Friday ------------- The goal was to make Mission Creek at 16 miles and at 3000ft, possibly cooler. Playing it safe, I left Ziggy's at 3:45am. Other than 10 minutes wandering around finding the Trail Head, it was pretty smooth leaving. The moon was nearly full but was setting, so I left in the warm morning … Continue reading March to Big Bear, days 1 & 2
Bye, bye Ziggy’s
I feel hugely better today; Hydrated, fed and rested. I needed the Zero. The plan is to bug out very early, before 5am to make as much distance as possible before the heat sets in. Hopefully I can make 15+ miles each day and pull into Big Bear Monday. My sister will mail me replacement … Continue reading Bye, bye Ziggy’s
Ziggy’s day 2
The afternoon at Ziggy's was low key, but nice. I mostly lounged around sipping water. There had been a Pizza run earlier for lunch and several boxes of cold pizza were still available. I had two slices and couldn't eat any more. I am convinced I'm not eating enough and I should have more energy … Continue reading Ziggy’s day 2
Equipment update
I didn't plan as well as I had thought. The nights were much colder than I realized and I was freezing my tail off in the evenings. The thin short sleeved wool undershirt just a wasn't cutting it, and I had no "Camp Shoes". Every book on ultra light backpacking poo-poos them. But I … Continue reading Equipment update
Ziggy’s
Today's hike was the hardest on me so far. Truly a brutal day. I started at 5am in the coolness of the morning. It was still dark, so I used my headlamp until light enough to see. I started descending and the trail wasn't too bad. My first goal was the water fountain in 12 … Continue reading Ziggy’s
Down the mountain, to Ziggy’s I will go…
The night in the cabin was OK. There were six hikers total: four in bunks and two on the stone floor. We all slept warmer than the couple of Hardy souls who wanted to greet the dawn outside. Six bodies warmed the inside to above freezing. Very comfortable. But, the bunks were old and creaked … Continue reading Down the mountain, to Ziggy’s I will go…
San Jacinto Summit
Got a late start from the tram and it was slower hiking the summit than I planned. By the time I was ready to decend it was almost 4pm, so I chose the hut for tonight. It has four bunks. And I won't be alone! Eight other PCT hikers have arrived and will either use … Continue reading San Jacinto Summit
Mount San Jacinto
I was offered a ride by a great guy, Shay Blackley who was a vender at the KO. He was driving back to Utah anyway so a detour to Palm Desert wasn't out of his way. I had an old work friend who lives there: Greg Rose. I'm really appreciating the showers and laundry when … Continue reading Mount San Jacinto
Lake Morena Day-3
Another grey morning, but still nice being here. Today is the last day of the KO. More seminars today: Hiker Yoga: I tried... 😒 PCTA update, Trail Conditions Water Report PCT Flora/Fauna Avoiding Injuries Gear Contest (???) Geology of the PCT Group Photo (Immortalized!) Video Tips Raffle We had a few hours of no rain, … Continue reading Lake Morena Day-3
Odd stuff I haven’t covered
A couple of things I left out of previous posts... The recent IOS update for my iPhone was timely. We can finally use the GPS while in Airplane Mode!!! This has been a Godsend for me as I can check my position (with PCT Apps) and conserve as much battery as possible. Android has had … Continue reading Odd stuff I haven’t covered
So Many Mountains, So little Time 