Many nature-lovers have a bucket list, or great challenges that require a very particular kind of grit to complete. Their Mount Everest. Stretching for 2,650 miles, the Pacific Crest Trail in North America is a daunting feat with a low completion rate. But a 71-year-old senior citizen named Pa’at can say he conquered this trail.
Walking the Pacific Crest Trail means starting in Southern California, close to the Mexican border, heading through Oregon, and ending up in northern Washington, right near the Canadian border. It involves several extreme temperature changes and varying elevations – and has a 14% completion rate.
The internet is awed by 71-year-old Pa’at, who conquered a near-unbeatable trail
Pa’at became an internet sensation thanks to videos of him along the Pacific Crest Trail. Marauders Auti and Chris, who post to Instagram under the username @humping_north, shone a spotlight on Pa-at, outlining his remarkable achievement.
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“Pa’at reaching the northern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail after having walked every single step of the 2,653-mile trail,” they announced in a post.
In the comment section, viewers are awed at the accomplishment in general and at the age at which Pa-at performed this. “I would look worse if I drove 4000km in my car, and I’m in my 40s,” one user said. Another user on Reddit noted, “I’m surprised I haven’t seen anyone comment on the elevation change which is like 140 km(85 miles).”
Celebrate with a song
Auti and Chris met Pa’at around “Stehekin, only 80 miles from the northern terminus,” so they had just a few days to get to know him. But, they add, “he’s one of those people you instantly feel like you’ve known a lifetime. He has a heart of gold, the kindest soul, and unmatched optimism and fortitude.”
In the accompanying video shared by the duo, Pa’at can be seen approaching the end trail marker; he touches it reverentially, appearing surprised by his own accomplishment. But he fittingly sings a little tune, with, “I’ve been waiting… such a long time. Walking such a long way. Such a long way… just to be here, just to be here. Across deserts. I walked through rivers, I climbed mountains, just to see you. Just to see you. I’ve been waiting. Such a long time.”
Congratulations to 71-year-old Pa’at!
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