” will actually come to fruition when I return home, but in the meantime, this is where my head is at the moment:-

    🏔️ Life is an adventure. I’m a big believer of collecting memories, not things.
    🎂 I turned 50 in the middle of the pandemic with no party or any celebration due to lockdown. I decided there and then that the PCT would be my 50th birthday present to myself and started saving!
    🙌 I wanted to do a big trail and push myself. I chose the PCT as it mixes different terrain (desert, mountains, meadows, lakes). Unlike the AT (Appalachian Trail) you will see amazing views all day, every day. Wake up with the sunrise and go to bed with the sun setting. Plus, it doesn’t rain (much). I hate rain!

    So that is my current “why”. I’m not walking this trail to find myself. I don’t believe I have anything to work out or solve. I’ve got a loving family and I adore my job. Apart from an adventure, I’m not really sure why I’m going, I just know that I need to do this. I feel called to go.

    *****************************************************************

    Main photo: Is the L.A Aquaduct. It's a 20-mile section of the trail that goes straight through the desert. Flat, hot & exposed. There is plenty of water in the aqueduct underneath your feet, but nothing actually on trail so you have to carry your water. To avoid the heat, most hikers do this section at night, so this may be my first night hiking experience.

    ********************************
    SAFETY THEME CONTINUES:-

    🆘 I’m lucky enough to have friends that live in California (met on the Camino). Sue posted a link to something called Recco Technology which is a search and rescue device that you attach to your backpack. It’s a tag, that uses harmonic generator technology but does not need charging and will never run out of battery. They have been designed to help rescue teams find lost hikers and can even detect hikers who are trapped in an avalanche. The reflectors are £29.95 (no subscription) so I ordered one which has now been added to my pack. #SafetyFirst

    😞 I’ve also set up a WhatsApp Group for my immediate family and two friends who live in California. We have agreed on a check-in process and if they have not heard from me in three days then they need to check out the PDF that I’ve uploaded to the group called “What to do if I go missing”. This document includes all sorts of things such as my full kit list, serial numbers of my personal location beacon, links to relevant Facebook groups, and information to give to the authorities. I’ve also given details of the Fowler & Sullivan website which will help when Law Enforcement or Search & Rescue give up on the search. It’s a good document that I hope will never need to be used, but I don’t want my family to suffer for years if they are unable to find me.

    OTHER STUFF:-

    🔥 Campfire permit done - to use a gas canister stove on public lands in the US you need to hold a campfire permit (otherwise you can get a fine if you are caught without a permit). To get your permit you need to watch a video and then pass a little test (which was easy).

    🥛 Tried powdered milk on my granola and it was surprisingly good! I thought it would go lumpy but it didn’t. So that will be part of my strategy (unlike powdered Peanut butter which was gross!)

    💵 Jemma dropped off some quarters for my bounce box (thanks Jemma!). These will be used for showers and laundry.

    GEAR ⚙️

    My final piece of essential gear arrived earlier in the week and I love it. A lightweight mid-layer called an OMM Core + Hoodie. It weighs 125g (super light!). It’s made from Primlaloft insulating active fabric. It offers the same warmth as a fleece but is half the weight and also incredibly breathable. I will probably wear this in bed as well if the nights are chilly.

    💦 I have played around with different-sized water bottles for my shoulder pockets on my pack. The sweet spot is 600ml bottles. I use the Actiph bottles that you can buy in most places in the UK. The SmartWater bottles in the UK have different-sized lids to the US and do not fit the water filter that I have, but the Actiph bottles fit perfectly.

    💊 I purchased all the little stuff. Ibuprofen, Sudafed, toothpaste x 2 travel, suncream, Savalon, Vagisil (good for chafing apparently!)

    📦 Bounce box - my bounce box is coming together nicely.

    🦷 Dentist checkup is done.

    I think that’s everything for this week.

    Again, thanks for listening to my rambles.    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    57 DAYS TO GO!

    February 17, 2023 in England

    This week I’ve been reading up on how to hitchhike safely on the PCT. All PCT hikers will need to hitch into town (often 10-15 miles from the trail) so that they can do tasks such as buying food for the next section (known as resupply), laundry, showering, eating a proper meal rather than dehydrated food, charge batteries and sleep in a real bed!

    MY LEARNINGS WERE BENEFICIAL:-

    🚗 Try not to hitchhike on my own.
    📸 Take a photo of the car & reg. I will post this in my ICE WhatsApp Group.
    💰 Keep my Roo pack (bum bag) with me at all times.
    🎒 Attach my pole to my pack as they often get left in cars.
    😎 Take your sunglasses off as you are more likely to get a hitch if people can see your eyes.
    🧥 If I’m absolutely filthy then put my rain jacket or puffy jacket on to cover the dirt!
    ✍️ Write an amusing sign such as “Not Smelly”. Avoid destinations on your sign as it gives people a reason to not pick you up.

    TRAINING UPDATE:-

    🏋️‍♀️ So I’ve been going to the gym with Rachel, 2-3 times a week since before Christmas. The gym is focusing on strength training and we alternate between legs, arms, abs, and shoulder/back. I’m pleased with my progress so far, but more importantly, it’s just been great to spend some quality time with Rachel. She’s really pushing me and we do have a giggle.

    🥾 I’m walking an average of 8-10 miles a day, but less on days that I go to the gym, and more at the weekends. For most walks I’m competing with a full pack (around 24-26lbs). I’m loaded with food and 3 litres of water.
    This week I’ve developed pain in my left foot, so I need to keep an eye on that. Perhaps I just need a few days off?

    SHAKEDOWN HIKE:-

    At the weekend, I completed two longish hikes.

    ⛺️ Saturday - 10.2 miles in total with a full pack, 2 days of food and 3 litres of water. I then camped overnight to test some gear.

    * I need to practice packing and unpacking my rucksack as it feels messy and disorganised.
    * I don’t need the Tyvek bivvy all the time. It can be pretty restrictive when sleeping if it’s warm. So use it as a groundsheet if the temperatures mean that condensation will not be an issue.
    * I slept like a log and had to take my puffy trousers off as I was too warm!

    👟 Sunday - a total of 12.2 miles, again with a full pack. In all honesty, the pack felt heavy today and I just took my time on the hike. My left shoulder was aching and I needed to constantly stretch. It was a good reminder to stretch out whenever I stop for a break. I’m still having issues with pain in my left foot and I’m thinking it may be my shoes. I’m wearing the same shoes I’ve always worn “Salomon Senseride 4 Trail Runners” but perhaps I need something with better cushioning when walking with a heavy pack? I really don’t want to start changing shoes at the late stage of the game. Decisions, decisions!

    OTHER STUFF:-

    * ✈️ A panic arose as I realised that I land in San Diego on a weekend. I need to ship my bounce box to Julian (1st town) but the post offices are closed on a Sunday. It looks like I may have to have a late start on Monday instead, which is frustrating. Note to future hikers… try not to get your permit for a weekend start!

    * 🧦 Discovered that OMM also produces a beanie (£30) fluffy superlightweight tights (£70) and tent socks (£30) in the same material as my core plus fluffy hoodie. They are expensive but so very light! I will save nearly 1lb in weight if I buy these which will help my body, but the cost is crazy! I’ve spent so much money on this trip already that I really can’t justify the extra cost… but it is tempting!

    As the start date gets nearer I’m feeling nervous but prepared. I’m now in the final stages of preparation which is all the little bits and bobs. Not long now!!

    Again, thanks for listening to my rambles.    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    50 DAYS TO GO!

    February 24, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    With just over a month to go the butterflies are starting to appear.

    Main photo: Hiker Town. I’m not sure if I’ll stay here as I understand it could “smell” a bit funny (if you know what I mean 😜). But I will pop in!

    🖥️ The zoom sessions are over and some hikers are starting next week which is exciting!

    😰 I’m now getting overwhelmed by all the fear-mongering that’s happening in the groups. People are talking constantly about the snow situation or the weight of their super light packs. I know what I can carry comfortably. I carry a 24lb pack 3-4 times a week and have been doing so since October last year, so I know my capabilities. I’m still trying to trim my pack weight, but this is how I will be living for at least two months so I don’t want to sacrifice comfort too much. Some people are carrying silly weights such as 6-8lbs. Each to their own but I am not going to let the fearmongers get to me. If my pack is too heavy then I’ll dump stuff in my bounce box. Simples! (Yes, I’m still taking my chair - don't judge me lol!).

    ✍️ I’ve also been thinking about the blogging side of things and how consistent I will be. I’ve always blogged my trail journals so will continue with the daily updates on Find Penguins. I will post a round-up on Facebook once a week. If I get the time and have the energy, I will edit and post videos as well, but I’ll see how that goes. These may be weekly rather than daily. Not sure yet.

    I’ve stopped posting on Instagram. I want to enjoy this hike and don’t want the pressures of trying to keep up with social posts. So blogging will be my outlet. You can follow along here.https://findpenguins.com/juliado.../trip/pct-20… (if you want to see the daily stuff)

    OTHER STUFF:-

    📕 I finished a book called “Things I learned from falling” which was gifted to me by a friend (thanks Gillian). It’s about a day hiker who got lost on the trail in the California desert and had to drink her own urine to survive. It’s a rather horrendous story, but it did make me realise how well-prepared I am for this hike.

    🦶 Thanks for the messages of concern about my foot. I’m experiencing pain across the top of my foot which I believe is tendonitis. I’ve got it strapped up and I took a few days off to rest it this week. (Which worked)

    🏋️‍♀️ I completed two long hikes this weekend. 15 miles with 25 lbs on my back on Saturday in the Dassett Hills. I felt great and could have continued for a few more miles. My foot was fine until I stopped and then it throbbed like hell all the way home (driving).

    🥾 The second hike was nearly 11 miles around the Hambleton Peninsula. This was a flat walk and my hips knew about it towards the end. It’s good to mix it up.

    🪶 After your comments, I took the plunge and purchased some new gear to replace the heavier gear in my pack. Thanks 🙏. I now have tent socks and a new OMM core plus beanie.

    🗺️ I have downloaded all the PCT GPX Files and now have them stored on my Garmin watch for additional navigation purposes. I need to practice using my watch for navigation rather than my phone. (Saving battery). It’s also another safety feature. So I have my phone, paper maps and my watch. I shouldn’t get lost!!

    🎶 And finally, my lovely mum put a playlist together for me on Spotify for my hike. It has songs like “don’t worry, be happy”, “ain’t no mountain high enough” etc. Thanks, mum. Love you Xx

    If you know of any good films/series that I can download for my travels (Netflix or Amazon Prime) then let me know. That’s something on my to-do list!

    Thanks for listening to my rambles.    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail
    Wildflowers on the PCT
    I returned my smock which came back this week.Nee vieeo released: https://youtu.be/JGGo9vq29bEMy tarptent NotchLi - love this little tentLegs dayAbs day

    43 DAYS TO GO!

    March 1, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    😜 I’ve done something that some may think is a bit crazy (if hiking the PCT is not crazy enough!).

    I promised that these preparation journals will be transparent and I hope they help other hikers, but this post may help some women.

    WHAT DID I DO?

    Well, last Friday I went to the doctor to see if I can get extra contraception & HRT pills for whilst I’m away. We got chatting about my options and the doc suggested having a coil fitted. “It ticks all the boxes for your hike,” she said. I explained that I had waited two months for this appointment and that I doubt that she could “fit me in” before I fly. “Can you come back at 12.10pm today?” She said…. Um??? Yes. So that’s what happened! Blimey, it hurt, but it’s another thing I don’t have to worry about. It means I don’t need to remember to take pills and it also means no periods. Period!

    It’s been a week now and I have no regrets. No pain, no blood and no tablets. I know it’s not for everyone, but I wanted to let others know that we are all different and it works for some and doesn’t work for others. So far, for me, it’s been a positive decision.

    🏋️‍♀️ TRAINING:-

    With a rested foot, new trail runners and being strict with myself to wear my insoles, I’m back on the training plan!

    I took a group to Stonehenge in Dorset for a weekend of hiking. Saturday was 11.2 miles and Sunday was a short one of 6 miles, all with a full pack.

    I was camping. Friday night it got down to -1 degrees and Saturday was -3 so it was good practice for the PCT. Even though I was staying at the same campsite for two nights, I broke down camp on Saturday morning to practice packing up in the cold. I’m getting quicker, but it’s still taking me at least 30 mins and still not a pleasant experience in the cold!

    Learnings from camping this weekend:-

    🏕️ The Kula cloth (pee cloth) is a great little cloth to wipe down my tent!

    🏕️ Putting a wet tent inside my pack is not wise! Everything else inside my pack was dry as it's stored in a niroflume liner, but as my tent defrosted the water seeped through to my back. The clothes I was wearing were drenched! Note to self, if the tent is wet then pack it on the outside!

    🛏️ Pumping up the airmat is so much more comfortable when I’m sitting in my little chair. No more back pain!

    🧦 I purchased some OMM tent socks which are made from the same material as my fleece. This weekend I slept in one tent sock and one Sundick down bootie to see what worked better. There was no difference in warmth, so the tent socks won. They are lighter, I can put shoes on with them (can’t do that with the booties) and they are more packable.

    🧢 I also took a new OMM Core + beanie. This worked a treat, coupled with my fleece when sleeping. The down hood that I had previously would be all soggy around the chin area where I had dribbled in the night! So the beanie worked much better and it’s lighter… result!

    🙌 I learned to make sure that anything with liquid needs to be in a plastic bag. My hand sanitiser that was in my poop kit burst and everything became sticky (including toilet roll etc!). Saying that it was all very clean! 😂

    I feel super comfortable with my gear now. I still have some overnighters planned before my trip and I always learn something new each time. I’m looking forward to camping in warmer weather though. I’m not keen on the cold!

    I created a video of the weekend which is available here: https://youtu.be/JGGo9vq29bE

    OTHER STUFF:-

    📱 I’ve purchased an Airalo E-sim package which has been activated and then turned off. All I need to do is turn it on when I get to the US. It was easy to do. I had the 10gb over 30 days to see how it goes (data only).

    🏋️‍♀️ Gym membership notice has been given. It ends on 31st March… eek!

    📷 Started deleting photos and videos from my iPhone (backed up onto Google). Blimey, this is going to take me forever!

    🥘 I have purchased my food for the first three days (one less thing to worry about on trail).

    ❌ People are now starting to cancel their permits for the PCT and postponing their hike until 2024. The record snow year, avalanches in California and some National Parks are closing due to the weather. I completely understand their decision, but there is no way I will cancel now. I’m about to hike the PCT in a year that will go down in history. I will take alternate routes and I’m happy to skip sections to stay safe, but there is no way I’m not going. Bring it on!!

    Thanks, as always, for listening to my rambles.

    Main Photo: Photo courtesy James “Cober” Taylor. - Wild Flowers on the PCT. This year should be beautiful as there has been so much water. I can't wait!    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    36 DAYS TO GO!

    March 10, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌬 4 °C

    Sometimes it’s best to stick with what you know, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

    👟 Last week I purchased some new Salomon Trail Runners (Pulsar Pro). The reviews were excellent and I liked the anti-debris collar (so that I could save a few grams and not bring sock gaiters). They seemed fine around the house so I took them to the gym. With the treadmill on a steep incline, I completed half a mile before I had to stop. Blimey! The pain in the bottom of my foot was making me limp and I had a hot spot on my heel. These are not the right shoes for me so I’ll send them back. Lesson learned! I’ve hiked miles in my Salomon Senseride 4’s and I’ve never had an issue. Stick with what you know Julia!

    🧦 I also discovered that Decathlon sells compression toe socks (good for my foot problem). Tried them out on the Cotswolds walk and they felt good.

    ******************************************************

    SHAKEDOWN HIKE - COTSWOLDS (A BIT SCARY!).

    ⛺️ Camping in the Cotswolds this weekend was interesting. I pitched up in the dark as I was “stealth camping” near a car park. I was all cosy and at 9.30pm I turned off my headlamp to snuggle into my quilt and fall asleep. A short while later a car pulled into the car park and the headlights skimmed over the top of my tent but they didn’t see me. I kept quiet as three people got out of the car and just stood around talking in a foreign language. They then walked off (I’ve no idea where they were going as it was a car park out in the sticks!). I was concerned about them returning so I couldn’t fall asleep. Around 10 pm I heard an almighty scream. This got my attention and my heart started pounding. What on earth was that? It sounded like some woman was being murdered!! After a while, the screaming stopped and I think it may have been a fox. I’m not sure.

    11.10 pm I hear foreign voices again and the people have returned. I can make out two men and one woman. They are loud and have obviously had a few to drink. I’m glad I took the time to pitch my tent in a corner which is shielded and hard to see. I hear car doors banging and then an engine fire up. They zoom off and I’m on my own once again. An owl hoots in the distance as if to say “you can go to sleep now”. Night night owl!

    2 am - I wake up and find I’m scrunched down towards the bottom of my tent. My pitch is on a slight slope and these down pants are extremely slippery. I use my feet to push myself back up but the underside of my new tent socks are also a nylon fabric which slips against my sleep pad. It's comical and I find myself giggling as I try to get myself back up to the top of the tent, slipping all over the place! Bear in mind, that my tent is dinky and I’ve only slipped about 1ft! Lesson learned, try not to pitch on a slope, but if I have no choice then I need to sleep with my head lower than my feet!

    * SATURDAY - 11 miles hiked with a full pack, no food (so about 22lbs)
    * SUNDAY - 10 miles hiked. Again, no food. This one had some challenging ups and downs but I felt good.

    SUMMARY:
    As the snow hit the UK I took to the gym. It's amazing how many people will talk to you when you have a big rucksack on your back! Usually, people just ignore me! I have been hitting the treadmill with my full pack (and getting donations for SHOUT at the same time which is awesome). My friend Emma pointed out a little button on the treadmill that says “Variety”. This goes through a 1hr workout that takes you up and down hills. Brilliant!

    I feel ready for the PCT. My gear is dialled in, I feel strong enough and I think I’m mentally prepared (time will tell).

    I have created a “Gear Load Out” video - so if you are interested in seeing my gear list then check it out here. https://youtu.be/s9y1TYngRdA

    Thanks, as always, for listening to my rambles.

    Julia    Read more

  • JuliadohertyJuliadohertyPCT 2023 - Prep & Trail

    29 DAYS TO GO!

    March 17, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Can you believe that I have less than a month to go! Omg! That thought gives me a little flutter in the pit of my stomach. I’m obsessed with watching videos from those that are starting out on their hike. Just type #PCT2023 into YouTube and it will send you down a rabbit hole of new vloggers. Some are terrible and others are great.

    **************************************************************
    OH NO! MY TENT LEAKS!

    So this week I decided to spend some time building my mental muscle and resilience against bad stuff and spent a night camping in the rain. I arrived in Cannock, Staffordshire and my intention was to wild camp but mud levels were high, it was gone 7 pm and the place where I intended to stop had two lorries parked up. I got cold feet so I punched in “campsites nearest to me” on the PitchUp app. There was a site with availability that looked great and was only 10 miles away. Rather than clicking in the app to navigate, I just typed into Waze “Park Hall Farm”. 14 miles. No problem… off I went! When I arrived it looked a bit… iffy! This can’t be right. So I called the number on the booking and a nice man called David explained that there are two Park Hall Farms. His site was the nice one that hosts weddings. The place that I was parked outside was a working farm with smelly cows. David gave me his full address which I typed into Waze… 52 mins! My heart sank. The rain was coming down heavily now.

    I selected 1st gear and I was on my way. Nearly an hour later I arrive at a lovely, well-kept campsite and I’m the only one there.

    It’s now gone 8pm and I’m tired, hungry and the weather is not good! I don't want to get out of my van, or turn the engine off as it is warm and toasty in here! “Julia, this is why you came out here! Keep calm, breathe, and don’t be annoyed with yourself as there is nothing you can do to change anything”. After my little talk to myself, I set to work and set up my tent in record time. I used a combination of my chair and the umbrella to blow up my sleeping pad (I can’t do that inside my tent as there just isn’t enough room.

    By 8.15pm I’m set up and in my sleep clothes, all snuggled in my tent. Life is good.

    LESSONS LEARNED FROM CAMPING IN THE RAIN.

    1. Blowing up my air mat is impossible inside the tent. I have decided to take my Flexitail Tiny Pump with me now. It weighs 3oz and means I can blow up my pad inside my tent.

    2. When it’s raining be extra vigilant when pitching in the dark. I hadn’t realised I’d pitched in a dip. My tent had a few puddles inside this morning and things were a bit soggy. 😞 ☔️

    3. My insulating pouch for my electronics is great, but not waterproof! Everything is wet!! So, it’s going in a dry bag when I get home.

    4. Meditation is amazing! After a few minutes of meditation and I was calm about having wet gear and told myself that I must learn from this experience.

    5. The best thing about the rain is that the packing away was super quick! A record 18 mins from start to finish!

    6. The Tyvek bivvy is frigging brilliant! Both me and my sleeping quilt were bone dry, but everything else was wet. Perhaps think about a groundsheet?

    I'm praying it won’t rain much on the PCT!

    IN OTHER NEWS:-

    🙆 This week I started a new 30-day challenge. Each day I have been completing a “stretching for hikers” session with a meditation at the end. I’ve always known how important it is to stretch but doing Yoga once a week is not enough. I need to get into a habit of daily stretching and have a routine that I know by heart that I don’t need to think about. For those interested, here is the routine that I’m following (Chase Mountains is brilliant and a well-respected YouTuber). https://youtu.be/WQauQv4uDLs

    PCT ADMIN:-

    There is a whole bunch of stuff that I still need to do and time is running out! This week I have crossed some things off the list:-

    1. I’ve now labelled all my gear for the PCT using a brilliant labelling machine that I borrowed from a friend. Thanks Annette.

    2. I have been persuaded to buy a portable bidet. Apparently, they are a game changer for backpackers and saves packing out your toilet roll. I’m not convinced but I’ve bought one and will give it a go.

    3. Purchased a new cork massage ball for my muscles. Alfie (my dog) ate my last one and during the Cannock Chase shakedown hike I suffered from a terrible pain across the bottom of my foot. It’s still sore now so I’ve made an appointment with my podiatrist for next week. Fingers crossed 🤞 it’s all ok.

    4. Also purchased a new tiny pump for my sleeping mat.

    I think that is everything! See you next week.

    Thanks, as always, for listening to my rambles.    Read more

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