Interview with Deaf trekker Liz Jarashow
Callie Frye, Daily Moth Reporter: Liz Jarashow has trekked well-known long-distance hiking trails and I asked her questions about her experience and journey.
I’m curious what made you passionate about hiking at first?
Liz: How did I start with this passion? It was when I was laid off during Covid-19. I thought in the back of my mind about backpacking. I had emotions, just like everyone during Covid-19 had a journey of emotions and mental health. I went ahead with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
[Full-size image showing the PCT route on the western side of the U.S.]
Liz: I fell in love with hiking. I’ve hiked the PCT and the CDT, which is the Continental Divide Trail.
[Full-size image showing the CDT route in the central-western U.S.]
Liz: The route goes up the middle of America. The PCT is on the west side. Both trails are incredible. The last trail is on the east, the Appalachian Trail. They are the longest treks. I’ve completed the PCT and CDT. It was a huge challenge. These three are well-known for being the longest trails in America. So I’ve completed the PCT and CDT.
Callie: I’m curious about your fears that you had prior to hiking. And what were your fears during the trek?
Liz: With the PCT trail, my biggest fear was being alone. But it ended up being not that bad. There were many people on the trail. I never really felt alone on the PCT. There were some moments that lasted a few hours or being alone at nighttime at my campsite, but it was not bad. Was I worried about bears? It wasn’t that bad. Black bears are always afraid of people and if I saw them, they would run away. I rarely saw them. So the PCT was nothing, but on the CDT, it was intense. I had a lot of alone time on the CDT. They had brown bears, not black bears, and they are dangerous. I had to bring bear spray. When I was fortunate to be with a group, I felt safe. I refused to camp alone at nighttime. I must do it with a group because of the threat of brown bears.
The weather on the PCT was mild, but on the CDT, there was a lot of lightning, rain, and hail. The weather was unexpected and despite forecast apps, bad weather would come suddenly without warning. With lightning, hearing people could hear it in advance but I was unaware. I would realize it’s here and run for shelter or hurry down the mountain. It was intense. The CDT is really challenging.
On both the PCT and CDT, it was important to bring this device. This is a whistle and an emergency transmitter. If something happened to me such as a fall, I could call for help and a helicopter would come. I could also check it for extreme weather. I also contacted my family with the emergency transmitter. It has a whistle attached.
Callie: I want you to share an experience that you will never forget from either the PCT and CDT.
Liz: For the PCT, after some thinking, my strongest memory is when I finished the PCT at the Canadian border. When I got to the well-known trail marker where people would take pictures, I was very emotional and was ready to cry.
[Full-size images showing Liz at the southern terminus and the northern terminus of the PCT. Other images show Liz on a long, desolate trail and on the top of Mount Whitney.]
Liz: I thought I made it through California. I skipped a part of Oregon due to wildfires. I went through Washington. I was just pondering about the trip from Mexico to Canada. I just sat there watching the trail markers and stayed there for an hour. It was too beautiful. I then realized there were fellow hikers who also sat there for an hour. At that moment, it felt like we were sitting and watching TV. We just didn’t move.
For the CDT, there were many beautiful moments. The best highlight was the people that I met. I spent time with groups. There were some best and worst memories. Some people provided surprise rides, food, or I stayed at some strangers’ homes, which were beautiful. So meeting people was the best experience on CDT.
[Full-size images showing Liz on the CDT trail]
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Callie: You completed the PCT last year and the CDT this year. Do you have a new hiking goal?
Liz: Yes, next summer I will do the Appalachian Trail (AT). This will be my last long-distance trek. I want to achieve the triple crown of hiking. Having the triple crown means you have achieved all three trails. Not many have done this. It is very challenging and is a big commitment that takes an entire summer. The biggest challenge for me is being alone and dedicating a whole summer. It means I have to give up any fun during the summer to focus on hiking. So getting the triple crown would be my proudest achievement.
[Full-size image showing all three trails]
Callie: I’m looking forward to getting your update after you accomplish the AT and the triple crown! Why is it important for you to achieve this?
Liz: I want to achieve this because I don’t know if there are other Deaf people who have achieved this. That’s my biggest curiosity. I also want to give exposure to our community that we can do it. I met a blind woman who was on her way to achieve the triple crown by next year. She hiked with her dog. I also met a DeafBlind person who completed the AT. That really shows, it proves that we can. To navigate a difficult journey. It inspired me to aim for the triple crown. Because I can do it.
Callie: Thanks, Liz! I look forward to following up with you next year after summer.