Catching Up - Lassen Park to Mount Shasta Mile 1365 - Mile 1494

October 25, 2017

To all of those who followed along with the blog, a big thank you to start! As I had mentioned several times it became very difficult to keep it current with the amount of photos I was uploading. I will continue the storyline of the adventure even as I now find myself back in a big city at a coffee shop sipping a cup of joe.

When you were last with me I had reached Lassen Volcano National Park in Northern California and moving with renewed speed and determination after getting through the last of the snow.

Diffused sun through the clouds in Lassen

Lassen Peak falling into the southern view

Morning hiking through volcano country en route to Old Station, CA

Leaving Old Station was a stretch of ridge hiking in near desert heat with a 20+ mile water carry. Feels kind of like SoCal again!

Sunset stretching shadows across the valley below me

A fresh black bear footprint on trail. I followed his tracks for a while before he ambled off.

My shelter under a solitary oak in a pasture. The field was thick with volcanic rock and cow patties.

Burney Falls Ranch camp. This privately run ranch was stocked really well for resupplies and was a welcomed sojourn after the previous days.

And we run into these guys at Burney Falls, Brown and SeaBass...

...and Grasshopper! His parents came out in the Vanagon and had cold drinks and dinner for us!

Burney Falls...one of the stunning beauties of Northern California.

Another bear track just outside Burney Falls

30 mile day, 7000' of climbing, still smiling!

Now We're Moving! Sierra City to Lassen Volcano National Park

August 21, 2017

With the snow covered trails finally ending at Sierra City my walking pace and morale lifted. Time to cover some miles!

Got to the 1200 mile point while walking out of town in the afternoon.

It was a 4000 foot climb to get to camp from town

Oh, the lakes of Northern California! A nice start to the day.

A morning of sunshine through wildflowers

Bear hanging my food bag right off the trail. Hang it high!

Spider web in the morning sun just north of Bucks Lake

Super breakfast at Lassen Volcano National Park!

Still working to get caught up with very slow wifi, unreliable cell service and most time in town running errands.

South Lake Tahoe to Sierra City - Mile ~1100 to Mile 1195 June 30th to July 6th

July 31, 2017

After a relaxing stop and a zero day in Tahoe it was time to get back on trail. For miles and multiple days after leaving we still had views of Lake Tahoe in the distance. There was also a good bit of snow travel to contend with especially over Dicks Pass. The last day of this segment marked the end of real snow travel.

Headed back to the trail with a shot over Tahoe in the distance.

Echo Lake store - the last stop for treats before heading back into the wilderness- only opened a week or so before we got here due to snow.

Late afternoon start enhanced the scenery

A beaver scurrying across frozen Lake Aloha

Feeling strong heading through the snow around Lake Tahoe

The melt is really happening! Wait, is that a creek or the trail?

The wildflowers are starting to thicken up along the sides of the trail.

Off trail descents down slopes like this one were common throughout the Sierras. I am trying to show the steepness here. In the shade the snow freezes over during the night and is treacherous and icy while the snow in the sun softens as soon as the … — Off trail descents down slopes like this one were common throughout the Sierras. I am trying to show the steepness here. In the shade the snow freezes over during the night and is treacherous and icy while the snow in the sun softens as soon as the sun hits it.

Lunch overlooking Lake Tahoe in the distance.

Ridge walking in this beautiful section of trail making my way towards Squaw Valley ski area

Skunk cabbage grows thick along the creek banks

The trail passes under the top of the lift

Ridge walking with some of the most amazing views yet. Snow still clings to north and east slopes but the trail is starting to be mostly snow free!

The view from the top of Sugarbowl Ski area.

Amazing sun over Donner Lake. This area is surrounded with great rock climbing.

One of the two bridges under the interstate at Donner Pass

July 5th--unknown to me at the time, this would be the last day of substantial snow travel since June 4th! Consistently wet feet and constant wayfinding was finally about to be over!

View of the mountains as I neared Sierra City

River gorge headed into town. I'm glad this one had a sturdy bridge across

The Methodist church in town allows hikers to camp in the lot next door and had public bathrooms and showers. A very hiker friendly town to pass through!

The only local eatery...the Red Moose. Full of character and characters.

Getting back to hiking, the trail climbed several thousand feet out of the valley via miles of switchbacks. Thankfully these were well shaded in the afternoon. Next stop would be the tiny resort town of Belden.

Sonora Pass to South Lake Tahoe June 25th to June 30th

July 30, 2017

After hitching from Lee Vining to Sonora Pass, Strider and I planned to knock out what we hoped would be the final stretch of challenging snow travel.

Morning view. Yes, the trekking pole is bent...the middle section snapped when it saved me from a fall in the snow.

Purple and reddish rocks on this pass. There was also an herb that I only saw in this area that had an amazingly nice fragrance. Picked a little and put it in my chest pocket so I'd smell better.

A full day of snow travel over but at least it's getting easier to find a camp not covered in snow.

Beautiful raging waterfall still encased in snow as we start the second day out of Sonora.

Strider doing some trail work. This huge log was sitting on a rise about midway through and he was actually able to pivot it a few feet to clear the trail.

Still having to deal with snowbanks nearly 6 feet tall on the regular

Dropping into a snow bowl off a ridge to get to camp. We set up on one of the snow free knolls on the right side of this view.

Up for sunrise and ready for another day of snow travel.

Came across the strange one lane road seemingly in the middle of nowhere through a high pass that had only dump truck traffic traveling it. Perhaps clearing snow above?

Aggregate rocky minarets dominated this area I passed through. Today was surprisingly light on snow.

The trail crossed where the slide tracks start at center left. The slope was extremely steep for sidehilling.

Alternate route down the ice chute involved a tough off trail climb up a willow covered mountainside

Eating dinner under a headnet to avoid the worst mosquitoes yet just after seeing the first black bear on the trail

Thanks to Loren for the blood-saving net

Wide open landscape on the trail to Carson Pass

Nerding out on geology and the blue and orange slate

The wildflowers were on full display though the snow made it hard for day hikers to get to

Forest service visitor station at Carson Pass complete with trail magic.

Camp for the night anticipating a relaxing night in South Lake Tahoe the next day

A hard freeze overnight and a thigh-deep creek crossing made for a tough morning

South Lake Tahoe was very good to us hikers with Sports LTD, the local outfitter staying open late for us, and Base Camp Pizza covering most of our dinner tab.

The Sierras and the Snow Part 4 - Mammoth to Yosemite June 19th - June 24th

July 27, 2017

View of Red's Meadow from Mammoth Pass trail. Red's Meadow remained closed due to snow covering and damaging the road. It's typically the route into town with a shuttle bus running between the two so it added some extra snow travel miles to our trip… — View of Red's Meadow from Mammoth Pass trail. Red's Meadow remained closed due to snow covering and damaging the road. It's typically the route into town with a shuttle bus running between the two so it added some extra snow travel miles to our trip.

A fairly standard lunch in the first few days coming out of town.

A rugged ridge line and alpine lake across the valley.

Storm clouds building over the mountains

A good camp...a snow free patch of ground and relatively flat!

The morning approach to Donahue Pass over miles of snow and sun cups

Finally made it to Yosemite! A flooded valley on the way to Tuolumne Meadows.

At Tuolumne Meadows, Strider and I decided to hike the road to the town of Lee Vining to stock up with more food for the next section. We talked with a park ranger who strongly encouraged us to reconsider heading north due to the streams between Tuolumne and Sonora Pass being near flood stage. After getting to town and checking my messages, a fellow hiker also warned of the stream crossings and said that he and his partner were jumping ahead to Sonora Pass. With this extra information, we made the decision to do the same and hitched a ride from Lee Vining to Sonora Pass to restart the trail.

The Sierras and the Snow Part 3 - Vermillion Valley to Mammoth

July 17, 2017

Headed down through aspens in hopes of getting to Vermillion Valley Resort in time for dinner, a backcountry campground, kitchen and store that provides a great resupply point in the middle of the Sierras.

Bear track spotted on Bear Ridge Trail headed to VVR. Don't mind that my hands looks like I've been crawling on the ground.

Strider celebrated his 24th birthday at VVR.

Silver Creek falls. This was one of the scarier crossings and we approached it before 6 am. It was freezing cold and immediately afterwards we had to scramble up rocks and then hike on snow for hours.

We took a zero day in Mammoth to resupply and rest. My friend Adrian (Radha Vinode) hosted us at his apartment and made us amazing breakfasts and dinners for the two days there.

The Sierras and the Snow - Part 2 The High Passes

July 17, 2017

At this point, expected mileage, expected calorie intake and expected dry feet all went out the window! The strategy enacted was take on one pass per day, climbing it as early in the morning as possible while the snow was still relatively frozen, hike out the snowy miles to the north of the pass, then climb as high up the approach to the next one as possible to restart the process the next morning. Possible daily mileage was reduced by roughly half and typically required about twice the effort as what I had been used to. And of course, I started eating nearly twice what I had in the desert with the extra output.

So, I've broken this post up into each pass crossed beginning with Glen Pass.

June 11

Glen Pass - Elevation 11,926 feet

Sunrise over Glenn Pass the second of the high passes after Forester.

Looking north from Glen Pass over miles of snow

Rushing river with a snow bridge that might survive a couple of weeks more.

The lower portions of the trail between passes took me through some of the most beautiful scenery in Kings Canyon National Park's backcountry.

I didn't know it then but this would be the last century marker not buried in snow for 400 miles!

Mather Pass - Elevation 12,100 feet

A storm's a-brewing and coming right for us! After blowing gale winds up the valley, the storm dumped about 2-3 inches of snow overnight. Frozen shoes greeting me when I crawled out of the tent became fairly common.

Campsite perch for the night and one of the few snow free spots.

June 12

Pinchot Pass - Elevation 12,090 feet

Early morning on the fresh powder, with snow cups, the holes in the surface of the snow, covering a long portion of the approach.

Snow filled the sun cups over night and made it even more challenging

And beginning the descent down the north side

Miles of snow cups! The trick is catching it at the right time of day when it is just soft enough to allow your shoes to glide over them similar to skis. Too early in the day and you can easily sprain an ankle on the hard cups. Too late in the day a… — Miles of snow cups! The trick is catching it at the right time of day when it is just soft enough to allow your shoes to glide over them similar to skis. Too early in the day and you can easily sprain an ankle on the hard cups. Too late in the day and they become structureless mush that causes each step to be highly unpredictable.

June 13

Mather Pass - Elevation 12,100 feet

Another long snowfield approach. This one felt like the longest trudge to begin the actual climb of them all.

A still photo of glissading, the fine art of sliding down steep slopes on your butt, doesn't look near as fun as it does on video. Here, Strider shows proper form near the bottom of a couple hundred foot glissade.

A river temporarily hidden at high elevations

Snow camp! Carving out nice flat snow platforms is fairly easy with an ice axe. Staying warm overnight on one isn't.

The deep snow bends young trees like little saplings.

Ice starting to cave in around a lake edge

View looking north and the pair of mountaineers. Strider and me.

Descending a west facing switchback that the snow had thankfully melted from. When switchbacks were covered with snow, we had create our own path down faces that often approached vertical. Scary stuff for somebody not highly experienced in winter mo… — Descending a west facing switchback that the snow had thankfully melted from. When switchbacks were covered with snow, we had create our own path down faces that often approached vertical. Scary stuff for somebody not highly experienced in winter mountaineering.

Sweet relief even if temporary! Exposed trail and warm sun in the lower valley.

It's like springtime up here! A delicate iris-looking flower blooming.

Aspen groves were dotted through the valley as well. This little tangle is a grove of young aspens starting to leaf out.

Another snow camp setting up for the Muir Pass ascent

Tired, sunburnt and trying to stay warm.

June 15

Muir Pass - Elevation 11,955 feet

Mountain lion tracks spotted in the snow on the morning of the Muir Pass climb.

Strider shows the size of the snow banks.

Massive landscapes up here. Muir Pass approach.

Starting the Evolution Creek crossing in the meadow upstream from the regular crossing location. This peaceful waist-deep flow turned into a raging torrent a quarter mile north of here.

Muir Pass was the last of the +11,000 foot elevation passes. Selden Pass and Silver Pass were still ahead at just below 11k. Plus there was plenty more snow travel, swollen creeks and challenges ahead.

The Sierras and the Snow - Part 1. Kennedy Meadows to Kearsarge Pass

June 30, 2017

The snow quickly loses its charm. After tromping through a little of it on Mount San Jacinto outside Idyllwild i was excited for the mountains. I was a bit disappointed not to see any in Big Bear but after slogging through it for more than 23 days following Kennedy Meadows I'm ready for bare trail again.

Crucial snow travel gear for me this year includes a whippet pole which combines a trekking pole and ice axe.

But first, there was the beautiful entry to the Sierra foothills from Kennedy Meadows headed north.

The south fork of the Kern River flowing above banks is a sign of things to come

Waking up to a thick fog over the valley

Sparrow Bridge. Sparrows nest under it and swoop back and forth

First little bit of Sierra snow on a low pass

Beautiful Ponderosa stands on gravelly grounds

Camp for the second night on top of a ridge in view of snowcaps

Breakfast break with pour over coffee from Idyllwild Coffee Roasters

Approaching Mount Whitney camp at Crabtree Meadows

First light on the path up Mount Whitney after a 1:30 am start for the summit.

On top of Mount Whitney, highest point in the lower 48 states!

Forester Pass approach with miles of snow travel

Forester Pass--the narrow slot at the top left. Note the person just right of center starting the climb.

My friend Bob decided to climb the chute not knowing that the switchbacks were clear. At 66 years old and with a full pack and only one ice axe he's a braver man than me.

Glissading paths--the fine art of sliding down the slopes on your butt

Down to lower elevation to camp along the flooded river

View up the valley back towards Forester Pass on the way out to Bishop to resupply

A little more snow travel before getting to civilization. Bullfrog lakes

Just another pass to cross

Resupplied rested and ready to go back into the Sierras for round 2

Agua Dulce to Kennedy Meadows - Mile 454.5 - 702

June 21, 2017

I'm scrambling here! This post covers a huge amount of miles compared to previous posts because I've gotten far behind on updating.

A hot day in the desert leaving Agua Dulce

Higher elevations make for pine forest oases in the desert

Beautiful colors of the forest

Morning walk towards Hiker Town near Lancaster, CA.

The fog at the end of the road stayed in place all morning and would not move further east into the desert valley.

Hiker Town...an eclectic mix of cabins, sheds, trailers and building hikers could stay in overnight for a small fee. I just dropped in for a morning break and kept moving since the weather was cooler that day.

The long walk along the LA aqueduct after leaving Hiker Town

A huge snake passed by here just before us!

Strider finding a wind break to cook dinner

Joshua trees - the only shade to be found

The best little trail magic spot on the top of a mountain. It was stocked with snacks, peaches, tangerines and drinks.

When you get to high enough elevations, the desert mountains turn green and shady

Beautiful spring in Sequoia National Forest

Back into the Mojave desert and the sand bogs

Got to have coffee...this time on a ledge with an incredible view as the sun is rising

And it was incredible! This was the last spot I had cell reception for about 10 days.

Trail Magic! Jim had it figured out on his first try with drinks, food and a portable fire pit.

700 miles down just before getting to Kennedy Meadows

Finally, Kennedy Meadows and the official end of the desert! Now to see what the Sierras have to offer.

And I run into these two lads I had not seen in 500 miles!

Mountains to Desert Wrightwood to Agua Dulce Mile 371 - 454.5

May 27, 2017

After a quick trip into Wrightwood for a resupply and a meal I got back on to trail to camp for the night. It was getting dark already so I had to pick a campsite quickly. I cowboy camped on a ridge where I could see the lights of San Bernadino valley on one side of the mountains and the lights of a desert town on the other. During the early morning hours the wind began to gust and made for a cold night of little sleep. I packed up quickly after sunrise and headed to a windless spot in a big pine tree grove for coffee and a hot breakfast to reset my spirit and get ready for a big climb up Mount Baden-Powell.

Sunrise over the desert at the windy camp

Breakfast oats with mulberries and pistachios on pine needles

Patches of snow on the way up Baden-Powell

On top of Baden-Powell after climbing 2800' in 1 hour 20 minutes up numerous switchbacks.

The official alternate trail around a preserve area for an endangered frog involved some rugged wilderness trail. Note the trail is about 6" wide at points

Back into the trees on the PCT in Cooper Canyon

Mushroom-likebut not sure what these little wonders are

400 miles in! Not showing good selfie skills though

Spotted--the notorious poodle dog bush that can kill you! Just kidding, but it can leave some nasty blisters similar to poison oak.  I spent a good portion of the early trails avoiding imposter plants along the trail for fear they were poodle d… — Spotted--the notorious poodle dog bush that can kill you! Just kidding, but it can leave some nasty blisters similar to poison oak. I spent a good portion of the early trails avoiding imposter plants along the trail for fear they were poodle dog. As soon as I saw I I knew exactly what it was.

Cameron being walked over by the trail kitten

Camp for the night in a remote spot above Sulfur Springs Camp

Back up into Ponderosa pines at dawn on Pacifico Mountain

Mountain lion footprint on the trail in the early morning.

I was still walking at sunset to get this shot. This was my highest mileage day on the trail yet with the promise of showers at a KOA campground spurring me to walk 37 miles in one go!

Trail dust. It took scrubbing three times to get the dirt off.

The following morning in a canyon outside Agua Dulce. This would be a short 10 mile rest day on the way to The Saufley's house. They are hiker hosts with a great home open to hikers just a mile off trail

Free range chickens and one awnry rooster

After a relaxing afternoon and evening in Agua Dulce it was time to get back to the trail the next morning and reestablish the pace.

Big Bear Lake to Wrightwood - Mile 266 - 371

May 23, 2017

Day 1 - Mile 266 - 276

After a relaxing zero day (zero trail miles) in Big Bear Lake and a great lunch with Shoby's cousin, Ali and his lady Nicole, courtesy of Shoby, I started back on trail where I left off. I was reenergized even carrying the full weight of a resupply and my feet and legs were feeling much healthier. Since it was late in the day I planned for about a half day's distance and got about 10 miles in to a solitary wilderness camp.

Day 2 - Mile 276 - 298.5

The transition back to desert hills through a rock garden

A very nice sight after quite a few desert miles

First bridge at Deep Creek and the stop for the second day

Camp by the creek. 22 miles makes a big difference in scenery

Day 3 - Mile 298.5 - 323.5

Stringy yellow grass at the base of burned manzanita trees

Day 4 - Mile 323.5 - 347

California water department storage at dawn

Clouds rolled down to the lake as I climbed

Trail through a culvert under train tracks

El Cajon Pass Rail Turn

Day 5 - Mile 347 - 371

Burn zone bandito. Bandana limits the amount of soot inhaled on a windy morning

My ride to town--a 79 Jeep Golden Eagle driven by the park ranger

Wrightwood. A very hiker friendly little mountain town

Palm Springs to Big Bear Lake - Mile 210 - 266

May 18, 2017

After a relaxing afternoon and easy morning in Palm Springs, Shoby and I hit the trail Tuesday where I left off on the north side of I-10. Over the next 4 days we hiked through the desert, past a windmill farm, crossed Whitewater Creek and climbed along Mission Creek until the desert floor turned to arroyo then to mountains. We could see snow capped peaks while walking through stands of massive Ponderosa pines and mountain cedar trees. The first day was a modest 10 miles after a relaxed start but each following day was 15-16 miles of hiking with some respectable climbing under the intense Southern California sun.

Lunch...tortilla, peanut butter, honey, nuts and chocolate

Mission Creek is a life saver in this hot desert valley!

Snow capped San Gorgonio in the distance

All the food at the Nepalese restaurant in Big Bear

And that's a wrap for this edition...stay tuned!

Warner Springs to Palm Springs - Mile 110 - 210

May 13, 2017

After leaving Warner Springs at sunset, I hiked with Mike to find a great spot along a flowing creek about 1.5 hours after dark. The next morning wasn't quite the early start I've been trying to stick with in the desert and we had a long day of climbing and heat awaiting.

Morning climb into the high desert hills.

Second rattlesnake sighting of the trip.

A strange but welcomed watering hole miles from anything in the high desert.

The fast movin' fellas chased me down leaving Mike's Place

The area around Tule Spring, the night's camp, looked like a botanical garden. The water from the spring however looked a little questionable.

Another early morning departure to beat the desert heat

Normally these ubiquitous lizards darted away. This guy didn't seem to mind me taking his picture

One of the coolest trail magic stops along the way. Walden--complete with water, sodas, a mini library rom which you could take or leave books, cards for Mother's Day which the trail angel would stamp and send and life sized cut outs of these guys..… — One of the coolest trail magic stops along the way. Walden--complete with water, sodas, a mini library rom which you could take or leave books, cards for Mother's Day which the trail angel would stamp and send and life sized cut outs of these guys...

Walt Whitman and Henry David Thoreau. Two of America's earliest literary proponents of the value of wilderness to the human constitution.

Paradise Valley Cafe...the reward after 15 miles of morning hiking! I started writing a country song in my head on the way to the cafe anticipating a solid off-trail meal.

Due to a fire closure along the trail the 'unofficial alternate route' involved a lot of highway walking to get to Idyllwild. After about 8 miles of it and just before sunset a guy from town pulled over and asked if I wanted a ride into town telling… — Due to a fire closure along the trail the 'unofficial alternate route' involved a lot of highway walking to get to Idyllwild. After about 8 miles of it and just before sunset a guy from town pulled over and asked if I wanted a ride into town telling me I had at least another 2-3 hours of walking. With tired feet and a mildly sprained ankle from the day before, I said yes please and thank you.

Idyllwild's city monument...the coolest chainsaw carved sculpture!

Amazing hospitality from Mike's aunt and Morgan and her mom in Idyllwild made for a supremely relaxing near-o day. Fresh salad and veggies are crave-worthy after days of basic trail food.

Back onto the trail with ominous clouds looming over Idyllwild

It was amazing to hit snow pack on Fuller Ridge after being in crushing desert heat 48 hours earlier.

The clouds opened for an amazing view...

The sun even broke through lighting up the ice on the pine needles

And sleet started to fall just after getting the tent up

Followed by a couple inches of fresh powder throughout the night

Fresh powder means wayfinding on the trail and being extra cautious with steps for hidden rocks and roots. It continued to rain down huge snowflakes off and on until 1 pm

The hot dry desert around Palm Springs peeks through thousands of feet below

Finally, my cozy home and a gorgeous sunset after a 25 mile hike and 7,000 foot descent! Now that's rough on the body!

Morning clouds hanging over the mountains

A bittersweet goodbye to these high mileage hikers, Mike and Harry! For me it's a rest day and and some time with my lady on the trail.

Palm Springs and the mountains I came out of

We get on the trail again tomorrow!

Campo to Warner Springs-Mile 0 - 110

May 6, 2017

Day 1, April 28:

Dropped off at the southern terminus monument by trail angel (people along the trail who assist hikers) volunteers, I started the journey northbound. I peered through the wall to Mexico on the other side, signed into the log book and began walking. There was much more water flowing in this stretch than in normal years and so much color from desert blooms.

My home and gear for 5 months with a view northbound

Water in the desert...first source at mile 3

Looking back south from a hilltop. The power lines in the distance were close to the border

Climbing out of Hauser Creek Canyon at mile 16

Lake Morena in view

Camp at Lake Morena after the first 20 mile day

Day 2 - Lake Morena to Lower Morris Meadow 19 miles

Desert hills

Military helicopter crash site

Desert flora

Pipe spring at Lower Morris Meadow makes a welcome stop for weary feet after 19 miles of walking

Day 3 - Lower Morris Meadow to Boulder Field camp via Mount Laguna - 17 miles

Perks of waking up a 4 am to start hiking

After hiking around 9 miles out of town with blisters growing increasingly painful, I decided I had to return to Mount Laguna Outfitter and buy a new pair of trail runner shoes with a much larger toe box. I called ahead to see if they had my size and proceeded to bushwhack through brush off trail to the highway which I could see down the hill from my position on the trail. Just before starting to the road I saw my first rattlesnake on the trail who had laid right beside the path and gave me no warning as I approached. He only moved after I took out my phone for a photo. Needless to say, this encounter made crawling through brush off trail a bit disconcerting. I got to the highway, managed to hitch a ride back to town and bought a new pair of shoes and socks and got one of the friendly shop employees to drop me back where I had gotten off trail.

Shoe that I sliced to desperately get more room for me toes

Happy to be back on trail and hoping the new shoes help

Cowboy camping on a boulder strewn ridge. Actually a chilly evening

Day 4 - Boulder Field to Scissors Crossing water cache - 23 miles

Pipe spring 2 miles off trail but a life saver!

Beginning the afternoon hike...one of the hottest sections yet...10 miles on the desert floor

Scissors Crossing water cache under the bridge at mile 77. Another life saver in a 25 mile waterless stretch of desert stocked by volunteers to support thru-hikers. Thank you, trail angels!

Day 5 - Scissors Crossing to Barrel Spring - 25 mile of true desert hiking

Another vital water cache 15 miles into the day's hike

Regrouped with the 3 trail rockstars at the 100 mile marker!

Day 6 - Barrel Spring to Warner Springs and out...a rest day so only 14 miles.

Sunrise on the trail. I've gotten really fond of pre-dawn hiking

Warner Springs Resource Center. Bucket showers and laundry, wifi, snacks, camping area and more for hikers by the town's volunteers!

Headed out of Warner Springs at sunset for 2 hours of night hiking in cooler temps.

T Minus 12 Hours

April 27, 2017

Finally, all preparations behind me and several days of relaxing in So Cal to slow the pace find me at PCT uber volunteers, Scout and Frodo's house. They host, feed and transport up to 50 hikers to the trailhead every day during the season in a feat of logistical perfection. At 5:30 tomorrow morning our packs will be loaded into a caravan of vehicles and we will head to the border.

They provided lunch, snacks and dinner.

Beach day with my childhood friend's kids

Nimai and I

Home cooked meal with another childhood friend, Jivana!

La Jolla

Patterns in the sand

Salk Institute is getting a facelift

Turn It On Its Head

April 19, 2017

This is it! With only a few days left before setting off on a one-way flight to San Diego to begin the Pacific Crest Trail, the reality and scale of this undertaking is palpable. So much research has gone into trying to prepare for and understand the challenges that lie ahead but the feeling of having so much still to do and to organize is unsettling.

In order to pursue this adventure I am having to walk away from a great job and the security of reliable income, 10 years into my architecture career. This will be the longest stretch of 'unemployment' I have experienced since I was 14 or 15 years old. Many of my belongings have been moved into storage and the bill is paid for the next 6 months. Necessary bills like credit card, phone and accident insurance have been set to autopay and the rest have been cancelled.

In the thick of last minute arrangements, I squeezed in a trip to visit my grandad with my lovely lady and spent time with my aunt, uncle and cousins, all of whom I had not seen in over two years. We camped in style on my family's land, equipped with a four wheeler, a two burner stove and water to spare! My uncle even came and cleared the site with a weed eater and stocked us with fire wood. I don't expect any such luxuries for the next 5 1/2 months.

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