At the Border!

c) Andrew Carter, 2023

My three-year PCT thru hike is over. I reached the Canadian border yesterday, 8/25/23. Success!

I began my thru hike hike on 4/3/21. I hiked 1840 miles in 2021, 733 miles in 2021, and 122 miles this year (thanks to a 70 mile wildfire detour which added 41 extra miles of walking).

I’m glad to be done. My wife Marta is glad I’m done as well. Time to return to our previously scheduled marriage.

When I get home, I’ll post photos from this last section of trail in northern Washington. Some videos as well.

What’s next? Not any true long distance hiking. I’ve promised my wife that. Nothing more than two to three weeks at most. Also, I’ve discovered I want any short distance hiking I do to include family and friends if at all possible.

I will tell you that I’m writing a book called “Two Trails.” It compares and contrasts hiking the Appalachian Trail in 1977 at the age of 20 and hiking the PCT in the 2020’s while in my mid-60’s. It talks about the differences in the two trails, the differences in hiking technology now vs. then, and much more.

I’m 60,000 words into the book right now and expect the finished product to be 80,000 to 90,000 words long. I’ll let you know when I’m done and how to get a PDF version if you’re interested. (I’m not sure anyone will truly want to publish it.)

Thank you for your interest in this blog. Thank you for your support along the way. I wish you all the best.

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Andrew Carter

I just completed a multi-year thru hike (MYTH) of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). It took three years. I hiked 1840 miles in 2021, 733 miles in 2022, and 122 miles in 2023. The only reason I had to hike in 2023 was a wildfire closure at the north end of the PCT in 2022. During the past two years, I've also thru hiked other, shorter US trails. I hiked the Benton MacKaye Trail (GA, NC, TN) and the Tuscarora Trail (VA, WV, MD, PA) in 2022 plus the Ozark Highlands Trail (AR) in 2023. I hope to hike the Long Trail (VT) next year and the Colorado Trail at some point in the future. Please note, all content on this site is copyright.

11 thoughts on “At the Border!”

  3. You overcame obstacles and made it to the Northern terminus at last. Congratulations and many kudos for your perseverance and tenacity!
    Following your posts has been both enjoyable and inspirational. In 2020, I hiked most of the JMT. Fires postponed the small section from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite as the National forests closed and I had to get off trail. Finished in 2021.
    This year, I planned to hike the desert section of the PCT (702mi) starting in mid March. Due to the massive 2023 snow falls, all major mountain sections were closed. So bounced North to hike what was possible. Only managed ~300 miles before getting off trail in Tehachapi. Will try again next year to fill in gaps and continue on. At least there were a lot of water sources!
    As a more than mid-60 hiker, I’d like to complete the PCT within a few years.
    Your journey reminds me that the goal may be a terminus, but sometimes the best we can do is to put the heart into the journey, when and wherever conditions and time allow.
    Your book will be a good read. I look forward when you share it with us all.
    Thank you for sharing your journey!

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  4. Thanks Andrew. I’ve really enjoyed being ‘along for the ride’ the last few years. Your posts were always informational, illuminating. I’ve never aspired to take long treks such as this, but I’m sure glad some people do and are interested in sharing their observations and photos. With gratitude, Ron Regier

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  5. Well done. Have enjoyed your hike. My own was cut short last year due to a bereavement and so this may be the way forward. Again Congratulations.

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    1. Go for it, if you can. I’m retired and live in California, so I was able to come back to Washington this year. Admittedly, the 24-hour period when I thought I’d have to come back yet again next year was totally discouraging.

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