I am a wildlife biologist, writer, Lyme disease survivor, and a proud member of the PCT Class of 2017. I live in northeastern California.
I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in June 2014 and Bartonella in April 2015 after experiencing years of unexplained health issues. I started this blog to share my experiences with those who are struggling with Lyme disease or other chronic illnesses, with those who have a loved one struggling with illness, or those who may be interested in my story.
My dream of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail began as a means of fighting Lyme disease. In January 2015, as a first step toward hiking the PCT, I committed to backpacking at least once in every month of the year. More than three years later, my monthly backpacking streak remains unbroken.
Follow my 2017 PCT thru-hike starting on Day 1 in Campo!
Contact me:
Life Beyond Lyme 
Congratulations. I hope you and Dad have a great adventure. I look forward to joining the Class of 2018 and will be following your blog for inspiration. Safe travels !!!
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Thank you! Best wishes for your preparations for 2018. That’s so exciting!
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Congratulations on your adventure. We hiked the PCT 2014. Our daughter is fighting the fight with Lyme, your courage is her inspiration! 2moremiles.
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Best wishes to your daughter for a speedy recovery!
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I found your pics on Instagram and decided to follow you since I have a chronic disease and had to give up my beloved hiking. I admire you doing the PCT! I live near the PCT in Burney CA. Best intentions coming to you for wellness and strength on the trail this season!
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Thank you for your comments! When I was sick I looked to other blogs for inspiration, and I hope that I can now serve as an inspiration to others. I wish you all the best. Maybe I’ll run into you as I pass through the Burney area!
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If you and your dad need an off trail sleep, laundry, shower and good hot meal night, let me know. We have a spare room with queen bed. 707-478-5915 I’m tlkghead on Instagram.
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Thank you so much for the offer! I’ll contact you when we get close.
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Hello my name is Dave you met Scott and I at little Crater Lake I have been following your progress and I’m excited that you are doing well I very much hope that you finish your Trail and goals and it’s exciting to see you and other young people hiking the dream that I did in 1984
You are one of the few PCT Trail hikers I’ve seen in a long time and this ultra light backpacking does not compute in my old School mind but I’m glad that you’re not lugging a 45 lb pack. I was six foot three 165 pounds at the age of 21 and I carried a 70 to 80 lb pack the whole Trail at 18-25 miles a day after resupply the equipment that you young people carry to me is mind-boggling I only could have hoped for any of that low weight equipment at the time I hiked.
Back in 1984 we saw very few hikers even non PCT hikers. It sounds like a log Jam of people hiking these days !
Yes. I met Scott in 84 on the trail and have stayed close friends all these years we both now are completely retired and have an opportunity every year to visit with each other to meet someone on the trail and stay a lifetime friend is truly a gift.
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Hi Dave! It was so cool to meet you and Scott. I’m lucky that gear has become so much lighter, but sometimes I’ve skeptical of the really light stuff. I’m happy with what I’m carrying but it’s still heavy. Fully loaded with 5-6 days of food, I’m probably close to 40 pounds. That’s a lot to haul up the uphills!
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I hope that your way north of the choking smoke that’s been covering the Portland area for the last week or two I’m just wondering how far up in Washington that you have been able to make it. Are you planning on going back to walk in the area that you had to go around for trail detours?
After you finish if you come back through the Portland area I can offer you lodging and food!
I hope the steep hills are a little bit easier and nicer now enjoy the rest of your trip.
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