Walking from Mexico to Canada - A Perspective On What Matters Most in Life.

Stories in Life. On the Radio with Mark and Joe.

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What happens when you strip away the complexities of modern life and spend five months walking 2,650 miles through some of America's most breathtaking landscapes? Mary and Jason Kosch did exactly that when they hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mexican border to Canada, and their journey reveals profound insights about human capability, resilience, and the transformative power of simplicity.
The young couple from Bend, Oregon shares how a simple spark of inspiration from YouTube videos evolved into three years of planning before they finally hit the trail in April 2022. Their adventure carried them through five distinct sections—from the scorching deserts of Southern California to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains, through the wildfire season of Northern California and Oregon, and finally to the challenging peaks of Washington. Along the way, they formed deep bonds with fellow hikers from over 30 countries, creating what they call "trail families" who supported each other through extreme challenges, including a harrowing night of 70-80 mph winds that collapsed their tent.
What stands out most from their experience is the beautiful simplicity that emerges when life is reduced to its essentials. "Normal life is way more stressful than getting up and just walking all day, eating, drinking water, and then sleeping," Mary and Jason reflect. This freedom from constant notifications, emails, and looming to-do lists allowed for a mental reset that has continued to influence their post-trail lives. They've structured their current lifestyle around access to trails and outdoor experiences, embracing a "simpler is better" philosophy after experiencing the freedom of carrying only what fits in their backpacks.
For anyone contemplating their own seemingly impossible adventure, Mary and Jason offer encouraging wisdom: "We're so capable of doing things that feel very unattainable. 2,650 miles seems like a ton, but absolutely people can do that." Their journey stands as powerful testament to what humans can accomplish with determination, proper planning, and the courage to take that first step. What adventure is calling you?

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Chapters

1. Walking from Mexico to Canada - A Perspective On What Matters Most in Life. (00:00:00)

2. The Pacific Crest Trail (00:03:20)

3. Deciding to Hike the PCT (00:04:47)

4. Preparation and Planning (00:07:57)

5. Trail Community and Friendships (00:10:00)

6. Wilderness and Unplugging (00:16:29)

7. Art From the Heart (00:18:22)

8. Challenges Across Trail Sections (00:22:40)

9. Weathering the Storms (00:30:57)

10. Lessons and Future Adventures (00:41:40)

11. Looking Back and Final Thoughts (00:50:56)

12. Update from Stories in Life - Our Listeners (00:52:24)