The American Long Distance Hiking Association-West (ALDHA-West) recently ran one of my posts on their front page. They added an intro and a few extra graphics (why didn’t I think of that?). I think it looks pretty good. Check it out when you have a change and while you’re over there, check out their website. I am a member of ALDHA-West and I think it’s a good organization.
I have been writing a short book about life lessons I’ve learned from backpacking.I have also given slideshow presentations on my lessons to middle school students.I thought I would take excerpts from my “book” (I use that term very loosely) and post them here since, this is a blog about the outdoors.So with out further ado here is the excerpt from…
Chapter 4, Lesson 4
Now here is where the fun begins, with lesson 4.You’ve done your dreaming, you’ve dealt with the naysayers and the crazy talk, and you’ve done your planning.Now is the time for doing.
Once you start down the action path, the physical act of working towards your goal, be aware that things don’t usually go as planned.In our idealistic planning stage (lesson 3) things typically get scripted for how they can be executed perfectly.That’s all well and good but let’s be honest, things happen.In this case you are left to rely on your best asset, you.This is where your brain power and your preparation come in to play.With quick thinking, creativity and flexibility, you can overcome obstacles that appear in your way.
Case in point, on the Pacific Crest Trail, one of the most highly anticipated sections of the trail is the High Sierra.It is a couple hundred miles of high altitude, fairly remote hiking.In fact, there are a 100+ miles of trail where you don’t even cross a road.So you need to have a plan, you need to be prepared but you also need to be ready to deal with obstacles as they come up.
When I was getting ready to enter the High Sierra, I got food poisoning.It knocked me on my butt for a few days and put me behind schedule. No problem, I adjusted my schedule.That’s an easy obstacle to over come.However, in the week and a half to follow, I fell off a high mountain pass, lit my tent on fire, was bitten by a dog and almost drowned crossing a river.Yeah, it was a heck of a week.
Now anyone of these things could really put a damper on my trip, even possibly ended my trip (death is usually a trip ender).However, by thinking fast, being creative and flexible, I over came all of these obstacles and still made it to Canada.
So how did I overcome these obstacles you ask?You are curious as to how I got myself out of these messes?Well, briefly here is the low down.Falling off a high mountain pass was pretty unnerving.I was climbing up Forrester Pass, the highest point on the Pacific Crest Trail, and I was transitioning from snow to rock and one of the rocks gave way and sent me plummeting to what I was sure was going to be serious injury but I stayed calm and divine intervention took hold, a rock appeared and I landed my butt right on it, stopping my fall.Now you ask, how does that apply to quick thinking, creativity and flexibility?Well, I think the big lesson for me was to slow down, don’t stick to my schedule, be flexible with it and you won’t get yourself in to such jams.
Lighting my tent on fire was pretty funny (now that I reflect back on it).I was camped with 2 friends at the base of Mather Pass and we were getting up very early, 4 AM, to climb the pass while the snow was still hard so we could use our crampons to get up and over before the snow turned to mush and we’d be post-holing the whole day.Now for reasons of full disclosure I should mention that I am not a morning person.I was using my tent as a ground sheet since it was a beautiful night and I wanted to sleep under the stars.In the morning I rolled on my stomach to heat some water for morning oatmeal.I had my stove on the ground, past the edge of my tent so that I could cook on my elbows from the comfort of my sleeping bag.Well, unbeknownst to me, I dragged and dropped the guy lines of my tent over my stove.I didn’t realize it until they were burnt all the way through.But after a few expletives, I realized I could field repair it without compromising the effectiveness of the tent and life was good again.
The dog bite was an interesting situation.My friends, Nightingale and Bono and I were hiking out a side trail to pick up more food.We had to hike 9 miles off the Pacific Crest Trail, to get to a road to get to a town to get to more food.En route, someone’s dog came up to me and bit me on the leg.I was pretty angry with the situation.I mean I am hiking from Mexico to Canada and I need my leg.It was a small bite but drew blood and left a small scar.We had to be flexible with our schedule and decided to take a day off in town to make sure it stayed clean and started to heal without infection before we got back on the trail.By making this simple schedule change we averted what could have been an infected leg.Simple really.
Now here is the biggie.This is the only time I actually felt like my life was in danger.Not everyone has one of these moments during their quest to reach their goal, and I honestly hope it doesn’t happen to you but it did to me.I had to cross a pretty big river, we found what seemed to be a slower, better option for crossing.Bono, being the tall guy went first and shuttled Nightingale’s pack and then my pack across for us.Nightingale crossed next and made it with no trouble.Then it was my turn.
I hate being wet, I think it’s from years of springboard diving and always being wet.I hate it now.I wasn’t looking forward to crossing the stream and getting wet but I went for it.It turns out that somehow, I walked into a big hole in the stream bed and my feet no longer were touching the bottom of the river.My head was under, the water was snow melt and I was an active drowning victim.The frigid temperature of the water took what little breath I had, away.Things were not looking good.Finally, I got a hold of myself and managed to get myself pointed over toward the bank and let the river current push me there as I kicked and paddled.I managed to beach myself on the shore like a whale, soaking in the warm sunshine as I lay there, replaying the last few moments in my head.Scary moments but staying calm and thinking fast had probably saved my life.
Now all these crazy stories happened in a short span of time and I managed to overcome these obstacles and I still made it to Canada.Other obstacles popped up along the way, but none in such rapid fire succession.
So remember this: Obstacles will come up, but with quick thinking, creativity and flexibility you can overcome them.
I have been writing a short book about life lessons I’ve learned from backpacking.I have also given slideshow presentations on my lessons to middle school students.I thought I would take excerpts from my “book” (I use that term very loosely) and post them here since, this is a blog about the outdoors.So with out further ado here is the excerpt from…
Chapter 3, Lesson 3
Ok, so here’s the part you’ve probably been waiting for if not since the first post of the book, then at least since the end of chapter 2.Lesson 3 is critical.It’s possible that when you were dreaming big you got a little overwhelmed.You are probably an over achiever, have an extremely high level of self-confidence or are just a heck of a dreamer.Either way, good for you!I mean it.I think it’s great that you have such a big dream.Not enough people have that big dream and even worse, not enough people recognize that dream and make strides to reach it.
Now here is where things get a little tricky.If you have a big dream it’s possible that you are now in a state of paralysis.You have no idea where to begin.This state of paralysis happens to many of us.It’s happened to me in the past and luckily I’ve learned something about it.Something I want to share with you, hold on…here is the secret.
Walking from Georgia to Maine or from Mexico to Canada is a pretty overwhelming prospect.Sure it sounds totally doable sitting in the comfort of your living room, freshly showered, eating something recently taken out of the refrigerator.But if you haven’t prepared yourself, that first night when you are laying out under the stars you are totally overwhelmed by the thought that you still have over 2000 miles left to hike.
If you are lucky, you’ve already realized that this is going to happen to you.That thought will enter your mind.It can make you quit if you haven’t made a plan.It can drive you mad.It will toy with your resolve; it will suck the fun right out of your journey.When I think about my journey, I don’t think about hiking from Georgia to Maine, or Mexico to Canada.I only have to hike to the next town that has food.So I only have to walk 4 or so days.That’s it.
I make these mini goals of just getting to the next town.I don’t have to worry about getting all the way through the trip.I only have to get to the next town with food.If I connect these town stops and I make it to each one, eventually I’ll come to realize that, in the case of the Pacific Crest Trail, the next town stop is…Canada.Before I know it I have reached my big goal.I’ve made it to the end.I have been successful.I did it.It’s a great feeling to achieve your big goal but it also feels good to reach the little ones knowing that they add up to the big goal.
Lesson three simply says:make little goals, that when added together, reach the big goal.
I have been writing a short book about life lessons I’ve learned from backpacking.I have also given slideshow presentations on my lessons to middle school students.I thought I would take excerpts from my “book” (I use that term very loosely) and post them here since, this is a blog about the outdoors.So with out further ado here is the excerpt from…
Chapter 2, Lesson 2
I only vaguely remember telling people that I wanted to hike the AT, just over 2,100 miles.I do remember hearing that I was crazy.The same phenomena happened when I started talking about the PCT.Granted this time I had a little more credibility but still, people thought I was crazy.
The funny part about it is that I never found a rational argument for me being crazy.I looked.I thought, maybe these people are right.Let me take a step back for a minute and analyze the situation.Am I crazy?Now at this point I realize you are probably saying yes, “this chick is crazy, look at her, she is talking to herself.”But don’t hold that against me.It’s my way of working things out in my head.Just keep on reading and see how this one turns out.
As it turns out, I wasn’t crazy or at least I didn’t think I was crazy.Why was hiking 2,100 miles and then turning around the next year and hiking 2,600 miles so crazy?Seriously, is living in a tarptent for 12 out of 18 months really so off the wall?It’s much safer and more prudent then it was walking to my car late at night in Philadelphia.It’s much safer and healthier then driving down I-15 in Southern California.But people didn’t believe that those were valid arguments to prove that I wasn’t crazy.
From this entire experience I learned another important lesson.“It’s ok if other people don’t understand your dream; it is, after all, yours.”
So yeah, lesson two is pretty simple as well.Tell yourself that it’s ok if other people don’t get your dream.Prepare yourself; someone won’t “get it.”It doesn’t matter how simple your brilliant dream is.Your dream could be something that happens every day for other people.No matter how sane your dream is, someone still won’t get it.That’s ok, don’t worry about it.
I have been writing a short book about life lessons I’ve learned from backpacking.I have also given slideshow presentations on my lessons to middle school students.I thought I would take excerpts from my “book” (I use that term very loosely) and post them here since, this is a blog about the outdoors.So with out further ado here is the excerpt from…
Chapter 1, Lesson 1
Throughout life, I’ve always had this secret fear of letting people down.Sometimes that’s not a bad thing.It makes me accountable to those people.Sometimes it’s a really bad thing and I put my dreams and goals on hold to make sure that I don’t let someone else down.
I had one of those “a-ha moments”.An epiphany if you will.I realized that I had to set some goals, dream some dreams.They needed to be realistic but grandiose at the same time.It can be a difficult line to walk but I needed to be toeing the line.
The goal had to be lofty, worthwhile, something that I really felt passionate about doing.My goal was hiking.I wanted to be out there having an experience and by the time I finished the AT (and my now ex-boyfriend had finished breaking my heart), I knew my goal was to hike the PCT from Mexico to Canada.Now, walking even a few hundred miles is a pretty large undertaking but hiking a few thousand.That’s a pretty massive task.However, it was reasonable; I mean other people had done it so why not me?
So here is lesson number one:“Don’t be afraid to dream big.”In fact, you have my blessing, permission and my plea.DREAM BIG!Do it, give it a try.See how it feels.Do you feel empowered?Do you feel relieved to have finally allowed yourself the opportunity to let your mind wander?Go on, let your mind wander.Let it unlock your secret desires, goals and dreams.It can be a moment of clarity for some.For others, allowing their mind to dream big is a moment of catharsis.Whatever it ends up being for you, you must do it.How else are you going to know what “the thing you want most” is?
Here are my favorite trail recipes and a few bonus recipes.Bon Appetite!
1. Chicken Rice:Cook 1 package of Knorr (formerly Lipton) Chicken or Chicken Broccoli Rice Sides according to package directions.Add chicken packet.It will be hot, let it cool before you eat it.
2. Ramen Casserole:Cook 1 packet of Creamy Chicken Ramen according to package directions.Add packet of chicken.When done cooking, remove from heat and add some powdered mashed potatoes of any variety you like (for this I usually just use plain) by sprinkling a bit into the ramen and mixing it in good, check the consistency and add a bit more as needed.The idea is to soak up the juice but not be so dry that it’s hard to eat.You’ll taste it and know if you did a good job.If it’s a bit too dry as a bit of water (cold is ok, it will help cool it before you eat it!)
3.Chicken Pasta:Cook 1 package of Knorr (formerly Lipton) Chicken or Chicken Broccoli Pasta Sides according to package directions.Add chicken packet.It will be hot…please let it cool a bit, you want some taste buds to enjoy this with.
4. Spaghetti and Sausage:Carefully slice some summer sausage and brown it in your pan, remove and set aside.Cook spaghetti according to package (angel hair seems to cook quickly).Drain off and dispose of properly some of the starchy water.Leave a little bit in there and add tube of tomato paste.Mix it and it will become the consistency of pasta sauce (there are a few pasta sauces you can get in a packet and that would be a fine substitute but drain off all of the water).Then mix in browned sausage and enjoy…it might be hot!This is my most challenging culinary master piece to date…I remember eating it at RaeLakes in the Sierra…it was awesome.
5. Chicken and Couscous:Cook 1 box of Near East Couscous (I prefer either Toasted Pine Nut or Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil) according to package directions. Add packet of chicken and enjoy…it will be hot.For this recipe, some people might prefer substituting another type of meat like tuna or salmon.I haven’t tried it but it could be good.If you try it, let me know!
Here are 3 bonus recipes…I’ve tried them all but never on the trail but those who made them for me eat them on the trail regularly and sure have gotten a lot of miles out of them…literally.
6. Erin and Hig’sButtery Goodness:Do this at home, not in the field (although you could but I would recommend doing it at home).4 pounds butter (salted), 1 canister regular oats (2lbs, 10oz), 1 ½ pounds brown sugar, and half a spice jar of cinnamon (less if fresh grated, more if the jar’s really old).Feel free to half or quarter this recipe if you are not hiking for many days.
Mash up butter, then mash in oats, then mash in sugar and cinnamon.Fingers work best, utensils can be used.Don’t let the butter melt.If you like, add extras like dried fruit or nuts.Divide mixture into 2 zip top plastic bags (gallon size probably works best).Keep cool.It makes about 4 person-days of food, if the person’s days involve many hours of physical labor.
Makes 2-3 servings.¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion flakes, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ½ tablespoon dried dill, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional), 12 ounces spinach linguine (or your choice of pasta), one 6-ounce foil-packed salmon, 2 tablespoons shelf stable grated parmesan cheese.
At home:combine the garlic powder, onion flakes, lemon zest, dill, black pepper and sun-dried tomatoes in a zip-locking plastic bag.Carry the linguine in a second bag.Combine the lemon juice and olive oil in a plastic screw top container.
In camp:bring 2 cups of water to a boil.Add the pasta and cook until al dente.Drain if necessary, leaving the past fairly wet.Add the spices and sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine.Add the salmon and toss well.Serve topped with the Parmesan cheese.
8. Yogi’s meal: Cut up a lot of onion and put it in your pan.Add enough water to reach the 2 cup level on your pot.Add some olive oil.Bring the water/onion/oil mix to a boil.Remove your pot from the stove and add some Butter Buds.Add one package of Idahoan brand Loaded Baked Instant Potatoes (This is the key!!! This brand is superior to all other brands for this recipe).Mix really well.Add real bacon — from the salad dressing aisle, it’s next to the Bacos, but this stuff is real bacon. It’s in a little, 4-ounce package.Sometimes I add salt and pepper.The amount of Butter Buds, onion, oil, and bacon is up to you.Remember, it could be hot!
Other notes, in a few of these recipes I mention adding a packet of chicken.These can be found in grocery stores usually in the canned meat section, near the tuna and salmon in foil pouches.Some stores just don’t carry chicken in a foil pouch.In that case you have 3 options:1) make it without the chicken, 2) dehydrate your own chicken and rehydrate it on the trail and add it, or 3) get a small can of chicken instead.
All of these recipes are good.I am in no way providing nutritional consultation with these recipes.I just like to eat them so I thought I would pass that along to you.Cooking involves fire (well except for bonus recipe 1) so be careful so you don’t burn yourself or someone else.I take no responsibility for your actions.
I have been writing a short book about life lessons I’ve learned from backpacking.I have also given slideshow presentations on my lessons to middle school students.I thought I would take excerpts from my “book” (I use that term very loosely) and post them here since, this is a blog about the outdoors.So with out further ado here is the excerpt from…
Chapter 0 (that’s right, Chapter 0)
During my formative years I felt a strong need to conform.I felt like I had to live up to other people’s perception of what I should do and how I should act.I felt incredible pressure to act like a perfect role model since I worked with kids.I wasn’t having fun.I didn’t like my life.But I lived it, because that’s what you are supposed to do.That’s how I was supposed to act.
Then I saw the light.I remembered this idea I had for the first time my senior year of college.I remembered about the Appalachian Trail.The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a National Scenic Trail as established by an act of Congress.It runs about 2,174 miles from Georgia to Maine.I had heard about people hiking it.They hike it end to end and I wanted to do give it a try.I read everything I could about it; I read memoirs and planned out schedules.It was my escape from an existence that was missing something, an existence that had begun to make me fairly miserable.I had to go do this, I had to go hike.The urgency was building; the only comparison I can possibly use to describe the feeling is the pounding, the hauntingly vivid, constant reminder of the tell-tale heart.In my case, the need for change, the need for adventure was pounding in my heart.I could hear it and feel it with every inch of my body.I had to get out there.
The AT was an interesting experience.I learned a lot.I learned a lot about me.It was 6 months with a steep learning curve.I found a boyfriend, I found a new hobby, and I discovered who I really am.After the trail, I learned more about me.I had my heart broken by said boyfriend and focused on my new hobby; at least I still had that right!This time I focused on the Pacific Crest Trail.The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a 2,655 mile National Scenic Trail, also designated by an act of Congress, which runs from the California-Mexico border to the Washington-Canada border.It is a well maintained trail that highlights much of America’s western beauty.
So that brings us up to now, saving again for the next adventure. Once again here I am, shirking my American obligations to keep up with the Jones’ and to consume as much as I can and work long hours to do so.I work hard, so I can play hard.I like to play hard for 5 or 6 months.But when I do work, I want it to be enjoyable and rewarding.Is that so criminal?I know, I know, I can hear you saying it even as I type this “this girl wants her cake and she wants to eat it too”.But really, think about it…is that too much for a girl to ask?
This leads me into my premise, the underlying idea that governs what I do and why I work hard and why I play hard and why I hike for days, weeks and months at a time.My dad told me this once.He stole it from someone else but he didn’t know who.We’ll now I’m borrowing it (if you know who said it, please let me know so I can give them credit, it’s been life changing).“The reason most people fail, instead of succeed, is that they sacrifice what they want most for what they want at the moment.”
Book Review:The Thousand Mile Summer in Desert and High Sierra by Colin Fletcher
Colin Fletcher is an iconic figure in outdoor literature and modern day backpacking.Many people know him as the author of The Man Who Walked Through Time or The Complete Walker.His books have changed people’s views of the outdoors and have inspired countless people to don their backpack and get outside.
I had the honor to win his book, The Thousand Mile Summer in Desert and High Sierra, in a raffle at ALDHA-West, a hiker gathering.I was quite possibly the happiest and luckiest person in the room, after all, I won the book while others were winning titanium flasks, t-shirts, sleeping bags and other such non-sense.
I haven’t read any of Mr. Fletcher’s works in the past.It had always been on my radar but just never in my reading queue.But ALDHA-West changed that and I am now a better person having read him, having gotten go to along with him on his journey, backpacking up through the state of California from Mexico to Oregon.
The book was quite different than I expected and it seemed to me that he was young and a bit inexperienced in a way, but his descriptions are magical and artistic.His prose made me yearn to be out hiking in the desert, experiencing my own desert landscape and then in the Sierra, having glacial bowls carved into granitic giants as my backdrop.
It is perhaps his personal evolution, his maturity as the story progresses that is of the most interest to me.In the beginning of the story he is deathly and violently afraid of rattlesnakes.So much so he has a tirade about the evil that emanates from them and then beats one to death.I was totally perplexed by this.From a man who is a hiking icon, I was shocked by this behavior.But as the story progresses, he learns from a ranger the importance of rattlesnakes and the impact they have on the ecosystem, and the impact not having them would have on the ecosystem.He learns to let them be, to let them live, that they are not evil.As happens for many people, with knowledge comes decreased fear and increased understanding and peace.Mr. Fletcher is no exception.
Mr. Fletcher’s book is full of colorful stories of the people he met and the places he visited.He has his idiosyncrasies and is not afraid to display them, most notably his firm belief that rattlesnakes ooze evil and, coming in a close second, his obsession with Silver King and it’s Piute cutthroat trout.He is honest and shows reverence when musing about Yellowstone National Park and the 5 men who found it.“Back in civilization, they registered no land or mineral claims.Instead, they wrote and lectured on the wonders of Yellowstone’s natural beauty.”
I think the best passage to describe the book, and Mr. Fletcher’s message, is found on page 188.He says, “Before long the sun dropped behind a line of stark peaks.Down on the valley floor it was suddenly very gray.But I knew that the copper-red dragonfly beside the Rubicon had given me something I would never altogether lose.And I knew that it was for moments like these that people came to the Wild Area.
Wilderness would be worth conserving if it did nothing but make such moments possible.And as I walked I found myself wishing I could thank the five men who had sat around their Yellowstone campfire in the fall of 1870.It would have been satisfying for them to know that their altruism that night-their altruism in a cockpit of rapacity and exploitation-had done so much not only for me but for the nesting Girl Scouts and for Thor astride his horse and for the father and son fishing in Lake Aloha and for Jinny stretching ecstatically on the mountain top and for Twig in his jeep and for millions of other Americans and for millions more, born and yet to be born, all over the world.”
Thank you Mr. Fletcher for reminding me of your message, of the importance of gratitude to those before us, the importance of treasuring what you have at the moment, the importance of what we leave to future generations and for letting me live vicariously through your adventure.It was a pleasure to read your words.
I am frequently asked backpacking and hiking questions.Questions like “where should I go” and “have you been to…” and “what gear do you recommend” and “where can I buy…?”So to help answer those questions I thought I would put together my Top 5 Backpacking and Hiking Resources.I have divided up these resources into a few groups but I am only giving you 10.Here goes…
General Hiking and Backpacking
1.Backpacker Magazine and Backpacker.com :This package deal offers quite a bit of inspiration for me. I find that many of the articles give me great trip ideas and they usually include information on which maps to get, how to get to the trailhead, etc.There are also articles covering environmental issues, gear and outdoor trends.Although these are not the main reason I enjoy reading Backpacker, they are an added plus (even if the gear they usually review is not quite up my alley).
2.REI stores:Every time I have been to an REI store, I come back with trip ideas.Their staff is usually comprised of outdoor enthusiasts and if you chat with them long enough, then you get some great trip ideas.REI also offers programs to the public, sometimes free, other times for a minimal cost.I have learned a bit about GPS from one of their programs and have wanted to attend numerous other programs but my closest REI is an hour each way from my house.
The chain of stores, and their website, offer gear for purchase and an outstanding customer satisfaction guarantee.They also have a used gear sale a few times a year for their members.In addition, if you like other outdoor activities, REI has an array of gear for most outdoor pursuits.Finally, some stores rent gear, invaluable if you are trying to ease into an activity.
Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking (LW and UL Backpacking)
3.Backpacking Light:widely regarded as the go to resource for lightweight and ultralight backpackers.Want to have a base weight of 5 pounds before adding in food, water and fuel?This is the place to come for info.Want to learn about some crazy trips?This is the place to search around.Try some of their podcasts or read some of their articles.Join in and garner new info from the forums.Like to make your own gear…then check out the MYOG forum.You won’t be disappointed.Just a warning, some of their content is for “Members Only”, but non-members can access quite a bit of free content and use the forums (you will have to sign up for an account but it’s free).
4.The Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick-Off Party (ADZPCTKO) and the PCTA’s Trailfest:These are two separate events but they are both the main way that LW and UL backpackers can see and try lightweight gear made by cottage manufacturers.Since most of our LW and UL gear is made by small organizations, they are tough (almost impossible) to find in stores, these events usually have a vendor section and guess who the vendors are…our cottage manufacturers.
Make Your Own Gear
5.Thru-hiker.com:This site is managed by AYCE (pronounced ace).AYCE is a wealth of knowledge about making your own gear.On his site he has info about making your own gear, has material and supplies available for purchase, and offers pre assembled kits that you can buy to make at home.This is a great way to stay involved with hiking and backpacking in the winter months, save money and get a better understanding of how gear is made.Although I haven’t made any of my gear, I have had many friends who have used AYCE’s kits and report them as being easy to follow but if they did have questions, AYCE was quick to respond to requests for help.
So those are my Top 5 Hiking and Backpacking Resources.I hope they help you in your endeavors to get outdoors.Please remember these are just my favorites right now, what are your favorites?
Well, today was my longest zero day yet. I hiked into the Yosemite Valley. Not sure exactly how many miles I hiked, 24ish maybe. Anyhow, I managed to complete the John Muir Trail! Man it’s awesome to have that accomplished. Now it’s really Canada or bust.
So about today…well actually it starts last night at about 11pm when people decided to set up their camp all but in our campsite. I really liked having headlamp flashing into my tent. It made for awesome sleeping. I would have slept just as well if I had been in the middle of a dance club. Let’s leave it at me being, oh I don’t know, livid.
So the morning finally comes around. I woke up on my own (Doodlebug did check up on me) and as I was getting ready Stitch came over to say good morning. At 6:15am I was on the trail…well at least I was walking around the campground looking for the trail. Finally found it.
I had to deal with some snow patches and a ton of mosquitoes…especially in and around the Sunrise Camp area. In fact, if it hadn’t been for my rain gear and head net I absolutely would have jabbed my titanium spork in my eye and then thrown myself off a mountain. The mosquitoes were that bad. They were swarming by the thousands.
I met many people along the way, many JMT hikers who were just starting out. Man did they have a heck of a climb. Many of them were asking about trail conditions. One guy heard that Donohue Pass was impassable as of July 12. We went over it on the 14th. I told him not to worry, it was fine, a little bit of snow for about a mile on each side. He felt better.
Flew by the side trail to Half Dome and ran into a ton of people who had just come down. There was a wait for the cables it was so busy. It might have something to do with the fact that the cables are closed for maintenance, Monday-Thursday from 7am-4pm. It seems like a bad idea to encourage people to hike it so early or late in the day but, I guess, it’s a better idea than not maintaining the cables so people are making due.
Well, the trend continued…people, people everywhere. The park was hopping. I was passing people left and right. As I was waiting for the shuttle bus, I saw a deer and it’s baby bounding down the road…then I saw the bear chasing them. The topper was the tourists chasing the bear. Now I realize that I am not an expert in ursine behavior however I am certain that it is never prudent to run after a bear…to ask it to participate in a photo shoot.
I then hopped on the bus. I went to Curry Village and saw a buck peeing near the bus stop. I cannot believe how close parents let their children get to a peeing buck. If I were that buck and I was urinating, and it happened to be at a bus stop in front of many people’ and they were all staring and pointing and snapping pictures and letting their boogery children get close, I would have turned right around and bit someone. Granted, the Park Service would probably have to kill me but every action has it’s consequences.Right?
So I made it to Camp 4, I was told it’s the best place to hitch. Hitching didn’t go as well as planned. Finally, a nice man by the name of Sam gave me a ride to the 140/120 split. I then got a ride from another lady who was following her friend. At the 120 split, I went in her friend’s car. Rey drove me all the way to the Tuolumne store. It was a great ride and she was very knowledgeable about the area and the PCT. I got to the store about 10 minutes before it closed, got some pasta, talked to Dad and got back to camp at 9pm. Long day. I have finished the JMT!
