To think hiking from Mexico to Canada with 7 kids is a little bit bonkers?

[MoominUnderWater]

I mean on one hand I totally get it’s a great experience which the kids will always remember but blimey! One of the kids is 3yo I think! The pacific crest trail is unbelievably hard. A small number of people die on it most years. The heat, struggling for water supplies, carrying 6 plus days of food between towns (that’s for an adult walker, I imagine it takes them longer), it’s cold, then it’s hot, wet. Someone I knew went missing doing this hike in 2019 and they still haven’t found his body. If you look at start vs end photos of hikers they all lose weight like crazy even when eating 5000 calories a day. People generally hike 20-30 miles a day and the terrain is terrible.

saying that they seem to be doing well, just gone over Forester Pass in the Sierra which is the highest point. I saw on a photo one of the small kids is wearing crampons due to the snow and ice - that’s how bad it is! They will be doing multiple river crossings in glacier melt fast flowing deep rivers.

dread to think what weight the adults and older kid(s) are carrying. Most people try to keep weight below 30 or even 25lbs and that includes food and water. But if you’re carrying tents, sleeping bags, pads and food for 9 people that’s not possible. And the youngest is getting carried quite a bit so that will lessen what mum can carry in a backpack. At least they missed of the Mt Whitney side quest after the youngest seemed affected by the altitude/cold. I mean I’m routing for them but they are braver/more bonkers than me 😁

https://thetrek.co/author/rebecca/

Different people like different things.

More than a bit bonkers, that sounds dangerously irresponsible.

Adventure, exercise, and fresh air are good for kids but there are far safer ways to do it.

Idiots. Not worth the risks to the DC. Have they never see youtube videos about hikes gone wrong?!

Yes, it’s bonkers. And I do a lot of hiking and my kids regularly do multi day hikes and wild camps in remote areas. Dh and dd did 35 miles the other weekend at high elevations, carrying all food, water, gear, etc. But I’m not sure I’d walk the PCT myself. I certainly wouldn’t do it with my young dc.

True. I love hiking, I love long distance hikes. I took Dd to the Alps when she was 12weeks old and camped for 2 months in Switzerland. I had a rear carrier for her and we had a great time. I did day hikes and dh was doing longer hikes inc the Matterhorn. Funnily enough i wasn’t tempted to take her up the Matterhorn. 😂

I just can’t imagine 7 kids all liking hiking to this extent but I could be wrong. Most adults on the PCT are crying at some point and regretting starting. Many, many people quit at some point. Does a 6yo get to choose to quit? I don’t know.

Not that familiar with the Pacific crest trail but my friend hiked the appalachian trail when her twins were 5 and had 2 older ones. To eaches own

To each his own - Well yes, but if it’s dangerous and that bad that adults cry/wish they hadn’t started it seems quite irresponsible and cruel to do it with small children who have no choice.

That is impressive, it’s still a very long distance but it’s nowhere near as sketchy as the PCT. It’s not as remote, the terrain isn’t as dangerous plus you don’t have to go so far between resupply opportunities. I think the AT is steeper though, more up and down.

I agree @MoominUnderWater She can go yes, but she shouldn't be taking the children with her.