Abby Rachwalski

Hi, I’m Abby! I was born and bred in the suburbs of Chicago, near the cornfields of central Illinois, and next to the greatest of the Great Lakes. But, at 24 years old, I remain conflicted by a love for higher elevations, sequoia giants, and dramatic vistas. So obviously the logical solution is to venture out on a 2,650 mile long jaunt along the height of the Western United States to embrace that love, right? In April I’ll be taking a hiatus from my job as a nurse to the tiny humans of this world, making my parents officially empty nesters (you’re welcome, Mom & Dad), and pursuing another dream of mine: a thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail with my best friend, Annie. AND I CAN’T WAIT!

Posts

People of the PCT: A Prequel

People of the PCT: A Prequel

Nature and humanity. After three years of conducting trail research as a self-proclaimed armchair thru-hiker, I’ve concluded that these seem to be

Apr 28, 2017 : Abby Rachwalski
My 14 lb Home: A Pacific Crest Trail Gear List with Weight Breakdown

My 14 lb Home: A Pacific Crest Trail Gear List with Weight Breakdown

In 22 days I'll officially be swapping out my thermoregulated suburban home for ripstop nylon tent walls, running water for natural water sources and

Apr 5, 2017 : Abby Rachwalski
Dear Mom & Dad (7 Reasons I’m Sorry)

Dear Mom & Dad (7 Reasons I’m Sorry)

We may be undertaking a physical and psychological feat of enormous measure, but let’s not forget about those behind the scenes. Those back home who

Mar 22, 2017 : Abby Rachwalski
Why I’m Choosing to Wear the Same Smelly Clothes for Five Months

Why I’m Choosing to Wear the Same Smelly Clothes for Five Months

As weeks pass by and my countdown until "go time" continues (41 days, what what!), someone new discovers my plan to thru-hike the Pacific Crest

Mar 17, 2017 : Abby Rachwalski