I reached the end of my challenging journey on the Pacific Crest Trail (a 2,700 mile footpath beginning at the US/ Mexican border in CA and ending over the Canadian Border) on September 17, 2013. Since then, I have been trying to heal my body from the intestinal illnesses that I acquired along this hike (which have developed into systemic autoimmune disorders this past year). I have also been working on creating my own path in life- finding a way to make a living by doing what I have been called to do. My long distance hikes, my yoga teachers, and my yoga practice over the last five years have opened me to a world of possibility and perspective that I had not previously been introduced to. I am deeply grateful for these teachings and experiences and for the opportunity to share what I have learned with others. The PCT was not just a personal journey for me. I knew when I finished that I had something powerful to say and that I wanted to share what I had learned with others.
I have created an hour long presentation (featuring a talk and a slideshow) that is centered around the the reasons that I hike long trails and the lessons that I have learned from them. My goal is to inspire people to step outside of their comfort zones and follow their hearts’ desires.
I am currently working on a second presentation, entitled “The Gifts of Chronic Illness: How We Can Turn Adversity into a Path of Transformation and Awakening”. Although the emphasis will be on the causes and possible remedies for chronic illness (which our healthcare system has no answers for), its empowering theme will apply to any difficult human experience that one may be going through.
If you know of any group or venue that you think might be interested in hosting either of my presentations, I would very much appreciate it if you let me know.
I can be contacted at: wendy.thruhiker@gmail.com
Thank you very much and I hope you enjoy visiting my website!
Moving Towards Freedom 
Keep going Shimmy (I always liked your AT trail name). Your life is interesting and adventurous…and for many of us, vicariously so. Thank you.
Hi Wendy,
My friends and I ran into you at the Mill Creek Summit road crossing on Thursday. Hope you made it past all the poodle dog safely. If you’d like a copy of the picture we took of you send me your email address.
Rick
Hi Wendy
I have read of all your PCT blog and am in awe of your achievement! I would also like to one day attempt the journey and have a ten year plan to prepare. Thank you for sharing your trail with us. I have a step-daughter who is also struggling with an abusive mother and I can empathise with your story. Be true to yourself, tune out the nay-sayers and the negative commenters. Stay positive and receptive to new opportunities and something will work out for you.
Wendy
Thank you so much, Wendy! Your kind words are very much appreciated and came at the perfect time to help remind me to stay on track! I hope you savor the time spent planning your PCT journey! It is an amazing trail!- one that will always be close to my heart.
Please send your email. I will see if I can introduce you to our high school’s lifetime sports program in Ipswich
Hi Wendy,
I really enjoyed your presentation last night at the Westborough public library.
Your story brought tears to my eyes. Not tears of sadness but tears of joy and inspiration. I truly admire and respect your honesty on your reasons why you decided to thru hike.
Really loved the slide show of pictures and the background music was awesome!
My goal is to thru hike the AT in 2017. Your story has truly inspired me and I will carry it with me on my journey.
Warm Regards
George
Awww… Thanks so much for this, George! It was such a nice, warm crowd last night! I am grateful. Are you the one who took a picture with me? Best of luck in all phases of your journey!!
Wendy yes that was me.. And thank you
George
Hi Wendy,
I loved your PCT presentation at the Fitchburg Public Library yesterday. It was & you are very interesting. I had an awesome time. Your photographs are beautiful & I was extremely lucky to be able to purchase one of your calendars. I know you will hike the CDT one day & I can’t wait to hear about it. Keep looking up, never stop moving, one foot in front of the other. Peace, love & light to you in all that you do.
Thank you SO much, Amy! So sweet of you! I really appreciate this. All the best to you!!
Thank you for an inspiring presentation last night at the Fitchburg library. I like to hike, but I can’t imagine doing what you did. Please let me know if you are speaking again and where because I have some friends who need to hear you.
Thank you, Bill! My talk schedule is posted on a link in the sidebar. I’ll keep it updated!
I was VERY inspired by your talk today in Townsend MA. You dropped many gems I wished I’d written down :-), so I will need to find out when you are speaking next nearby. OR, maybe I could arrange a house party talk? I had so many questions I wanted to ask!
You are so sweet, Sue! Thank you! I vote for a house party talk! 🙂 But feel free to ask away in the meantime!
I was VERY inspired by your talk today in Townsend MA. You dropped many gems I wished I’d written down :-), so I will need to find out when you are speaking next nearby. OR, maybe I could arrange a house party talk? I had so many questions I wanted to ask!
Hello Wendy, I greatly enjoyed your observations about the fufilment of hiking a long distance trail. I hope you will find the philosophical comments in the Horizontal Everest of interest. I bought the book to add to my Little Free Library in front of my house. You can return it on your visit to Wilbraham. I hope your health keeps improving. The CDT awaits!
I like the fundamental concepts in “Effortless Healing : 9 simple ways to sidestep illness, shed excess weight, and help your body fix itself ” by Dr. Joseph Mercola. It is new and came be obtained through your local library’s Inter Library Loan System.
See you in Wilbraham.
Steve