Challenges

Thru-Hiking is not without it's challenges and this year is no exception. Normally hikers discover those challenges "along the way." I'm sure those challenges are coming, but this year there are significant challenges hikers are grappling with even before the journey begins. The above screenshot from the Pacific Crest Trail Association website shows closures in Southern California and there are additional closures spread out over the rest of the trail. Most of the closures are a result of the wild fires in 2020. I emailed the PCTA about possible alternates for the closures and this was the sobering response:

I’m certain that some of the closures will persist. We’re working on possible alternates but some closures don’t seem to have good options that we can recommend. I suspect that some closures won’t have recommended alternates due to geography.

Add to this the ongoing pandemic and the closure of many "hiker friendly" business in towns along the trail and it all adds up to a very different hiking experience for 2021. I'm trying not to stress out about it too much right now. Once I get on trail, part of the adventure is finding solutions to challenges and the creativity and determination of hikers usually finds a way! 

Thanks for following along!