Life After Thru-Hiking the PACIFIC CREST TRAIL

Hey everyone! It's been a bit since I have hopped on here and shared an update with you all! But here is a little bit of what has been going on in my life since I got home from thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. And just so you know, I am still as awkward as before!

In an effort to raise money for future hikes, I am selling 2 different t-shirt designs so that I can raise money and you get something tangible in return!! Follow this link to pick up your limited edition shirts for you, friends, and family! They will only be available for a limited time. THANK YOU!! :)

In the on-coming months, I will be posting as many post-trail videos as possible until I can have some new adventures to share with you all!

WHERE TO FOLLOW ME:

Instagram

Facebook

[dancebasedancer]

I just have to send you a warm hello from your number one groupie (actually deep admirer of you) from the land where our doctors prescribe the outdoors - which Scotland!! I can't tell you how much I've missed you and you being on the PCT. I began watching you, just before you had your back surgery, and YOU are who I followed every step of the way on your PCT journey. I miss your dirtbag face, your acute observations, your insight, your humour, your intelligence, your calm, your stravaiging ( a Scottish word which means 'wandering' through the hills) along the PCT, never in a mad hurry, ALWAYS savouring every step of the way.... Don't be too hard on yourself. Transitions from outdoor life to real life are always extremely tough, and you're doing beautifully.... My heart is in the mountains too and I know how it feels to go through what you're going through. Just remember: the mountains will always be there - the trick is to make sure you are Keep on keeping on - get back out there!

[hilaryyoung]

I keep coming back to your videos because out of all the female vloggers there is something very genuine about your personality. Like the shots of you peeling skin off your feet, or noticing your eyebrows need to be plucked, to fighting back against a mountain lion or strange men who approach you on the side of the road, to giving shout outs of appreciation to people who help you along the way. You have relentlessly documented your hike. I also find it hilarious that each video title mimics americas next top model lol. I see “The girl who threw rocks at a mountain lion” but your version is more my type of role model! Best!

[dehoff]

Jen: You are so much more than you can ever imagine to many of us. Tribe Starburst grew from only a few of us to over ten thousand by journeys end. The memories of you, the desert, the trail, the streams, will never fade and will only become more cherished memories in time. You are becoming legend. Stories are already being told by the Tribe of the beautiful, vibrant Starburst who graced the deserts and mountains for many months and thousands of walked miles—for no real reason other than she just wanted to do it—and she did... As we followed, we grew with you, we feared for you, we laughed, and we cried with you. All of us who just joined up by chance are forever changed — none of us will ever forget you and your journey. Thanks for being the spark that created the magic and the memories. Best: Rick

[marklambrecht]

Good to see you again.Loved your PCT videos.Look forward to your new adventures.Keep on keeping on.

[MrEric]

I am so glad you are doing as expected. The post trail blues are tougher than think. I am still at your 1000 mile marker video and looking forward to what adventures are still to come on the pct. Whatever is next in your life keep posting. You are a joy to watch.

[johnmoquist]

Thanks You are smart and genuine. You have helped me more than you will ever know!

[Grabme]

So good to hear your voice and seeing you in this video!

[LifeintheUP]

I loved following you along your hike. Thank you for sharing. Best of luck to you!

[jjs]

I loved following your journey.. Having hiked a very small part of the PCT, I had "some" idea of how difficult it would be. I admit that when I watched the first two or three installments, I had my doubts - but you proved to be the real thing. I feel like I got to know you a bit and I was sad when it was over ! Thank you for making this followup video. I'm sure you know that there's a lot of people out there who care about how you are doing !

[MountainFisher]

I remember your Day One video with your dad and I thought "it's just another PCT video", but you captivated my old heart and I fell in love with you like a daughter. I saw you almost quit in pain and tears, but you kept going and I looked forward to your next video without the modern cynicism. Jenn you made my summer much brighter than it would have otherwise been. Thank you for your wonderful documentary.

I'm glad you're adjusting to life off-trail and I understand how difficult it can be to change your lifestyle. Your rash sounded like shingles to me as I had that affliction once and it was just like what you described, as if having chicken pox wasn't bad enough to have in the first place. Thankfully you don't have shingles. I would love to see you hike to the top of Mount Rainier Starburst as it is a challenging hike, but not beyond your skill level. Please note I mean the hiker's trail not the climbers options.

[ChrisSchaecher]

I've watched all your PCT videos. They kept me company during boring antagonist muscle workouts. Thank you for making them! I hope to do both the PCT and the AT one of these days. I hope you continue with your dreams. Your channel is very inspiring and entertaining!!

[hikersteph]

Hey Jen! So good to hear from you - glad you were able to take some time off of social media to be refreshed! It's so good to remember that life is bigger than our screens, isn't it? :) and I love the Marigold analogy! That is so true of you! I just reapplied for my PCT permit on Tuesday and got April 6th, so I'm feeling pretty stoked right now - time just keeps speeding up as we get closer. Will be praying for you as you continue to figure out what life looks like after the trail <3

[Jimbo-pmdp]

Jennifer you are beautiful inside and out....what a special treat sharing your adventure on trail with us strangers....although you make me feel welcome to be a small part of your journey....stay safe....always love your beautiful smile...."keep on...keeping on" !!

[leonardelardo]

Thank you for keeping us saver well working at your profession, Everyone 's efforts are appreciated big or small. Nice to see you are still interested in your love of nature. I know you will be a big part of making people following your example. Best to you :).

[chelseadanielle]

Sorry to hear you've been struggling a bit post-trail. I fully agree that just being in nature for any period of time, at least for me, is a really powerful experience. Def hard to adjust back to the "default world" that we've decided as a race to base our lives around instead of the outdoors and a more simple, yet totally freeing and wonderful, way of life. Glad you're making do with the responsibilities again. Also, I just bought your t-shirt in white! <3

[sbh]

Just ordered a shirt for my daughter. Good luck with your new challenge and look forward to seeing more of your adventures. I hope the shirt will inspire my daughter to keep on keepin on!

[mhobie]

As much as I enjoy social media and how I appreciate people such as yourself sharing your adventures, I really understand why you would shut down, it really requires a ton of energy and devotion to document trips and reply to all of us who follow along. When I wander I can barely take pictures let alone do all the things you've done to allow us to tag along. Thank you for doing this.

[ashleymoore]

So happy you’re back Starburst! Sometimes social media breaks are needed and I could only imagine how you are feeling after hiking for 6 months. You’re definitely an inspiration. ❤️❤️

[bryanirwin]

Welcome Back!!! It's good to see you're surviving the winter, work and the post trail blues. I'm really looking forward to see what you do next. Keep yourself safe and warm.

[peaksandpaws]

I totally love the marigold metaphor and that people should strive to be a marigold! Glad you're back and well!!