Katie Elder

Hi, I'm Spirit, and I'm NOBO on the PCT in 2018! I'm from Texas originally, but have also spent time in Portland, NYC, Montana, & New Jersey. This is my first thru-hike.

Posts

Buckling Down, Staying NOBO, as Others Leave

Buckling Down, Staying NOBO, as Others Leave

Somewhere around South Lake Tahoe, it seemed most of my friends were suddenly getting off trail. The vibe of the trail is changing daily, and I'm

Aug 19, 2018 : Katie Elder
What Worked, What Didn’t as I Gear Up for the Sierra

What Worked, What Didn’t as I Gear Up for the Sierra

I fine-tuned gear throughout the desert, but the biggest changes happened in Lone Pine, preparing for the Sierra Nevada. Here's how my gear has

Jun 27, 2018 : Katie Elder
Returning to Trail, Humbled by Injury

Returning to Trail, Humbled by Injury

Sixteen days after hiking into Wrightwood with a skin infection, I was antsy to get back on trail, even though I wasn't quite physically ready.

Jun 27, 2018 : Katie Elder
Navigating My First Trail Injury

Navigating My First Trail Injury

After a month of blistered feet on the PCT, I somehow sweetened the deal with a skin infection. Here's what happened and how it feels to be

May 15, 2018 : Katie Elder
Blisters, Spirit, and Roy: My First 100 Miles

Blisters, Spirit, and Roy: My First 100 Miles

In my first few weeks on trail, I learned a lot of lessons the hard way. One hundred miles from Campo, I’d endured blisters stacked within each

Apr 26, 2018 : Katie Elder
PCT Prep: Shakedown Hike on the Lone Star Trail

PCT Prep: Shakedown Hike on the Lone Star Trail

I recently attempted a thru-hike of the Lone Star Hiking Trail (LSHT) in East Texas. I got my butt kicked for four days, and I was ultimately

Mar 24, 2018 : Katie Elder
Assembling My PCT Resupply

Assembling My PCT Resupply

I’ll be mailing myself 13 resupply boxes while I’m on the PCT, each packed with roughly five days of food. I’ve posted all of my resupply locations

Feb 27, 2018 : Katie Elder
My PCT Resupply Logistics

My PCT Resupply Logistics

During my thru-hike, I’ll resupply my food in towns along the way. For towns that have limited or expensive food options, many people choose to mail

Feb 27, 2018 : Katie Elder
Where I Am and What’s Left to Do: Nine Weeks to the PCT

Where I Am and What’s Left to Do: Nine Weeks to the PCT

I start my PCT journey in early April 2018. It will be my first thru-hike! Here’s who I am and exactly how (un)prepared I feel about it

Jan 27, 2018 : Katie Elder