Category: PCT 2018

5.14.2018

Mile 730-750

Luc left camp by 6. I asked that he wake me before he left. Dude was packed up just minutes before me and I left just around 7. We made some mad climbs above 10,000 feet several times before 10am, which is where I took my first break. I carried water from camp and had a late breakfast as I was solo those first few hours.

Around 11am the precipitation started to fall. It was light for about an hour after lunch at mile 743, but by mile 748 the trail was practically covered. There were several sections of the trail where snow was had not melted. I tried my best to walk in the tracks of others before me, so I wouldn’t posthole and get my feet wet. It didn’t matter because the ice pellets continued to fall and eventually we were carving our own tracks. I could see how easily someone could have lost the trail. We were headed toward chicken Spring Lake at elevation 11,000 feet. My Garmin forecast again said it was a “slight chance if heavy snow” and as I write it’s still a rain/snow mix.

We made it to the lake just before 5. We all quickly setup our tents in the snow and hunkered down. As much as I hate the thought of bears, I broke all the rules today and cooked right outside of my tent and ate in my “sleep” clothes. I made sure had cider with my meal if it was going to be the last meal I ate.

I messaged a couple of friends who told me the storm seems more north of where we are right now. I guess that’s a good thing for us but I also wonder how my other hiker friends are doing who are in front of us. I did get a message from Laura saying they were waiting out the storm at Horseshoe Meadow Campground until tomorrow.

So I’m huddled in my tent and it’s snowing. I knew this was a possibility, I just didn’t think it would happen on Day 3 in the Sierras. Ah well, it’s all a learning curve for me. As cold as it is outside, I’m perfectly warm in my little house.

Weather aside, we still crushed some miles today. The scenery is amazing out here. The trail is challenging and rewarding every day.

5.13.2018

Miles 716-730

Well, my morning walk to go pee was a frosty one today. It was 545 when I woke up and as I tapped the sidewall of my tent to find my booties I was surprised to few chunks of frozen condensation now falling inside. Awesome. It was everywhere! That being the biggest complaint of the night/morning…. the best thing was how great I slept. I was a little nervous going to sleep at 7800ft elevation. I wasn’t sure how warm I would be in my new setup. The Nemo pad is pure luxury and the fleece jacket as an added layer–between my wool shirt and down jacket–is golden! And not to mention those down booties might be my favorite gear item ever!

We were packed up and on the trail shortly after 7am. It took us all a little bit of extra time to get the frostiness shaken out as best as possible. By 945 we had climbed up to 9000ft (mile 720) and by noon we had made it to 10,571ft (mile 724). The terrain is so much more picturesque here. It was cloudy most of the day so everytime we stopped we had to put on a layer and once you got going again, you couldn’t wait to shed that layer. I must have put my fleece on at least 6 times today.

With the clouds covering us most of the day, we reached our last planned water source for the day shortly after 3. We had planned to take enough water for tonight and tomorrow (as it could be a 12 mile stretch before water again) but as we filtered water the clouds continued to darken. We made a group decision to stay and camp where we were. The next few miles will take us back up to 10,000ft and we didn’t want to get caught up in anything bad. So we hunkered down, set up our tents and Dude built a nice fire. We cooked dinner and chatted until now (it’s 7pm). I’m layered up in my tent and listening to the creek and the few drops of rain that are hitting the outside of my tent. Most of the clouds have since past but I’m glad we erred on the side of caution. (The weather report I pulled from my Garmin said “slight chance of heavy rain” and then snow.)

We only saw a few other people today and nobody has gone passed us here at cake since we’ve been here. We did see a couple of guys RUNNING the trail. OJ had seen them behind him so he said “I’m not letting them pass me.” So he took off in his best sprint up the trail. They runners came by us–we were on a break–and said hello. I asked if I could take a photo to prove that other crazy people were out today. And then shortly there after I see OJ reappear. I asked what happened… he said, “that’s the last time I run the trail I totally missed the switchback.”Ha! That guy is hilarious.

Tomorrow we are hoping to get an earlier start. Well, at least Luc is. Dude and I will make miles whenever we wake up. I do know we need to make at least 18 tomorrow and 18 on Tuesday if we are going to attempt Mt. Whitney by Wednesday. I’m still undecided about Whitney. I’ll make a decision when we get that much closer. I know it’s the best opportunity I will have to attempt the summit but it’s not an end-all if I don’t make it this time around. And I know I may never have these kind of climbing muscles again 🙂 Decisions.

Well, as the clouds have cleared it’s going to be a cold night. We are at 8958ft for the evening. Here’s to another warm night in my tent! Goodnight!

5.12.2018

Mile 702-716

Team Seeker was back at it by 630. I missed a few of them leaving but was able to say goodbye to him and Heidi. I hope I see them again but like the boys, they are going to VVR as well.

Matt and I packed up and went to Grumpys for breakfast. I finally put my bear can into my pack and believe it or not, I was pleasantly surprised by my packing skills. I mean, the downside is maybe I don’t have enough food for 7 days but I will be warm with my new gear and clothing choices. I now have a fleece jacket to hike in (or later at night with), my Nemo Hornet tent, my Nemo Tensor (new) sleep pad (so that I hopefully sleep better at night), my new Sawyer filter and my downbooties that will keep my feet toasty warm and make camp a little more comfortable to walk in. It’s like a whole new setup!

After breakfast I made one last trip to Triple Crown Outfitters. I grabbed a few extra snacks and meals then Yogi helped me ship my box to Independence. It should be there by Wednesday for me. Resupply from the trail is a little more tedious for me but doable. And I don’t have to bother my friends back at home as much looking for stuff.

Matt agreed to give the 3 of us a ride back to the trail. I was pleased to be done with all the town chores and hiking before noon. Luc had talked like he wanted to make it 15 miles. I had hoped for at least 10. Dude was in for at least the 15 mark too. The hiking wasn’t too bad, but we all were feeling the weight of the bear can and extra food. The bear can alone weighs about 3 pounds, shove it full of 7 days of food and you’ve got yourself a heavy pack. I guess the canister is a trade off for not having to constantly carry 4 liters in the desert. Take your pick.

We ended up making 14 miles to camp on the sandy shore of the south fork of the Kern River. It was a beautiful hike today. There’s a bridge here and there’s probably 50 swallows that nest under it. OJ – who is camped up on the hill – walked down for a personal close up of the birds. He said it was exhilarating to have them fly around him so close. It was quiet a show. I don’t think you’ll be able to see them in the photo but I tried to capture moment.

Setup this evening wasn’t bad. I’m excited to sleep on this new pad. Not sure I love the Sawyer filter right now but I’ll see if it grows on me. And with less real estate in the Nemo tent, it’ll take a little adjusting to but I like that I’m back to a freestanding tent for the time being. Light isn’t always better. We shall see if I go back to the Duplex or not.

Anyways, welcome to the Sierras. I’m looking forward to some seriously beautiful terrain. Goodnight.