Emily hikes to change lives through KOTO

Since the last report in May, Emily has been able to enjoy planning and completing training trips in the UK as coronavirus related restrictions ease. These trips form an enjoyable and important part of the preparation for the thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail she has planned next year. It is these journeys that help her practice and help her decide on camping and hiking equipment while spending multiple days in challenging terrains away from civilization.

In May Emily spent 5 days wild camping in Wales, traversing the Carnedd mountain range in Snowdonia. During this trip Emily learnt how to self navigate off the beaten path and even off any type of path while carrying 5 days worth of food.

In August she spent 5 days walking a British long distance national trail known as the South Downs Way, instead of wild camping she selected camping sites that would be 20 miles apart to practice walking long distances over several days.

Another trip in August took Emily to Dartmoor National Park where she again practiced her navigational skills combined with wet weather wild camping.

Through these trips Emily has enjoyed trying out different equipment with different food and water supply strategies. Her preference has been to travel light and walk more miles per day rather than carry a heavy backpack over mountainous terrain. Although the Pacific Crest Trail will provide varying terrain, it is necessary for Emily to maintain high mileage per day to cover the 2,600 miles within 5 months.

Unfortunately Emily’s visa appointment for 2021 has been cancelled by the US embassy due to the knock on effect of the virus. Her visa appointment is now in March 2021, a month before her anticipated departure from the UK. She hopes there are no further complications in the planning of this project and remains optimistic that those countries most affected by the virus will recover from this, allowing people to return to their livelihoods and loved ones.