Testing Myself in 2026: A Little PCT, A Lot of Curiosity, and Maybe… You?

Just me, my Earth Bands, and a mild obsession with testing myself in 2026. Crags Trail now, PCT dreams loading…

Some ideas start as a whisper. Others show up like a raccoon in your campsite at 2 a.m., rummaging loudly through your soul until you finally admit, “Fine, I hear you.”

This one? Definitely the raccoon.

For a while now, I’ve felt this pull — not to thru‑hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail (I love my knees too much for that), but to test myself with a small section hike in 2026. Nothing wild. Nothing that requires selling my belongings or developing a deep emotional relationship with ramen. Just a stretch of trail long enough to shake up my routine, remind me what I’m capable of, and maybe meet a few dusty legends along the way.

And honestly… I’m curious.

Curious what my body can do.

Curious what my mind will say when the only thing to argue with is a switchback.

Curious what it feels like to wake up in the middle of nowhere and think, “Yep. I chose this.”

Calling All My Age-Group Adventurers

Here’s the thing: I don’t want to be the only one out there representing the “we’re not old, we’re seasoned” demographic.

So I’m putting this out into the universe — and the internet:

Is there anyone around my age who’s been thinking about doing a PCT section hike too? Or any hike with beautiful scenery.

Not a thru-hike. Not a life overhaul. Just a slice of trail, a shared challenge, and maybe a few laughs when we realize we packed way too many snacks.

If that sounds like you, say something.

Let’s see if there’s a little crew of us who want to test ourselves together.

Trail Magic at Soda Creek: The 2026 Warm-Up

Before I even set foot on my own section, I’m planning something that’s been on my heart for a while: Trail Magic at Soda Creek again this year.

There’s something beautiful about showing up for hikers right when they need it — a cold drink, a snack, a chair, a moment of humanity. I want to be part of that magic again this year. I want to cheer people on as they chase their own big dreams, whether they’re on mile 10 or mile 1,010.

And who knows… maybe I’ll get inspired, intimidated, or peer‑pressured into committing to a longer section than I planned. (Let’s hope not. But also… maybe.)

The Etna Temptation

If I’m already out there doing Trail Magic, I keep thinking:

Why not just hop on the trail and do the Soda Creek to Etna section?

It’s beautiful. It’s challenging. It’s the kind of stretch that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard and then immediately realized postcards don’t show the elevation gain.

But it’s calling to me.

And I’m listening.

So… Anyone Up for It

If you’ve been craving a challenge, a reset, or just a good story to tell later, consider this your sign.

Whether you want to:

• join me for a 2026 PCT section hike,

• meet up for Trail Magic at Soda Creek,

• or tackle the Soda Creek → Etna stretch with me…

I’m here. I’m game. And I’m ready to see who else is feeling that same raccoon‑level pull toward adventure.

Drop a comment. Send a message. Whisper it into the wind.

Let’s see who answers.

@greenin_hiker and her friend from last year gave them my PCT Earth Bands, af ew snacks, and off they went!