The Pacific Crest Trail stretches from Mexico to Canada, a distance of 2,650 grueling, sun-scorched, bear-infested miles. When Dan White and his girlfriend announced their intention to hike it, Dan's parents-among others-thought they were nuts. How could two people who'd never even shared an apartment together survive six months in the desert with little more than a two-person tent and some trail mix? But when these addled adventurers, dubbed "the...

Ross's trip began at a low point as the hiking "partner" she had selected from an advertisement proved to be totally inexperienced and so weird that they parted company the first day. Continuing alone, Ross soon became the de facto leader of a motley, changing crew of Crest Walkers known as "Cindy's circus." The long, rugged hiking days produced physical ailments and mental crotchets, of course. But in confronting and surmounting these, Ross grew...

Carrot Quinn fears that she's become addicted to the internet. The city makes her feel numb, and she's having trouble connecting with others. In a desperate move she breaks away from everything to walk 2,660 miles from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. It will be her first long-distance hike. In the desert of Southern California Carrot faces many challenges, both physical and emotional: pain, injury, blisters, aching cold and searing heat,...