INTERVIEW WITH A THRU HIKER(Double Tap)

Pacific Crest Trail 14

Interview With A Thru-hiker

Trail Name : Double Tap

2014PCT

09.04.2017

0. Talk about yourself?

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Went to Texas A&M University and have been working in the electronics industry (sales) for my career. I lived in New York City before moving to California in 2003 and that is when my hiking obsession began after visiting Yosemite National Park in 2004. Every summer/fall season I spend as much time as possible in the Sierra with my favorite place to backpack being Kings Canyon National Park.

Pacific Crest Trail 14

1. Why did you decide to hike the PCT?

It’s hard to pinpoint and exact reason but after hiking the John Muir Trail in 2007 I started thinking of the next big trip and the PCT seemed to be the logical choice. In the end however, it all comes down to being immersed in nature for 5 months is an amazing experience. Plus, not having to worry about a job, bills, and all the normal stresses of everyday life pushed me to thru hike.

2. How many miles you cover when hiking?

Depends on the region. In SoCal (High Desert & Sierra) I averaged about 17 miles a day. In NorCal that went up to 20-25 miles per day. In Oregon it was ~28-29 miles per day and then it went back down to ~20 miles a day in Washington due to the large elevation gains everyday.

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3. Tell me about the memorable episode

There are so many memorable experiences on the PCT over a thru hike. One that sticks out is hiking the Knifes Edge in southern Washington as clouds were rolling in. The landscape up there is so barren that with the fog/clouds blowing over the ridge it made me feel so very … alive. Reaching the CA/OR border was another memorable experience as you realize at that point you just walked across what is probably your first state ever and it’s a long state going north or south (~1,700 miles). I also have very fond memories of sitting around a campfire one night at Kennedy Meadows South (and another night at the Saufley’s Hiker Heaven) with a bunch of other thru hikers just talking about our trips so far. That was a lot of fun.

4. What was your favorite part of the experience?

The entire trip all rolled up into one. Every day you get to be in nature the entire day away from civilization. It’s a very liberating experience.

Pacific Crest Trail 14

5. What is the hardest part of hiking?

Getting up in the morning when it’s really cold and warming up. 

6. Do you think people get addicted to thru hiking?

Yes. Post trail depression is a real thing that we all go through when we get back home. It’s hard to return to normal everyday living after being on the trail for 5 months.

Pacific Crest Trail 14

7. What are trail angels and what is trail magic?

Trail angels help hikers in any way, shape, or form. They can hang out at trailheads and offer hikers cold drinks and food or they can host hikers at their homes for a break. Trail magic is what the trail angel offers to the hiker, whatever that may be. Trail angels/magic is special aspect of thru-hiking as often they have never met you and don’t want any money. It’s done out of the kindness of their heart and that is something hard to come by these days.

8. Did you try other long distance trail? what is the difference between CDT and others?

Yes, my first long distance trail was the John Muir Trail (2007). I have also hiked the Tahoe-Yosemite Trail (2010), and am now section hiking the Sierra High Route. One of these days I would like to hike the PCT SoBo and also hike the CDT.

Pacific Crest Trail 14

9. What lesson you learn on hike?

Enjoy every day and treat it like it’s your last. It can all end at a moment’s notice.

10. Any tips for aspiring or current thru hikers?

Slow down and enjoy the experience. It’s easy to get tunnel vision with getting to Canada and doing miles miles miles everyday. Yes, you have to make mileage to get to the end before weather hits but try to enjoy every second of it (even the painful seconds). Also, break up the trail into smaller sections in your mind. Don’t start thinking of Canada your first week into the trail. Treat each section like a section hike except in this case you are stringing a bunch of section hikers consecutively.

Pacific Crest Trail 14

11.  Any new hikes planned?

This summer/fall hitting the next section of the Sierra High Route via Snow Tongue Pass and heading north ~50 miles. I also want to explore the Ampitheater Lake area and Ionian Basin/Enchanted Gorge region of Kings Canyon National Park. This winter I also want to explore/backpack more of Death Valley National Park and maybe backpack up to White Mountain.

12. What do you think of happiness?

You make your own happiness, go out there and do it.

Pacific Crest Trail 14

Thanks to Double Tap for sharing a big of his experience with us. We really appreciate the picture and story of your hike. I hope that Double Tap story gives you some inspiration, a sense of what it is to long distance trail the PCT

So, now what can we do?

Let's go hike!!!