243. Birds Of The Pacific Crest Trail, Thru-Hiking Gear Favorites, Norovirus, Burn Scars & Trail Magic With Kiley "Bluebird" Voss
The Thru-Hiking PodcastShow Notes
In this episode of The Thru-Hiking Podcast, Cheer talks with Kylie “Bluebird,” a seasonal park ranger, birder, and 2025 Pacific Crest Trail section hiker. Bluebird hiked northbound on the PCT with her husband, “TripAdvisor,” starting at Campo and making it to around Burney Falls. She shares the highs, lows, and unexpected moments from her hike—from an incredible stretch through the Sierra to norovirus, rattlesnakes, injuries, burn scars, and unforgettable trail magic.
As a self-described bird nerd, Bluebird also kept a daily species list and identified 120 birds along the Pacific Crest Trail. She shares how birding became part of her hike, how she earned her trail name, and some of the species and moments that stood out most.
We also talk about favorite PCT gear, gluten-free backpacking food, resupply strategies, budgeting for a long-distance hike, journaling, injury lessons, and town food. Plus, Bluebird shares adventure book recommendations and how her PCT photography inspired her handmade earrings.
Whether you're planning a Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike or section hike, looking for backpacking gear and food ideas, or just love hearing real stories from long trails, this episode is packed with practical tips and memorable PCT moments.
Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast 00:40 Meet Kylie “Bluebird” 04:00 Rapid Fire Trail Moments 05:10 This or That Gear Picks 08:12 How Bluebird Got Named 10:07 Why She Chose the PCT 13:07 Favorite Gear Breakdown 15:07 Best, Worst & Scariest Memories 20:22 Town Food Highlights 21:42 Gluten-Free Trail Meals 23:32 Outdoor Herbivore Meals 24:34 Maah Daah Hey Prep 26:08 Budgeting for Thru-Hikes 28:43 Trail Angel Hitch Miracle 32:38 Lessons From Injury 36:05 Journaling Advice 37:27 Birding on the PCT 41:17 Adventure Book Picks 44:08 PCT Earrings & Wrap-Up
Follow along with "Bluebird": Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topo.wanders/ Website: https://www.topophotos.com/
Connect With The Host "Cheer": YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CheerOnTheTrail Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carollcoyne/
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Episode Music: "Communicator" by Reed Mathis
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