Jack Ross wanted to do something “really big and challenging” in his lifetime. So Jack and his wife Barb laced up their boots for a thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. I’d say that is really big and challenging.
Jack took a moment to talk about life on the PCT, deep snowpacks, solitude, readjustments to home, and more.
Eric Murtaugh: Why did you decide to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail?
Jack Ross: I read a National Geographic article from the late ’70s long ago that described it. Then the topic always came up when we were backpacking with friends. It was always in the back of my mind.
Plus, I wanted to do something really big and challenging in my lifetime and hiking the PCT is really big! It wasn’t on Barb’s bucket list but she signed on anyway (and logged over 1,000 miles before dropping out due to injury).
Jack and Barb on the PCT near Mt. Jefferson in Oregon.
EM: Take us through the preparation and planning stage of a PCT thru-hike.
