11th September
Mileage 23.2
Bushcamp (2637.1) to Canadian Bushcamp 2660.3
Miles to Canada 0, I’m in Canada.
I’ll just cut to the chase, I just hiked from Mexico to Canada. Every step of the way. A distance of 4293km (2668 miles) in 146 days 4 hours and 35 minutes. I lost a total of 15kg (33lb) and feeling very exhausted at the moment. As I write this it’s emotional. For me it’s a big deal.
I hiked 23 miles today to reach the Canadian border, known to us hikers as ‘the monument’. When I arrived my Canadian friends Paul and Sally were there to greet me, complete with a beer and some Dr Pepper.
What a place for trail magic and so great to have friends greet me there. Three other hikers, Johnny Walker, Leopard Sauce and You Again were there too. I may have shed a tear, as I mentioned it was emotional.
For me, for my version of this hike, for my adventure it was important that I hiked every step. No skipping or hitching around sections, no flipping ahead to other sections and walking around any trail closures. I hiked every step of the way and very proud of that fact. I achieved my goal.
As I hiked this hike I had an amazing pleasure to meet and hike with amazing people. They enhanced the trip and I must thank them so much. Thank you also to all the people who left kind messages on this blog and my BikeHikeSafari Facebook site.
In hard and lonely times my spirits were lifted. Also a big thank you to Doug and Marilyn for their hospitality and help at the start of the hike and storing my cycling luggage. And a big thank you to Paul and Sally for meeting me at the monument at the Canadian border and looking after me in Canada.
Anybody planning to hike the PCT in the future? If so, send me a private message on my Contact Me page. I may be able to assist with answers to questions, but hopefully if you’ve read this blog from start to finish your questions may have already been answered. Good luck with your hike.
If anybody has liked my blog and has spare money, please make a donation to PCTA who manage the trail. They need funds to keep the trail going. For more info visit the PCTA Donations Page.
For now I’ll have a very short couple of days rest with friends in Vancouver and Palm Springs before starting my cycling journey from ‘The Golden Gate Bridge to The Panama Canal’.
Thank you all. This is not the end, just a part of my lifelong goal to Bike, Hike and explore this planet. Living the dream.
Brad McCartney / Shepherd.
Watch the PCT Video
Next : Thru Hiking PCT Gear Review
Congratulations!!! I’m going to take your last bit of pictures with me… Snow, rain, freezing conditions… all of my worst fears, then the beautiful glorious sunshine if I can just hang in there!
I read the entire blog and enjoyed it very much. Congratulations on finishing. In two years I would also like to hike the PCT.
Hey Jan, Thanks for the kind words. Good luck on the prep for hiking the PCT in the future, it is an amazing trail.
I just finished reading your journey. Congratulations! I’m hiking this year starting March 24. I’ve enjoyed reading every post and took a few notes!
That’s a very early start, good luck. Enjoy the trail
Wow ?Congrats on such an amazing adventure. Your blog has sealed the deal for me.. I’m gonna try my attempt from April 2018
All I can say is thanks for allowing all of the avid readers, a true taste of all the highs and lows of your pct adventure
Thanks for the kind words Jason. The PCT is a special trail, I’m sure you will agree when you are there. Good luck. If I can help with anything that hasn’t been answered in the blog, let me know. Cheers.
I live in Wyoming…so might just have to keep an eye on your blog and bring some trail magic instead :-)
I look forward to it
Great account of your PCT thru-hike. I started reading yours yesterday morning and finished it in a day. It was only when I got into it a little ways that I realized whose blog I was reading. I had read Hummingbird’s blog the day before and it was definitely interesting to read a secondary account from the group. You both write well.
Looking forward to my own hike in 2018. Wish it could be sooner but a trip home to England and hiking the CT next year were already in the works before.
Thanks for the kind words. I will be in the CT next year. Well not exactly, I’m hiking the CDT, they run together for a lot of the way. Good luck with your upcoming hikes.
Maybe I’ll see you out there. I’ll be on the CT early July to mid-August
I’m heading Sobo in the CDT, I won’t be through there till late August at the earliest. I just got to make it through before the October snow.
Congratulations on a job well done! Over the past 3 years I’ve read many journals, mostly PCT, and yours ranks very high. So thanks for the inspirational read that I will carry along on my future hikes. Dave T/ADL (67)
Yes, just arriving in Budapest tomorrow. Thank you for you advise those many moons ago on the Darwin cycle path. You said just use the bike you have and go. Well, we did that, booked a ticket, put a couple of panniers on and started riding. Been a lot of fun.
cheers
stevet
Great to hear.
Well done Brad, wonderful blog, felt like I was there with you the whole time. Great aussie grit shown. Look forward to the next bike blog. Safe traveling and riding.
cheers
stevet
Thanks Steve, I trust your cycle tour went well?
Congrats Shepherd! A great hike and a great blog! It was great to meet you on-trail on the north edge of the Mohave crossing and to contribute a few calories to your success. Great job!
-GoalTech
Thanks Goaltech, great to meet you, good luck with your future hikes.
Well done Brad, your reports will help heaps of hiker. Did you find what you were looking for?
cheers, Laurence Penman, Anna Bay Australia
Thanks Laurence. I guess I wasn’t really searching but found inspiration in nature and in people. I really enjoyed the thru hike.
Brad, it was a pleasure having you stay with us in Vancouver. You are always welcome here. Watching you cross the boarder was pretty awesome! It was very special to be there, with you, on that joyful sunny afternoon. I will always remember it.
Thank you.
Congratulations! It’s been a pleasure following your blog, you’ve been about a week ahead of us the whole trail so I got great sneak peaks of what’s to come! Cheers! Comet
Thanks. The trail is like that, but so many cool people out there. Hope the sneak peak didn’t spoil too much for you!
Congratulations! I also have read your blog since the beginning. One of the best. Thank you so much for all that you shared. Rest well, and safe travels on your bike trip.
Thanks Deb, finally I’m rested and about to start my bike trip.
So happy for you! So sad its over though.. Cant wait for the next great adventure to start!
Thanks Joseph, I’m looking forward to the next adventure
Cheers brother!! Passed u by little bear springs on my section hike to Tehachapi.. Had fun continuing the journey through you and other hikers… Good luck on your future adventures!!
Thanks Laurent, enjoy some more of the great section hikes.
I had a blast following your hike as I told my friend “I always check BikeHikeSafari’s blog at work as he has the best pics”. I am planning on a transition in my life starting with a PCT hike on my birthday in 2016. Keep exploring and testing the limits.
Thanks Aaron. Good luck with the your planning and with the hike next year, its a great hike.
Brad – You are an absolutely amazing and wonderful person. I feel very privileged to have met you at the end of your journey and be a part of your reintegratation into society :) Again super big congratulations!!! Meghan & I will continue to follow your travels and cheer you on! All the best to you – cheers to your future travels!!
Thanks Michelle, great to meet you all for dinner.
Hey Brad – I have followed you the entire trip, I have read every entry, and looked at every picture. I asked you a few questions, and got honest, quick replies. You have been a blessing to me this year, and have again strengthened my resolve to one day walk along that ‘long brown line’ from Mexico to Canada. Well done, mate! God bless you in your further ventures, and I look forward to reading more about your explorations. I have bookmarked your website, and will be a regular, for sure. What a great summer. Thanks for taking us along on your journey. Again, God bless you, Brad.
Thanks Mike, good luck with hiking the long brown line.
Hi Shepherd,
Fantastic achievement! I have been following a number of blogs since ADZPCTKO and yours has been the most enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your trail with us.
You have inspired me to give it a go next year and my flight is now booked! If you ever pass through London on your travels, I would like to buy you a beer…..or a Dr Pepper! But dont come between May and September……
I am looking forward to your next adventure and your PCT gear review :-)
Alex (UK)
Thanks Alex and good luck next year, it’s an incredible journey on the PCT.
Congratulations!! I enjoyed your journey thru here and looking forward to the next one. I still cannot believe your pack weights only 7.5 kgs or so. My pack for over night hiking weights 10kgs (and more, I believe)!
What kind of feeling is that you wake up and realize you don’t have to hike anymore after 4-5 months of constant hiking?
Thanks Thea. My body is really sore and stiff from the hike and extremely tired. But in a couple of days I should be fine, ready for my next adventure
When do you plan on your next journey, are you going home for a while to rest and recuperate…Will will notified on this site when your start your next journey..
I’ll be on the bike cycling next week, for now my body is a bit stiff and in need of rest, the blog will continue with the new journey.
Outstanding achievement. I look forward to your next journey.
Thanks Tim
Well done mate. Enjoyed every post and picture. Wish you luck on you next adventure. Keep looking up when you get down, as it is truly a wonderful world out there to see everyday!!
Thanks mate
Great work. I have enjoyed following along and viewing your fantastic photos.
Very awesome brother!! Nicely done!!! A very large congratulations!!! Beers all around in me!!
Congrats mate!! Has been great to follow your journey! All the best for the next chapter, and looking forward to seeing more from you!
Thanks Anna
Congrats !!!!! Well done… it was so good following your diary on PCT… “Abraço” from Lisboa, Portugal!
Thanks Paulo
Mate it’s been wonderful following your journey everyday after work here in Brisbane. I hiked the Te Araroa trail down NZ a few years ago so I have an idea of what you have put yourself through and will be doing the PCT in a few years when I retire. You have given me a great insite into the PCT and I thank you very much. Good luck on your travels. Regards Roger. Moir
Thanks Roger. I’ve hiked a lot in New Zealand, there was a lot of talk on the PCT about the Te Araroa trail. I think a lot of Americans will be hiking in New Zealand in coming years. Good luck with the planning and hiking of the pct, you will love it.
Congratulations! A marvelous achievement, indeed. I have followed your entire journey from Campo. I especially thank you for your fantastic photography. You have really brought the feeling of the trail to your readers through your images. I look forward to following your ongoing adventure.
Thank you
Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment! Many of us can only dream of completing a trek such as the PCT. Thank you for taking us along on the trip and for sharing your wonderful photographs and thoughts.
Thanks Heather, glad you enjoyed the journey.
Congratulations! I enjoyed reading you blog. I really enjoyed the pictures and saved many of them to make them my screensaver. What a wonderful adventure.
Thank you, glad you like the photos.
Congratulations. If I was going to be home in Southern California, I would hand you a glass-bottle Dr. Pepper (made with sugar) as you ride to Panama. Since I won’t be here as you go by, I’ll just tell you can buy them at Walmart.
I just accepted a lay-off/buy-out at work so I may be able to hike the PCT next year.
I’ll continue to follow your adventures as you live them.
-AR
Thanks. Hey, start training for the pct, could be the right time!
Well, you made it!!!! All the previous posts have said and asked pretty much everything I wanted to say or ask. But thank you sooo much for the beautiful pictures and story. I will be watching for your wrap it up story. You are such a good writer. Thanks again!
Thank for the nice words Karen.
Congrats! A journey to be proud of. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you
Congratulations Brad! I’ve followed your trip since the beginning. Thanks so much for your excellent posts – great observations and super photos! I’m sorry I missed meeting you when you passed through Plumas County in early July.. Good luck on your next adventure!
Thanks Marc, I’m looking forward to my next adventures
CONGRATULATIONS!! I enjoyed reading and anticipating your posts everyday and seeing how your trip was going. And good to know about the PCTA and donations. Cheers!
Thanks Valerie. There is done good stuff in their website and they need assistance.
Congratulations on your adventure. Enjoyed all your photos! Your blog does answer a lot of the questions about thru hiking. Blogging every day had to be a huge effort on your part but I appreciate the effort. Congratulations again on your walk from Mexico to Canada !!!
Thanks Ed. blogging everyday is not for everyone but I stayed motivated and enjoyed it,
Congratulations Mr. BHS. Fantastic blog. Should be required reading for anyone even thinking about a PCT thru hike. You handled the challenges with planning, courage and determination,,and that’s what it takes. Cheers,,Packman
Thanks Packman, and thanks for your assistance in Washington
Congrats Sir!!! I am very proud of u for pushing through! I hope someday I can say I have done the same. I was going to ask if u would follow up with a rating on your gear but I see u plan to post something. Wow good work! Can’t wait to see your next journey unfold ;)
Thanks, I’ll review the gear in the next week, and more.
Don’t forget what insoles you wore as I really like the shoes recommendation.
I use custom made orthotics. But superfeet are great too I’ve used them in the past.
I really enjoyed following your experiences and pictures this year! Congratulations on a well deserved finish!
Thanks Ryan
Oh, if you make it to Palm Springs, give me a heads up, would love to treat you to a beer and dinner. What an accomplishment, that I can only dream of. Stellar!!
Thanks Bob thanks for the offer. I’m in the area but tied up visiting for a day.
Thanks For the offer Bob. I’m in the area for a day tied up visiting friends.
Well done – amazing effort – you should be proud of your accomplishment. Looking forward to your gear review and your next adventure.
Thanks mate, coming up in the next week
Wow! So impressed with your accomplishments! I look forward to reading your recap. It was so fun to follow you every “step” of the way. Thank you so much again for your blog and your honest assessment of your hiking experience.
Thanks, you’re welcome Mike.
Woo hoo! I’m glad the skies cleared for you the last couple of days on the trail.
Thanks, it was amazing. Many of is finishing that day noted that we had rarely seen anybody have a photo taken at the border with blue sky.
Congratulations! What a feat. Amazing! Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks, you’re welcome
I loved following your blog! Your pics were amazing and it was fun to get to know you through the blog. Congrats to you, you grit and determination is inspiring! I am looking forward to your post hike thoughts!
Thanks Chris. I’m also looking forward to the bike ride.
Congratulations Shepherd!!! You are an incredible inspiration to everyone on trail and off trail. You just accomplished something so many people can only dream of. Enjoy every second of your huge achievement and to complete it in 146 days is another statement altogether.
Now make sure you don’t rest up too much because there are many of us in wait of further daily posts and we want to see that beautiful scenery on your way to Panama. So as they say – “On yer bike mate!” :)
I’m very happy for you Brad! And thanks for bringing it home to us!
Thanks mate. I’ll be on the bike soon, but first my body needs rest. I can’t explain in words just how taxing the hike is, the bike ride seems downright restful.
Amazing! Well done! I’ve very much enjoyed following your journey, thank you so much for sharing.
I can’t imagine the feeling of finishing something so grand. Well done!
Thanks. Finishing something so epic is very satisfying
May your adventures continue with many blessings of good health, safety, joy, and helpful folk along the way.
Thanks Jayne, I hope so
Congratulations. I also followed your entire trip and look forward to future posts.
Thanks Kim, the journey continues
Congratulations!!!! Thank you for sharing your experience, blog, photo’s and thoughts throughout your journey. I will continue to follow the rest of your journeys in the future.
ps….I did chat with Dirty bowl…..she mentioned she saw you. :)
Thanks Dot, great to catch up with Dirty Bowl after not seeing her for 2500 miles.
Congrats! Reading about your trip was amazing! Thanks for sharing. Are you going to blog during your cycling trip?
Thanks Jessica. Yes the blog will continue as I cycle South. More like one post per week. Continue reading.
Great to hear!
Incredible, Brad! Congratulations on a truly amazing accomplishment. Of course I am super-impressed that you hiked every single step of the PCT (WOW!), but I also can;t believe that you kept up with your commitment to blog about every single day on the trail. That’s an amazing feat, too! I absolutely enjoyed following your adventure and am look forward to what comes next for you. Enjoy some well-earned relaxation before you get on that bike. Way to go!!!
Thanks Alison, blogging everyday is not for everyone, but I was committed to do it as part of my hike.
Congrats! I’ll be there one day as well I hope, but thank you for taking us along on the journey. It’s not easy to keep writing every day I’m sure, but all of us who can’t be there appreciate the effort. Good luck to you in all your future endeavors. Hope you keep blogging as well.
Thanks Ian, good luck with your hike, one day. The blog is an ongoing chronicle of my journeys.
Congratulations! I read every post, and truly enjoyed being taken along on your journey. Well done Shepard!
Thank you
Congratulations!!!!!!!!
Thanks Jen