Yes yes yes! Completed the run through Oregon in 14 days flat. I'm not such a competitive person, nor am I racing to Canada (first one who gets there is the loser) but setting a goal and hitting my mark felt good. I had a great crew of folks coming into the OC who stuck it out with me all the way to Bend/Sisters, OR where they had to jump out to get food and then got sucked into good town times. At the time it felt silly that I was pushing on with all my buddies right behind me to step into another hikerless void but within days I caught up to the first wave of my old peeps - Seahorse and Chilidog! Yes! I knew I'd been moving fast for a reason.
Had to change up the routine some to make miles. More so than in any other section I've realized how much walking has become my lifestyle. If I'm not eating, sleeping, or rearranging my stuff then I'm walking. Sun up to sun down. But it doesn't feel like a chore it's just the way it is. I get up at 5:30 before first light, get my stuff jammed into my pack, wolf down a bear claw and get walking by 6 when the sun's just starting to hit. And it doesn't feel like "Here we go again. Another long day. Gotta start walking." It's just what happens when all my stuff is packed and there's no more breakfast pastry. Automatic pilot. As thoughtless as turning on the coffee machine in the morning, or driving to work/school even though you're half asleep. And the day just rolls by as I put more miles behind me. Take a coffee break, walk some more. Each lunch, walk some more. Sit down for a snack, and walk some more... all the while seeing some amazing sites, having good conversation with other hikers, meeting new folks on the trail - ya know, living. And Oregon had some amazing sites to see. This section has been one of the most stunningly beautiful areas I've walked through on the whole trail. First all the beautiful lakes with clear swimmin' water reflecting the tall forest around them, then the Three Sisters and all the lava flows and snow capped volcanoes chained together. Then Jefferson... then Washington... then Hood... volcanoe hopping our way through the state. I'd get by one and climb a ridge to look back and when I'd turn around BAM another giant would be staring me down off in the distance. It's fun to see where you're headed, and where you've been.
Got to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood with Chilidog, Seahorse, Marmot, Roo, Goodness, and Zim and chowed down on an amazing breakfast buffet. Yes! It was a pre-border celebration anticipating dropping into the Columbia River Gorge in two short days until we heard... fire everywhere! Ok not everywhere. But the fires on the north side of Hood had just gone from manageable to humongous overnight and the PCT was in the danger zone (or atleast in the closure zone). We were the first ones to hit the roadblock so we sat down with a rep from the forest service and brainstormed a detour around the other side of the mountain. It would add about 15 miles, involve a fair amount of road walking, and put us up and down trails that laugh in the face of the PCT's mellow grades and cruiser conditions. Most rangers urged us to just thumb a ride to the river and call it a state knowing full well just how inglorious this detour would be but at this point we've come to far through too much to start skipping sections. The thruhiker compulsion got the best of us and off we went. The first section on the timberline trail was a little grueling but beautiful. Then we dropped down to a pretty major road for a 15 mile pavement section. To make the best of the situation I hitched up to a store to grab some cold drinks and snacks and brought 'em back to help entertain us through the night-hike road walk. It was pretty fun to cruise down the road at night. Not a lot of traffic and a great opportunity to all hang out while we walked. It's hard to get 10 people in a conversation when you walk in single file. But taking over that road we might as well of been sitting around someones living room chattin' it up. Lot's of good jokes and riddles got us through a long night. In the morning we finished out the pavement, got up a forest road and back to trail to drop down into the gorge.
Coming into the gorge was a really exciting time for me. I know this place. I've hiked here and lived here and have felt at home here. But I've never walked here! Coming up over the ridge and getting a look at the Columbia River with Washington on the other side brought on a realization of how far I'd come like a slap in the face... one followed by an unstoppable grin. I might actually finish this trail! For the first time on the whole trip it feels like the end is just a ways away instead of being some far-off goal that's not even worth considering yet.
Having great and long-time friends in Portland and hiking with folks that have lived in the area and have connections in Hood River was just icing on the cake. The trail down to the gorge was another reminder of how spoiled we have gotten on the PCT - some of the steepest 3 miles of trail I'd ever been on in my life. When we finally hit Cascade Locks, I tried thumbing a ride to Portland. But by then it was already pretty dark and prospects were low. So instead I went with Seahorse and Chilidog to Hood River with their friend Megan. Sweet brewery, good mexican food, right on the water, cool town. And... I finally ran into Bubbles! Hell yes! The time of chasing my friends down was finally over. We hung out for a bit before everyone crashed. The next day it was taking care of business time - puting together 5 packages of food to scatter down the trail in Washington. A tedious process but we got it done. Said goodbye for now to Chilidog and Seahorse and hitched a ride to Portland to meet up with friends and track down Boots. It all came together at the Laurelthirst with some live bluegrass and good local suds to make the reunion of old friends on trail and off even more exciting. Wound up closing the bar and headed back to my good friend Lisa's house to get some sleep. Now I'm hanging out at a coffee shop in the usual Portland fashion and getting myself excited about getting back on trail. I miss this town and would love to come back and do it even better than I did before. Maybe sometime down the road. I have other things to do for now.
So I've heard some clamoring for more photos and I'd love to get them out there because there's some really cool stuff to see from OR. But unfortunately I didn't get the chance to make it happen yet. If I have more time in town today I may give it a shot. Otherwise it might have to wait until I'm done.
Cool! One last piece of business. So I've mailed my last five boxes out and will definitely be hitting those post offices/businesses/homes. As usual, make sure you check out the how-to on mailing before hitting the PO. If you wanna send anything out here's the skinny on where I'll be:
c/o Trout Lake Grocery
PO Box 132
Trout lake, WA 98650
ETA: 9/11
c/o White Pass Rural Branch PO
at the Kracker Barrel Store
48851 US Hwy 12
Naches, WA 98937
ETA: 9/14
General Delivery
c/o Chevron Station
Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068
ETA: 9/18
Dinsmore's Hiker Haven
(my name)
PO Box 374
Skykomish, WA 98288
ETA: 9/21
General Delivery
Stehekin, WA 98852
ETA: 9/25
That's all folks!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Oregon -The Promise Land! Mile 1730
Yeeeeehaw! We finally made it! California, see ya later. It's on to new terrain and adventure in the northwest.
Did a quick in and out at Etna and we all hit the trail hard with wide eyes set on the Oregon border. Before we got there though we had to hit the last official pit stop in California - Seiad Valley. Home of the biggest challenge on the PCT - a five pound pancake eating contest. If you get all five of these frisbees down the breakfast is on them and you enter a prestigious and small society of winners. If 200 out of 400 get to the finish of the PCT this year I'd say less than 10 will complete the challenge. Many may finish the trail, but few can eat 5 lbs of pancakes! We didn't make it in time for breakfast, but after a long night and a 4:30 wakeup that morning we were able to get to the diner before it closed at 2 for some amazing milkshakes and patty melts. Mmm. Then a little chilltime by the river and a few thousand calories out of the convenience store and we were ready to keep on walking. A big climb out of Seiad led up to some beautiful ridge walking with views of valley after valley leading all the way back to Shasta. That mountain is beautiful but I'm ready to get a new valcanoe in view.
Three good days of walking and we were lined up for a morning arrival into OR. Getting to that border was surreal. Once I saw it in the distance I immediately started racing to the finish line. Got to the sign, gave a big hoot and holler, and then took some time to try to figure out what just happened. Judging from the sign I knew that I had walked the 1700 miles or so through all of California but it was real hard to FEEL like I did. Out on the PCT it's like we're all in our own trail bubble that's somehow separate from points on the map although we do collide with towns you can point to from time to time. Thinking back I could remember all the adventure and challenges and good times I'd had to get me here but conceptualising all of it as a continuous walk from Mexico to Oregon was too big to wrap my head around. A funny feeling for sure that I'm sure will only get harder to sort through as we hit borders up north.
We did a little celebrating at the border and took the rest of the day easy - mosying to a spot not far from town. I've been rolling around with Team Molasses - Flash, Rattler, Rocky, and (sometimes) Speedbump - a crew of good folks that pride themselves on capturing faster hikers who race up from behind them but then wind up hanging out for a while 'cause they enjoy the company. I was definitely one of those hikers and fully appreciated the friendly faces and a few days of easier walking. Just before I ran into this crowd I really started burning out on walking big miles for the sake of big miles - always focusing on the goal and not on the present. Pushing hard when I was tired or hungry 'cause my watch said to, and not taking as much time to enjoy great things along the way. Just before Etna I decided to pull the plug on that strategy for now and get back to walking for the sake of walking, as opposed to just getting places. Team Molasses helped me stay true to that and now that we're all rejuvinated, we're all talking about getting back to big miles - the Oregon Challenge!
On the PCT Oregon is definitely the promise land. Along the trail, the state is known as the section where all of a sudden the trail flattens out and all of the zeros and short mile days in the Sierras get made up for in a race to the Columbia river. All of your trail sins will be pardoned and you will magically be transported to the other side, rejuvinated and ready for a hard and mysterious (cause no one one talks about it) slog through Washington.
It won't be all it's cracked up to be I'm sure. Rumors about the trail are never as glorious or severe as they're made out to be. But it is going to be cruiser terrain and a good chance to catch up on some time (and some people). Starting tomorrow morning I'll get started on what's known as the Oregon Challenge - finishing the entire state in a quick 2 weeks. It'll be quick work but hard as well. But with not a lot in the way of big views and rewarding climbs a mile marker might be just the right motivation to get through the state. Hard to believe CA took over 3 months and I'm talking about being in washington in a handful of days. But if I can push 32 miles a day including restock stops throughout the whole thing Washinton will be in sight in early September. I'm psyched to get there quick and breath more easily about finishing up before the snow starts coming down.
Time to give up the computer to some other folks at the Ashland Hostel (great spot). Not much in the way of towns in OR but I'll catch you all at the next border. Start your watches and wish me luck. See ya on the other side!
Did a quick in and out at Etna and we all hit the trail hard with wide eyes set on the Oregon border. Before we got there though we had to hit the last official pit stop in California - Seiad Valley. Home of the biggest challenge on the PCT - a five pound pancake eating contest. If you get all five of these frisbees down the breakfast is on them and you enter a prestigious and small society of winners. If 200 out of 400 get to the finish of the PCT this year I'd say less than 10 will complete the challenge. Many may finish the trail, but few can eat 5 lbs of pancakes! We didn't make it in time for breakfast, but after a long night and a 4:30 wakeup that morning we were able to get to the diner before it closed at 2 for some amazing milkshakes and patty melts. Mmm. Then a little chilltime by the river and a few thousand calories out of the convenience store and we were ready to keep on walking. A big climb out of Seiad led up to some beautiful ridge walking with views of valley after valley leading all the way back to Shasta. That mountain is beautiful but I'm ready to get a new valcanoe in view.
Three good days of walking and we were lined up for a morning arrival into OR. Getting to that border was surreal. Once I saw it in the distance I immediately started racing to the finish line. Got to the sign, gave a big hoot and holler, and then took some time to try to figure out what just happened. Judging from the sign I knew that I had walked the 1700 miles or so through all of California but it was real hard to FEEL like I did. Out on the PCT it's like we're all in our own trail bubble that's somehow separate from points on the map although we do collide with towns you can point to from time to time. Thinking back I could remember all the adventure and challenges and good times I'd had to get me here but conceptualising all of it as a continuous walk from Mexico to Oregon was too big to wrap my head around. A funny feeling for sure that I'm sure will only get harder to sort through as we hit borders up north.
We did a little celebrating at the border and took the rest of the day easy - mosying to a spot not far from town. I've been rolling around with Team Molasses - Flash, Rattler, Rocky, and (sometimes) Speedbump - a crew of good folks that pride themselves on capturing faster hikers who race up from behind them but then wind up hanging out for a while 'cause they enjoy the company. I was definitely one of those hikers and fully appreciated the friendly faces and a few days of easier walking. Just before I ran into this crowd I really started burning out on walking big miles for the sake of big miles - always focusing on the goal and not on the present. Pushing hard when I was tired or hungry 'cause my watch said to, and not taking as much time to enjoy great things along the way. Just before Etna I decided to pull the plug on that strategy for now and get back to walking for the sake of walking, as opposed to just getting places. Team Molasses helped me stay true to that and now that we're all rejuvinated, we're all talking about getting back to big miles - the Oregon Challenge!
On the PCT Oregon is definitely the promise land. Along the trail, the state is known as the section where all of a sudden the trail flattens out and all of the zeros and short mile days in the Sierras get made up for in a race to the Columbia river. All of your trail sins will be pardoned and you will magically be transported to the other side, rejuvinated and ready for a hard and mysterious (cause no one one talks about it) slog through Washington.
It won't be all it's cracked up to be I'm sure. Rumors about the trail are never as glorious or severe as they're made out to be. But it is going to be cruiser terrain and a good chance to catch up on some time (and some people). Starting tomorrow morning I'll get started on what's known as the Oregon Challenge - finishing the entire state in a quick 2 weeks. It'll be quick work but hard as well. But with not a lot in the way of big views and rewarding climbs a mile marker might be just the right motivation to get through the state. Hard to believe CA took over 3 months and I'm talking about being in washington in a handful of days. But if I can push 32 miles a day including restock stops throughout the whole thing Washinton will be in sight in early September. I'm psyched to get there quick and breath more easily about finishing up before the snow starts coming down.
Time to give up the computer to some other folks at the Ashland Hostel (great spot). Not much in the way of towns in OR but I'll catch you all at the next border. Start your watches and wish me luck. See ya on the other side!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Cruisin' through Nor-Cal Mile 1610
Holy Mole! What to say. It's been a long and lonesome stretch. After the halfway I kept truckin solo. Coming out of Chester I hit the Drakesbad resort in Lassen National Park - such generous people! They set me up with a shower, a hot spring fed pool, a cooler of the good stuff and a humongous meal at half price. I got seated with a pair of identical twins that had grown up coming to the spot with their family and a man from the bay area who was running a star watching program that night. Good company. And when I asked the owner if they might have any leftovers of an awesome prime rib family style diner he came out with a plate bigger than the first one I got. Hell ya!
From Drakesbad I did a day's walk to Old Station - a sleepy town with an RV resort and a general store. After a soda and some ice-cream I decided, "what the heck. I'll hike the next stretch of hot waterless miles tonight and get into town a day earlier than I expected." So I hit the Hat Creek Rim around 7 or 8 and hiked 'til about one in the morning, my biggest day yet - 43 miles! It seemed well worth it too after reading the registers about all the heat and blisters etc. I dropped in Burney, CA the next day, got my food, had a pizza to fill me up and was right back on the trail. I kept up the 30 mile average coming into the Dunsmuir/Mount Shasta area. Finally I ran into more hikers! The weeks of hiking solo were finally over as I came across Hans Solo, Pfiesty, and Wandering Dot. Also ran into Samurai and Frito-Ray, some section hikers working their way to Ashland. When they get there, Samurai will be done with her PCT hike! I can only imagine what that will feel like for her... and what that'll feel like for me when it's my time. Spent a bunch of time in Dunsmuir at the cool not-for-profit laundermat and then some more time at the Dunsmuir Brewery Works. Good home-made brew and awesome house-smoked ribs. Life was good. Ran back into the hikers there and wound up sticking around a little longer for some more food and beer. Samurai and Frito-Ray were super generous and picked up the tab on my second meal. Thanks again guys! Got a great ride back to the trail that night and was making miles again in the morning. Another few days of 30s and I hit more of the crowd - running into Flash, Rattler, Rocky, Anthony, Crasher, Speedbump, Holden, Quake, Unload, Cherry Picker... Lots of people! I'm definitely back in it. We all dropped into Etna, CA around the same time and after getting chores done spent a good amount of time at the Etna Brewery... great suds and good company. From here I'm looking at a hard hitch back to the trail and then just a few days to get out of this humongous state. We're Oregon bound!
From the registers I figure that Boots and Bubbles are about 3 days ahead. Bubs says she's going to be spending some time visiting friends in Oregon and I'm going take on the 2 week Oregon challenge (getting through all of OR in 14 days) so it's a recipe for running into one another. For now I'm going to enjoy the company I'm in and the miles ahead. Can't wait to hit that border and feel the first big accomplishment of the hike. We worked for it that's for sure. I'll catch you all on the other side!
From Drakesbad I did a day's walk to Old Station - a sleepy town with an RV resort and a general store. After a soda and some ice-cream I decided, "what the heck. I'll hike the next stretch of hot waterless miles tonight and get into town a day earlier than I expected." So I hit the Hat Creek Rim around 7 or 8 and hiked 'til about one in the morning, my biggest day yet - 43 miles! It seemed well worth it too after reading the registers about all the heat and blisters etc. I dropped in Burney, CA the next day, got my food, had a pizza to fill me up and was right back on the trail. I kept up the 30 mile average coming into the Dunsmuir/Mount Shasta area. Finally I ran into more hikers! The weeks of hiking solo were finally over as I came across Hans Solo, Pfiesty, and Wandering Dot. Also ran into Samurai and Frito-Ray, some section hikers working their way to Ashland. When they get there, Samurai will be done with her PCT hike! I can only imagine what that will feel like for her... and what that'll feel like for me when it's my time. Spent a bunch of time in Dunsmuir at the cool not-for-profit laundermat and then some more time at the Dunsmuir Brewery Works. Good home-made brew and awesome house-smoked ribs. Life was good. Ran back into the hikers there and wound up sticking around a little longer for some more food and beer. Samurai and Frito-Ray were super generous and picked up the tab on my second meal. Thanks again guys! Got a great ride back to the trail that night and was making miles again in the morning. Another few days of 30s and I hit more of the crowd - running into Flash, Rattler, Rocky, Anthony, Crasher, Speedbump, Holden, Quake, Unload, Cherry Picker... Lots of people! I'm definitely back in it. We all dropped into Etna, CA around the same time and after getting chores done spent a good amount of time at the Etna Brewery... great suds and good company. From here I'm looking at a hard hitch back to the trail and then just a few days to get out of this humongous state. We're Oregon bound!
From the registers I figure that Boots and Bubbles are about 3 days ahead. Bubs says she's going to be spending some time visiting friends in Oregon and I'm going take on the 2 week Oregon challenge (getting through all of OR in 14 days) so it's a recipe for running into one another. For now I'm going to enjoy the company I'm in and the miles ahead. Can't wait to hit that border and feel the first big accomplishment of the hike. We worked for it that's for sure. I'll catch you all on the other side!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Halfway and still lovin' life! Mile 1340
Been CRUISIN through northern California making miles and looking to catch up to my people (and have enough time to actually make it to California). After leaving Katherine in King's Beach (a hard decision to make. That place rocks!) I took a day and a half to blow into Sierra City, walking my first 30 mile day. Cool SMALL town with one main street that's about 2 short blocks long with one general store and 3 restaurants (two of which are bars). There are some trail angels there at Red Moose Cafe, Bill and Margaret who run the restaurant there and let hikers spend the night, use their computer, take showers, and basically help out any way they can. Awesome awesome people who seem genuinely happy to help and serve up a mean breakfast with all you can eat breakfast (and I hear a tasty BBQ rib dinner). Definitely like no greasy spoon I've been to before. Great spot, I'd love to go back sometime and hang more and help out.
Left Sierra City and took a funky "short cut" to get back to the PCT right out of the backside of down. An old forest road I guess that goes through a ton of old mines on the hill there and past a lot of private property owned by people who clearly want to be left alone (lots of signs like "beware of killer dogs" "we don't call the cops" "we have guns and know how to use them"...). I judged the signs as more bark than bite... only saw one dog and didn't see a single person before I was back on public land. Then it was cruisin' into Belden. Did some leap froggin' with a hiker named Josh but he was the only other person I saw before running into 7-11 the day I arrived in Belden. Had a hot meal, picked up my package, jumped in the river, and it was back to the trail to tackle the big climb back up to the ridge. One more big day (31 miles this time!) and then a short walk into Chester. Back in town again! This time I'm going to stick around for a couple of hours and get a shower, a couple of meals, and my new shoes. They just arrived from REI this morning right in time. I have a photo of them side by side and you'll see it was definitely time for some new tires.
Yesterday I ran through the official halfway mark of the trail. There were a lot of mixed emotions. At the time I was starting to feel a little frustrated about not catching up with my crew as soon as I'd hoped. And I've been feeling anxious about getting up to Washington quick before the snow sets in. Plus outside of a few folks here and there I've pretty much been on my own. The solitude was a welcome break but I'm back to wanting a little company to keep me motivated and to ramp up the fun out here. Anyway, I was a little down and out when I hit it but looking at the register and all the names of folks I'd traveled with along the way so far reminding me of what an awesome adventure it's been so far. To think that I have that many more good times, beautiful places, and fun adventure ahead (even if I have to do it in 2/3rds the time) was super uplifting. Now I'm back on top of my game and ready for more. I'm definitely still looking to catch up with Boots, Bubbs, and the rest of them up ahead but I'm not going to run past opportunities to have fun and meet cool people along the way. We'll all be together again soon but in the mean time I'll definitely be enjoying myself. As for Canada, if I keep cruising the way I have been it won't be a problem. Plus the word on the trail is that it only get's faster from here through Oregon. Onward and upward!
So you folks know, I'm moving faster than I planned on last time around. If you're still planning on sending something out, here are some updated dates:
Burney, CA 96013 ETA: 8/8
Mount Shasta, CA 96067 ETA: 8/12
As usual check out the mailing how-to if you want to send anything.
Left Sierra City and took a funky "short cut" to get back to the PCT right out of the backside of down. An old forest road I guess that goes through a ton of old mines on the hill there and past a lot of private property owned by people who clearly want to be left alone (lots of signs like "beware of killer dogs" "we don't call the cops" "we have guns and know how to use them"...). I judged the signs as more bark than bite... only saw one dog and didn't see a single person before I was back on public land. Then it was cruisin' into Belden. Did some leap froggin' with a hiker named Josh but he was the only other person I saw before running into 7-11 the day I arrived in Belden. Had a hot meal, picked up my package, jumped in the river, and it was back to the trail to tackle the big climb back up to the ridge. One more big day (31 miles this time!) and then a short walk into Chester. Back in town again! This time I'm going to stick around for a couple of hours and get a shower, a couple of meals, and my new shoes. They just arrived from REI this morning right in time. I have a photo of them side by side and you'll see it was definitely time for some new tires.
Yesterday I ran through the official halfway mark of the trail. There were a lot of mixed emotions. At the time I was starting to feel a little frustrated about not catching up with my crew as soon as I'd hoped. And I've been feeling anxious about getting up to Washington quick before the snow sets in. Plus outside of a few folks here and there I've pretty much been on my own. The solitude was a welcome break but I'm back to wanting a little company to keep me motivated and to ramp up the fun out here. Anyway, I was a little down and out when I hit it but looking at the register and all the names of folks I'd traveled with along the way so far reminding me of what an awesome adventure it's been so far. To think that I have that many more good times, beautiful places, and fun adventure ahead (even if I have to do it in 2/3rds the time) was super uplifting. Now I'm back on top of my game and ready for more. I'm definitely still looking to catch up with Boots, Bubbs, and the rest of them up ahead but I'm not going to run past opportunities to have fun and meet cool people along the way. We'll all be together again soon but in the mean time I'll definitely be enjoying myself. As for Canada, if I keep cruising the way I have been it won't be a problem. Plus the word on the trail is that it only get's faster from here through Oregon. Onward and upward!
So you folks know, I'm moving faster than I planned on last time around. If you're still planning on sending something out, here are some updated dates:
Burney, CA 96013 ETA: 8/8
Mount Shasta, CA 96067 ETA: 8/12
As usual check out the mailing how-to if you want to send anything.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Back on the TRAIL - mile 1158
The tides of snow have finally turned back here in Nor-Cal (I'm getting hip to the lingo). Just finished two short sections to get me to Truckee where I got in touch with my college friend Katherine who lives in King's Beach on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. I've been here for a couple nights taking care of business for the next few hundred miles and getting good R&R in - live bluegrass show, swimming in the lake, BBQ on the beach, good greasy spoon breakfast... life is good.
Coming back from NYC was harder than I thought. It was a stark difference from being surrounded by people I love and having awesome fun reunion times plus the wedding celebration extravaganza to being dropped in the middle of the mountains at Sonora Pass knowing that the folks I've been traveling with were a week ahead and expecting to be doing a lot of walking on my own. As luck turned out I ran into some friendly familiar faces right at the trail head and did some traveling with Queso, Nacho, Cerveza, and Caveman coming into South Lake Tahoe. The trail has been mellowing out for us. It's still a bit hard to follow in some spots but in general is getting back to a solid path. The tradeoff for less snow has been more bugs - the 'skitters are out! Every challenge has a silver lining I suppose though. With the snow, even though it made everything slower and harder I could never genuinely wish it away because it also made everything so damn beautiful. The bugs have a clever way of staying uncondemned as well - their deal is as long as you are walking, they'll stay off your back (and your face, and hands, and whatever other skin you're showing). But once you stop it's a feeding frenzy. Obvious solution - keeping walking! It's a good thing too that they keep us motivated seeing as how we're 3 months into a 5 month trip and just approaching the halfway point. Time to make miles my friends!
At South Lake Tahoe we got in touch with an AT-super-enthusiast, Superman, who rolls with the Riff Raff crew back east helping out hikers and keeping the good times rolling both on and off the trail. He brought the tradition out west and has been puting up hikers and showing all a good time. A bunch of us stayed in his place - the set and setting for a good time with good people and a gripping 5 dollar poker tourney that Superman came on top of (now I know why he puts up so many hikers!). Most folks decided to stay another night but in the morning I was antsy to get back to the trail after taking a week off. So I said my goodbyes to Team Fiesta and the Car Camp crew and headed back to make some miles.
So I hopped back on and had a blast walking through a beautiful section of trail in the desolation wilderness. Beautiful glacial lakes everywhere! My favorite, hands down, was Aloha lake - a humongous pile of bold blue water spotted with rock islands and surrounded by still-snow-covered peaks. The area was a little more crowded than most of the spots we've been to (and I actually got "carded" by a ranger who checked my permit. First time! It's official, I'm walking the PCT!). But that's how it works in beautiful places. If anyone has the time and is in the area I would definitely recommend checking this spot out.
I've really enjoyed walking and camping by myself this week. It was nice to have some quiet time after the hustle and bustle of my last two weeks. And now the trail is back to mind-wandering walking as opposed to the highly-focussed "where am I?" "don't slip now" "holy crap this river is huge!" stuff we've just been through. I'm headed back out today and am not sure what hikers will be out there but if I'm on my own for a few more days I won't be disappointed.
Cool! So I've been slacking in the whole "here's where I'm going to be if you want to send me stuff" department. Here's a list of the next few places I'm definitely stopping into. I should be in all of them on weekdays so no problems there. Definitely give me a call AND write me an email if you plan on sending anything out and I'll try to stay on top of that stuff. Also, make sure to check out the how-to before dropping something in the mail.
Chester, CA 96020 ETA: 8/7
Burney, CA 96013 ETA: 8/11
Mount Shasta, CA 96067 ETA: 8/16
Awesome! Thanks in advanced for anything that might come my way. Next time I'm in touch I'll be past the halfway marker, whoop whoop! Then it's Oregon on the horizon and the race to Canada is on. Catch you all later!
Coming back from NYC was harder than I thought. It was a stark difference from being surrounded by people I love and having awesome fun reunion times plus the wedding celebration extravaganza to being dropped in the middle of the mountains at Sonora Pass knowing that the folks I've been traveling with were a week ahead and expecting to be doing a lot of walking on my own. As luck turned out I ran into some friendly familiar faces right at the trail head and did some traveling with Queso, Nacho, Cerveza, and Caveman coming into South Lake Tahoe. The trail has been mellowing out for us. It's still a bit hard to follow in some spots but in general is getting back to a solid path. The tradeoff for less snow has been more bugs - the 'skitters are out! Every challenge has a silver lining I suppose though. With the snow, even though it made everything slower and harder I could never genuinely wish it away because it also made everything so damn beautiful. The bugs have a clever way of staying uncondemned as well - their deal is as long as you are walking, they'll stay off your back (and your face, and hands, and whatever other skin you're showing). But once you stop it's a feeding frenzy. Obvious solution - keeping walking! It's a good thing too that they keep us motivated seeing as how we're 3 months into a 5 month trip and just approaching the halfway point. Time to make miles my friends!
At South Lake Tahoe we got in touch with an AT-super-enthusiast, Superman, who rolls with the Riff Raff crew back east helping out hikers and keeping the good times rolling both on and off the trail. He brought the tradition out west and has been puting up hikers and showing all a good time. A bunch of us stayed in his place - the set and setting for a good time with good people and a gripping 5 dollar poker tourney that Superman came on top of (now I know why he puts up so many hikers!). Most folks decided to stay another night but in the morning I was antsy to get back to the trail after taking a week off. So I said my goodbyes to Team Fiesta and the Car Camp crew and headed back to make some miles.
So I hopped back on and had a blast walking through a beautiful section of trail in the desolation wilderness. Beautiful glacial lakes everywhere! My favorite, hands down, was Aloha lake - a humongous pile of bold blue water spotted with rock islands and surrounded by still-snow-covered peaks. The area was a little more crowded than most of the spots we've been to (and I actually got "carded" by a ranger who checked my permit. First time! It's official, I'm walking the PCT!). But that's how it works in beautiful places. If anyone has the time and is in the area I would definitely recommend checking this spot out.
I've really enjoyed walking and camping by myself this week. It was nice to have some quiet time after the hustle and bustle of my last two weeks. And now the trail is back to mind-wandering walking as opposed to the highly-focussed "where am I?" "don't slip now" "holy crap this river is huge!" stuff we've just been through. I'm headed back out today and am not sure what hikers will be out there but if I'm on my own for a few more days I won't be disappointed.
Cool! So I've been slacking in the whole "here's where I'm going to be if you want to send me stuff" department. Here's a list of the next few places I'm definitely stopping into. I should be in all of them on weekdays so no problems there. Definitely give me a call AND write me an email if you plan on sending anything out and I'll try to stay on top of that stuff. Also, make sure to check out the how-to before dropping something in the mail.
Chester, CA 96020 ETA: 8/7
Burney, CA 96013 ETA: 8/11
Mount Shasta, CA 96067 ETA: 8/16
Awesome! Thanks in advanced for anything that might come my way. Next time I'm in touch I'll be past the halfway marker, whoop whoop! Then it's Oregon on the horizon and the race to Canada is on. Catch you all later!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Father Pepe gets official in NYC - mile 1020
The last two weeks have been unlike any other since I started this trip. First, the trail:
Leaving Mammoth the general feeling rang something like, "Hey we're through most of the big stuff. We're gonna be below 10 grand for the most part and yeah, I hear there are some rivers we gotta deal with but I'm a tall guy with a steady step. It's going to be cruiser! Right?" WRONG. The hundred miles or so from Mammoth to Sonora Pass kicked our butts big time. I remember one day in particular when I couldn't believe all the crap we walked through and over to get our 15 miles in for the day. From return creek to the far side of Piute creek we did something like 6 scary crossings over rippin' "seasonal creeks" mostly on the convenient balance beams place near the trail, hopped over a pass, did a little map and compass work on the snow (now in the trees), bushwacked next to a waterfall to avoid circuitous trail miles (found the 40 foot cliff that sent the trail southward and the snow shoot that let us glisade down the thing) and wait for it, my favorite - walked through what felt like a quarter mile of chest deep water! Yeah! Big day! Clawing for those miles. Other highlights included walking on a bridge that was 3 feet deep itself to get past the lake to Falls Creek which was another trip in itself. Water water everywhere! And hell yeah you can drink it all! Hit the 1000 mile mark the day before hopping off the trail and like magic our path was revealed. Finally, some dry ground to cruise on for a little while.
This trail can be such a tease! You don't see it for a whole day and just when you're starting to get really fed up it comes back and is all like "hey baby. I'm here. I'll stay with you. Just follow me and it'll all be okay. I promise" And you come crawling back all relieved and pathetic like nothing ever happened. And right when you get your momentum going and things are back to business as usual it runs off again! What a hussy. But hey, we made it to Sonoran pass and I'm still having an awesome time!
I've heard about a lot of people skipping sections in the Sierras it all kinds of ways - bumping ahead and walking south, bumping ahead and walking to Canada with plans to come back, road walking 100 mile sections to avoid scary trail miles (really?!), etc. Maybe it's the right decision for those folks. I'm not here to judge (well maybe I judge the road walkers a little bit... just skip the section guys. It's all good). But I definitely made the right decision for me. Even if all this slow walking means not getting to Canada before the snow starts falling up north I'd be 100 percent satisfied. The walking has been great adventure and I wouldn't give it up for any trophy.
The only disappointment I've had with other folks with all the moving and shaking around is the fear mongering that's been going on the trail. If something doesn't feel comfortable or safe to you, by all means, turn around, go a different way, skip the section... do what you need to do to stay safe, happy, but still challenged. But PLEASE, don't come away from that experience and tell others that the trail is impassible or not safe. We all came out here to challenge ourselves and by the time we get off the trail we will all have pushed our comfort levels. But where and how that challenge occurs will be different for everyone. It's those moments of pushing ourselves (yeah, in a safe way) to make hard decisions, manage risks, take on physical challenges, etc. that we learn most about ourselves and what we're capable of. If you tell someone not to do something then you rob them of that experience - even if that experience is simply walking to a point, realizing you're out of your element, and turning around. That is just as valuable as successfully fording the giant river that scared the crap out of you - maybe in some ways more so. I just hate hearing about people that were planning on climbing Whitney but then heard a bunch of war stories and because of that didn't even go and look at it. I'm all for informing hikers of conditions they may face, especially if you're concerned with a particular person's abilities. But let's try to leave the ego out of it as much as possible and present the facts as close to objectively as we can so folks can make their own decisions. OK. Rant over.
So got to Sonora pass and thumbed a quick ride to Bridgeport to spend the night and get my ducks in order for heading to NYC. Yeah yeah! Wedding time. I knew the hiatus was going to be a head trip but honestly being back at home with the friends and fam has been amazing. The most shocking part was Reno! Holy crap! Coming off the trail and winding up in a windowless casino with flashing lights and ringing bells everywhere was a trip. The buffet was well worth it though! Being the minister at my sister and friend's wedding was super fun and rewarding. The ceremony went great and the festivities were a blast. Everyone's psyched about how it all worked out.
Well now it's back to the trail. I'm excited to jump back into what will prove to be a healthier lifestyle. Staying on California time was a good call - staying up late and sleeping through the morning. Thank god the metabolism is still high or there would have been a few nights there when I would have wound up passed out on the street. Trying to get to see everyone in NYC and get my kicks in is always a whirlwind but I did pretty well this time 'round. Hopefully by tomorrow night I'll be sleeping on the ground again and on my way to Tahoe. It's time to start runnin' to Canada. We'll see what the trail dishes out next.
Monday, July 4, 2011
High Sierras Part II - mile 908
Finished up the second big section of the Sierras moving from Kearsarge pass into Red Meadows and Mammoth and I'm STUFFED. Great breakfast at The Stove (gravy on everything) big ol' BBQ spot, a little pizza here and there, and just got done with the Mexican. Yeah. Food has become really important. Maybe it's going over a pass every day... maybe it's the cold weather we ran into... maybe it's the tortuous rationing going on during these long sections... but this boy's gotta eat a lot and has been doing a pretty good job. Helping speed that process along and providing good company and tasty beverages has been my cousin Mike (trail named "Cousin Mike" or "cus" for short) who came from his new spot on the west coast. It's been a good and lazy time recovering from lots of big walking.
So every day in the Sierras involves some of the biggest adventure I've ever been involved in. Big passes and lots of snow walking. Forester was exciting and all but the days only got more intense down the trail. More snow (Muir, Pinchot) steeper slopes (Mather), and lush lush canyons (Palisades). Then the big water crossings that at 6'2" I do alright in but can be exciting bringing my 5'1" friend through (you're a champ Bubbs). It's hard to do the walking and the landscape justice. You all will have to wait for the photos I'll post on my week long hiatus to NYC for my sister's wedding - crazy culture shock.
After getting over all the 12 granders we took a "wrong turn" coming down silver pass and wound up in fish creek. We had big plans to hop on a different trail to get back to the PCT at Purple Lake but when we got to the junction a mind-bending sign said PCT right, Red's Meadows left! Left?! We don't have maps that go left! Whatever, that's where we're going. If going right was the "right" way to Red's Meadows the sign would point that way. The fish creek trail was gorgeous! Awesome river, beautiful cliffs on the canyon, a warm bivy spot off some switchbacks looking over it all. Love it.
So from here it's another longer section through Yosemite to Sonoran pass. The elevations drop but word along the trail is that the rivers are gonna get big. We'll sort it all out. Boots and Bubbs are gonna hang in town for another day while I run off with Spicerack so I can catch my flight in Reno on the 12th for a whole different kind of adventure. Town has been good but I'm ready to get back on the trail. I'll catch you all up from the big apple.
So every day in the Sierras involves some of the biggest adventure I've ever been involved in. Big passes and lots of snow walking. Forester was exciting and all but the days only got more intense down the trail. More snow (Muir, Pinchot) steeper slopes (Mather), and lush lush canyons (Palisades). Then the big water crossings that at 6'2" I do alright in but can be exciting bringing my 5'1" friend through (you're a champ Bubbs). It's hard to do the walking and the landscape justice. You all will have to wait for the photos I'll post on my week long hiatus to NYC for my sister's wedding - crazy culture shock.
After getting over all the 12 granders we took a "wrong turn" coming down silver pass and wound up in fish creek. We had big plans to hop on a different trail to get back to the PCT at Purple Lake but when we got to the junction a mind-bending sign said PCT right, Red's Meadows left! Left?! We don't have maps that go left! Whatever, that's where we're going. If going right was the "right" way to Red's Meadows the sign would point that way. The fish creek trail was gorgeous! Awesome river, beautiful cliffs on the canyon, a warm bivy spot off some switchbacks looking over it all. Love it.
So from here it's another longer section through Yosemite to Sonoran pass. The elevations drop but word along the trail is that the rivers are gonna get big. We'll sort it all out. Boots and Bubbs are gonna hang in town for another day while I run off with Spicerack so I can catch my flight in Reno on the 12th for a whole different kind of adventure. Town has been good but I'm ready to get back on the trail. I'll catch you all up from the big apple.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Well into the Sierras mile 789
I'm short on time and computer patience so here's a quick update on what was a big week. About 2 days after leaving Kennedy Meadows we were smack dab in the middle of the Sierras. I knew the landscape was going to change quick but my god! Just a few miles down the path and we were walking on lots of snow, looking at granite giants around us everywhere and planning to climb the tallest mountain in the lower 48 - Whitney. It's a wierd world out here. Snow everywhere at 80 degrees! After staging at crabtree meadow we went for the summit, a little snow travel, some rock scrambling, a few experiments with the new ice axe and we were on top of the world. Or atleast everything we could see around us. Incredible views, incredible weather, way to many cell phones out! I know it's a novelty that you can get service in the middle of nowhere because you're the tallest thing around but really guys? Let's put the techno-gadgets away for a while and see some of the cool stuff we're living in these days. Nothing was going to ruin my summit experience though especially with the altitude buzz I had going on (a little celebration whiskey helped that out too. We're making sure we got the most out of our little flask. That stuff is efficient at elevation!) Came down with no problems and then it was on to the next challenge - Forester Pass. Little did we know that navigating to the base of this thing was going to be a greater task than getting over it but our little detour over Bighorn Plateau gave us some of the best scenery I've encountered yet. Can't wait to get the photos up. Forester wasn't nearly as scary as some would make it out to be. The traverse over the don't fall here shoot definitely got my blood pumping but a few careful steps was all it took to get across. Then the fun part - bum sliding (ie. glisading) down the other side to get out of the snow fields and back into the trees. Then a little boot scooting through Bubbs creek valley and WHAT?! a trail angel in the middle of NOWHERE with a tarp full of hiker food looking for takers! Honeybuzz' pops Sherpa Shamus was out helping out his son with a little restock and making the magic happen for everyone around him. It was cool to run into this guy who's done a lot of guiding in the Sierras and who I got a chance to get to know at the ADZPCTKO hoopla. The man says he'll be around again with more goodies and a BBQ at Donner Lake. I'm excited to rip some red meat off the bone there. Gotta get the genuine experience. Anyway until then thanks Shamus. Finally we hiked 8 miles off trail to get to the nearest road and with the help of some trail angels down to town. All in all, the Sierras are great, the views are breathtaking, and there are still wonderful people everywhere making this trip an amazing ride. Catch ya'll in Mammoth!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Floating the Kern! Mile 705
Nice! Just put on a couple trail miles "floating" down the south fork of the Kern river. Boots and I started talking and decided it was time to rally the troops, gather whatever pool toys we could find and make it happen. Two hours later we had 30 people shuttled up to the campground via Boomer's flatbed and it was go time. The first minute or two was a little splashy until BAM big rocks, wave trains, lots of brambles, good times had by all. Even with a few knee knockers and plenty of time in the cold river everyone got to the bottom uninjured and psyched as hell. F-ya! First hiker Kern float as far as we know. For all those wishing to follow in our footsteps just a few words of advice: wear shoes, stick together, don't bother with pool toys 'cause they're done after the first hit, and watch out for barbed wire fences crossing the river. Adventure! Now we're ready for the Sierras!
Gateway to the Sierras - mile 703
We're finally here! The moment has arrived. Ever since I started researching this trail Kennedy Meadows was a huge talking point. When will we get there? What will we send there? When will we leave there? What the hell am I going to do there while I'm waiting around for snow to melt or my package to arrive? And now I'm here! The desert is finally done. Goodbye dry heat, rattlesnakes, pokey plants and waterless stretches (for now) hello snow covered passes, cold nights, high river fords, and bears! The last section was one of our most serious desert walks chalk full of high heat, low water miles and a couple of mojave green (rattlesnake) sightings to top it off. The trail magic at Walker Pass was awesome motivation (not to mention the hundreds of gallons of water that trail angel Mary puts out in the desert to keep us all in walking shape). Watching the landscape change has been awesome and, as I expected, is one of my favorite things about this trail. All of a sudden out of nowhere appears our first big Sierra river sighting - the Kern! Then the pine trees and oaks are coming up. Lots of shade everywhere. I'm getting to be in the woods for real now. In a few days we'll be on top of Mt. Whitney. That's right! I'll be the highest dude in California (and that's saying a lot). Hell! I'll be on top of the whole lower 48.
Until then, it's hanging out on the porch of the Kennedy Meadows general store having a few cold ones and waiting for our turn on the ol' laundry machine. Not a bad way to spend a day. When that gets old it's swimming time in the river before heading to the campground and getting down with the trail angels that are all coming out to have a good time. The last couple of nights we've been hanging out with Sprinkles' grandma (appropriately named Grandma Sprinkles) and tonight we'll be with Dr. Sole and the Andersons. That's right! The Andersons Part III. Word on the trail is that they're coming into town today and will be ready for some wrasslin'.
From here the constant trail angeling and booze train are going to hit their last stop. But the party isn't over! We have some of the most rugged and exciting sections of trail right around the corner. It's time to get out and in it for real and bring the celebration to the tops of the mountains (as opposed to someones porchside couch). The desert has been shockingly good to us with mild weather and enough water to go around. On top of that, the trail angels have turned something that's been tolerable (and at times damn pleasant) into a part of this trail and my life that I will never forget. Many many thanks to all of those that come out to support us and join in on the fun! I hope to join your ranks next season.
Well, it's back to the porch. We're gonna buy some 5 dollar pool toys and see how many miles we can float down the south fork of the Kern this afternoon. If we get good enough at it we may be able to put some PCT miles on in the Sierras that way. Swimming or walking, the miles still count in my book! Here we go!
Until then, it's hanging out on the porch of the Kennedy Meadows general store having a few cold ones and waiting for our turn on the ol' laundry machine. Not a bad way to spend a day. When that gets old it's swimming time in the river before heading to the campground and getting down with the trail angels that are all coming out to have a good time. The last couple of nights we've been hanging out with Sprinkles' grandma (appropriately named Grandma Sprinkles) and tonight we'll be with Dr. Sole and the Andersons. That's right! The Andersons Part III. Word on the trail is that they're coming into town today and will be ready for some wrasslin'.
From here the constant trail angeling and booze train are going to hit their last stop. But the party isn't over! We have some of the most rugged and exciting sections of trail right around the corner. It's time to get out and in it for real and bring the celebration to the tops of the mountains (as opposed to someones porchside couch). The desert has been shockingly good to us with mild weather and enough water to go around. On top of that, the trail angels have turned something that's been tolerable (and at times damn pleasant) into a part of this trail and my life that I will never forget. Many many thanks to all of those that come out to support us and join in on the fun! I hope to join your ranks next season.
Well, it's back to the porch. We're gonna buy some 5 dollar pool toys and see how many miles we can float down the south fork of the Kern this afternoon. If we get good enough at it we may be able to put some PCT miles on in the Sierras that way. Swimming or walking, the miles still count in my book! Here we go!
Monday, June 6, 2011
It's 80 miles back to the Andersons - mile 565
The stars have aligned! Want to hang out at the Andersons? Hell yes! Want to keep moving north to Canada? Yeah... I guess that'd be good too. Want to run into a bunch of hikers 4 days ahead of you and behind you? Yeah! That'd be cool. What do you call this time/space bending machine?! A CAR. F-yeah! Our friend Mr. F-in' Gentle Spirit was looking to move his ride up to Tehachapi and walk north out of the Andersons to get to it. Solution: drive the beer motivated hikers (that'd be us) to Tehachapi and drop 'em off so they can go on a southbound adventure BACK to the good times and then hop in the car and drive back to the top. Hell, it was so much fun we might do it again!
No no no... we have places to go and snow covered passes to play on. We have enjoyed another night of good times at La Casa de Luna but it's time to continue on north. Maybe I'll have to swing back on my way home in the fall... or come out next year to help out around the house. This place is definitely my speed and the folks who live here work hard to make sure the fun keeps rolling on. Those of you who know our buddy Murph, imagine if he moved near the trail and pulled every hiker he saw back to the ol' garage. That's where I'm at. Soooo gooooood!
Let me tell you a little bit about the last few miles. We started up at the wind farm between Tehachapi and Mojave, CA. Man! They put those windmills in the right place! After trudging through the stiff 40 MPH breeze to the top of the ridge we dropped down in the Mojave. Yeah! The desert! It's brutal out here. Brutally pleasant! No one told me it was going to be 75 with a cool breeze in the dry, desolate, valley floor. Rough living I tell you. We dropped down to the LA aquaduct which amounted to a long flat road walk either on dirt, or the sidewalk (ie cement aquaduct) if you prefer. At one point you get to walk on the big ol' pipe with all of LA's water rushing under you. Headed Southbound (SoBo) that 18 mile stretch landed us at HikerTown. Another trail angel! Like it said... rough living in the desert. As far as I know, the story is that a wealthy set designer from LA bought up this property and took some of his collection (old rolls royce, full on frontier town main street set, celebrity photos, antiques, cats, dogs, chickens, a boat, a few RVs...) and put it all together to build a hiker oasis with lots of character. Crashed there for the night and got a ride from the caretaker Bob to get some snacks before moving on. Ran into some nice folks (read christian camp/retreat center) at Sawmill campground who cooked us some good food and sent us off with a 1 lb bar of chocolate each! May the calories be with you! 12 miles downhill to the road and the Andersons' were on their way to pick us up and roll us straight to the best greasy spoon in town - chicken fried steak, great potatos, biscuits and gravy, eggs, the whole 9. Then it's back to the party zone and you can sort out the rest. Today we'll drive back to Tehachapi to find our friends and get back on the trail. Next party's in Kennedy Meadows. Apparently Sprinkles' grandma is bringing the ol' RV and never travels without a full bar. I suppose you meet people with similar interests wherever you go! But that's another town and 7 days away. Plenty of time to sober up.
Just a little more desert and then it's snow time! Can't wait to get out there. Thanks for all the comments. I love to hear the reactions. Let me know what you wanna hear about too. I have my own journal to keep track of my trip. This blog is for you guys. Anyway, catch ya'll next time!
No no no... we have places to go and snow covered passes to play on. We have enjoyed another night of good times at La Casa de Luna but it's time to continue on north. Maybe I'll have to swing back on my way home in the fall... or come out next year to help out around the house. This place is definitely my speed and the folks who live here work hard to make sure the fun keeps rolling on. Those of you who know our buddy Murph, imagine if he moved near the trail and pulled every hiker he saw back to the ol' garage. That's where I'm at. Soooo gooooood!
Let me tell you a little bit about the last few miles. We started up at the wind farm between Tehachapi and Mojave, CA. Man! They put those windmills in the right place! After trudging through the stiff 40 MPH breeze to the top of the ridge we dropped down in the Mojave. Yeah! The desert! It's brutal out here. Brutally pleasant! No one told me it was going to be 75 with a cool breeze in the dry, desolate, valley floor. Rough living I tell you. We dropped down to the LA aquaduct which amounted to a long flat road walk either on dirt, or the sidewalk (ie cement aquaduct) if you prefer. At one point you get to walk on the big ol' pipe with all of LA's water rushing under you. Headed Southbound (SoBo) that 18 mile stretch landed us at HikerTown. Another trail angel! Like it said... rough living in the desert. As far as I know, the story is that a wealthy set designer from LA bought up this property and took some of his collection (old rolls royce, full on frontier town main street set, celebrity photos, antiques, cats, dogs, chickens, a boat, a few RVs...) and put it all together to build a hiker oasis with lots of character. Crashed there for the night and got a ride from the caretaker Bob to get some snacks before moving on. Ran into some nice folks (read christian camp/retreat center) at Sawmill campground who cooked us some good food and sent us off with a 1 lb bar of chocolate each! May the calories be with you! 12 miles downhill to the road and the Andersons' were on their way to pick us up and roll us straight to the best greasy spoon in town - chicken fried steak, great potatos, biscuits and gravy, eggs, the whole 9. Then it's back to the party zone and you can sort out the rest. Today we'll drive back to Tehachapi to find our friends and get back on the trail. Next party's in Kennedy Meadows. Apparently Sprinkles' grandma is bringing the ol' RV and never travels without a full bar. I suppose you meet people with similar interests wherever you go! But that's another town and 7 days away. Plenty of time to sober up.
Just a little more desert and then it's snow time! Can't wait to get out there. Thanks for all the comments. I love to hear the reactions. Let me know what you wanna hear about too. I have my own journal to keep track of my trip. This blog is for you guys. Anyway, catch ya'll next time!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Marathons, My Lady, and Magic in the Mountains - mile 487
OK. So it's been a while since my last post. Let me see if I can bring you up to speed. Man a lot has happened in the last 2 weeks!
I got the feet all fixed up in Big Bear to the point where I could walk well with a little moleskin and some tape. It would take about 10 days to get my pads back to a solid state but from Big Bear on they only got better. I took a little look at maps and decided I'd have to boot scoot ahead of my crowd to go see about a lady in Agua Dulce in two Saturdays. The big plan was to be able to meet Leigh at the trail angels' house there (the Saufleys) and then take a couple days off the trail with her so that when I got back on, the folks I'd been traveling with would have caught up and we could all continue on happily together. In order to get it done I started stringing marathon days together. A 25 mile pace would get me to Wrightwood in 4 days (and land me at the McDonalds at I-15 for dinnertime the day before town). Suddenly walking became athletic - days were filled with strategies, mile markers, timed intervals. The goal was to get around 15 miles done between 6am and 1pm so that I could take a couple hours off the trail (after the foot fiasco I decided never again to walk between 1 and 3) and then knock out the last ten in the afternoon. A whole new style of walking. Here are the pros:
-getting places FAST
-feeling like miles are blowing by
-sense of accomplishment
Here are the cons:
-feeling like I have a schedule
-keeping my head down and not looking around
-not seeing many folks
-being in a rush: I ain't just walking anymore
-missing out on stuff - skipped the hot spring I later discovered a good friend of mine from CT was hanging at
That all being said I wanted to meet my lady and whether I liked it or not I was motivated to get the 200 miles or so between Big Bear and where we'd meet done quick. I did a quick one day in and out in Wrightwood to take care of my restock and rocket out of town to get the last 90 miles or so done and done. Along the way I ran into a buddy Roadrunner who felt like moving quick and we all partnered up on our way to Wrightwood. Traveling with someone helped the ol' motivation and we were in Ague Dulce a half day before planned.
Alright that brings us to trail angel house numero uno - the Saufleys. I rolled up around noon on FRIDAY and within minutes my laundry was getting done, I got my shower in, and I was hanging with fellow hikers drinking my beers and hanging out with hikers trying not to anxiously await my lady's arrival. The Saufleys themselves were out of town but a team of four or five regional trail angels were running the show - taking care of laundry, running a full on post office, keeping the place clean, making runs to the trail and into town. The place was run like a well oiled machine. Judging by the canvas tents in the yard alone FEMA could take a few tips from these folks on keeping the homeless and underfed happy.
Around 3 Leigh showed up and we both realized that home was just an hour and a half's drive away. After walking for a month to get there it was hard to imagine being so close to home. We hopped in the car and cruised out hitting up the REI on the way. After moving at a walking pace for so long driving was FUN. Got home and enjoyed a couple days of loving, eating, productivity (organized mail drops, sewed a stuff sack, bought new shoes, put my soaked camera in for repairs...) hanging with the cat, and more eating. On Sunday we went back to the Saufleys so I could show off my Lady to my new found friends and find a funny motel outside of town to crash at before hitting the trail in the morning.
Leigh and I said our goodbyes and it was back on the trail reunited with my hiker friends and with a days walk to trail angel house numero dos - Casa De Luna: the Andersons. For those of us that were anxious to start drinking beer, their cache 8 miles before the road was well appreciated. If the Saufleys is on the business side of thru hiking (laundry, mail, showers, trail updates, etc.) the Andersons bring the party. This place is hotel california at its best. The beers are flowing, the food comes in quantity, the rules are few, and the shinanigans are endless (missed out on the chocolate syrup wrestling this year). Those who arrive are quickly confronted with a hug and a cold one. You can check out anytime you like - but you will never leave. Some folks get sucked in big time to the fun-at-all-hours lifestyle and wind up spending weeks here. As long as you pick up your empties, let the new folks eat first, and contribute to the good times you're welcome to stay as long as you like. On night one someone handed me a guitar and Mr. F-in Gentle Spririt pulled out his band in a box - drums, trumpet, harmonic... we were jammin all night long. The sing alongs were many around the fire and the next morning the taste of beer in my mouth told me I wouldn't be leaving anytime that day atleast. We put 8 miles on the trail that day doing a little slackpacking - when you unload your pack and get a ride up the trail so you can walk back with whatever you need for the day. I put 4 beers, 2 quarts of water, a snickers, and my first aid kit in a transformers backpack that was kicking around and we were on our way. It was a joyous stroll and we were psyched to land back at the casa for round two - a new crew of hikers and the party's on. That was last night. The sing along continued Bohemain Rapsodie being a big hit. Made some plans to leave (Terry Anderson wasn't fooled for a second - "yeah yeah... you're not going anywhere"). She was right. It's night three now and the crowd has only grown. Tonights gonna be a big one. Tomorrow we'll move on... atleast that's what we're saying. No rush to get to the Sierras... the snow's still gonna be there. I think we'll atleast get on the trail though. Plus we're already 8 miles down the road with our slacking around.
I hear the rucus getting on outside and I'm anxious to join up. It's only a couple more weeks to the Sierras! Snow time baby! I'm psyched to get up there and make it happen. The stories will abound. First we have a little more desert and a walk along the LA aquaduct. The trip continues...
I got the feet all fixed up in Big Bear to the point where I could walk well with a little moleskin and some tape. It would take about 10 days to get my pads back to a solid state but from Big Bear on they only got better. I took a little look at maps and decided I'd have to boot scoot ahead of my crowd to go see about a lady in Agua Dulce in two Saturdays. The big plan was to be able to meet Leigh at the trail angels' house there (the Saufleys) and then take a couple days off the trail with her so that when I got back on, the folks I'd been traveling with would have caught up and we could all continue on happily together. In order to get it done I started stringing marathon days together. A 25 mile pace would get me to Wrightwood in 4 days (and land me at the McDonalds at I-15 for dinnertime the day before town). Suddenly walking became athletic - days were filled with strategies, mile markers, timed intervals. The goal was to get around 15 miles done between 6am and 1pm so that I could take a couple hours off the trail (after the foot fiasco I decided never again to walk between 1 and 3) and then knock out the last ten in the afternoon. A whole new style of walking. Here are the pros:
-getting places FAST
-feeling like miles are blowing by
-sense of accomplishment
Here are the cons:
-feeling like I have a schedule
-keeping my head down and not looking around
-not seeing many folks
-being in a rush: I ain't just walking anymore
-missing out on stuff - skipped the hot spring I later discovered a good friend of mine from CT was hanging at
That all being said I wanted to meet my lady and whether I liked it or not I was motivated to get the 200 miles or so between Big Bear and where we'd meet done quick. I did a quick one day in and out in Wrightwood to take care of my restock and rocket out of town to get the last 90 miles or so done and done. Along the way I ran into a buddy Roadrunner who felt like moving quick and we all partnered up on our way to Wrightwood. Traveling with someone helped the ol' motivation and we were in Ague Dulce a half day before planned.
Alright that brings us to trail angel house numero uno - the Saufleys. I rolled up around noon on FRIDAY and within minutes my laundry was getting done, I got my shower in, and I was hanging with fellow hikers drinking my beers and hanging out with hikers trying not to anxiously await my lady's arrival. The Saufleys themselves were out of town but a team of four or five regional trail angels were running the show - taking care of laundry, running a full on post office, keeping the place clean, making runs to the trail and into town. The place was run like a well oiled machine. Judging by the canvas tents in the yard alone FEMA could take a few tips from these folks on keeping the homeless and underfed happy.
Around 3 Leigh showed up and we both realized that home was just an hour and a half's drive away. After walking for a month to get there it was hard to imagine being so close to home. We hopped in the car and cruised out hitting up the REI on the way. After moving at a walking pace for so long driving was FUN. Got home and enjoyed a couple days of loving, eating, productivity (organized mail drops, sewed a stuff sack, bought new shoes, put my soaked camera in for repairs...) hanging with the cat, and more eating. On Sunday we went back to the Saufleys so I could show off my Lady to my new found friends and find a funny motel outside of town to crash at before hitting the trail in the morning.
Leigh and I said our goodbyes and it was back on the trail reunited with my hiker friends and with a days walk to trail angel house numero dos - Casa De Luna: the Andersons. For those of us that were anxious to start drinking beer, their cache 8 miles before the road was well appreciated. If the Saufleys is on the business side of thru hiking (laundry, mail, showers, trail updates, etc.) the Andersons bring the party. This place is hotel california at its best. The beers are flowing, the food comes in quantity, the rules are few, and the shinanigans are endless (missed out on the chocolate syrup wrestling this year). Those who arrive are quickly confronted with a hug and a cold one. You can check out anytime you like - but you will never leave. Some folks get sucked in big time to the fun-at-all-hours lifestyle and wind up spending weeks here. As long as you pick up your empties, let the new folks eat first, and contribute to the good times you're welcome to stay as long as you like. On night one someone handed me a guitar and Mr. F-in Gentle Spririt pulled out his band in a box - drums, trumpet, harmonic... we were jammin all night long. The sing alongs were many around the fire and the next morning the taste of beer in my mouth told me I wouldn't be leaving anytime that day atleast. We put 8 miles on the trail that day doing a little slackpacking - when you unload your pack and get a ride up the trail so you can walk back with whatever you need for the day. I put 4 beers, 2 quarts of water, a snickers, and my first aid kit in a transformers backpack that was kicking around and we were on our way. It was a joyous stroll and we were psyched to land back at the casa for round two - a new crew of hikers and the party's on. That was last night. The sing along continued Bohemain Rapsodie being a big hit. Made some plans to leave (Terry Anderson wasn't fooled for a second - "yeah yeah... you're not going anywhere"). She was right. It's night three now and the crowd has only grown. Tonights gonna be a big one. Tomorrow we'll move on... atleast that's what we're saying. No rush to get to the Sierras... the snow's still gonna be there. I think we'll atleast get on the trail though. Plus we're already 8 miles down the road with our slacking around.
I hear the rucus getting on outside and I'm anxious to join up. It's only a couple more weeks to the Sierras! Snow time baby! I'm psyched to get up there and make it happen. The stories will abound. First we have a little more desert and a walk along the LA aquaduct. The trip continues...
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Found a Big Bear - mile 265
Alright! Made it to Big Bear Lake (Big Bear City). The last week has been a wild one. Started off the section by taking a little loop off the trail to hit up Mt. San Jacinto. This snow covered volcano was our first test at snow travel and navigation. The trail to the top was easy enough to follow but the way down was a good game of point and shoot. The view from the top looking over Palm Springs, I-10, San Gorgonio, and the desert we came out of was icing on top of our big ol' adventure cake. We were the only crowd that went for the peak that day and we all came down the got over fuller ridge with the sense of accomplishment floating us over the last snowy sections.
The next day was a learning experience! We all had about 15 miles of sun scorched hillside to get down to drop 6,500 feet into the windswept valley just outside of Cabazon, CA. I got stubborn and wanted to get down that thing as quick as possible and wound up pushing it in the hottest part of the day. By the end of day my feet looked like I'd put them through the toaster - three big ol' blisters right on the bottom of both feet and the rest red and tender. Bad idea! The rest of my crew pushed through the windy valley and slept under I-10 (where they found beers, burgers, and a crowd of hurtin' hikers). I decided to tuck in close to the ridge to try to get out of the wind (we all found out they have big windfarms there for a reason) and nursed my feet a little bit. The last 4 days of the section involved a lot of hobbling around (it's called the "hiker hobble" around here). My ankles are a little upset from tiptoeing around the trail trying to stay off the sore spots but I was still able to push a couple of 20 mile days. A slow pace had me arriving into camp after dark but with some cabins built at one camp and a quick hitch at rt. 18 into town both days were well worth it. Now that I'm in town I'm doing Epson soaks and lots of rest to get the pads back in shape. It's working out well.
Folks are freaking out because we're getting a little weather out here. (I thought it never rained in SoCal!) Us east coasters are laughing all the way to the next town. A little sleet won't keep us inside!
A little shout-out to trail angels at whitewater preserve. Rolled into there a day after the foot roast and was psyched to see an ice cold wading pool and dogs, burgers, pasta salad, roasted chicken, THE WORKS thanks to Buck-30 and Kay.
OK! We're going to head out of town this afternoon but here's where I'll probably be in the coming couple of weeks and addresses you can reach me.
General Delivery, Wrightwood, CA 92397 5/23 <--- a little later than before so OK to send mail
c/o The Saufleys 11861 Darling rd., Agua Dulce, CA 91390
Remember to check out the how-to on mailing before sending anything. Talk to ya'll in a bit!
The next day was a learning experience! We all had about 15 miles of sun scorched hillside to get down to drop 6,500 feet into the windswept valley just outside of Cabazon, CA. I got stubborn and wanted to get down that thing as quick as possible and wound up pushing it in the hottest part of the day. By the end of day my feet looked like I'd put them through the toaster - three big ol' blisters right on the bottom of both feet and the rest red and tender. Bad idea! The rest of my crew pushed through the windy valley and slept under I-10 (where they found beers, burgers, and a crowd of hurtin' hikers). I decided to tuck in close to the ridge to try to get out of the wind (we all found out they have big windfarms there for a reason) and nursed my feet a little bit. The last 4 days of the section involved a lot of hobbling around (it's called the "hiker hobble" around here). My ankles are a little upset from tiptoeing around the trail trying to stay off the sore spots but I was still able to push a couple of 20 mile days. A slow pace had me arriving into camp after dark but with some cabins built at one camp and a quick hitch at rt. 18 into town both days were well worth it. Now that I'm in town I'm doing Epson soaks and lots of rest to get the pads back in shape. It's working out well.
Folks are freaking out because we're getting a little weather out here. (I thought it never rained in SoCal!) Us east coasters are laughing all the way to the next town. A little sleet won't keep us inside!
A little shout-out to trail angels at whitewater preserve. Rolled into there a day after the foot roast and was psyched to see an ice cold wading pool and dogs, burgers, pasta salad, roasted chicken, THE WORKS thanks to Buck-30 and Kay.
OK! We're going to head out of town this afternoon but here's where I'll probably be in the coming couple of weeks and addresses you can reach me.
General Delivery, Wrightwood, CA 92397 5/23 <--- a little later than before so OK to send mail
c/o The Saufleys 11861 Darling rd., Agua Dulce, CA 91390
Remember to check out the how-to on mailing before sending anything. Talk to ya'll in a bit!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Goin' Idyllwild!
Hey hey! Made it to mile 178! The past week has been a blast. I'm getting into the rhythm of the day - waking up at 5:30 and then hiking until I'm hungry, stopping for breakfast, and then going for 2 hour (about 5 mile) walks broken up by tons o' snacks to rack up something like 17 miles a day. The biggest day has been 24 miles so far. At the end of the day it's time for a quick meal, a few sentences in the journal (Today I hiked. It was fun. I'm tired.) and then it's in the bag and dead asleep by 8:30. Rinse (if you can find water) and repeat.
I've really enjoyed walking by myself. I zone out. Let my mind wander. It watch the miles roll by. Then I reconvene with some friends for a break or to camp out and go off on my own in the morning. In the last few days I've been hanging out with a real good group of folks that I hope to hang around with for a while - shoutout to Bubbles, New Homes, Seahorse, and Tiny Dancer to name a few. Welcome to the PCT circus. Funny names, strange smells, and funky food abound. It's good to be with a positive crowd especially with the weather we've had in the past few days - did a little climbing to about 8000 feet and were met with high winds and hail storms. A bunch of people waited out the weather but I was psyched to go right through it with some good people. We all stayed pretty dry and had sunshiny smiling faces on our way down the mountain. Best to hit the bar in town with a few good stories!
Today I took a "zero" and didn't hike at all. I've mostly spent my time eating food, drinking beers, and hanging with hikers with a few big spurts of productivity in between to get myself ready for the next leg. My itinerary still looks on point for Big Bear and whatever the next town is (wrightwood?). You can see that info here. Best email AND toss me a voicemail if you plan on sending anything out.
Tomorrow we head out for a first summit - Mt. San Jacinto with the intimidating Fuller Ridge leading up to it. People have been freaking out about high snow levels and slick conditions but I have the gear to make it happen. It's gonna be good adventure. Hopefully I'll be able to get some photos online sometime soon and show you all what I've been looking at - it's freakin' beautiful out here! Plus I have good photos of roadside beers and greasy spoons diners we happen to come upon at road crossings (man that french toast was good).
One last thing. Had my first real deal trail magic yesterday when we came upon a couple unsuspecting day hikers. We wound up heading the same way and by the end of the day these two fellas were feeding us beers and cheetos and giving us rides to town. Thanks to Brian and Lee for San Diego and LA for making the end of a long day a dream come true!
I've really enjoyed walking by myself. I zone out. Let my mind wander. It watch the miles roll by. Then I reconvene with some friends for a break or to camp out and go off on my own in the morning. In the last few days I've been hanging out with a real good group of folks that I hope to hang around with for a while - shoutout to Bubbles, New Homes, Seahorse, and Tiny Dancer to name a few. Welcome to the PCT circus. Funny names, strange smells, and funky food abound. It's good to be with a positive crowd especially with the weather we've had in the past few days - did a little climbing to about 8000 feet and were met with high winds and hail storms. A bunch of people waited out the weather but I was psyched to go right through it with some good people. We all stayed pretty dry and had sunshiny smiling faces on our way down the mountain. Best to hit the bar in town with a few good stories!
Today I took a "zero" and didn't hike at all. I've mostly spent my time eating food, drinking beers, and hanging with hikers with a few big spurts of productivity in between to get myself ready for the next leg. My itinerary still looks on point for Big Bear and whatever the next town is (wrightwood?). You can see that info here. Best email AND toss me a voicemail if you plan on sending anything out.
Tomorrow we head out for a first summit - Mt. San Jacinto with the intimidating Fuller Ridge leading up to it. People have been freaking out about high snow levels and slick conditions but I have the gear to make it happen. It's gonna be good adventure. Hopefully I'll be able to get some photos online sometime soon and show you all what I've been looking at - it's freakin' beautiful out here! Plus I have good photos of roadside beers and greasy spoons diners we happen to come upon at road crossings (man that french toast was good).
One last thing. Had my first real deal trail magic yesterday when we came upon a couple unsuspecting day hikers. We wound up heading the same way and by the end of the day these two fellas were feeding us beers and cheetos and giving us rides to town. Thanks to Brian and Lee for San Diego and LA for making the end of a long day a dream come true!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Mile 110: Angels, Parties, Names, and Magic
So I'm well into the desert. I got through a little nervous energy in the start but not without some silly results. Things I did while running around like a chicken with no head on aderall included: leaving my cell phone in a car, leaving my trekking poles in someones truck, dropping my camera in a stream at miles 2.5 (no the warranty does not cover submersion), and popping my precious water bag on one of the many spiky things in the desert. All maters were resolved and I'm again with phone, poles, camera and plenty of water storage but my forhead is still red from slapping it so many times. Unfortunately I can't get photos up at the moment but here are some big to-do's that went down in the first 110:
TRAIL ANGELS
**************
Trail Angels are total strangers that for one reason or another have taken it upon themselves to provide hikers with necessary services or totally unecessary luxury items as we trod north. Southern california is known specifically for having a high concentration of these beautiful people who set out to make what we all call "trail magic" happen. Examples have included:
-being picked up in san diego, fed, and driven to the trail ala scout and frodo
-given beer and snacks at almost every road crossing (don't worry there have only been 5 so far) ala D.O.T.
-provided over 200 of gallons of water in the middle of the desert at a crucial point in an otherwise 54 mile dry stretch ala Mulestomper
-one big ol' BBQ, campfire, and all around good party at mile 101 ala Princess
-ice tea and snacks just after eagle rock ala Hamburger Helper and Tabasco (people not the corporations)
And this shit as only started. In a couple days I'm expecting to walk up to a house that's hosting a home smoked chicken BBQ and then a few weeks after that we'll hit the famous trail angels the Saufleys and then the Andersons. By the time we hit the Sierras we're all going to be super spoiled and majorly dissapointed. But we're taking it all in while we can now. My favorite thing about these folks besides the effort and generosity they throw our way is how militant they are about making sure you get the best of whatever it is they have to offer. The other night I was trying to get a hot dog at the BBQ after a long 24 mile day and it was not happening until I got a cold beer, all the necessary utensils, and a seat by the fire first. I was pretty antsy to get my hands on that dog but I wasn't about to argue with orders!
Trail Names
**********
So everyone at one point or another is dubbed some name that will stick with them for the rest of the hike. It's a fun a carefree tradition that allows folks to go by a name that fits their character rather than there parents' naming inclinations. Some names are associated with a story, others by a common association, others just because someone said so. Once your given a name you have the option to turn it down for a better one but you better be quick about it because it'll travel fast along the trail before you have enough time to stomp it out. I got my name because I wore a funny hat to kickoff - my super sun resistant sombrero. Before long people thought of me as that guy with the sombrero or "mexico" but it wasn't until a funny discussion about lost passports near the border and sneaking by the patrol down in Campo that a Floridian by the name of Kilroy dubbed me "Pepe Lopez." Immediately everyone in the group was doubled over laughing so much so that I thought I missed the joke - some pop culture reference or atleast tequila brand. I was reluctant to accept at first. I really wanted a name that had a story behind it not just - I wore a sombrero to kickoff. But when I kept telling people my name I got the same reaction everytime - pure joy and laughter. I can't complain being surrounded by that and it's sure easy for people to remember me and pick me out even miles down the trail. No wonder I didn't see any sombreros at the border.
Alright. I'm getting antsy to hit the hot springs here at Warner Springs. So you know I'm having an awesome time. I love walking alone and getting through 20 mile days and reconvening with newfound friends along the trail at every water source and camp ground. I even started working on my harmonica playing and hope to be rocking out in no time. I wish you all well and hope you're having half the fun that I am. Until next time!
TRAIL ANGELS
**************
Trail Angels are total strangers that for one reason or another have taken it upon themselves to provide hikers with necessary services or totally unecessary luxury items as we trod north. Southern california is known specifically for having a high concentration of these beautiful people who set out to make what we all call "trail magic" happen. Examples have included:
-being picked up in san diego, fed, and driven to the trail ala scout and frodo
-given beer and snacks at almost every road crossing (don't worry there have only been 5 so far) ala D.O.T.
-provided over 200 of gallons of water in the middle of the desert at a crucial point in an otherwise 54 mile dry stretch ala Mulestomper
-one big ol' BBQ, campfire, and all around good party at mile 101 ala Princess
-ice tea and snacks just after eagle rock ala Hamburger Helper and Tabasco (people not the corporations)
And this shit as only started. In a couple days I'm expecting to walk up to a house that's hosting a home smoked chicken BBQ and then a few weeks after that we'll hit the famous trail angels the Saufleys and then the Andersons. By the time we hit the Sierras we're all going to be super spoiled and majorly dissapointed. But we're taking it all in while we can now. My favorite thing about these folks besides the effort and generosity they throw our way is how militant they are about making sure you get the best of whatever it is they have to offer. The other night I was trying to get a hot dog at the BBQ after a long 24 mile day and it was not happening until I got a cold beer, all the necessary utensils, and a seat by the fire first. I was pretty antsy to get my hands on that dog but I wasn't about to argue with orders!
Trail Names
**********
So everyone at one point or another is dubbed some name that will stick with them for the rest of the hike. It's a fun a carefree tradition that allows folks to go by a name that fits their character rather than there parents' naming inclinations. Some names are associated with a story, others by a common association, others just because someone said so. Once your given a name you have the option to turn it down for a better one but you better be quick about it because it'll travel fast along the trail before you have enough time to stomp it out. I got my name because I wore a funny hat to kickoff - my super sun resistant sombrero. Before long people thought of me as that guy with the sombrero or "mexico" but it wasn't until a funny discussion about lost passports near the border and sneaking by the patrol down in Campo that a Floridian by the name of Kilroy dubbed me "Pepe Lopez." Immediately everyone in the group was doubled over laughing so much so that I thought I missed the joke - some pop culture reference or atleast tequila brand. I was reluctant to accept at first. I really wanted a name that had a story behind it not just - I wore a sombrero to kickoff. But when I kept telling people my name I got the same reaction everytime - pure joy and laughter. I can't complain being surrounded by that and it's sure easy for people to remember me and pick me out even miles down the trail. No wonder I didn't see any sombreros at the border.
Alright. I'm getting antsy to hit the hot springs here at Warner Springs. So you know I'm having an awesome time. I love walking alone and getting through 20 mile days and reconvening with newfound friends along the trail at every water source and camp ground. I even started working on my harmonica playing and hope to be rocking out in no time. I wish you all well and hope you're having half the fun that I am. Until next time!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Scout and Frodo
Hey folks. Landed in San Diego and am already surrounded by a crowd of happy hikers. I met up with a few hikers who happened to be on the same train. We hit the curb and were swiftly swooped up by the van (where I promptly dropped my cell phone - to be retrieved tomorrow) taking us to Scout and Frodo's home base - a hiker haven ready to fulfill all of our needs. We were well fed, given internet access, provided maps and water information... these people are ON IT! Plenty of conversation and shared excitement have definitely helped me move through some of my jitters. I'm still antsy as all hell to hit the trail and the caravan of 12 cars to carry the 50 some odd people who are here to the trailhead takes off at 6 tomorrow morning. HURRAH! I'm psyched about the first steps and hoping to pound out 20 miles tomorrow for a crash landing at the kickoff party. I'll try to whip out the camera tomorrow but for now I'm way too overstimulated to stop and think about it. I haven't been this nervous and excited since my first day at high school. I'm sure this experience will be WAY more rewarding. I'll be lucky if I can get myself to sleep tonight but I'm sure as hell tomorrow night will be met with many zzzz's. Goodnight everyone!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
On my way!
My bags are packed. I'm ready to go. I'm standing here...
What do you mean there's no jetplane? Well shit. I guess I'll just hoof it.
I'm hopping on a train tomorrow morning to head down to San Diego where some nice folks - Scout and Frodo (no this is not an unfortunate coupling of people with equally unfortunate names... those are their trail names) are putting me up and driving me to the trail. Through some organizing emails I already found some fellow hikers who are gonna be on the same train. Holy shit we're everywhere! And we're swarming on SoCal. Then it's off to the ADZPCTKO2011 kickoff party for the weekend before really digging into the first section. Here are some spots I'll be along the way that you can send mail to if you'd like. Check out this post for the how-to on sending me stuff.
Idyllwild, CA 92549 ETA: 5/10
Big Bear City, CA 92314 ETA: 5/16
Wrightwood, CA 92397 ETA: 5/21 which is a Saturday and the post office will be closed til monday (ie. I want your mail but won't want to wait around 2 days for it). Call me/email before you send a package here to see if my itinerary's changed at all.
Well. That's all for now. I'm off to get some adventure, meet some good folks, stretch my legs, and see the sights. It's a mixture of disbelief, anticipation, sadness, and excitement that'll all come crashing into the first hurrah in these next few days. Always feel free to email me or leave a voicemail. I'll check both whenever I can. Lots of love!
What do you mean there's no jetplane? Well shit. I guess I'll just hoof it.
I'm hopping on a train tomorrow morning to head down to San Diego where some nice folks - Scout and Frodo (no this is not an unfortunate coupling of people with equally unfortunate names... those are their trail names) are putting me up and driving me to the trail. Through some organizing emails I already found some fellow hikers who are gonna be on the same train. Holy shit we're everywhere! And we're swarming on SoCal. Then it's off to the ADZPCTKO2011 kickoff party for the weekend before really digging into the first section. Here are some spots I'll be along the way that you can send mail to if you'd like. Check out this post for the how-to on sending me stuff.
Idyllwild, CA 92549 ETA: 5/10
Big Bear City, CA 92314 ETA: 5/16
Wrightwood, CA 92397 ETA: 5/21 which is a Saturday and the post office will be closed til monday (ie. I want your mail but won't want to wait around 2 days for it). Call me/email before you send a package here to see if my itinerary's changed at all.
Well. That's all for now. I'm off to get some adventure, meet some good folks, stretch my legs, and see the sights. It's a mixture of disbelief, anticipation, sadness, and excitement that'll all come crashing into the first hurrah in these next few days. Always feel free to email me or leave a voicemail. I'll check both whenever I can. Lots of love!
Maildrops: a how-to
Sweet! So I'm about to head off. Here is the official info on how to mail me stuff along the trail. First the logistical nitty gritty:
Most of the places I'll grab boxes from are post offices (as opposed to businesses or UPS centers). If you're shipping me something in a box via a post office ALWAYS send it Priority Mail. It'll only take 5 days tops to get there and it won't get lost. If you're sending me a letter you can send it by regular first class. As I go I'll list towns that I'll be stopping into and when I'll be there. My plans are always a rough estimate so best to have it arrive a few days before my actual ETA. The post office will hold packages for about 2 weeks from the listed ETA. Here's how to address it:
My Name (unless you've made other hiking friends who are more important to you)
General Delivery
Town, State Zip Code
THEN on the bottom left corner of the box write "Hold for PCT hiker ETA: date"
Things to consider:
-if you send me a package to a USPS general delivery address via UPS I won't get it!
-if you send me a package and require a signature I won't get it!
-if you send me a package via first class or parcel post most likely, I won't get it!
Sometimes I'll pick stuff up at businesses that only accept UPS. I'll note these spots as I go. Here's how to address those:
My Name
c/o name of business
complete address
town, state zip
"Hold for PCT hiker ETA: date"
SURPRISES ARE FUN WHEN YOU CAN FIND THEM!!
As much as I love a good surprise, if I don't know your box is coming then I'm not going to look for it (and may not even stop at that post office). Please email me or leave a voice mail at least a week before I get there letting me know what to look for and where.
Imagine a sea of boxes. Now imagine finding the little one that Mom said would be there filled with your favorite cookies. Now imagine not being able to look for that box but having to direct an overworked and underpayed government employee. SHIT! Please, LABEL YOUR BOXES WELL. Write my name all over it or cover it in glitter glue or reuse that cheesy gift box that you got last x-mas. Whatever it is, just make it obvious and tell me about all the flare so I can help out the nice folks behind the counter.
Phew! Never thought is was going to be that tricky eh? Here's a little bit on what (not) to send me:
OK. So I'm gonna be in the woods (or desert or mountains) with everything I own on my back. Thus whatever you send me I either need to consume immediately, bring along for the ride, mail home, or trash. Here are some examples:
My sis sent me homemade fruit and nut bars... NICE! Eatin' some now and saving the rest for later!
My old college buddy sent me 2 liters of whiskey... taking a celebratory slug, passing it around, and then dramatically sobbing while I drain the rest into the gutter.
My family friend sent me a full sized photo album of that time I visited last spring... cursing while I wait in line and spend the 10 bucks to send it home
My brother sent me a couple small photos of my nieces and nephews... taking them along for the ride.
You get the idea. Trail snacks are always welcome and letters always appreciated.
That's all. Later today I'll write a send off post and list my first town or two. Thanks in advanced for all the support, love, and presents that may come my way!
Most of the places I'll grab boxes from are post offices (as opposed to businesses or UPS centers). If you're shipping me something in a box via a post office ALWAYS send it Priority Mail. It'll only take 5 days tops to get there and it won't get lost. If you're sending me a letter you can send it by regular first class. As I go I'll list towns that I'll be stopping into and when I'll be there. My plans are always a rough estimate so best to have it arrive a few days before my actual ETA. The post office will hold packages for about 2 weeks from the listed ETA. Here's how to address it:
My Name (unless you've made other hiking friends who are more important to you)
General Delivery
Town, State Zip Code
THEN on the bottom left corner of the box write "Hold for PCT hiker ETA: date"
Things to consider:
-if you send me a package to a USPS general delivery address via UPS I won't get it!
-if you send me a package and require a signature I won't get it!
-if you send me a package via first class or parcel post most likely, I won't get it!
Sometimes I'll pick stuff up at businesses that only accept UPS. I'll note these spots as I go. Here's how to address those:
My Name
c/o name of business
complete address
town, state zip
"Hold for PCT hiker ETA: date"
SURPRISES ARE FUN WHEN YOU CAN FIND THEM!!
As much as I love a good surprise, if I don't know your box is coming then I'm not going to look for it (and may not even stop at that post office). Please email me or leave a voice mail at least a week before I get there letting me know what to look for and where.
Imagine a sea of boxes. Now imagine finding the little one that Mom said would be there filled with your favorite cookies. Now imagine not being able to look for that box but having to direct an overworked and underpayed government employee. SHIT! Please, LABEL YOUR BOXES WELL. Write my name all over it or cover it in glitter glue or reuse that cheesy gift box that you got last x-mas. Whatever it is, just make it obvious and tell me about all the flare so I can help out the nice folks behind the counter.
Phew! Never thought is was going to be that tricky eh? Here's a little bit on what (not) to send me:
OK. So I'm gonna be in the woods (or desert or mountains) with everything I own on my back. Thus whatever you send me I either need to consume immediately, bring along for the ride, mail home, or trash. Here are some examples:
My sis sent me homemade fruit and nut bars... NICE! Eatin' some now and saving the rest for later!
My old college buddy sent me 2 liters of whiskey... taking a celebratory slug, passing it around, and then dramatically sobbing while I drain the rest into the gutter.
My family friend sent me a full sized photo album of that time I visited last spring... cursing while I wait in line and spend the 10 bucks to send it home
My brother sent me a couple small photos of my nieces and nephews... taking them along for the ride.
You get the idea. Trail snacks are always welcome and letters always appreciated.
That's all. Later today I'll write a send off post and list my first town or two. Thanks in advanced for all the support, love, and presents that may come my way!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Eastern Sierra Adventure Time
Just got back from some weekend hoopla in the eastern Sierra with our lovely guide Greta, Leigh, and NEW FRIENDS Bridget and Bri. We camped, we climbed, we gorged ourselves on the views of the mountains and desert and did a lot of fiddling with my new camera. Check it out!
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| Leigh showing us what the high-step is all about |
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| The Love, the Ride, and the Mountains. Yes! |
  Thanks for the catch Greta! Night 2 - we shuffled up to Bishop, CA and found a sweet spot to camp on Buttermilk rd. The next day Bri and I did a little walkabout and got to see what the desert/rock/mountain landscape was all about.        Bri taking it all in |
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Catchup
OK! Here's the skinny on what's been going on during my unemployed months outside Santa Barbara while I wait for my hike to begin. It's gonna be a big one but I know that TOGETHER we can do this...
PIMP MY BOOKS
**********************
The first thing I did when I moved out to where Leigh was already living, in sunny Goleta, CA was build a bookshelf to accomodate the piles of books that had accumulated around the house. The deal was that if the bookshelf could hold all of her books, then the desk was mine. HA! Mission accomplished (until Leigh bought more books).
I got a little bored after the bookshelf was done but luckily our friend Leva was looking to do a little home improvement herself and brought me onboard. When all was said and done I painted a couple of rooms, built a brick "wall" and sanded and refinished some furniture.
PIMP MY TENT
*********************
Meanwhile, I've been getting ready for my big hike on the PCT which has involved a lot of gear shopping, trial hikes, physical conditioning, trail research, and SEWING! Yes, I've been sucked into the light and fast movement enough to dust off Leigh's grandmother's old Singer and give gear production a shot. The biggest endeavor has been a bug bivy I modeled off of MLD's Serenity Shelter. This being my first attempt at flat-felled seams, zipper installment, and slippery plastic fabrics, the sewing on the bivy is nothing short of sloppy... but I think it'll hold. Here are some shots of the bivy combined with the tarp my folks got me from Oware for my b-day (thanks Mom and Dad).
PIMP MY BOOKS
**********************
The first thing I did when I moved out to where Leigh was already living, in sunny Goleta, CA was build a bookshelf to accomodate the piles of books that had accumulated around the house. The deal was that if the bookshelf could hold all of her books, then the desk was mine. HA! Mission accomplished (until Leigh bought more books).
PIMP MY FAMILY-STYLE CONDO
***************************************
I got a little bored after the bookshelf was done but luckily our friend Leva was looking to do a little home improvement herself and brought me onboard. When all was said and done I painted a couple of rooms, built a brick "wall" and sanded and refinished some furniture.
*********************
Meanwhile, I've been getting ready for my big hike on the PCT which has involved a lot of gear shopping, trial hikes, physical conditioning, trail research, and SEWING! Yes, I've been sucked into the light and fast movement enough to dust off Leigh's grandmother's old Singer and give gear production a shot. The biggest endeavor has been a bug bivy I modeled off of MLD's Serenity Shelter. This being my first attempt at flat-felled seams, zipper installment, and slippery plastic fabrics, the sewing on the bivy is nothing short of sloppy... but I think it'll hold. Here are some shots of the bivy combined with the tarp my folks got me from Oware for my b-day (thanks Mom and Dad).
That's the lovely Lady Leigh trying out my new home. I also put together a silnylon drysac with a roll-top closure that I'm pretty psyched about:
PIMP MY PATIO
*********************
Leigh's been rocking out on our little patio space - putting in raised beds for veggies, planting flower boxes, and getting a herb gardens started. My only additions have been the platform I pulled out of my old home (ie. car), a chair back to make it look like it belonged, and a new Meyer Lemon Tree I've been promising Leigh since New Years.
CLIMB TIME
*******************
Part of my "rigorous training" has been to get as much time at the climbing gym as possible - the idea being that the more climbing muscles I can develop, the more I'll have when I get back after they've all atrophied during my hike. I've mostly been climbing inside, but while Leigh's cousin Megan was here we all went out with a friend Heather to Gibraltar rock up in the hills.
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| Heather rocking out |
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| Leigh climbing way higher than she's ever decided to before! |
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| Megan starting her climb. |
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| Gibraltar |
HIKING TRYOUTS
************************
Every couple of weeks or so I've been trying to hit the trails to get a feel for my new set-up and in general the next 5 months of my life. Here are some shots from a hike through Blue Canyon just north of Santa Barbara.
THE DAY TO DAY
************************
Other than the projects and adventures my days have been filled with playing with the cat, biking around town, and enjoying sunsets on the beach with Leigh. Not bad for an otherwise purposeless existence. It sure as hell ain't Indiana. One night Leigh and I got super crazy and whipped out the fancy bubbly my folks regifted us to motivate one shnazy sunset picnic.
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| This is with red-eye correction. It's the evil inside him |
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| Here's part of the view from our sunset spot |
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