Finding Joy in Suffering on the Pacific Crest Trail

Hi everyone!

I am excited to partner with Feathered Friends here in Seattle to host a little event about my trek on the Pacific Crest Trail. Each person has a different experience on trail and has their own reasons to why they choose to do something so insane in the first place, but I am inpsired and encouraged by all of you to share my personal story in person. :)

The event will begin promptly at 7:00pm and will last about an hour. We are kindly asked to trickle out of the store after the event, so we will gather 3 blocks north at Feierabend (422 Yale Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109) for those wanting to hang out still!

Event Timeline:

6:30pm - Arrive, check in and find your seat

7:00-7:40pm - Presentation

7:40-8:00pm - Q&A Session

8:00pm-whenever - After party at Feierabend

I plan on sharing photos from my trip along with topics regarding preparation, training, resupply, gear, listening to your body, solo vs group hiking, trail culture, mental vs physical challenges, hiking as a solo woman, and my highs/lows. Then I'd like to open up the remainder of the night to a Q&A session. I am also happy to elaborate on any other topic, just send me an email! (karen@karenkwang.com)

Addtionally, we'll have some trail snacks up for grabs for you to take on your next hike from Bearded Brothers and Bobo's Oat Bars. I'll have some maps, LNT brochures and stickers from the Pacific Crest Trail Association for those interested in thru-hiking someday. We'll open up a raffle giveaway for some prizes. Currently, I have a pair of eco-friendly leggings from Girlfriend Collective, a watercolor print from the one and only NIkki Frumkin of Drawn to High Places and am working on compiling some others. :)

We are capping the event to 75 people due to space, so please RSVP for yourself only so that we can get an accurate head count. It will be free to the public. If you do feel compelled to donate, please donate to the PCTA. I feel so strongly that this trail needs to be continuously protected and maintained so that others can experience something so special of their own someday.

I am looking forward to meeting so many of you. Thank you everyone for your amazing support and encouragement all summer!! And thank you for letting me share my experience.

All the best,

Wangie :)