PCT Complete!

After 158 days on my 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail hiking adventure, I have completed by returning to where I first set out on May 26th, 2020. It was certainly a strange and unique year to accomplish this thru-hike. Due to a late start because of COVID, I started in Agua Dulce, CA and hiked north to the Canadian border. Then I reset to the southern border and hiked north back to Agua Dulce.

Many thanks to all of my family, girlfriend Simone, friends from the trail, “tramily” and all those trail angels who helped me achieve my dream.

Additionally, I was able to carry a small keepsake urn with some of Betsy Batish’s ashes so she could accompany me on one last adventure together. She had dreamed of doing this trip with me one day.

Here is a breakdown of some interesting facts from the trek:

• Start date: May 26th, 2020
• End date: November 9th, 2020
• Number of days on this adventure: 158
• Number of hiking days: 141
• Number of zero days: 17
• Trail miles hiked: 2,510 (had to skip 50 miles in Oregon and 90 miles in Washington due to wildfires)
• Estimated side miles: 60
• Total elevation gain: 446,000 feet
• Total elevation loss: 342,000 feet
• Weight loss: 20 pounds
• Pairs of shoes used: 6

My photos from the trip are on my IG: @thornyadventures

Now it’s time to move forward with life and on to my post-Air Force adventures! Feeling so blessed and happy…and ready to give my feet a break.