Sep 25, 2017 | Pacific Crest Trail
I awoke early today as I wanted to arrive at the Onion Valley Trailhead by noon. Using my InReach Explorer, I texted Daniel the previous night and he made reservations for me at the Mt. Williamson Motel and Basecamp in Independence (thanks Daniel!). The “Hiker...
Sep 20, 2017 | Pacific Crest Trail
I awoke at 6:00 am today and was pleased to discover that it hadn’t rained overnight and my tent was dry. Yay! My shoes were still wet from crossing Tyndall Creek yesterday evening so it wasn’t super pleasant putting them on this morning. But it...
Sep 19, 2017 | Pacific Crest Trail
On the 152nd day of my PCT thru-hike, I awoke at 6:00 am to blue skies. Everything was wet outside but I had stayed cozy and warm all night. My sleeping quilt was completely dry, which was the most important thing since it’s made of down. Water had soaked...
Sep 18, 2017 | Pacific Crest Trail
I summited Mt. Whitney today! At an elevation of 14505 feet, Mt. Whitney is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. While not technically on the Pacific Crest Trail, it is located so close to the Trail that most PCT hikers elect to climb it. When else...
Sep 17, 2017 | Pacific Crest Trail
I slept poorly last night, but when I awoke I was feeling much better. I was even feeling hungry which was a good sign. I wasn’t feeling 100% but I felt good enough to continue hiking. I made some ramen for breakfast and was on the trail around 7:30 am. I took...
Sep 16, 2017 | Pacific Crest Trail
Last night I dreamt that I tried to summit Mt. Whitney several times, only to be mysteriously transported to the bottom of the mountain before I reached the top. One minute I was climbing the mountain and the next I was at the bottom, wondering how I got there....
Sep 15, 2017 | Pacific Crest Trail
PCT Days 146, 147 & 148 Wednesday, September 6 – Friday, September 8 My two days at home were a blur of activity as I prepared to travel to the Sierras. Ok, to be totally honest, the first day I was so worn out that I just layed around all day on the couch....
Sep 13, 2017 | Pacific Crest Trail
I awoke to the smell of smoke. The sky was gray and it was impossible to see very far into the smoky haze. I had one bar of reception and was alarmed to discover that the Eagle Creek fire spread rapidly overnight due to windy conditions. The fire has apparently spread...
Sep 12, 2017 | Pacific Crest Trail
I hiked fewer miles than planned today. Washington’s terrain has a more difficult elevation profile than Oregon’s, which will take a bit of getting used to. Also, I had just taken a couple of days off. It always takes me a few days to find my mojo on trail...
Sep 11, 2017 | Pacific Crest Trail
I awoke shortly after 6:00 am to a phone call from the front desk. A Level 3 Evacuation Order was issued and we had to leave the hotel immediately. We had anticipated the evacuation and so our bags were already packed. The hotel staff handed us baggies with scones and...
