Jess "Stitches" Guo, the First Woman to Connect the CDT and GDT in a Calendar Year (BPR #336)

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Jessica Guo known on trail as Stitches.

This year, Stitches became the first woman on record to connect both the Continental Divide Trail and Great Divide Trail northbound in one calendar year. We talk all about this logistically and physically impressive feat, hiking through the Sierra during a record snow year, how she earned her trail name the hard way, her unconventional relationship with pain, how 10 her day silent meditations better prepare her for thru-hiking and gives us a sample 2 minute meditation, what it was like becoming social media famous this year- going from less than 2K followers to 50K, and much more.  

We wrap the show with a call for Trek Vloggers, a breakdown of how hard the Long Trail is as measured by Katie's steps per mile, apparently some people can smell ants, and the triple crown of peanut butter combinations.

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Check out the Type II collection at gossamergear.com. 

Ka’Chava: Get 10% off at kachava.com/backpacker.

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Interview with Jessica “Stitches” Guo

• Stitches' Instagram
• Stitches' Trek Author Page
• Stitches' Substack

Time stamps & Questions

00:05:00 - Reminders: Apply to VLOG for the Trek, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:11:47 - Introducing Stitches

00:14:15 - What is your background?

00:20:00 - Scenario: If Zach & Chaunce are fighting, how would you help them work through it?

00:22:25 - How did you get into the outdoors?

00:30:15 - Were you an athlete when you were younger?

00:31:35 - How did you like the Teton Crest Trail?

00:32:40 - Tell us about getting started on the PCT and your injury

00:40:20 - What did it feel like to walk on your injured leg after 8 days?

00:48:35 - What does your meditation practice look like?

00:55:50 - What does a silent meditation retreat look like?

00:58:05 - Are there purists in the meditation world?

01:03:00 - Stitches leads a guided meditation

01:08:20 - Tell us about your second injury on the PCT

01:20:55 - Was the Sierra Type 1 fun for you?

01:21:30 - Tell us your fun story from the Colorado Trail

01:26:20 - Where did the idea come from for the CDT + GDT?

01:32:50 - Why can it be nice to have a detailed itinerary and plan?

01:38:10 - If someone’s interested in the GDT, what advice would you give?

01:40:20 - What were the differences between your three itineraries?

01:42:10 - Would a silent retreat be a good way to mentally train for a thru-hike?

01:44:15 - What are some standout moments from the CDT?

01:47:38 - What are you afraid of?

01:51:10 - How did your experience change when you got a ton of followers?

01:55:55 - Tell us more about making videos on trail

01:59:00 - Discussion about evidence of climate change on trail

02:00:05 - Tell us about how you interacted with your ethnicity on trail

02:08:22 - Tell us about your post on women in the outdoors

02:14:20 - Tell us about your friction video

02:16:00 - What were the highlights of the GDT?

02:19:00 - Did you have any practices for when you felt mentally low?

02:22:45 - Tell us about the birds you saw

02:27:15 - What are your Big 5 for gear?

02:34:15 - Stay Salty Question: What’s your hottest take in the world of backpacking?

02:39:30 - Where can people go to keep up with you?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• How Hard Is the Long Trail, and Is It Worth It? The Stats From My Thru-Hike Reveal the Answers by Katie Jackson
• Rescuers Say a Hiker Died on Mount Whitney Over the Weekend by Anna McKinney Smith

QOTD:  Can you smell ants?

Infection Thing of the Week

Triple Crown of peanut butter combos

Mail Bag 

5 Star Review

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