Category: Ultralight backpacking

Mile 369.4 Wrightwood to mile 444.0 Acton KOA

23 May 2015

Mile 369.4 Wrightwood to mile 444.0 Acton KOA

Day: 18
Lazy half day in Wrightwood.
Day Eighteen: 20 May 2015
Start: HM 369.4
End: HM 384 Little Jimmy Campground
GPS Point: 34.347283, -117.830514
Day Total: 14.6 miles
Water at Wrightwood mile 369.4, mile 383.7 Little Jimmy Spring
I got to sleep in this morning. Which I thoroughly enjoyed. Betsy washed out clothes up this morning, we organized packs, ate breakfast, and then had Betsy drop us off in town. The post office and hardware store are next to each other and we picked up our packages, organized food, and ended up spending the whole morning in town. We hitched a ride back to Inspiration Point and were hiking just after 11:30 AM.
The first part was an easy four miles to the base of Mount Baden-Powell. There is some Boy Scout history going on here. —-Repeat map description— we took the short detour to the top. What a view! If the sky had been clearer, we supposedly could have seen Catalina Island off L.A. And into the Mojave Desert the opposite way. Pretty incredible. And there was this 1,500 year old tree right before the summit. So amazing!
Knowing today would be short, we stopped early after only around 14 miles. There are a lot of PCT’ers camped here. It is the last point right before the Endangered Species Detour. There are several detour options and my group is still in debate. I was planning to take this detour. It will essentially become official PCT trail and the alternate is supposed to be beautiful. The only issue is it being not well maintained. But this is not like the fire detours where we are road walking. It is real trail. The only issue being it is 20.5 alternate miles for a skipped 10 PCT miles. So many people are opting for the shorter alternate of 4.9 miles to skip 4.5 PCT miles. I thought we were planning the long route, I bought an extra day’s food. But today we started talk of the shorter option. Brandon has tendinitis. Ben wants the full alternate. This may be our breaking off point. The group dynamics break down when we want different things.
Langston decided he wanted a fire tonight. Which was accomplished. This campground has history, it has these old Forest Service ovens built out of brick and iron. Each of the four camp spots have three ovens. And there are two outhouse buildings with two pit toilets each. This camp site is so well established that apparently bears know to come here. Which is somewhat crazy. We all hung our food is the outhouse on the rafter beam. Some shoved theirs into the ovens. Hopefully this is all just precaution. The night will be chilly so it is unlikely we will hear a bear while bundled up tightly in our bags.
People I remember from today are Splob at Mountain Hardware, Sled Dog and his dog Oakley from the cafe and water cache point, a married couple from the top of Baden-Powell, several others from the camp, and an L.A. couple who happened to be out on an overnight trip. They made the fire with Hot Sauce and hung out with us. Good conversation. Ben and Brandon went to bed early and we never concluded our alternate route plan.
Day: 19
Failing at alternates.
Day Nineteen: 21 May 2015
Start: HM 384
End: HM 407.1 Sulphur Springs Camp
GPS Point: 34.370081, -117.995515
Day Total: 23.9 miles
Water at 383.7 Little Jimmy Spring, 394.3 Cooper Creek at Burkhart Trail, 407.1 Sulphur Springs Camp
So the idea was that Brandon would take the shorter alternate and the rest of us would take the long alternate for the Endangered Species Detour. Except I don’t navigate off my phone and thought the long alternate would begin from the PCT trail. Instead I got a few miles into the wrong path and decided that I would just keep going. I am undetermined on whether coincidences happen so took the mess up as reason to move on. I actually ended up sitting at a river for two hours contemplating on what to do. Brandon showed up, explained that the other guys had turned back and made it to the correct alternate. His plan was to continue for at least twenty miles. I decided that I would just move forward too. I likely could have made a good distance today, but I’m glad I will at least be able to consciously part with Brandon to pass goodbyes onto the others. Otherwise it would have just been me never showing up again. Thus I am camped in the same camp as Brandon, and six others, but tomorrow I will kick off to get as close to the Acton KOA as possible. Brandon will likely go around 20 miles again and the others will have a chance to catch up. I may give time for them to catch me too. I need to take care of some business that requires an outlet and wifi at the KOA or in Agua Dulce.
Taken from Halfmile’s map info: “The once thriving Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog is now nearly extinct. To protect the frog, the PCT has been closed for several years from Eagles Roost [mile 390.3] to the Burkhart trail junction [mile 394]. …For more information about the Mountain yellow-legged frog see: www.mylfrog.info.”
Today’s terrain was surprisingly easy. I feel like I could have gone a long time further had there been more daylight hours. It was cold all day. I think my body functions more efficiently while cold. When hot, it wants to shut down. It must be a combination of slower metabolism, need for warmth, and less water loss. Regardless, I sort of wish I had tried to go on today instead of doubting moving on alone. Since I was on my own agenda, I took more breaks and moved faster overall. Anyways, our camp area is nicely coved off and low in elevation. Brandon and I had stopped right where the trail camp is, so funny. We setup camp in the horse area while the South Korean man, Kay, with my same shoes, walked up and asked why we weren’t at the camp area. There was good water too, unlike the tadpole filled, stagnant pools we had just filled up from. Kay was with Smiles for Miles, there was an older gentleman already at the campground who has just gotten back on trail from an injury, and met the the Baden-Powell couple and another guy from last night’s camp. Glad we moved over to the proper camp area. There were tables and pit toilets. I haven’t peed outside once today with all the pit toilets the trail crossed today. Sort of crazy.
Day: 20
PCTA Trail Gorillas and PDB.
Day Twenty: 22 May 2015
Start: HM 407.1
End: HM 436 North Fork Ranger Station
GPS Point: 34.387541, -118.252285
Day Total: 28.9 miles
Water at mile 418.8 Mill Creek Ranger Station
What a mentally taxing day! I started off well. The camp last night was so quiet and protected from wind. I slept amazingly. Also slept in! Left camp at 8:30 and quickly made my to the Mill Creek Ranger Station. Just before the station I ran into a group of four PCTA Trail Gorillas working away at maintaining the trail. These people have been tirelessly working away four five years at getting the 400-440 section back into shape after a fire that went through there. Most notably the trail had become completely overgrown by this plant called Poodle Dog Bush, fondly shortened to PDB among hikers, that has little hairs all over it. These hairs can cause an allergic response just like poison oak or ivy. Very serious stuff. And the 400-440 section used to be a death zone. But this year the trail is completely open. There is still PDB from miles 403 to 436 everywhere around the trail but avoidable. I think most people are still taking the road walk that bypasses this section. Despite being avoidable, it does require you to pay attention and dodge a few areas. I was mentally exhausted from watching everywhere I placed a foot, elbow, or pack strap. The best part being that it can take anywhere from a day to two weeks for the response to show up. Joy! Then, right as you are about to reach the North Fork Ranger Station (approximately mile 433), there is poison oak everywhere! It was just before 6:30 PM when I showed up to camp. Only eight miles to the KOA but I couldn’t take anymore. I can’t be sure yet, but I feel like I must have touched either the PDB or poison oak. Hopefully a shower, pool soak, and laundry tomorrow will be all I need.
I am actually glad I stopped. There are lots of people camped here. At least eight camped up top in the wind, and seven more down by the horse corrals where I am. There is a group of four: Redwood, Galaxy, Dragonfly, and Breeze, At Home, a guy I passed on trail who has a bad ankle, and Brandon made it. Plus there were many people that I passed on trail who didn’t make it here. Notably, Cool Kay, Jobs and Siesta, Van Gogh and Tortoise, Drift, Tumbleweed and her boyfriend, and others. I saw at least twenty names down for today at the 419 trail register, so I am positive some must have reached the Acton KOA.
Speaking of which, I am in somewhat of a pickle. The KOA is only eight miles away. I will stop and do some chores and get my resupply. But now I am curious if I should continue past Agua Dulce, a mere 12 miles past the KOA. That would be a 20 mile day and productive. I need to do a few hours of computer things with wifi connection and an outlet. I will talk to Brandon tomorrow. Seems like he is willing to keep up. His foot must be feeling better. I do like the idea of pushing forward. Maybe seeing how many days I can take longer miles. I also am tempted by the idea of soaking in the KOA hot tub and having pizza delivered… Oh Southern California, so many distractions and temptations.
Alright I sat around chatting with At Home and Redwood way too long. Falling asleep now.
Day: 21
Distractions in Southern California.
Day Twenty-one: 23 May 2015
Start: HM 436
End: HM 444 Acton KOA
GPS Point: 34.438362, -118.272114
Day Total: 8 miles
Water at mile 436 North Fork Ranger Station.
Great time last night at camp with new people. Word on the trail is that the main herd is within the next two hundred miles. I am not prepared for so many people, but also excited to meet new people. And the two days of trial for breaking away from the guys was a good experience. I feel less pressure while hiking on my own agenda. And I make way better time. I will continue on at my own pace and maybe the crew will stay together, but I am satisfied if we become more fluctuant on speeds and mileage.
So many people today! Drift made it to the KOA last night. Then Coppertone (Vic Hansen) was at the parking lot right before the KOA turnoff. What better than some early AM trail magic! We saw him with ours and ice cream about five days back. I sat with him and Galaxy, Redwood, and Dragonfly for about an hour before Brandon and At Home turned up. Then more from last night’s camp turned up so we continued the last 1/4 mile to the KOA. Right as we were walking in, I spotted Ben. He developed some terrible shin splints during the long alternate and got a ride this morning with the Acton trail angel, Mary, from the Mill Creek Ranger Station to the KOA. He is pretty upset about being hurt. Hopefully with rest today he will be back at full speed tomorrow. Also found Jackson at the KOA. He didn’t resupply in Wrightwood and ran out of food, so pulled a 24 hour day to hike 50 some miles into the KOA. Pretty intense! Ben said Hot Sauce and Mike (the Kiwi) should get into the KOA tonight.
En route to the KOA this morning I decided I would take a Nero. I needed to do some computer stuff. Much to my surprise when I found out the KOA had broken down wifi and it is Memorial Weekend so a million people are camped there tonight. That equals zero access to the hot tub. Somewhat regretting not hiking on to Agua Dulce. I just wasn’t prepared to do 14 more miles and spend a good chunk of time on the Internet. In a grumpy mood, I feel like all I get is a shower and washed clothes. Which isn’t a small thing, but also not the whole package I was hoping for. Then, with the intention of finding Internet, because not only does the KOA not have wifi but also has zero service, I blundered on hitching to Acton the town. Two car rides and several walking spurts later, I am on the southern side of town at the 49ers Bar and Grill. I needed to be on the north end, two miles away, but cut my losses. I ate a cheeseburger, guacamole and salsa with chips, and several beers. I am feeling less disgruntled but wary of how I will hitch back to the KOA as the day progresses. That said, it is clearly not the end of the day, but I am ending this entry early so I can continue onto other internet chores.

Mile 266.0 Big Bear Lake to 369.4 Wrightwood

23 May 2015

Mile 266.0 Big Bear Lake to 369.4 Wrightwood

Day: 14
Back on trail!
Day Fourteen: 16 May 2015
Start: HM 266.0 Big Bear Lake
End: HM 294.6 Bench Trail Camp
GPS Point: 34.278131, -117.083007
Day Total: 28.6 miles
Water at mile 292 Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Rd
It is nice to be back on trail. The town stop was great, but half days are better. The whole day off left me feeling at odds with the system I have worked out on the trail. Also, I normally have issues in vehicles anyways, but I genuinely felt car sick after sitting backwards in the shuttle today to the trail.
All that aside, I felt great today! Super full from the copious eating, but we went 28 miles and my legs feel stuff from the day off but no soreness. The blisters I had seem happily turning to callouses. My feet LOVED the brand new socks that arrived in my resupply. I gave a parting celebration to my faithful Injinjis from the past couple years. These new ones should take me through the trip I would think. My shoes, however, may need another size bigger next time. It is incredible how much my feet seem to have lengthened. I saw lengthened instead of swelled because they don’t seem snug for side space, genuinely it is just the length.
A guy named Langston, who I first met in Idlewild, has joined our brigand. He first hiked with us from Coon Creek Cabin and caught the same room at the hostel with us. Cool guy. I have tentatively named him Hot Sauce as he seems to really love hot sauce. But I originally called him Transformers because his shoe print meshes into other prints and is deceptive. Ben has officially accepted Hoots. Which I proudly gave him. We even found the old Forest Service Woodsy Owl, whose slogan says “Give a hoot – don’t pollute!” On the camp area bulletin board. So great! We need to find a good one for Brandon still. Mostly he has disliked the suggestions. Big Bear was like a great reunion. We saw Mike, the Kiwi from Warner. Jackson from the night we met Ben. John from several crossing paths. And many others who did or did not have as large of impacts.
Today we saw many people on the trail too. Many stopped before us. Some likely made it further. The trail was so easy, and after rest we just killed the miles. If I can get us to do bonus miles, I may not end up as behind schedule and will get to maintain my good company! Hehe. We stopped at the Bench Trail Camp area to find that this Saturday evening a Boy Scouts troupe is also camped. We opted to find beach spots down by the river, which will result in a cool and dewy night for us. But better than being kept up all night by noisy kids enjoying a night out. A girl named Unicorn has joined us, and she is hiking with her dog, Charlie. Cute little beagle mix.
I am sure there is more to say but I am ready to tuck myself in from the chill that has numbed my fingers.
Day: 15
Hot springs, rainbow bridge, and pie al a mode!
Day Fifteen: 17 May 2015
Start: HM 294.6
End: HM 318 Grass Valley Creek
GPS Point: 34.312386, -117.265187
Day Total: 23.4 miles
Water at mile 298.3 Deep Creek Bridge, 313.4 Deep Creek ford, mile 318 Grass Valley Creek
Today was a good day and a less than good day. To get the lesser news out of the way, I stubbed two ties on my right foot and will likely lose the big toe nail, I lost my umbrella somewhere, and I sucked water up my nose which later gave me a nose bleed. Those events aside, I also lounged in a natural hot springs, walked across a rainbow bridge, and met a nice man named Coppertone (PCT ’06) who fed us pie al a mode and bananas. So a pretty awesome day all in all.
Today was really hot. We took lots of breaks, but I was feeling it. Today we passed areas that are easily accessible by locals, combined with it being the weekend, there were so many people! It was crazy how many non PCT’ers we saw. I was barely getting used to the hiker amounts. We also walked over a spillway where a small “lake” was surrounded by off-road vehicles. As well as multiple sightings of dirt bikers racing around on the PCT and creating their own paths up the terrain. It was almost too much for me. Tonight we are camped with six other PCT’ers, bringing the area total to ten. I suspect we will be running into the main herd before we reach Tehachapi. Coppertone had seventeen people sign in on his book as having passed by his generous food pit stop today alone. Not to mention almost an equal amount for yesterday. Tomorrow our goal is to reach Cajon Pass where the guys are planning to access the eatery joints just off trail on an access road.
Random notes of interest. I saw Unicorn carrying her dog Charlie on her back across her shoulders. It was the cutest thing! Charlie looked so pacified to be carried. Also, we crossed mile 300 today! Still hiking along with Hoots, Brandon, and Langston. Ran back into Tami throughout the day and Taxi at the hot springs drinking a beer. Otherwise only new people or tourists crossed our paths.
With all the diversions today, we hiked our latest evening. It was already seven when we really settled to camp. Thus it is late now and I am quite sleepy.
Day: 16
A day of eating.
Day Sixteen: 18 May 2015
Start: HM 318
End: HM 344.3 dirt road crossing
GPS Point: 34.291652, -117.478242
Day Total: 26.3 miles
Water at mile 328.7 Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, mile 342 Interstate 15 in Cajon Canyon at Chevron
Today has been an incredibly hot day! And the latter half, while walking detritus mound crests, was super windy. While sitting at second lunch, I found a tick crawling on my poncho seat. We stopped just under a large power line. The kind that looks like a lady’s dress. A few miles from our camping point, we stopped at an interstate gas stop and ate McDonalds (the PCT sign genuinely points towards the McD’s) and loitered at a Chevron. I have eaten so much food today! But it all goes towards energy right? I ate all my day’s rations, plus food at McD’s with Chevron snacks. I am glad I have my food prepackaged. It is easy to supplement cheese sticks and snickers bars, but seems pricey to buy the whole lot. My companions are all buying as we go. I feel postage isn’t as much as the difference of shopping at small town mini marts.
We ate first lunch by this beautiful double lake reservoir camp area. It was chilly from cold wind coming off the lakes. I sat in the sun to stay warm. Ben told me all about local plants and trail maintenance things. I really want to get a California flora book for my upcoming move to CA. We keep crossing paths with Tami. Camped with her last night. There were also three brothers who race along for a few miles then take a twenty minute break. There was also Marian, from Croatia, who teaches in L.A.  Awesome guy! And great accent! Met several others too. Many were while we stopped at the McD’s and Chevron. Some where planning to stay at the Best Western on the interstate crossing. I am somewhat jealous of the cool room, shower, pool, and soft bed. But also glad that we should make it to Wrightwood tomorrow. Langston has officially accepted Hot Sauce as his trail name. So we have Hoots, Hot Sauce, Schemes (me), and Brandon still sans trail name.
Cajon Pass up to McDonald’s is along a small stretch of the historic Route 66. Route 66 ran 2,448 miles from Chicago, IL, to Los Angeles, CA. There is a 1917 memorial at the pass to commemorate all the pioneers of the Salt Lake and Santa Fe Trails. Very interesting that this monumental path is now a side road off a busy L.A. Interstate. As long forgotten as the travelers who once made that traverse. I do also want to point out that Route 66 is shorter than the PCT. Somewhat of a novel thought that people would walk such a distance for entertainment.
Leaving the I-15 underpass it was like walking into a horror film set. The tunnel curved and was like a large, dark abyss. Then you walk out into this grassy, plant filled area next to train tracks with an old house that had old rusting vehicles and old rusting signs. We walked on a few miles and camped at an intersection with a dirt road. You can still hear the trains and interstate from here, but it’s significantly quieter. We suspect there may be a few night hikers tonight from people walking through the Cajon Canyon food stop. The Chevron is 24 hour and I think McD’s has late hours too.
When we reached the interstate underpass there was a sign with the remaining mileage to Canada. It really has me thinking about this whole thing. I am on day 16 and only just into the beginning. Half way through the desert. My motto has always been that life is about the journey, not the end point. Here’s looking forward to the next two and a half months of adventure!
Day: 17
Crossing the San Andreas fault!
Day Seventeen: 19 May 2015
Start: HM 344.3
End: HM 369.4 Inspiration Point trailhead
GPS Point: 34.372532, -117.710476
Day Total: 25.1 miles
Water at Wrightwood mile 369.4

So just as we were leaving our camp, a vehicle drove through the abandoned road. So much for our safety cowboy camping on an abandoned road… Anyways, we all slept late. Which, fast forward, is why we couldn’t get our packages before things closed in Wrightwood today. This morning I also discovered that my camera memory card was not pushed in all the way and I have zero pictures from yesterday. Yesterday, which was some of the best photos with the iconic western hills, trains, and setting sun. Or the cloud covered peaks of the mountains in the distance of the reservoirs we were walking along. Shortly after hitting the trail, we crossed the San Andreas fault!! It was so obvious and giant and wonderful! I almost wish I studied hard rock. 🙂

We ran back into Marian and Tami. Also met two girls, eBrake and Orbitz. Who have kind of an amazing story. Orbitz was dropping off her friend at the Mexico terminus and she forgot to put on the eBrake. Her truck ended up rolling into something and being totaled. She happened to have her stuff with her, so she decided to join eBrake (so named because of the event) to Agua Dulce, where Orbitz lives. Orbitz hiked the PCT previously. Also ran into At Home, a guy we met yesterday at McD’s.
Highlights of the day are coming into the last mountain climb. The clouds have been sitting in the peaks. We walked up right into them. They are thickly blowing through. Creating that stillness or calm cool warmth while hiking. It was beautiful. Last night our sleeping area was eventually within a cloud, thickly shrouded around us. There is talk of cold weather this coming weekend. We should just be getting into Acton KOA by then. Or a day about there. My goal is to wash clothes, and hopefully myself, about every hundred miles. 🙂 Maybe that is too luxurious but I am hoping at least while weather is hot and I am constantly sweating through my clothes that I can wash frequently.
We hiked through Sugar Bowl ski resort into Wrightwood. It is funny to think about now, but before leaving for the PCT I have been freaking out about where I will be able to ski while living in Santa Barbara the next five years. I have now walked through Big Bear Lake and Sugar Bowl. Granted this is summer and there is no snow. But I feel like I am getting to check out my potential stomping grounds. Wrightwood is full of incredibly friendly people! They are so generous to the hikers. We were picked up by Betsy Browning. She took us from the Hwy 2 road crossing to the local grocery, then picked us back up to take us to her home. She let us shower and do laundry, and has sleeping areas for us. She seems like a wonderful woman! She also has nine cats and two dogs and a huge garden. Her cats have busily been smelling everything of ours and running themselves over everything. It is just so nice to be clean and know I will have fresh clothes. I am amazed at how wonderful people have been. Betsy does t know us. We are just four stinky strangers. Yet she invited us into her home and gave us so much. She is amazing!
Anyways, today has been long and I am exhausted. Until tomorrow.

Mile 109.5 Warner Springs to 266.0 Big Bear Lake

15 May 2015

Mile 109.5 Warner Springs to 266.0 Big Bear Lake

Day: 6
Weather surprises!
Day Six: 8 May 2015
Start: HM 109.5
End: HM 115 camp area at Agua Caliente Creek
GPS Point: 33.311008, -116.627581
Day Total: 5.5 mi
Water at Warner Springs Resource Center
Rained all day but needed to get going. Having laundry done put me a day behind. But people at the Resource Center were so wonderful. This morning we had ingredients for making pancakes, cheesy onion eggs, and toast. There were also hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch but my burger was given away. I was able to sleep in, organize my gear, assess the maps and how far I want to go, caught up some computer stuff for the blog and resupply, talked to my mom, discovered my charging cable doesn’t work, soaked my feet in a foot bath with Epsom salts, and so many wonderful things. Also slept under the tarp in rain with minor issues. Great learning experience to better prepare for future rain situations. Definitely want to build a raised edge on the ground sheet so water goes under and cannot pool on top. Also need to make sure my vestibule doorways are properly extended because water can drop in that way. Wish the vestibules had a slightly longer length so they were closer to the ground when extended. Also think there might be a tiny hole at the top were water dropped right on my center. May just need to tape a bag over the outside or even duct tape might suffice. Also discovered how great my quilt is at warmth even in rain. And I have a great venting system with my pillow to cover my face but be able to breath fresh air. Loving the quilt and double insulating foam pads! So glad I brought the “luxurious” extra pad to sleep on. Not as good as a bed, but way better than just the 3/4 pad without the additional head to toe warmth. Slept great last night and slept in! But I am fully conscious of being a day behind. I have a creeping ambition to finish in less than the estimated 99 days. And try to hike OR’s highest peak, Mount Hood, from Timberline Lodge. I am tempted. It may mean leaving behind good hiking company.
Camped at Agua Caliente Creek. Great camp area. Met a cool 25/26 (birthday on May 12th) guy named Ben who is a day ahead of me. Hosted at Girlscout’s the night after Brandon and me. I definitely want to get going now that I see he has only been doing 25 mile days to be a whole day ahead already. He may want to finish in less than 100 days now that I said I was planning it. Guy named Jackson also showed up at our camp site. He’s from San Diego and gave bear canister advice for the Kennedy Meadows section. His dad is the western states bear manager who decides what canisters are allowed and what techniques are acceptable. Cool and informative, plus relieving to know I don’t have to hike between bear boxes if my miles work differently. Glad to be back on trail away from the Center, too many people hanging out there if I am honest. Kind of distracted me from the hike.
Day: 7
Two days in one.
Day Seven: 9 May 2015
Start: HM 115
End: HM 143 sandy area near Table Mountain Truck Trail crossing
GPS Point: 33.499568, -116.570308
Day Total: 28 miles
Water at Mike Herrera Road mi 127, Guzzler cistern 139.5
Today was like two days in one for me. My clock has two time settings. The main one is for Pacific time and the other is Central. Somehow I switched it to Central in the night and woke up thinking everything was running two hours later than reality. The morning was crisply cool, overcast, calm, and quiet. We pounded out the first 12 miles by 10:00 AM and I thought it was noon. We ran into Sunflower who mentioned stopping for lunch and I thought we had already been waiting too long. About the same time I discovered my time error, we reached the house of Mike Herrera, at mile 127. I thought it was just a water stop. Saw the sign for a register by the house. Brandon and I walked over and discovered a time warp of hikers, PCT supporters, pancakes, potatoes, bacon, doughnuts, Mexican mimosas (Orange juice with tequila), and chickens were smoking for lunch. Brandon and I ate a second breakfast, score on bonus food!, and got out of there after about an hour. Some of the hikers had been there a couple days. They were technically riding out the snowy weather, but the place definitely has the feel of somewhere you meant to stop for water and just never left. Made me think of Ogygia, the island from the Odyssey with the lotus eaters. Saw Jackson resting at the upper water tank resisting the lure of music below.  Anyways, once leaving Mike’s the day was suddenly sunny, hot, and slightly breezy. That marked day two. Today’s mileage actually felt like forward progress and not just winding in and out of the same mountain. We’ve finally moved north on a significant scale. I feel the progress. Very happy. We plugged ahead until running into Ben at the Guzzler cistern. Realizing we too were out of water,we had to  filter and treat the nastiness. Thankfully Ben let us use his filter! Will definitely watch the water report locations better going forward. Then hiked on to a beautiful sandy area that has endless camping space and relatively protected. So nice! We’d meant to go on another mile plus but this site was perfect. We relaxed in the setting sun, ate supper, and I am cowboy camping tonight. First night! The weather really hasn’t been good for it. Since my tent is actually a tarp construction, cowboy camping is literally the same except no cover. Which saved some put up and tear down time. Otherwise isn’t really not that different. I suspect there might be some warmth loss, but my sleeping bag is so wonderful that I do not think I will notice a difference. Beyond the incredible star filled sky above me with zero light pollution and shooting stars. Fantastic!!
Not as many people today (beyond the ten or so at Mike’s). Finally starting to shift out of the pack we started with and working into an earlier wave of hikers. I don’t want to force Brandon’s hiking agenda, but I do want to make miles. Tonight I pushed us on for the extra three miles. It means tomorrow we hike 9 miles to Paradise Cafe and a fresh cooked meal of veggies and fruit! How I miss fresh food. Otherwise I feel great. My feet are slowly adjusting, I finally feel strong in the extra miles, and my legs are still working on the speed part. My body also hasn’t figured out its eating desires yet. I ate everything portioned for today plus the bonus food and feel full. Otherwise feeling really good! Excited to keep moving.
Day: 8
Road walking is the worst!
Day Eight: 10 May 2016
Start: HM 143
End: HM Alternate Mile 10.7 into Idlewild
GPS Point: 33.74518, -116.71161
Day Total: 18 miles
Water at Paradise Cafe mi 152
Today I decided I dislike the detours. There are three detours in total. Two for fires and one for an endangered species. Today’s alternate route would have added about 5 miles to the original distance, taken me up, over and down two big climbs, and would not have been well marked. I opted instead to skip that 20 mile detour and walk the 10 miles of road towards Idlewild. After the worst road walk ever, Brandon, Ben, and I hitched into Idlewild. So I caught up my mileage from the stop at Warner and skipped a terrible alternate section. With my upcoming move to Santa Barbara, I think I will wait until the three detours are back to normal and then hike the official routes.
Apparently we camped near a major pot growing area last night and the incessant dogs barking were actually watch dogs. The group who had holed up at Mike’s also caught up. They night walked. I woke up around nine thirty as they walked past.
We hiked hard for Hwy 74, mi 152, where Brandon and I met Collin and Diego, two friends from Utah. The four of us got a ride to Paradise Cafe a mile down the highway. At the cafe we ate glorious omelettes and had a beer. Ben caught up and then took off down the road walk ahead of us. The highway walking was brutal. Hot, stagnant air. Barely a shoulder in some areas. Some sketchy bridge crossings. We arrived to Hurkey Creek Campground ans decided to hitch straight into Idlewild. A nice woman named Connie picked us up. Idlewild is a cute little town. Sort of spread out, and everyone drives like maniacs. Cute nonetheless. A guy named Carlos offered to give us a ride back to trail tomorrow; we met him at a pizza restaurant.
Turns out Ben will continue on with us. Tomorrow we start at mile 179.4 Humber Park, hike up San Jacinto Peak, then descend about 9000′ over 17 miles. We plan to reach the bottom of the pass and camp there for the night.
We hung out at the Idlewild bakery. The owner is a thru hiker who let’s hikers camp in the Manzanitas outside and access to washer/dryers and a bathroom. Pretty awesome! Fairly large crowd hanging around.
Jackson caught up in Idlewild too. Also a bunch of other new people. Most started before us. We are definitely more focused than many. Ben has opted to start enjoying the hiker extras and trail angel generosity. Second night cowboy camping. Super tired tonight. Loud crowd of people staying up late but I will sleep easily.
Day: 9
San Jacinto Peak and muscle cramps.
Day Nine: 11 May 2015
Start: HM 179.4 Humber Park
End: HM 197 Fuller Ridge
GPS Point: 33.871156, -116.711446
Day Total: 19.3 (added San Jacinto Peak!)
Water at North Fork San Jacinto tributary mi 186.2
The wind is blowing so hard! I may not write much. We got a ride from the Bakery in Idlewild to Humber Park this morning with a man who hiked the PCT last year and is now following the herd up Cali to offer rides in his mini van. So thoughtful! Though not sure I’d be able to do such a thing for a whole summer.
The trail up San Jacinto was brutal. Big rocks, poorly maintained trail, giant steps, and steep. I got a muscle cramp in my left leg. Hurt like no cramp I’ve ever felt before. A pointed sharp pain in the calf on any motion of pushing off. Downhill was fine except that we had only just begun the ascent. The trip to the top took longer than any of us expected. And we barreled down with hopes of reaching the bottom of Fullers Ridge. Just shy of 20 miles we stopped at an exposed campground. With the setting sun, the wind suddenly started and there is little in way of protection. I have everything in my bag or rocked down. Hopefully nothing can blow away. Cowboy camped again solely because I didn’t think my tarp would offer much in way of wind protection beyond listening to it flap all night. Mostly I am just conscious of the sand I will have plastered in my hair and on my face by morning. We were all beat and called it an early night. It just passed eight and I am ready to hunker down.
Collin from yesterday has joined our band momentarily. His friend Diego was staying in Idlewild. Ben’s birthday is tomorrow. We met three guys at the water spot who had lost their friend. None of us had seen her. A big group headed out from the Bakery this morning but we never ran into them.
Peak of San Jacinto was amazing. So worth the grueling up hill followed by the unending down off Fuller Ridge. Beautiful to see back at the mountains we hiked previously. And inspiring to watch the peak grow further away as we hiked on. Ben said a nice phrase by Muir about man not conquering mountains and even as they walk away their tracks are already blown away in the wind.
Three guys just walked past. Possibly the three AT guys who have been on our trail. Plus they’ve walked by at night before.
That’s it. About 69 miles to Big Bear where I plan on my first real zero. Laundry, shower, bed, loaner clothes, and a whole day to catch up on the non hiking side of my life.
Day: 10
I’ve acquired a trail name: Schemes!
Day Ten: 12 May 2015
Start: HM 197
End: HM 220 Whitewater Creek sandy river beach oasis
GPS Point: 34.01051, -116.67143
Day Total: 23
Water at 205.7 Snow Canyon Rd (Desert Water Agency faucet), mi 210.8 Ziggy and the Bear Whitewater Hiker House, mi 220.4 Whitewater Creek (north of Red Dome)
I’ve taken a trail name today. Brandon tried Two Zip on day one. Ben tried Dill yesterday. But today they announced Schemes, and that one I like a lot.
Today was the first truly hot day. From right when we woke up to even now, the temperature has been warm. We stopped at Ziggy and The Bear’s Whitewater Hiker House for a long afternoon break after a hot and windy final stretch down Fuller Ridge and across the desert floor over to the house. There were heaps of people at Ziggy and Bear. I was surprised. A great setup though. The couple used to Trail Angel out of Anza for 15 years before buying that house in Cabazón specifically to host hikers. I am constantly aware of the overwhelming generosity and kindness of people along the PCT. The house has a sink right at the backyard entrance. And then virtually every inch of the back is carpeted and shaded for people to hang out and relax. They have a shower too. And accept packages. And there was a young woman helping out who apparently runs daily lunch orders for Little Caesars. They had cold drinks and a sign in, hiker box (where I found the perfect camp sandals!), outlets, laundry and a line, drinkable water, etc. it truly was an awesome place. Not sketchy and creepy like many of the other hiker hot spots. And as always, there were some people who had spent days off there.
I am surprised by how many people take days off at these little spots instead of at towns. With full services, things to do, and comfortable beds. I am also surprised by the foot carnage and general beaten look of people too. I suppose this activity really isn’t for everyone. And there is another set of people who just keep skipping ahead sections. Which is crazy to me. I understand wanting to skip, but not the actual doing of the skipping. I will admit that I am no saint. I skipped at the fire detour and plan to repeat that for the other two sections. But I also plan to return when those sections are finalized and hike them then. As well as be completely honest about the skipping of these sections.
After leaving, we had a hot and steep climb over a pass and down into a river valley that is truly beautiful. We are cowboy camped right by Whitewater Creek on the flood plain. I have tempted the guys with a really early start tomorrow in hopes that we A) actually go the desired 26 miles, B) have the possibility of aim inning for 36 miles, and C) because tomorrow will be uphill in the full brunt of the sun. I am a day behind on my schedule. Right now I like the idea of a hostel Thursday and camp Friday. But they are supposed to get snow Friday, so I want to be prepared for either way. Regardless, I am a day behind schedule and I want to build some extra days in by doing longer miles. I have really enjoyed the company, and I like it a lot for morale and motivation. But I also have a goal and really care about having time in August to spend in Colorado more than slowing down on the PCT. I will have to think more on this.
My body is feeling pretty good. Today I felt thirsty for the first time. The heat and wind really sucked the moisture out of me. I am trying to be good about drinking plenty of water. I know the next 525 miles will continue to test my hydration awareness. Ben made a good comment that despite needing to think of forward movement on a stop by stop basis. It is good to step back and remember the big picture: getting to Canada. It will be easy to lose days while going along.
Bed now. Another clear and calm night to stare at stairs. There are several people at tonight’s camp point. A middle aged couple came back from the 226 mile point, calling it quits on their adventure due to tired bodies. I think it is sweet that they are out here together. I want to be an adventurous and ambitious couple with a significant other some day.
Day: 11
Mountain lion sighting!
Day Eleven: 13 May 2015
Start: HM 220
End: HM 246.4 Coon Creek Cabin group cabin
GPS Point: 34.14940, -116.71054
Day Total: 26.4
Water at mi 226.3 Mission Creek, 232.2 Mission Creek, 235.4 Mission Creek, mi 239.9 Mission Spring Trail Camp
Last night was some of the best sleep of all trip so far. And I woke up just before five and rubbed out my legs and feet. I was still the last one to leave camp, but I did have a nice conversation with the couple who showed up last night. They got up the pass and decided they were done. They were coming back down back to Cabazón to get somewhere they could rent a car to pick up their resupply boxes and head home. They said they needed a doctor’s care, so they were ready to be done. They gave me two blister band aids. So nice. Anyways, I took off after the guys, finally caught Ben just as we hit the first water source. I stopped for water and a snack, he kept going. I didn’t catch up again until lunch where Ben and Brandon were resting at the 235 last water. I was struggling today. Probably drank seven liters and never peed until after lunch. We pushed hard up to the 240 last water where their were many people lounging. That water was a trickle coming down from tree roots. Very cold and very slow. I was the last to leave again but I felt refreshed after the break in the shade. And I aired out and re-taped my tired feet. I killed the last six miles easy. We are cowboy camped on the front cement patio of the Coon Creek Cabin. The insides have clearly been vacant for a good 20-30 years. No doors or windows. Likely was an old cabin that was refitted in 1980 to be the shell it is now. Likely a Hunta Virus playground too.
Ben and I came up with Babel for Brandon’s trail name. He is against it, but I thought it was so fitting.
I saw a mountain lion today! Just as I was leaving the 240 water source, you cross a flat forested area. There are two roads then a trail crossing for Santa Ana Trail. It was on the trail walking just passed that. I kept a strong pace at it and it stepped off eventually, so I booked past. My camera has been in my pack all day, so I didn’t take the time to slow down and get a photo.
Tomorrow is supposed to get weather. And tonight will be dewy and cold. There are six on the patio. Three under a neighboring tree. And one more under a different tree. More may come in as evening sets in. Or at least be camped close by. 20 miles to the Big Bear hitch at mile 266! I have many town chores to take care of. This is all I can think of for now. Tonight is cold, genuinely cold.
Day: 12
In town for bad weather, best timing ever!
Day Twelve: 14 May 2015
Start: HM 246.4
End: HM 266.0 into Big Bear Lake
GPS Point: 34.24308, -116.90958
Day Total: 20 miles
No water. Soda at Big Bear Hostel trail magic stash.
So it may be official, my band of hiker friends is splitting off. The guys don’t plan to up their mileage, and I have a goal in mind. I want to move large miles. I will miss their company tremendously. Ben Thayer and Brandon. Great guys. But I have a goal. I want to spend time in Colorado for August. I know I can do large miles. It will just be lonely until I meet others who are willing to do large miles too. I may not meet anyone for a long time. I am coming up on the main herd, so at least I should see lots of people. Be able to camp in numbers. Lounge will fellow hikers. But no more support system like I have now. It is too sad to dwell on. There have to be more awesome people out there.
Today was a breeze. We covered the first four miles to the animal cages quickly. Then it was another quick three miles to the bomb Big Bear Hostel trail magic. They have a couch and tool chest out there in the woods with food and soda and fruit. So awesome! Once those first seven miles were down, it was just a game of picking off miles. I was in the lead and stopped at 261.5 for lunch. The guys caught up and we crushed the last 4.5 miles easily. A trail angel named Tinkerbell picked us up from Hwy 18 and took us to the post office then hostel. The hostel is great! I have loaner clothes, took a long hot shower, dried off with a towel, and have a bed with linens. After cleaning up, we headed out for supper. Went to a Thai place that had two entrées for the price of one deal. We all ordered two meals. So full but so delicious too. It had started snowing shortly after our arrival to the hostel. On the way back we stopped in a chocolate shop and I got Dryers Mocha Almond Fudge ice cream to go. Plus we stopped at a liquor store and got beer. This evening has been lounging on a couch with beer and TV movies. The hostel has so many hikers at it. Some have been here a day, others nearing a week. I suppose that is the way of zeroes. It has been unreal to think about the snow outside and know that I am safely in a dry warm place. Shelter never seems so good until you think about what dealing on your own is like. This was nice timing to hit Big Bear the day weather started. I do want to look ahead and see if there are more weather days coming that I can try to hike within. Especially if I will be on my own soon.
I am tired, full, and a little tipsy. So maybe more reflection tomorrow.
Day: 13
First Zero day!
Day Thirteen: 15 May 2015
Start: HM 266.0
End: HM 266.0 Big Bear Lake
GPS Point: 34.24308, -116.90958
Day Total: 0 miles
No water. Restaurants and easy food all meals!
Rethinking my Sierras mileage somewhat. Mostly just about shortening some miles and adding a resupply point. Lots of town chores today. That’s pretty much it. Resting my legs and feet. Eating copiously. Preparing for a strong kick off tomorrow.
I have decided that I will remain with the guys for the remainder of the desert. It will likely add four days total to my agenda, but it is worth making up miles later. I am enjoying my hiking companions, and this trip is about the people I meet just as much as the physical challenges I will encounter. Once the Sierras start I will be ready to take off on my own, but I want the company through the desert. This is the right choice and I am not regretting it at all. What I am thinking about is that my pack now has four days of food and feels VERY heavy. I am excited to get going. Being in town this whole time has felt like forever. I wasn’t productive at all. I barely got my town chores completed. It is already late but off to bed now.

Mile 0.0 Campo to 109.5 Warner Springs

15 May 2015

Mile 0.0 Campo to 109.5 Warner Springs

Day: 1
The Adventure Begins!
Day One: 3 May 2015
Start: HM 0 mi
End: HM 20 mi Lake Mirena Campground
GPS Point: 32.68596 -116.51724
Day Total: 20 miles
Water at start, water at Lake Mirena
What a start! Girlscout, my gracious host, picked me up at the airport yesterday evening where I discovered I was one of three PCT’ers.  A mostly calm night, I finally organized my pack. We arrived to the Mexican border around 7AM this morning. My start buddies: Brandon and Lyle, and I took a team photo at the start portal and then hit the trail. I knew we were going to the border, however I didn’t foresee the literal giant metal fence marking the invisible line with a tangible border. While taking photos, several more vehicles dropped off other hikers. Unlike my quiet CT start two summers ago, once moving along, I encountered many hikers. It turns out my hostee companion, Brandon, makes a pretty good hiking partner. We spent most of the day together. We made it all the way to Lake Mirena around 4:45PM. The camper area at Lake Mirena is quite bustling. There must be at least 15 of us around. And that was only my count before a long hot shower. Already there are so many hikers, easily accessible accommodations, and general good feelings. In every way drastically different from my CT hike. Brandon and I ate a giant cheese pizza and Modelo tall boys in paper bags for a first day celebratory supper. The whole twenty miles were a no water stretch. My feet and back are definitely aware of the water weight strain. Already tomorrow I want to send home the equivalent of 3 lbs of stuff to lighten my pack load. How quickly a stuff sack seems heavy…
Anyways, things are still a little loose on my end. I reveled in food and cleanliness instead of map review, so my system will likely take a few days to become a well oiled machine of hiking madness. Today the terrain and elevation profile were very forgiving. Tomorrow is a whole new game of all incline. I am too tired to write more. My mind finally letting go after the chaos of the last week’s prep.
Day: 2
Adventures Continue!
Day Two: 4 May 2015
Start: HM 20 mi
End: HM 41.47 mi Burnt Rancheria Campground in Mt Laguna
GPS Point: 32.89897 -114.45324
Day Total: 21.47 miles
Water at Boulder Oaks Campground, water at Burnt Rancheria campground

First rattle snake encounter! I was leading with Brandon and Shiva behind. I quickly jumped by before the snake was fully aware of my presence, while the guys had to go through bristled bushes since the snake was very agitated and rattling at every close encounter. Also a ton of lizards and my first blooming eucalyptus plant.

My hike is having a slow start. I am still organizing my pack. I have things to send home already, but I might have to wait until Big Bear Lake for a post office.
Still hiking along with Brandon. We keep pace fairly well. Also met a nice group of two older brothers from Milwaukee and Ft Worth who are accompanying to Warner Springs the one’s daughter, Corey, from Portland, who is hiking the full PCT. As well as a guy named Pete from FL, Glen from FL, Lucas “Shiva” from Canada, OMW (Old Man Walking) a 70 year old man who is hiking as a retirement gift. So many people! We are camped at Mt Laguna and there are at least 30 PCT’ers.
I have blisters already, but my legs are starting to pick up finally. Hips are sore. Also my First resupply! Barely made it to the PO in time. As of right now, I am ahead of schedule on mileage. Gave food away in anticipation of only three days to Warner Springs. Spent the evening with the group of campers around a fire. Evenings are cold. A local brought his dog and built the fire and provided s’more fixings. Such hospitality!
9pm already feels like a late night. Sleep for me.
Day: 3
Tolls of Day Three.
Day Three: 5 May 2015
Start: HM 41.4 mi
End: HM 63.8 Campsite near Chariot Canyon Rd
GPS Point: 33.012883, -116.527305
Day Total: 22.3 miles
Water at Mt Laguna campground, water at GART faucet trailhead 6 mi, water cache at Mason Valley Truck Trail
Fleeting sighting of a fox today! Ran right in front of me on the trail. Also, there are these cool looking horned lizards. And they hop, or jump rather. Three snakes but no rattlers again.
Met a nice Italian man, a guy who was near us at end of day who claimed he was having a terrible time and asked us if we were enjoying ourselves. From his start date, it sounded like this guy was doing 35+ mile days.
Today my feet and body were genuinely exhausted. Brandon and I decided to call camp with plans to start doing early mornings. Starting in 5 miles we have a 30 mile dry stretch. My achilles is tired and sore. I really look forward to sleep at night. There are several of us at the same camp site tonight. A couple in a tent who never came out, Boyardee and Mary, Taxi, and an older Japanese man.
Day: 4
My feet are finally begging for rest.

Day Four: 6 May 2015
Start: HM 63.8
End: HM 91.8 mi / 3rd gate water cache
GPS Point: 33.168451, -116.540106
Day Total: 28 miles
Water at Rodriguez tank
My feet are exhausted. Brandon and I pounded out 28 grueling miles so tomorrow we can reach Warner Springs and relax. We hiked with Taxi and had a long lunch with him. Met Dr. Dre, who rapped for us (his name is Andre), and Beowulf at the water source in the AM. Not many people today.
Taxi, Brandon and I met a trail angel at Scissors Crossing. She gave us fresh treats (date bars, corn bread, jolly ranchers, and brought us cold Pepsi and watermelon!). We had a long lunch then started the mad climb up what we had just descended to reach Scissors Crossing. Got to love the basin and range formations.
I slept terribly last night from the ceaseless wind. Tonight is also exposed and windy, but I staked my tarp low and lined the drop sheet with rocks. I have decided the vestibule/door part of my tarp is inferior. Both sides have extra material to open wider but are not long enough to stake low without leaving it loose and flapping. Since we are on a dirt site, I want little air flow to allow dirt to be swept up to cover me.
I saw a bunch of planes today! Helicopters, the big army looking ones, and double sideways propellor ones. So close to us!
Also saw the continuous entourage of lizards and rodents.
Day: 5
Warner Springs!
Day Five: 7 May 2015
Start: HM 91.8
End: HM 109.5 Warner Springs Resource Center
GPS Point: 33.273455, -116.644986
Day Total: 17.7 miles
Today was eye opening on what calories can do for the body. I haven’t felt hungry but today understood hunger. I almost ran out of food, literally walked into Warner Springs with no edibles in my pack. And it wasn’t that I was hungry, it was that my body felt empty, fuel on zero. Last night I had to eat every three miles just to keep going. Today I needed that but didn’t have the food. I am glad I cross towns frequently the next couple hundred miles. I need to reevaluate my calorie intake town stop to town stop.
Met group of five: Laura, Lyra, Sara, Trevor and another guy with a right calf tattoo. Sunflower (vibrant red haired mom out solo). NZ guy. Older couple we first met at water trough trailhead where poison oak started. Pete from Mt. Laguna day came in. And Taxi came in. Lots of others. Some took zeros at Warner. Molly red head chef. Renee, guy Taxi met. It is sort of unbelievable to imagine just how many people there are out on the PCT. I am not even starting among the main herd. And not just the amount of people, but also the number who stop at every town possible. No judgement, if you need rest then you need rest, but wow! This is day five, I can’t imagine wanting a break yet.
I did enjoy a warm shower with a towel! Brandon and I put our laundry in a long queue. There seems to be a major back up so we won’t get to leave until at least midday tomorrow. Rain clouds are coming in. Brandon and I went to PO for my resupply. I mailed home some odds and ends. Then Taxi, Brandon, and I went to store for resupplies and supplements. Found out the deli in the store makes burgers! So happy!! The Center closed at 4pm, so everyone sort of shuffles out and finds their tents. They had clothes to wear while stuff is in the laundry. I am sporting red sweat pants and a red and white striped top. The only sad part is that I don’t have my spare clothes for my pillow while I sleep. Socialized but went to bed early.

Care Packages!

1 May 2015
Care Packages!
Care packages!
CARE PACKAGES!
Care packages!
Care packages!

Many members of my wonderful family and friend group have expressed desire to send me care packages along my journey. This kind gesture is not expected, but will be greatly appreciated!

In an attempt to eliminate extraneous items in care packages, I am maintaining a “Things I am Craving” list below. Since my home, food, and every possession is carried on my back, please be conscious of what you send my way.

____________________________________________
Things I am Craving:

  • Fresh squeezed, iced lemonade.
  • Iced sun tea.
  • Fresh Veggie-filled salad with avocado!
  • Cookies!!! (especially with oats)


____________________________________________

NOTE: 
My agenda has modified some from my potential timeframe. I am on the more luxury pace now. Please ask for my updated agenda link if you are planning to send anything.

If you fall into the category of wanting to send me goodies, please read and understand the following very carefully.

  • Here is my “Possible” PCT Agenda. It contains blue highlighted cells indicating if I can receive a care package at a town stop. I did not post dates on the ETA’s; if you would like the official agenda, please ask and I will email the list to you.
  • I have to ask for all my mail, so please do not send “surprise” packages.
  • Text or email me to let me know you sent a care package and where it was sent to.
  • The ETA’s on my mail drop list are estimates. I may be a week early or late. You can follow my Facebook page for “up-to-date” locations for adjusting ETA dates.
  • Always use USPS Priority Mail for boxes (unless the address is listed as UPS-only). Hint: Regional Box A1 and Regional Box B1 are cheaper than Flat Rate Medium and Flat Rate Large.
  • Never use USPS Standard Post. NEVER!
  • Letters can be sent USPS First Class.
  • Use the addresses exactly as shown on my mail drop list.
  • Write “Hold for PCT Hiker. ETA: MM/DD/YY” on every package/letter.
  • Unless specific notes are indicated by the mail address on the agenda, mail packages/letters 10-14 days in advance. 
  • Try to make your box/envelope unique and easily identifiable. The mailing locations receive heaps of packages for other hikers and may misplace a nondescript box/envelope. Another great idea is writing my name on all four sides of the box.
  • DO NOT put a signature requirement on any box/letter no matter what mailing method you use.
If anything is confusing, please contact me and I will attempt to clarify. 🙂

"Possible" PCT Agenda

1 May 2015
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
– T.S. Eliot



Another controversial topic in thru hiking is your pace of forward progress. Considerations include starting fitness level, foot care, physical ability, varying environments (desert, Sierras, etc.), zero/nero days, enjoying the path, time constraints, intended trail distance, personal ambitions, and so on. Progress along the trail depends on so many factors that even partners planning to move at the same speed will still have different hiking experiences. It is not my place to make soapbox arguments about what thru hiking should mean. That is something very personal to me and to every person who ever takes on this challenge. Instead of a succinct description, I will let you learn that along my journey in my upcoming blog posts. The only thing I can say is, Hike Your Own Hike. Truly and fully HYOH. In case you are not sure how to do that, give HYOH a search on your browser for many wonderful blogs entries — my favorite is by PMags: Hike My Hike, Damn It!).

Follow the link for a downloadable file: Possible PCT Agenda, of the agenda viewable below.

 Miles 0.0-819.3
Miles 819.3-2082.1
Miles 2082.1-2668.8

PCT Food Thoughts

1 May 2015
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”
– Virginia Woolf
When discussing my upcoming adventure, great concern is always stressed about what I will eat, how much I will eat, and how I will acquire food. These concerns become emphasized when considering that I hike sans stove, or any other heating device, and plan to mail myself the majority of the food I will eat over the next three months. There are many strategies to food while thru hiking. I will not make claims of being a dietary expert, endurance athlete nutritionist, or health professional. What I can say is that after hiking the Colorado Trail and having experimented a lot with different dietary regimes, I have a decent grasp on what foods my body wants, what quantities my body will eat, and, more importantly, what foods my body does not want. The latter of the three is an important factor for me.

My food method: relying primarily on mail resupply packages combined with purchased meals during town stops and a few select places where food will be purchased in place of a mail drop. I am stove-less and rely on ready-made foods (bars and GORP) and instant meals (Idahoan Mashed Potatoes, powdered milk with cereal, LOTS of spices and seasonings).

In preparation for the PCT, drawing from my experience on the CT, many sources have been utilized in my food plans: 

Advice: 
Ryan “Tuna Helper” Weidert – Instagram Link
Ryan “Dirtmonger” Sylva – Hiking Blog
Joe “Haznohorse” Kaczmarek
Other sources: 
Chef Glen: Backpacking Food for the Soul – Blog Link
Yogi’s Pacific Crest Trail Handbook 2015-16 by Jackie “Yogi” McDonnell – Store Link
“Pack Light, Eat Right – Nutritional recommendations for backpackers and other endurance exercise enthusiasts.” by Brenda Brazen – Web site
Paul “Pmags” Mags – Blog Link
Kim Sandy of Outdoor Herbivore – SectionHiker Article and Outdoor Herbivore Site
Mac’s Halfway Anywhere Blog – Blog Link
Brian Green’s Backpacking Blog – Blog Link

As promised to a few interested parties, the link to my food happenings:
PCT Food, Recipes, and Notes

“A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.”
– Barbara Johnson

PCT Food, Recipes, and Notes

1 May 2015
PCT Food List Nutritional Values
Please note list may not be complete.
_____________________________________________________________________________
PCT Recipes
Meals
BLT
Bacon bites
30min soak
Dehydrated tomato
Pita/tortilla
Mayo & mustard packets
Soup
Instant soup mix: creamy, tomato, gravy
5min soak
Cold Salad
Dehydrated vegs: tomatoes, peas, onion, broccoli, zucchini, carrots, celery, bell peppers
1hr soak
Walnuts
Sauce: Creamy Ranch dressing mix, gravy mix, onion soup mix
Mashers
Dehydrated: potatoes, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, garbonzo beans, powdered kale, black beans, tomatoes, squash
1:2 potato:water
Bacon bites
5min soak
Texture: crushed Frito’s, cheese crackers, chow mein noodles
Dehydrated vegs: onion, peas, tomatoes
Protein: salmon, tuna, SPAM
Mac ‘n Peazy
Dehydrated: macaroni, peas, broccoli
1:1 mac:water
Macaroni cheese packet
1hr soak
Protein: salmon, tuna, SPAM
Texture: walnuts, sunflower seeds
Couscous
1/2 c couscous
30mL olive oil
1 tbsp crushed almonds
1c water
2 tbsp sunflower seeds
1hr soak
28g raisins
2 tbsp chopped dried tomato
1 tbsp minced onion
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp garlic
1 tsp chives
1/2 tsp curry powder
Butternut Squash curry with peanut sauce
Lentil dal with spinach
Dehydrated Ingredients
bell pepper, eggplant, squash, sweet potato, spicy peppers, peas, onions, cauliflower, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, zucchini, garbonzo beans, black beans, kale, tomatoes, broccoli, celery
Breaky
Cereal
Cereal: grape nuts, cracklin’ oat bran, granola
5min soak
Additions: cinnamon
Additions: raisins, craisins, dates
Additions: walnuts, pecans, almonds
Milk powder
Dessert
Pudding
Instant pudding mix: 1serving/28g choc, lemon, butterscotch
5min soak
Additions: 1/4c chocolate chips, 1/4c coconut flakes, 1/8c chia/flax mix, 1/4c marshmallows, 1/4c graham crackers, 1/4c dessert crackers
1.5 c water
Additions: 1/4c walnuts, 1/4c pecans, 1/4c almonds
Powdered milk
Seven Summit Bars
1/4c (1/2 stick) butter, melted in 9X13″ pyrex
350°F, 20min
Layer into pan:
2×3″ bars, freeze until use
1c (1/2 pkg) graham crackers, crushed
1c shredded coconut
2c chocolate chips
14oz sweetended condensed milk
3/4c rolled oats
1c chopped walnuts, press into mix while hot from oven
Fruit Leather
Tropical
6 bananas
1 orange
Strawberry 
Cream Cheese
4c strawberries
1/2c silvered almonds
8oz cream cheese
Piña Colada
2c pineapple chunks
*needs extra 
drying time
1c coconut
Orange Julius
1 1/2c applesauce
1 apple
2tsp orange powder
2 tsp vanilla
Strawberry Daquiri
4c strawberries
1/2 lime
2tsp honey
Sweet Tomato
2c cherry tomatoes
2 wedges lemon
2 tbsp honey
Peanut Butter & Nila
8oz vanilla/banana yoghurt
2 bananas
1/2c peanuts
2tbsp honey
Snacks
Dehydrated Fruits
pears, apples, bananas, grapes, strawberries, lemons, blueberries, raspberries, prunes, apricots, figs, pineapples, oranges, cherry tomatoes
Jerky
Fruit Leather
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PCT Food Notes