<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[No Place Like Camp]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hiking Adventures with Turtle and Gnome]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:54:12 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Why We Are Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail… Again]]></title><description><![CDATA[People keep asking why we’re hiking the Pacific Crest Trail again. Six months, 2,650 miles, dirt, discomfort, uncertainty—again. And the answer isn’t simple, but it is clear.]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/why-we-are-hiking-the-pacific-crest-trail-again</link><guid isPermaLink="false">694a36402291ef1395214d65</guid><pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:32:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_e6d0a5491a10439a94ad6aaaeb0a66de~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_630,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Turtle</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dialing In Our Gear for the PCT: What We Learned, What We Changed, and Why for 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[We discovered what we loved, what drove us absolutely nuts, and what we tolerated only because we didn’t have a better option. Now that we’re gearing up for our next adventure, we’ve made a handful of thoughtful changes]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/dialing-in-our-gear-for-the-pct-what-we-learned-what-we-changed-and-why-for-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6936513179a98c627a6225c1</guid><pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:31:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_df0ceb1182b14dde924775ec5b80acf0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Turtle</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Decisions]]></title><description><![CDATA[When hiking the PCT there are lots of decisions that need to be made, and even more when hiking this year as we are thrown curveball after curveball. To Hike or Not to Hike The first decision we had to make was whether to hike this year. This one we struggled over for days and ultimately we decided to go for it as we were already in San Diego. With the help of family in this early section we could skip towns and get off if needed. This was absolutely the right decision for us and have only...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/decisions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692390ebb9540befc3908da2</guid><pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_ebd383bfec544bff99543df480eaf18a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_851,h_315,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Turtle</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Transitioning to the Sierras]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Sierras are always different than what you expect and it takes time to adjust to elevation, change in gear, weather, and terrain. What I had in my mind for the sierras compared to reality were slightly different. I knew that there would be a transition period from desert to mountains, but with everyone saying “We’re in Kennedy Meadows, we’re in the sierras!” I kept thinking there would be some line that split the two sections. When we left Kennedy Meadows we went through desert area with...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/transitioning-to-the-sierras</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69238fc5b9540befc3908b87</guid><pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_1a2448a40f154a26b97817955b6e6ebe~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_630,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Cricket</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Food on the Trail]]></title><description><![CDATA[My family enjoys cooking food, watching food shows, talking about food, and eating. Two years ago when we began planning for the trail we decided to dehydrate most of our dinners and breakfasts. Dehydrating was an interesting experience because we learned what foods we enjoyed dehydrated and which ones were too much of a hassle and easier to just buy the ingredients already dried or purchase the food on trail. On trail, we will typically buy salami or summer sausage, tortillas, bars, and...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/food-on-the-trail</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69238e699745b3c9f14139bf</guid><pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_1a2448a40f154a26b97817955b6e6ebe~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_630,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Cricket</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mental Side]]></title><description><![CDATA[Thru hiking is full of challenges. There are the physical kinds, the mental kinds, and the challenges that push you to your limits as they are both physically and mentally challenging. We were well aware we would face these but I didn’t realize how much we would swing between them and going from highs to lows and back again in a single day. On Being “Turtle” I love my trail name but it also sums up my weakness as a thru hiker. I am always towards the back of the pack and often am the caboose...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/the-mental-side</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6923932cf0736c54fcaee88d</guid><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_ebd383bfec544bff99543df480eaf18a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_851,h_315,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Turtle</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Having a Trail Family]]></title><description><![CDATA[Having a trail family is when a consistent group of people decide to camp and/or hike together. The idea of planning your days together is completely based on each individual’s capabilities. The trail family I am in is structured in a way where everyone can feel at ease and have the option to part ways if needed or leave the family without guilt. The way my trail family’s schedule goes is to attempt to wake up together each day and decide on a campsite that becomes our goal. Typically, our...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/having-a-trail-family</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69238dab933da9c9fc586252</guid><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_1a2448a40f154a26b97817955b6e6ebe~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_630,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Cricket</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[We Just Have to do This 9 More Times]]></title><description><![CDATA[We are now over 1/10 of the way done with the trail and have been out here officially for one month. We have begun hiking more miles each day and also eating more to sustain such activity. We have already been through so many environments, hiked up so many mountains, and met so many amazing people. Our trail family continues to ebb and flow with the three of us and Wiseman at it’s core. We know that there may be a time where even we separate as we tend to always be the last out of camp and...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/we-just-have-to-do-this-9-more-times</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692396c5933da9c9fc5872bd</guid><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_ebd383bfec544bff99543df480eaf18a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_851,h_315,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Turtle</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[In Regards to Care Packages…]]></title><description><![CDATA[We have received numerous requests for sending care packages to us on the trail, and while we are touched beyond words by such generosity, but due to the boxes of foods we sent ourselves, our ever-changing needs and tastes, as well as the common issue of hikers receiving duplicates or items too heavy or impractical to carry…]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/in-regards-to-care-packages</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69239988f0736c54fcaef44a</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_ebd383bfec544bff99543df480eaf18a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_851,h_315,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Turtle</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[First Impressions of the Trail]]></title><description><![CDATA[Around the first week of hiking the PCT, I found it is relevantly close to what I imagined; flexible days, card games at night, entertaining conversations, and becoming closer with my family. The experience of hiking through the desert then turning a corner to find yourself in ankle deep slush is much different then hiking trails with more limited landscapes. After being on the trail for a long period of time and then entering a town is a big change for the mind. A bed, shower, clean clothes,...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/first-impressions-of-the-trail</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69238d2f56b819e3fb94259a</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_1a2448a40f154a26b97817955b6e6ebe~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_630,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Cricket</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[We Are on the PCT]]></title><description><![CDATA[After much deliberation, we took our chances and started the PCT on 4/6/2020, despite the confusion on what may or may not be open. Our plan was to skip as many towns as possible in the beginning and reevaluate as needed. So far we have no regrets and I am currently perched just before 120 miles with a to die for view from my tent reflecting on the last two weeks… SoCal is all up hill and I’m am incredibly slow on the up hills. In all honesty even the hardest uphill days, when I begin to...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/we-are-on-the-pct</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69239b26b9540befc390a03b</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_ebd383bfec544bff99543df480eaf18a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_851,h_315,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Turtle</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How COVID-19 Effects Our Plan]]></title><description><![CDATA[As of right now we are having to reevaluate everything. I am devastated as I feel like if we have to postpone our hike then all of the saving, sacrifice, and planning will have been a waste. Is it even possible get some kind of short term work right now and rent a cheap place in WA? Will we blow through our savings just trying to survive? We had planned to have enough to hike and then rent for 1 year, find employment, and buy a house. Is just surviving the pandemic going to wipe us to a point...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/how-covid-19-effects-our-plan</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6923af65933da9c9fc58a253</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2020 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_bf691b9964c746649c3f4b426f41072d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Turtle</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What to Give a Hiker]]></title><description><![CDATA[As everyone else is gearing up for the holidays, every 2020 PCT hiker is gearing up for their start day. These two world can collide as friends and family wonder what the heck to get the hiker in their life as a gift for the season. Between discussions with my family and other hikers I hope this list can give you some ideas but it is important to keep in mind: The hiker is looking to carry as little weight as possible and everything they take with them will need to fit into their pack. Hikers...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/what-to-give-a-hiker</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69239e1e56b819e3fb9444af</guid><pubDate>Wed, 30 Oct 2019 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_094ea2a2c4b149c1b53d98b881bd6096~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Turtle</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thru Hiking &#38; PCT Book Review]]></title><description><![CDATA[My family often makes fun of me for my rabbit hole of research on whatever our newest adventure is, but they have absolutely reaped the benefits from my reading of books and articles on long distance hiking in preparation for our 2020 hike on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). When I started it was all about improving my base weight and figuring out how to better hike with kids. Lately, it has been more about preparing our minds for the psychological journey, how to homeschool while on trail, and...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/thru-hiking-pct-book-review</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692384408c513b4f517b6182</guid><pubDate>Sat, 19 Oct 2019 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_c7652b58f1864b4ea1d8f5e8411252dd~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_630,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Turtle</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Lesson | 2 Peaks And A Snake ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Late in 2018, my family and I went on a hiking trip with Hike Beyond the Hills. We were able to hike around 13 miles up two mountains. The first mountain was Cuyamaca Peak, which was about 9 miles. The second mountain was Stone Wall, which was about 4 miles. Also, I kicked butt. I love walking up rocky mountains, boulders, and trees. Cuyamaca Peak was straight up and asphalt, but Stone Wall was switchbacks with lots of rocks and had trees on the side.  I would climb on the trees and sit on...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/a-lesson-2-peaks-and-a-snake</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69238ad956b819e3fb942153</guid><pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2019 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_6fbfb1012a3e48f794956fba3bf29b29~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_500,h_500,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Cricket</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How We Started a Love for Backpacking]]></title><description><![CDATA[When you become a family known for doing a lot of camping and backpacking the same question comes up often. “How did you get started?” There are always the comments from people about how they are waiting for their kids to get older, for money to be saved to invest in the right gear, and there are many that make a sour face while we answer their questions about our trips exclaiming “THAT SOUNDS AWFUL!” But, by and large, most people are always curious to find out what our jumping off point was...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/how-we-started-a-love-for-backpacking</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6923aa289745b3c9f1416d81</guid><pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 2019 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_8b775ed0d4c040539a48deff08c782b2~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_350,h_263,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Turtle</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Fear of Hiking with Strangers]]></title><description><![CDATA[I have a horrible time before doing something with a group of people I hardly know or have never met before. It is very common for me to consider backing out of something I was once very excited for, right before, but usually push myself, or have my wonderful husband talk some sense into me, and I have been repeatedly surprised at how much I have enjoyed the event. Recent Events I’ve Done With Strangers There was the meet up where I went to learn about backpacking before having ever gone on a...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/the-fear-of-hiking-with-strangers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6923a89e21028b4df6783f03</guid><pubDate>Sat, 01 Dec 2018 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_e6d0a5491a10439a94ad6aaaeb0a66de~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_630,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Turtle</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What I want out of my time on the PCT]]></title><description><![CDATA[Written by Cricket at age 11 When I grow up I want to be a nature photographer, specifically plants and animals, NOT HUMANS ! So many photos are of people that eventually you get bored of staring at one person after another. Personally, looking at pictures other people have taken of plants or animals inspires me to work harder and go outside and find something worth taking a picture of. I would also like to write about these pictures. I have a passion for writing and I have so much fun while...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/what-i-want-out-of-my-time-on-the-pct</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692389edf0736c54fcaed7d9</guid><pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2018 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_1a2448a40f154a26b97817955b6e6ebe~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_630,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Cricket</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Expectations of the PCT]]></title><description><![CDATA[Written by Cricket at age 11 Why I want to do this: It may sound insane to some that a thirteen-year-old girl would ever want to backpack the PCT, much less be the reason her whole family is doing it altogether, but no matter how often people say “Her family made her”, or “Poor girl, she was dragged along by her family,” I wanted to do this. The first time I wanted to do the PCT was when my mom read me a blog about a ten-year-old girl, Sunshine, who finished the PCT and all about how she did...]]></description><link>https://noplacelikecamp.wixsite.com/no-place-like-camp/post/expectations-of-the-pct</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692387bcf0736c54fcaed3d5</guid><pubDate>Sat, 27 Oct 2018 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5b0772_1a2448a40f154a26b97817955b6e6ebe~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_630,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Cricket</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>