We had a full car for the 3 hour drive to Lake Morena. In addition to Mark and myself, we had:  Suds, who like myself had hiked from Campo to Idyllwild. She was a speedy hiker.  Guino, who had hiked the PCT before and was picked up in Mammoth Lakes. His plan is to just … Continue reading Lake Morena, day 1

Forgot to mention: I passed the 150 mile point yesterday!  Woot! After a wonderful night in a cabin I'm waiting on Mark, who is driving down from Northern California to attend the Kick-Off. He is picking up four people, like myself who want to attend. So I'm waiting in the lobby of a lodge where … Continue reading One night in Idyllwild

I've been on trail 11 days!  (12 counting my zero in Julian)  The days run together so much I'm glad I have this blog going. So far, I'm having fun and still motivated to see this journey through to the end.  How am I really?  Sore and cold!  As someone pointed out in the picture … Continue reading Idyllwild and status

Last night was unexpectedly delightful; I stayed at Mike's place! Mike Herrera is an old PCT hiker who purchased a piece of land next to the PCT and opened it up to hikers. He doesn't live there, but he had a couple who does. His well water is available, he allows people to stay in his … Continue reading Passed Mike’s place

With the nicest nine miles so far, over rolling grassland and following a creek down a mild canyon, I arrived at Warner Springs. It's not a town, really. Just a fire station and post office, but they have an awesome Community Center that caters to hikers!  Outdoor showers with towels and soap, laundry, and they … Continue reading Eagle Rock and Warner Springs

Made the 13 miles to Barrel Springs and decided to stop. It's such a nice campsite, has water and the next campsite is 4 miles and on s ridge. Warner springs is just 9 miles tomorrow where I can buy food for the next leg to Idylwild.  Milestone: I passed the 100 mile point!At Barrel … Continue reading Barrel Springs

My hike started late today.  I wasn't on the trail until 10:30a, mostly due to my stay in Julian yesterday. I haven't talked about where I stayed!  The Julian Hotel is this old hotel built in the 1800's and renovated to modern wiring and plumbing. They serve "High Tea" at 5pm and a wonderful full breakfast. … Continue reading Short hiking day

Hiking in the desert is all about water.  The general rule of thumb is one liter per five miles, but the desert isn't general; the heat and low humidity raises that. Couple that with long stretches between water sources and you sometimes must carry 5-7 liters or more. The first 700 miles of the PCT crosses … Continue reading Anza-Boreggo Desert SP

I have to take a day off today. (Zero miles hiked)My right foot is seriously trashed. Large blisters on the ball (bottom) of the foot, big toe and the whole front of the foot is swollen and it hurts to walk. I drained them yesterday but they need a rest. I believe I have found the … Continue reading Zero day?

if someone had said I'd be in the back of a Sheriff's cruiser on my 5th day, well therein lies a tale...It was a 15 mile day to Scissors Crossing, which is a fancy name for a place the PCT crosses a back road. The trail was the most Barron so far. Very open desert … Continue reading Stagecoach Campground