Trekkin Weka

The blog of a Kiwi on the Pacific Crest Trail 2025

After Trail

After finishing this experience, the process of readjustment to regular life begins. I’d heard from many how this can be a surreal, and at times difficult time. I spent three weeks traveling back down the west coast of USA and reflecting on the time I’d spent, before returning home.

  • Week +3, 22-28 October: Tahoe – Bishop – San Diego

    It is so hard to believe that this is the third week off trail. I’m so glad not to be thrust straight back into regular life, and I would recommend to any future thru-hikers to do something like what I’m currently doing. We’ve already taken 6 months out of our lives, so at this point,… Read more

  • Week +2, 15-21 October: Vancouver – Squamish – Portland

    In my second week off trail, I finally made it into Canada. I woke up early in the morning on 15 October, and made my way to the King Street Station in Seattle. I had a train booked to take me across the border, and when I boarded I could tell that this was going… Read more

  • Days +5-7, 12-14-October: Re-acclimating In Seattle

    After nearly a week off trail, time begins to move more quickly. Without a constant stream of new sights, and a continuous effort throughout the day, things seem to pass by faster. I spent three days exploring the city, more or less aimlessly, but with plenty of opportunity to reflect on the nearly six months… Read more

  • Day +4, 11 October: Arriving in Seattle

    The time had come to leave Lion’s Den and head to Seattle. Dave arrived at around 8:30 am and we stopped by the famous Mazama Bakery before leaving town. Along for the ride were two other hikers, Sweet Potato and Showers. The four of us drove for 3.5 hours to Seattle. When we got to… Read more

  • Day +3, 10 October: Lion’s Den

    It feels like a town day today, but it’s not. Much like waking up on trail for the first time, waking up off trail is when the reality finally starts to sink in. This is where the importance of a place like Lion’s Den emerges. We are in a trail like environment, but off trail.… Read more

  • Day +2, 9 October: Leaving Trail

    These are the last steps I will take on the PCT. It’s a very strange feeling, knowing that when I get to town today, there’s no resupply to do, and no trail calling me. I met a weekend hiker yesterday who was on his way to Seattle in a few days and had space for… Read more

  • Day +1, 8 October: Last Night On The Trail

    I spent the day retracing my steps – in the past, this would be called a victory lap which only some people would do while others continue into Canada. Now, nobody is allowed to cross the border on the PCT, so everyone is doing the victory lap, which I think is actually really cool. I… Read more