Category Archives: Uncategorized

I’ve officially finished the Sierras after a seven day stretch from Mammoth to Kennedy Meadows North, followed by another four days to South Lake Tahoe. Not easy, but could have much more difficult during a higher snow year. Evolution Creek (the most notorious river crossing) was below knee level, and I haven’t used my microspikesContinue reading “Mammoth to Lake Tahoe”

I’ve gotten some questions about the logistics of my hike: pack weight, mileage, etc. I’m currently stuck in Mammoth for an extra day, as I have to wait until the post office to open to send resupply boxes to Tuolumne Meadows and Kennedy Meadows North. Probably better for my feet, which have be getting theContinue reading “Logistical questions”

The second week of the Sierras was noteworthy given the need to summit multiple mountain passes. Ideally, one would camp just below the pass, summit first thing in the morning before the snow turns to slush, then descend and try to get close to the next pass. In reality, you run into them at entirelyContinue reading “Mammoth”

Week one in the Sierras brought me 87 miles from Kennedy Meadows to Kearsarge Pass, a somewhat lengthy exit to Onion Valley trailhead. From there was a hitch to Independence followed by a bus ride to Bishop for resupply. Early week was tough, with frequent climbs and a full 7 days of supplies, particularly afterContinue reading “Kearsarge Pass”

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”

I’ve passed 260 miles, meaning….I’ve completed 10% of the trail. Every day brings new challenges. Second day out of San Gorgonio pass saw long portions of poorly or unmarked trail with a 5000 ft elevation gain. The next day temperatures dropped overnight to freezing, with a high in the upper 30’s. On the other hand,Continue reading “Big Bear”