Before I dive in, this is something important that needs to be said. I couldn’t have made it this far without you. You as in my friends and trail friends, family, colleges and supporters on my blog and Instagram.

My parents especially, they are the unwavering pillar that I can always rely on. They were nothing but supportive ever since I told them about my plans and they continue to watch over me and cheer me on.

To all my supporter and trail friends, thank you for raising me up when I am feeling down. Thank you for encourage me to strive to be better and better in my photography. Thank you for all the tangible help you have given and offered. I couldn’t have made it this far without all of you.

Moving on now

I apologize that ever since I went into the Sierras, blog posts have been in slightly lacking. There was long periods of time with little signal and no time to rest in between stops.

The Sierra High Route was a smashing success, I had one of the most incredible adventures of my life time. The emotions felt, pain experienced and the beauties seen all put together to make this indescribable adventure. It was life changing and I can’t stop dreaming about all the future adventures and places to experience. You definitely won’t be seeing the end of gorgeous photos and incredible stories.

There’s still half of the high route I havent wrote about. It’s unfortunately taking a really long time to write each section. Everyday so much happen and it’s hard to capture all the emotions and beauty in it. I definitely don’t want to fall behind about what’s going on on the PCT so I am going to finish the last few sections of the high route later when I have more time and focus on the goings of the PCT.

The 50th anniversary Pacific Crest Trail Day just happened! It also happens to be my birthday! Incredible feeling knowing that at 24, I have completed California and Oregon section of the PCT and the Sierra High Route, one of the most difficult hiking route in the US.

I was very fortunate to be a part of a Osprey hosted panel to speak about the life of thru hiking. I got to meet other incredible adventurers and old friends, had a blast talking about the good and the bad of the trail to an enthusiastic crowd.

Thanks @kathleenlovesyoga for the photo!

PCT day reminded me again how much I belonged. I bumped into old friends and new friends every step in the day. Could barely move a few feet before getting into another conversation.

Look at those cool cats

The hike so far

As for the hiking part. I like to describe my hike as a bunch of jigsaw puzzle pieces trying to fit together instead of a straight line….with a few broken pieces.

Oregon for example, I initially skipped from Ashland to Bend to hike onwards to avoid the smoke. After finishing that section, I decided I couldn’t leave Oregon unfinished before stepping into Washington, so a couple bus later, I ended up back in Bend and hiked south to Ashland.

After finishing Oregon, I would’ve hiked more southbound (sobo) than northbound (nobo) so maybe I should call myself pct sobo flip flopper. 😂

Check out the beautiful Oregon! I wish I had more time to climb some of those awesome peaks!

The sisters in alpine glow!

Thank you strangers for being my model

Mordor here I come!

Doesn’t matter what form this hike comes in, it was a mind bending, spectacular adventure. I completed the Sierra High Route, climbed the spires of castle crags, explored the old mining roads of Death Valley. Along the way, I met amazing friends and captured stunning images I will never forget.

Onward to Washington

Finally, I crossed over the bridge of the gods on to Washington!

Exciting moment to have one state left on this incredible journey. This part of the journey will be a difficult one. Currently, a lot of Washington is on fire and a couple days ago, we just found out that the last 80 miles to the Canadian border is closed with not a lot of hope that it will reopen soon. That will put my journey’s end at Rainy pass, an unceremonal end to this grand adventure.

Still, I am ready to make the best of this journey. There will be a lot of beautiful places along the way, especially if we get lucky on the few days that the smoke clears out. I am looking to shoot some incredible photos as I hike deeper into the Northern Cascades!

Part of an adventure is expecting plans to change and things to go wrong. I take a lot of joy in how my adventure turned out so far and continue to look forward to the adventures to come! Look forward to hearing about my time in Washington!