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!
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