Trail Magic at Sonora Pass

Today I met friends at Sonora Pass. It was so exciting to have people make the drive to visit me in my element! It's been two months since I have seen any of my friends from home and it was AMAZING to see so many people. Meshell brought me a resupply box packed by Eva who is on her way to see our oldest daughter in Colorado. Have a great trip Eva! People showed up with food, drinks and lots of smiles. They had the opportunity to provide some trail magic to other thru-hikers at Sonora Pass. It was so much FUN!

Three people joined me to hike the 76 miles to Lake Tahoe. Here is our "before" picture! 

I hope they are still smiling when we arrive. I promise not to hike too many miles each day. (Is 20/day too many miles?)

How about a group photo before we leave. 

Thank you to everyone who met me or sent a package. You are such a blessing!

June 30-A Day In Pictures

Lyell Canyon in Yosemite

Waterfall near Glen Alden High Sierra Camp

Sunset at Glen Alden High Sierra Camp

June 29-Worth A Thousand Words

Thousand Island Lake with Banner Peak in the background

Where's The Bathroom?

I've fallen and I can't get up!

There is a hiking joke that goes something like this:

A bear and a rabbit are pooping in the woods.

The bear asks the rabbit, 

"Do you have a problem with poop sticking to your fur?"

"Nope" says the rabbit.

So the bear wipes his butt with the rabbit.

It's a delicate subject, but I'm sure inquiring minds want to know...yes, I go to the bathroom in the woods. Peeing has few requirements: privacy, a thirsty bush, stand with your back to the wind (a surprisingly important step) and take care of business. Pooping has additional requirements: a more remote location, dirt soft enough to dig a hole, a stick to dig with, a zip lock baggie of toilet paper and the ability to squat like a baseball catcher and wipe at the same time. Now if I could just keep the mosquitoes from biting my bottom while I'm in position...

Clothes for Long Distance Hiking

I've never had much interest in fashion so hiking seems like a good fit. Wearing the same clothes everyday for days, weeks, months...

You really don't need much more than this. I have a clothing philosophy: Hike in layers...when you get hot, take off a layer, when you get cold hike faster. If something gets wet, lay it in the sun to dry. Don't carry any cotton except one cotton bandana. Use it to dry everything and hang it on the outside of your pack to dry. Wash your socks everyday...they keep your feet happy. Things get dirty and smelly...just keep hiking! Wash all your clothes in town and wear your rain pants and jacket while they are washing. 

Happy Birthday To Me!

A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse! William Shakespeare

Eva asked me what I wanted for my birthday...I'm guessing this is not it! While in Bishop, CA, I chatted with the owner of this amazing machine and he allowed me to sit on it and pose for a picture. Did I mention I still have my motorcycle license? This would get me to Canada much faster, but I think I better finish what I started and keep walking!

My Kitchen and Pantry

It's pretty basic: a small stove and pot, a large mug and a spoon. The stove pot is made of titanium so it is very light, and has a built in heat ex-changer so it is very efficient. It boils two cups of water in about 2 minutes. The fuel canister lasts for about a week if used sparingly for dinners and a few breakfasts. Also pictured is my bear canister which is required in the High Sierra. It protects my food from bears and also makes an excellent camp stool and even a bucket for washing clothes. I use the large mug for both eating and drinking. A typical breakfast is two packets of instant oatmeal with added raisins and almond slivers. After eating the oatmeal, I add a packet or two of hot chocolate and more hot water which helps me re-hydrate, gives me more calories, and cleans out my mug. A quick rinse and I am ready to go!

Sometimes I cook and eat inside my tent when the weather is bad or mosquitoes are swarming. It's not recommended because the tent could catch on fire, the stove produces carbon monoxide, and there is always the possibility of spilling (butter fingers). The other drawback of cooking and/or eating in the tent: the tent smells like food and that's not something you want in the Sierras where bears are on the prowl.

Keep calm and cook on!

Footwear

Here is what I wear on my feet while hiking... Asics Trail Runners with lightweight gaiters to keep the rocks and stickers out of my shoes. I also have a pair of very lightweight sandals to wear in camp and for river crossings.  It is very basic but works well for me. I have two pair of socks: one to wear and one that is hanging on my pack drying out for the next day! I expect to wear out 5 pairs of shoes, three pairs of gaiters, and a dozen pairs of socks. Keep calm and hike on!

Sonora Pass, Here I Come

I'm on my way to Sonora Pass, which is the closest I will be to Modesto while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. I would LOVE to see friends while I am there. Sonora Pass is on Hwy 108 and I will be there Saturday, June 28th from 10am to 2pm. I will be at the picnic area/trail head which is approximately 1/4 mile before the actual pass. Here is a google map link to the location of Sonora Pass on Hwy 108. Both the picnic area and pass are clearly marked with signs. Sonora Pass is approximately 110 miles from Modesto, CA on Hwy 108. It is 65 miles past the town of Sonora, and 10 miles past Kennedy Meadows Resort where there is a small store and restaurant. The picnic area has vault toilets and picnic tables. There is no running water so remember to bring your own. The pass is at 9,600 feet and can be windy, so remember to bring a jacket. Bring a picnic lunch and join us as we celebrate me hiking over 1,000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail! Below is a small map showing the picnic area just west of Sonora Pass. I look forward to seeing you!

High Calorie, High Fat-By Eva

It was so nice to spend time with Loren in Mammoth Lakes this week. It almost felt like a regular summer vacation spent in our favorite vacation spot. There were a couple of reminders that this was not the usual summer vacation though... 1. Loren's handsome beard, and 2. Loren's a bit skinnier than the man I left at the border. He is so skinny in fact, he can take off his jeans without unbuttoning or unzipping them! So, of great importance during our few days together was getting Loren to eat as much as possible with the hopes of adding a few of those lost pounds back. Each meal included the highest calorie and fat counts possible: re-fried beans instead of black beans, white flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas. Each meal also included dessert and of course some chocolate from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory to wash dessert down. It reminded me of poor little Violet from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. "You're turning violet, Violet!" The poor guy rolled out of our favorite restaurants just like Violet did. 

Now as I head back home and continue my role as Base Camp Manager, I am scouting out higher calorie, higher fat options that I can put into his resupply boxes. Funny that I can't find a single product wrapping that boasts this fact. Everything says "Lite" or "Low calorie". 

Mammoth Lakes!

I arrived in Mammoth Lakes on Tuesday, June 17th, and Eva arrived the next day with the newest addition to the family, our dog Holly! We had four days together to eat, relax, eat, sleep, eat, day hike, eat, and resupply for the next section of the PCT, the hike to Sonora Pass. It was wonderful to see Eva and spend time together. We ate at our favorite restaurants, hiked some of our favorite trails, and spent lots of time catching up on what's happening at home, work, and church. Mammoth Lakes is a beautiful mountain town that we have been visiting on an annual basis since we spent a week there on our honeymoon.

On Sunday morning, I begin hiking again after a huge breakfast at The Stove with Eva and another PCT hiker I met on the trail. He started hiking the PCT the same day I did, April 24th, but I don't remember meeting him until much later. He arrived in Mammoth on Saturday and won't be leaving until Monday, but it will be nice to share a meal together before I leave. I have enjoyed seeing Eva, but I am also excited to get back on the trail. I have hiked 906 miles, but there are 1,750 miles left before I reach Canada and the sooner I get hiking, the sooner I will get there.

Reds Meadows-Tuesday, June 17

It was a crazy cold morning and my hands and feet were frozen for 2-3 hours until it finally warmed up. I was hiking before 6 am with only 14 miles to reach Red's Meadows where there is a cafe, small store and shuttle bus stop. I arrived there just before 1 pm and walked like a zombie to the Cafe to order a burger! After satisfying my hiker hunger, I took three different shuttle buses to the town of Mammoth Lakes and spent a night in town. Laundry, a shower, and a huge meal at Roberto's Mexican Food Restaurant were the main priorities on my to do list. Eva arrives on Wednesday and we'll have four days together! We'll celebrate my birthday, plan my next few resupply boxes and spend some time relaxing for four days!

Silver Pass-Monday, June 16

This was a long hard day with over 5,000 ft. of altitude gain. It came in three waves, first the climb over Bear Ridge, second the climb over Silver Pass, and finally, right at the end of the day, a climb out of Tully Hole and over a saddle to Virginia Lake. Above is a picture of the pass, and below is a picture of Mono Creek after Bear Ridge.

Here is a picture of me on the bridge at Mono Creek.

And finally a picture of Lake Virginia where I camped. It was a very cold and windy night!

Selden Pass-Sunday, June 15

Here I am on Selden Pass with my favorate lakes, Marie Lakes, in the background. I hiked 23 miles today and plan on a long day tomorrow. That will put me in good position to reach Reds Meadows and the shuttle to Mammoth Lakes on Tuesday evening. Eva will meet me there on Wednesday and we'll be together until Sunday morning. I'm so excited to see her and eat as much food as I can. I am losing some weight and I am running out of room to tighten the waist belt on my backpack.

Today I walked over the bridge at Piute Creek, leaving behind Kings Canyon National Park and entering the John Muir Wilderness.

Muir Pass-Saturday, June 14

Today we hiked over Muir Pass at 11,974 ft. There was lots of snow on the south side and lakes still had ice on them. It was a hard climb and my feet are tired and my face is sun burned. Tomorrow I need to be more liberal with sunscreen and lip balm and I should be fine.

I carry a very light pair of sandals that I use for river crossings. The past few days there have been multiple river crossings each day requiring me to stop, take off my shoes and socks, put on my sandals, wade across the river, stop, dry my feet, and put my shoes and socks back on. It is a tedious process that takes 10-15 minutes and slows me down considerably. The snow also makes my shoes, socks, and feet wet and I am constantly swapping my socks to keep the driest pair on my feet.


It was another long day and I am glad it is over. I am camped in McClure Meadow and this is the view fron my campsite. I had a fast dinner, built a small campfire, and then crawled into my sleeping bag.

Tomorrow we tackle Selden Pass and because it is below 11,000 ft, we are hopeful there will be little snow. We'll have two major river crossings that will require us to wade across.

Mather Pass-Friday, June 13

This is me standing on Mather Pass. It wasn't as difficult as Glen Pass two days ago, but it wasn't easy either. There was less snow, but both sides of the pass are very steep and it took extra time to climb and descend. I hiked 20 miles today, but it took 13 hours to do it. I quickly setup camp near Big Pete Meadow in Kings Canyon and made a campfire for the first time on the PCT. I hiked today with a woman named Sugar from Canada. We also climbed Glen Pass together and are planning on sticking together on Muir Pass tomorrow. It's nice to have someone with you on these challenging sections.

When we arrived at our campsite, it was getting dark and I couldn't get any good pictures, but there were deer in the campsite and they didn't want to leave. They kept coming back and running by my tent as I was setting it up. It was exciting and a bit strange. It's almost 10pm and we plan to get up at 5:30 for an early start tomorrow. We want to get to Muir Pass before the snow gets too soft.

Pinchot Pass-Thursday, June 12

Before climbing over Pinchot Pass, I walked/bounced over a suspension bridge at Woods Creek and celebrated completing 800 miles of the PCT. How did I celebrate...with pop tarts of course.


I hiked alone for most of the day. It was slow going today with a lot of uphill hiking to the pass, snow at the the pass, and a steep downhill hike after the pass. It took me 11 hours to complete 19 miles. I am about 5.5 miles from Mather Pass, which reports say has the most snow of all the passes so far. I'm going to try to get hiking by 6 am tomorrow so the snow will still be firm and easier to hike on when I get there. Then I'll hike like a mad man down the other side to get as close to Muir Pass as I can so I can complete it the following day.

Glen Pass-Wednesday, June 11

Today I returned to the trail after two nights in Independence. It was relaxing and good to get some rest. The PCT doesn't actually go through Independence so I had to hike 8 miles from the PCT just to get to a road/trail head and then catch a ride 13 miles into town. I used the bus to travel to a bigger town on the second day for more food and shopping options. The next week I will be hiking in the High Sierra and expect this to be very challenging and exciting. Each day I will be hiking over a high mountain pass. Some will have significant amounts of snow and ice and I'll need to plan my daily mileage so I get over the pass in the morning before the snow gets too soft and the threat of afternoon thunderstorms increases.

My hike today began by retracing my steps on the 8 mile lateral trail over Kearsarge Pass, a 11,709 ft. mountain pass to connect with the PCT again. Then I hiked over Glen Pass which is 11,946 ft., but still had lots of snow on the north side. The pictures above are the pass and me standing at the top before climbing down. I used my micro spikes and ice axe for the first time on the PCT. I was hiking with a lady from Canada named Sugar and I'm glad I was there to encourage her as we hiked over the pass. One section was very steep and we worked together; I climbed down first and she handed me both of our packs and then she climbed down.

I am camped at Upper Rae Lake and plan to hike over Pinchot Pass tomorrow.

MacGyver's Tools!

Here are my repair/emergency items. It's very basic. A small aluminum sleeve to temporarily repair a broken tent pole, a lighter, some matches, a space blanket, a repair kit for my air mattress, some safety pins, dental grade epoxy, a small piece of Velcro, needle and thread, and a small roll of tenacious tape. I have a folding pair of scissors and a small knife in my first aid kit. Now...where is that bomb I need to disarm.

Clean Or Dirty?

I took another shower today...just because I could. I love being clean! 

On the trail clean is a relative term. At my resupply stop in Kennedy Meadows I took a cold outdoor shower and put the same dirty clothes back on. I felt clean, but the smell of my shirt indicated otherwise. At the end of each day my feet and legs are covered with dirt and sometimes cleaning them means letting them dry and wiping off the dirt with dirty socks. Using sunscreen or insect repellent attracts an extra layer of dirt to my arms, legs, neck and face. During the day I lay clothing I'm not wearing on rocks and the sun's UV rays seem to reduce the smell. When water is plentiful, I rinse my clothes, and wash my feet, bottom, face, arms and pits. Soap isn't allowed in streams, rivers, and lakes so the only time I use soap is to wash my hands and then I use it away from the source.

Basically I try to stay clean enough to avoid getting sick, but after that it's just lots of extra work that takes time and energy I could use for hiking. And you get dirty again so fast...

I must be doing something right, because most people I meet on the trail are surprised how clean my clothes and gear are. I don't smell like a day hiker (deodorant and soap) but people don't hold their nose when standing next to me. 

Happy Whatever Day It Is!

I have no idea what day it is! Here is what I know...I have 2 liters of water so I can walk 10-12 miles before I need to find more. I have enough food for three days and then I need to resupply. I can tell by my own odor it's been quite a while since my last shower. My shoes are good for another 100 miles and then they will need to be replaced.

It's a bit of an adjustment for me, living without a watch, a calendar full of activities, and a detailed to-do list. When I think about work, it is the people I remember and pray for. When I think about home, it is my beautiful wife that comes to mind and I long to see again soon.

In spite of the simplicity of hiking, each day is full of excitement! Meeting new people, seeing familiar faces of PCT hikers, new things to see, and new challenges to overcome. It is such a blessing to have this time to pray, reflect, and listen to that still small voice while enjoying God's creation.

Bugs!

Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

There are hikers who have devoted entire blog posts to mosquitoes, sometimes with a higher than normal frequency of expletives. They certainly can drive you crazy! On previous hikes during mosquitoes season I can remember running down the trail, waiving my hat in front of my face so I didn't inhale them and screaming at the top of my lungs. I've even tried speaking in tongues militantly as I hike, but to no avail. So...this year I bought a head net to put over my hat and will wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants when they get thick.  I also have DEET for any exposed skin. Hopefully this will keep me sane and happy in mosquito country! 

Mountain Passes

Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt. William Shakespeare

The mountain passes with snow and ice present the most physically challenging and dangerous part of the hike so far. I have micro spikes and an ice axe to help avoid falling on steep snow. Navigation through miles of snow at high altitude, and the threat of afternoon thunder storms also keeps me alert and thinking ahead. Mountain passes shoud be climbed in the morning when the snow is firm and lightning is less likely.

The next 125 miles has 50,000 ft. of altitude change over seven mountain passes:  Kersarge Pass, Glen Pass, Pinchot Pass, Mather Pass, Muir Pass, Selden Pass, and Silver Pass. I'll try to take some awesome pictures and video. 

Radio Silence-Wednesday, June 11

For the next week I will not have cell service. I will be deep in the High Sierra. I have a few posts scheduled in advanced, but news from the trail will be delayed until Mammtoh Lakes. I bought extra batteries to charge my phone so I can contine to take pictures, video, and write in this long section of the PCT.

Thanks again to everyone who is following along. I appreciate your prayers and support. You are a blessing. God's grace, peace, and strength is present with me as I hike and I feel His hand of protection in moments when I need courage.

Late To The Party

Even if you are old, you must plant. Just as you found trees planted by others, you must plant them for your children. Midrash Tanchuma (4th to 5th centuries)

For the first time in my life I know what I want. I have a voice and have something to say. I am ready to take a risk, make a difference, be a man. I  know that sounds strange coming from someone 51 years old who has graduated from college, attended graduate school, worked full time for 30 years, been married for almost as long, has two grown children and mows his own lawns. Maybe I have overstated the situation a bit, but the truth is for years I have wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail and never had the courage to do it until now. For years I have wanted to write something, but until now there was no evidence of it. I have something to say and I am prepared to risk being misunderstood to say it.

So it feels like I should hurry! I'm late and I have to make up for lost time! But I'm not going to do that. I am on God's time line and not mine. You are never too old and it's never too late to have a dream, set a goal, make plans then make it happen! Keep calm and dream BIG!

Resupply Drama-Tuesday, June 10

I arrived in Independence on Monday, June 9, to resupply with only the following food in my backpack:

I was dirty and ready for a shower and some real FOOD! The motel I'm staying at washed my clothes while I showered and I was on my way to Subway for a sandwich and soda, wearing a loaner t-shirt and shorts! Now that's service!

What's the drama you ask...my resupply bucket has not arrived and there is no grocery store in Independence. (Have I mentioned how small this town is?) So...we are hoping and praying it arrives today, but I won't know until about 11am.

Since the bus to Bishop, (a larger town with a grocery store 40 minutes away), leaves Independence at 8:45am, I'll take the bus to Bishop and the motel owner will call me if my package arrives. If it does, I'll have lunch in Bishop and take the bus back. If it doesn't, I'll do my resupply shopping in Bishop and return with 7 days of food. Either way, I get a break from hiking and enjoy some good food in Bishop.

10:35AM: I RECEIVED THE CALL THAT MY RESUPPLY BUCKET ARRIVED! God bless the USPS! Time to celebrate with some Mexican food and a bus ride back to Independence! I'll be back on the trail tomorrow.

My next resupply is in Mammoth Lakes and Eva is meeting me there! Now that is some serious motivation for the next 125 miles and 50,000 ft. of altitude change.

Keep calm and hike on!

Bring Me Men!

As I enter the High Sierra, I face some new challenges: snow, cold, thunder storms, and mosquitoes! I have hiked in the High Sierra many times, but never this early in the season. It will be a true adventure! Here is a poem that inspired me. I hope it does the same for you.

Bring me men to match my mountains,

Bring me men to match my plains,

Men with empires in their purpose,

And new eras in their brains.

Bring me men to match my prairies,

Men to match my inland seas,

Men whose thoughts shall pave a highway

Up to ampler destinies,

Pioneers to cleanse thought’s marshlands,

And to cleanse old error’s fen;

Bring me men to match my mountains –

Bring me men!

Bring me men to match my forests,

Strong to fight the storm and beast,

Branching toward the skyey future,

Rooted on the futile past.

Bring me men to match my valleys,

Tolerant of rain and snow,

Men within whose fruitful purpose

Time’s consummate blooms shall grow,

Men to tame the tigerish instincts

Of the lair and cave and den,

Cleanse the dragon slime of nature –

Bring me men!

Bring me men to match my rivers,

Continent cleansers, flowing free,

Drawn by eternal madness,

To be mingled with the sea –

Men of oceanic impulse,

Men whose moral currents sweep

Toward the wide, unfolding ocean

Of an undiscovered deep –

Men who feel the strong pulsation

Of the central sea, and then

Time their currents by its earth throbs –

Bring me men.

by Sam Walter Foss

Meeting A PCT Celebrity

The trail magic at Walker Pass and Hwy 178, described in a previous post, was provided by a group of trail angels that included Yogi, the lady on my left in the red shirt. She is famous on the trail because she wrote the most popular guidebook on the PCT. The lady in the cowboy hat is Jackalope, who is a former PCT hiker and friend of Yogi, Jackslope's son's trail name is Bear Bait. It was nice to meet Yogi and Jackalope along the PCT! The other two ladies have been trail angels for seven years and they seem to love blessing hikers along the trail! 

On The Trail Again-Saturday, May 31

It doesn't look like it's that inviting for bathing either...I filtered a liter, just in case I needed it. 

Saturday, May 31st / Miles today: 22 / Total miles: 673 / Climbed 5,100 ft. / No cell service

Yesterday I spent the day in Ridgecrest, as a guest of a family friend named Dennis. He was a wonderful host and we had so much in common in terms of our love for the outdoors, running and mountain climbing. Thank you Dennis! You are an inspiration.

Today began at the drive through at McDonalds in Ridgecrest, and then Dennis drove me  back to Walker Pass. I had a good day and hiked further than I had planned. I met someone from the UK named Bear Salad and we are camped together tonight. Time will tell if we stick as hiking partners.

I need help! Whenever I tell people my trail name they think immediately about the candy bar. I have to explain it is because I drop things, which they get, but 30 seconds later we are back to the candy bar again. (Food is a favorite topic on the PCT.) If they have eaten a Butter Finger candy bar, they have their own opinion about it, but if they haven't, and I'm discovering many people have been deprived, they want me to describe it. I tell them it is unique...just like me, but they are not amused or satisfied. The chocolate coating is easy, but the candy center...I need help describing it; both taste and texture. Help me please! 

Tomorrow we climb to over 8,000 ft. which I think is the highest point so far on the PCT. When we reach the High Sierra we will climb over a 13,000 ft. mountain pass and several that are over 12,000 ft. 

It's 9:15, windy, dark, clear sky, and cool. I'm in my tent and getting very sleepy. Good night! 

Butter Fingers

I Did It-Thursday, June 5

Did What? 

I stopped hiking early! I usually try to squeeze in as many miles as possible everyday, but I'm way ahead of schedule. I'm really bad at sitting still, relaxing, not doing anything, both on the trail and in real life. So...today, at the first alpine lake (11,300 ft.) on the trail, I decided to I take a half day off! I set up camp, washed clothes, and took a quick swim. I watched the clouds roll by while sitting by the lake reading and blogging, without cell service of course. After that I took a nap and listened to some podcasts on my MP3 player! I'll still finish hiking this section on Monday, one day ahead of schedule. (I'm not doing a very good job estimating my daily mileage.)

Friday I'll hike to Crabtree Meadows, Saturday, I'll summit Mt. Whitney as a day hike, Sunday I'll hike over Forester Pass, and Monday I'll hike out over Kerrsarge Pass and try to hitch hike into Independence. After that it's only 9 days till I see Eva again! 

40 Days-Monday, June 2

Today I reached the 700 mile mark on the  PCT. I'm having a great time and look forward to picking up my resupply box in the "town" of Kennedy Meadows.

There is a small store and cafe at KM. Right now there are 40 + PCT hikers here. I've been here four hours and I've only seen five cars so I'm not sure how much business they get besides hikers. 

I had a burger for lunch and will eat another before I leave. I also plan to eat a large bag of chips, drink a 6 pack of Pepsi and devour a quart of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. (I'll be in a food coma for a few hours.) I plan to leave around 6pm to camp just a few miles up the trail. I can camp at the store, but I'll sleep better if a get away from the crowd. Some hikers hang out for a day or two, but I'm usually anxious to get hiking again. Some stay to let their bodies heal, some stay for the social atmosphere, some stay to wait for a resupply package, many stay to drink beer and smoke. There is no cell service or internet service here, so I used a Walgreens calling card at the pay phone to call Eva...I went straight to voicemail. I called again later and got to talk with her, the last time for up to a week when I reach Independence. 

I met DataBase again at Kennedy Meadows and he remembered I blogged about him completing the pancake challenge in Big Bear. He said his friends found my blog post with his picture and information. Too funny!