Monthly Archives: May 2021

700 miles in, I’m sitting outside Kennedy Meadows General Store, planning logistics for the Sierras. Yesterday I picked up my bear canister, ice axe, spikes, and resupply package. Trouble is, I don’t know what kind of mileage I’ll be making given the extra weight, elevation, and additional climbing. Legend, a PCT trail angel I metContinue reading “Kennedy Meadows”

Last week, the National Weather Service posted a high winds warning for the Tehachapi area You don’t say… Remember kids, nothing builds character like hiking up hill in 40 MPH headwinds on a trail the consistency of beach sand. Sort of like hiking after downing a pint of bourbon, but with none of the funContinue reading “Through Hurricane Tehachapi to Walker Pass”

Leaving Agua Dulce, I traversed a series of low mountain ridges. There was significant fire closure on the section, which I bypassed and elected not to do the 22 mile road walk given the high speed limit, lack of full shoulder on the side of the roadway, and unclear water supply. Reaching the flat sectionContinue reading “To Tehachapi”

There are many beautiful plants and trees on the PCT. This post is not about them. The mid altitude range on the trail is home to several plants and shrubs that evidently sustain themselves on the blood of PCT hikers. This gem of a shrub favors growing on both sides of the trail at theContinue reading “Aqua Dulce and hostile shrubbery”

Most of last week was a slow, steady descent from Big Bear to Cajon Pass (home of the mandatory McDonald’s stop), making it some of the easier miles of the trip. Given the easier terrain, I tried pushing the daily mileage a bit. Over the past few days, some numbness developed in my right greatContinue reading “Wrightwood”