My journey has taken a jump. I jumped from mile 1,157 to mile 2,144. Why jump over 987 miles? Because I'd like to hike the whole PCT this year, and don't think I can make it to Washington before the winter snows. So Turtle and I jumped ahead on Amtrak to the Oregon/Washington border and … Continue reading Entering Washington
PCT ‘015
PCT journey in 2015
Equipment update – July
Here it is three months and 1,100 miles into my journey and my equipment has changed a bit from when I started last April. As I am about to enter Washington, this is a list of what has and hasn't been swapped out. Backpack: by far the biggest item I've had problems with. I started … Continue reading Equipment update – July
Back on the trail, Lake Tahoe to Truckee (Donner Pass)
Back on the trail after 5 days off. I needed the time off to replace my backpack, my shoes and heal my body. My backpack had to go. Other than the fit (it simply never fit right, no matter what I did) the hip belt had a seriously flawed design. (Two 1.5" pieces of Velcro … Continue reading Back on the trail, Lake Tahoe to Truckee (Donner Pass)
Change of plans: To Washington we go…
We're hiking too slow. It doesn't seem like it, but to hike the entire 2,660 miles in one year, I really needed to be almost into Oregon by now. Here it is, the middle of July, and we're not even half way. The crux of the hike going northbound is determined by when the winter … Continue reading Change of plans: To Washington we go…
Tuolumne Meadows to Sonora Pass
Injuries, equipment issues and drama... It is 75 miles to Hwy-108, Sonora Pass and we figured 5 days of 15 miles each should do it. But, Oh Man some were tough days... Most of this section would be inside the northern Yosemite wilderness, and the views were incredible. But there were river valleys and passes … Continue reading Tuolumne Meadows to Sonora Pass
Tuolumne Meadows
Wednesday, July 1st. -------- After a restful night at Shady Rest Campground we caught the 7:30am shuttle from Mammorh into Reds, stopping at Agnue Meadows. The 1,900ft climb to Island Pass (10,200ft) was actually quite nice, and we didn't get any rain! The clouds did hide the sun and made for a cooler hike. The … Continue reading Tuolumne Meadows
So long, Mammoth
A full day to recharge was awesome. Shopped for food at Von's and a Whole Foods clone and ready to hit the trail to Yosemite in the morning. We had awesome pizza last night and great Mexican food tonight. The only pictures I have are of the pizza place, John's. Here is … Continue reading So long, Mammoth
Onward to Mammoth
Saturday June 27 ------- I failed to mention the Trail Angels we found just after we crossed the dam but hadn't made it to VVR. They were awesome! Thanks, guys! The first burger after 7 days! Our half day stay at VVR was wonderful, but we had to press on. It's 30 … Continue reading Onward to Mammoth
Deep Sierra
This section, at 95 miles is the largest section with no cell service so far. There are six major passes (10,900+ft) in that 95mi to make things interesting. What are Passes? The mountains are separated into "Watersheds" where Snow and Rain flow into the same Streams/Rivers. The "Passes" are the low spots between Watersheds. Friday, … Continue reading Deep Sierra
Back to the trail…
Thursday, June 18------- Well, we purchased 7 days of food, now for the unpleasant part. To put it crudely: Stuffing 10lbs of Sh** into a 5lb bag. There isn't a nice way to express my frustration at this. 😣 Friday, June 19 -------- 6am...We will catch a ride back up the hill... No cell service … Continue reading Back to the trail…