It’s been a journey! First of all thank you to everyone who has been invested, followed, read, commented, cared about my safety, provided updates, sent weather info, noticed when a checkin was late, gave me rides, sent inspirational messages, gave me strength missing Keyla, helped me in towns, fed me, washed my clothes, let me camp for free or provided company on trail and off trail ❤️ As you might know by now, it’s all about the people for me. I take meeting a new person any day over a road walk!!
Very special thanks to Graham for committing early on to drive me home … I could not have planned this without him 🥰😍😘
We took Keyla up to Sun Mountain for the view and had a nice celebratory dinner 💕
On the return trip, we stopped where I started the PNT just north of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Weird to be back there, and happy not climbing for two days out of that valley again 🤣
Was it what I expected? That is always hard to say. The trail itself is hard but I knew that. It’s much younger than the PCT, hence it has many connecting road walks and not-so-great sections. It’s also an East-West trail which means going up and over every mountain range instead of staying on a crest. The PCT has ups and downs too but you’re not climbing all the north-south ranges between here and Montana 😁
Body: I’m tired and feel the legs when walking stairs. But feet and legs don’t hurt. I only had the small blister on my big toe; not an area you feel walking. I had Leukotape on my heels almost the whole time due to the disintegration of the shoes at the heels. Huge fan of Leukotape! Otherwise, all fine!
The hips and shoulders are slightly bruised (straps, hipbelt) but that is also normal. Actually it’s much better with this new backpack! My left shoulder did get sore from yesterday’s slip but will get better in no time. I already put some arnica lotion on. No sunburn or any other damage 👍🏻
Keyla had fun. I found her poking out of my shirt sometimes to get a better view 🤣😍 Being completely honest, I do not miss her any less now, rather more. I’ve met great dogs and one day I might be ready for the next dog chapter. Just not now. It’s still the hardest part of life right now.
I was busy with chores and seeing friends today. I got some gear sorted and am ready for the drive home on Monday. I look forward to tomorrow, when Graham arrives and we get to go for dinner to celebrate! Civilization still feels new and cushy! I even ran into some PNT hikers in town today and had a good long chat to compare notes.
The shoes are certainly done. But they made it and I didn’t need Heather to send the new pair. I’m surprised they lasted through the bushwhacks after 500km of running before the hike. The company claims that insoles cause the heel disintegration but given that many people use insoles (I don’t need them but like them for metatarsal support) I would advise them to listen to the feedback and maybe improve the quality (never had heel holes before!). Anyway, overall very durable. I did put some super glue on the spots that looked like they were getting thin.
Lastly, gear related, I have to say that my new backpack did well. It’s a KS50 from KS Ultralight (a one man shop in Japan) with the custom options I mentioned before the hike. The bottom and side pockets are EPL 200 Ultra, the body Ultragrid 200 Green. There is no damage to the pack at all and it carried well. My shoulders always started getting sore when I didn’t take breaks every 2-3 hours but even then, it was much better than with other packs.
Thank you again to all. If I get to do any short fall hikes I’ll let you know for sure.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Way to go Biggi. You’ve talked about this idea for a trip since ski season and you made it happen and did it. Most people talk and don’t do. You walk the talk! Happy for you.
Haha, the gnarliest sections were in our backyard in Kianuko.
No doubt the BC section was the hardest and most remote! Yes I made it happen, glad I did and thanks for the support!
What a wonderful adventure you had.🤩 Thank goodness there are still nice and helpful people around. Now get some rest. 😁
Haha yes plenty of nice people in this world 😁 Resting up now!! Thanks for reading the blog …
Epic adventure. Congratulations on this amazing achievement.
So glad you were able to read the blog! Thanks!!!
Another great adventure in the books. Well done. Oh, l love the necklace
Yes the dog is always there ❤️ Thanks Jan!
So awesome Biggi 👏👏👏! Always the inspiration. Thx for sharing this adventure with us.
As this one ends for you, Keith and his 2 buddies are just beginning theirs on the High Rim Trail today. I dropped them off this morning at the Philpott Rd trail entrance and will be picking them up on Friday at Kalamalka Lake HRT trail exit. Not quite as gruelling an adventure as yours but there will be plenty of stories, I’m sure. Hope you recover quickly and are on to other great adventures soon 🤗
Yes I’ve done that one! They should do it from Chute Lake … great scenery on the first half! I’m sure they’ll have fun. Thanks for reading!!
Congratulations Biggi on executing an amazing trek and sharing stories along the way. Hang those shoes high. And I think somehow you’re already plotting the next one. Cheers, Ken
So happy you were able to follow along the adventures. No immediate next plans but there are always ideas! A winter traverse somewhere would be interesting 🤔 Talk soon! Thanks!
Hi Biggi & welcome home! I really enjoyed following you along on your trip. What an adventure. You write so well & make it all come alive.
Thanks for sharing. 🩷 Leslie
I am so happy you enjoyed following along! Will be ready for a longer debrief over coffee ☕️ 😁
Very much enjoyed following you on your adventure! Congrats just doesn’t seem adequate! Your research & planning brought you success. That’s gotta feel good! Thank you for your detailed documentation!
🙌🏾 👏🏽
Rox
And the people! Couldn’t have done it with the kind and supportive people on trail and on either end of the journey! Thanks for reading my posts Rox 🤗
Enjoy autumn in the Rockies! Look forward to seeing you in the Methow!
Thanks Rita! It was great to finish in Pine Forest 🥰
Ich gratuliere dir ,tolle Bilder viel interessante Information.
I’m glad it was interesting to read! Sometimes my mind was very tired at the end of a day so I’m glad it all made sense 🤣 Thanks for your support 🤗
Well Done Biggi🌝😘🌝👌
Thanks Geoffrey! Means a lot that you followed along 🤗🙏