Annelies Slijpen is not only a passionate open water swimmer - as a real nature child she walked the Pacific Trail Quest (PCT) on her own. The PCT is 4,265 kilometers long and leads from the south to the north of the USA. Read her answers about the live changing hike into her 35 year of birth.
How did you get the idea to hike the Pacific Crest Trail?
Annelies Slijpen: It all started when I was 18 years young and on an exchange in Ashland, Oregon. Christine, once the partner of my dad and still a significant figure in my life, had her mother living there. So, her mother was looking for a family who would welcome me. She found one, which would host me under one condition: I needed to like hiking. The family attended a summer camp in the Trinity Alps in northern California every year. This camp was run by a community and focused on getting kids into nature by hiking from a base in the wilderness.
And did you like hiking at that age?
Good question. But despite being scared and struggling with English, I decided to join the camp after seeing their photos online. Soon I was spending nearly three weeks in the mountains, surrounded by nature, campfires, and hikes.
You fell in love with this area?
Oh, yes. The summer camp was an eye-opening experience that made me fall in love with the wilderness. It was near the Oregon-California border, a midpoint for Pacific Crest Trail hikers. The PCT starts at the border of Mexico and ends at the border with Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington, covering 4,265 kilometers and traversing the highest mountains of the United States.
When I was later studying sports science in Amsterdam, I returned to the camp twice for internships, leading kids into the Trinity Alps. We would go cross-country literally into the wild for 5 to 6 days using a map and a compass. I met many PCT hikers with long beards who inspired me with their stories and their journeys. Listening to these hikers, I knew I wanted to do the PCT one day.
"I believe that every seven years
we enter a new state of life."
When did you know that you want to make this goal concrete?
That is a beautiful question. Let’s put it this way: I believe that every seven years we enter a new state of life. Physically, mentally and spiritually. And I thought, it would be wonderful to enter my 35th year of life by walking. So, I started the PCT on March 21st, 2023, and I turned 35 on 4th of May.
You live in the Netherlands which is not known for even small mountains. How did you prepare physically for such a demanding hike?
You’re right. The training environment in the Netherlands is quite different from the mountainous terrain. I went to a physical therapist to get some extra strength and build muscles, especially for my legs and back. Then I ran along the canals of Amsterdam, went hiking, and camped outside throughout the year.
Finding the right gear was another challenge. I had to choose the lightest equipment in the world because every item counted on such a long trek. I also had to carefully plan my food supplies, which often meant sending resupply boxes to post offices in towns without grocery stores. I spent a lot of time watching videos and reading up on hiking gear and strategies.
How long did the entire preparation take?
It took me about a year. Finding the right gear, reading journals and blogs, watching videos on YouTube, planning my resupply boxes. I quit my job, had a goodbye ceremony with all my colleagues, friends and family.
The process of getting a permit and the visa was challending and time consuming, too. It was very hard to make an appointment at the American Embassy. Due to the Covid years there was a limited chance to get one. Just in time a time lock opened to do my application.
And what were you most afraid of?
Before leaving I was afraid of the wild and most worried about the cold and the weather conditions. And to be honest I was also worried about camping in my tent alone. Especially around the first part of the trail near LA.
Did you experience any dangerous moments?
Well, being out in nature brings some challenges ...
Of course, sometimes I am all too naïve …
No, no, you are not naïve at all. It turned out, that in 2023 there was 300 percentage more snow than average. It was some kind of scaring entering a snowfield and sink into snow up to the hips. It felt like walking on a minefield, I had to be very sharp in how to make my way. Once my shoes were frozen because I forgot to bring them into the tent. I had literally melted them by going into them step by step. Later in the summer, wildfires caused thick smoke that forced me to adjust my plans.
Was there an occasion when you thought it was too much for you?
Well, there were some moments but one in particular. It was when I developed a severe shoulder injury due to the weight of my backpack. The inflammation was intense and made it difficult for me to continue. Though my legs were fit and my mindset was full on I couldn’t walk. I was very concerned about my trip. Can I do this? Can I handle it? How do I overcome this pain? I focused on the days to come and reaching the next village to see a doctor and to take some rest.
What aspect of the hike had the most impact on you: the preparation, the wilderness, the effort …?
Having so much trust in my intuition. That really helped me through it all. I felt a strong connection with my mum, too, who passed away when I was 11. It is a natural feeling of her being above me, guiding me through the journey. It was a blend of intuition, spiritual connection, and practical preparation that helped me navigate the trail.
Can you describe the mental challenges you faced during your hike?
Mentally, the challenge was immense. After the initial physical hurdles, it was the mental strength which kept me going. For instance, dealing with extreme mosquito infestations in Oregon was a test of endurance.
Mosquitos?
Yes. Thousands of mosquitoes in humid conditions made the hike nearly unbearable. Either you hike or you stand still, they bite you through your clothes anyway. That’s why I wore rain gear and a mosquito net over my head to protect myself.
It was 30 degrees, and I was sweating like hell. While I took a break, I saw a guy and I greeted him. He didn’t respond and was just pushing on. After 30 minutes he came back the same way and I asked him, if he had lost something. He said: “I just cannot handle the mosquitos anymore. I will quit”, and I saw that he was crying. As I knew that it would either be three days back or four days ahead, I offered him to walk together. But he refused. He could not stand the situation anymore. Sometimes quitting depends on very small animals.
How did these experiences shape your mental resilience?
The mental resilience came from the realization that despite the challenges, the journey was worth it. There were times when the physical effort seemed insignificant compared to the mental endurance required. I had to adapt, stay focused, be flexible and find solutions to problems that seemed overwhelming. But the spiritual experiences had more impact on me than my mental strength.
"Each step was a kiss on the earth."
In how far?
Being in nature provided a profound sense of safety – it's a different kind of safety than what you find in a city. In a city, the environment can feel intimidating, even if you try to be open-hearted. Nature, on the other hand, felt like the perfect place to practice this openness. I felt as if each step I took was a kiss on the earth. It was a practice of deep respect and connection. It was not just about walking, but engaging with the very essence of the earth. I felt grounded and connected, almost as if I was walking in tune with the energy of the planet.
Was there any particular moment that encapsulated this spiritual experience for you?
There were many moments, but one stands out. When I drank water from a pure source and took a swim, it felt like a deep cleansing, both physically and spiritually. It was a moment of reconnecting with the essence of life - water, food, and shelter - and letting go of everything else. This simplicity brought a sense of purity and energy that was deeply fulfilling. I felt integrated with nature, with my heart open and fully engaged with the world around me.
You started the PCT on 21st of March and came back to the Netherlands six month later on the 21st of September 2023. How did the transition feel?
Honestly, coming back was like climbing the highest mountain. Even though I had physically scaled Mount Whitney, re-entering life in Amsterdam felt like a different kind of peak – one that was emotionally and mentally daunting. I was used to the open spaces and freedom of nature, but suddenly, my apartment felt suffocating. The walls seemed to close in on me, and I struggled with the intense contrast between my previous environment and the confines of city life.
Physically, the change was stark. I had been so accustomed to walking and being active that suddenly sitting in an office or a confined space felt like a physical burden. Mentally and spiritually, it was a challenge too. I noticed my body adjusting to a more sedentary lifestyle and my sense of openness and connection began to feel distant. The pressures of everyday life, like earning money and navigating societal expectations, made me question what was real and what truly mattered.
"Coming back home was the highest mountain to climb."
Your hike was almost a year ago. How has the experience changed your life?
It changed it in many ways. For instance, the practices I developed on the trail have become a part of how I approach life. They help me stay connected with the natural world and maintain a sense of grounding. I still make time to appreciate nature and practice gratitude, even in everyday life.
When I returned from my journey, I realized how unique and transformative the experience had been. I felt a strong need to share this with others, especially in a world where we are increasingly disconnected from nature. I offer solo expeditions with individuals to spend 24 hours or four days hiking and camping with me. It’s a deeply personal experience where we focus on being in nature and reflecting on one’s life. The idea is to slow down and reconnect with oneself and the environment.
Additionally, I organize "Quests" sessions where people can take time to introspect and rejuvenate in a natural setting. These will be held at a campground in the Netherlands, not far from Amsterdam. The sessions include silent walks, personal reflection time, and a fire ceremony.
Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s clear that your journey has been both transformative and inspiring.
Thank you. It’s been a privilege to share this with you. I hope that through my work, more people can experience the profound benefits of connecting with nature and find their own sense of clarity and purpose.
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