Walking The West

This film is about two thru-hikers who hit the trail in 1998. I purchased it and will happily loan it to any friend who asks. This isn't the most beautifully photographed documentary, nor is it the most compelling told story, but it does show the actual process of this hike. There's the "I'm going to do this PCT hike", "We're planning and packing and shipping food", and "We're hitting the trail" portions of the story. Most interesting is that one of the two doesn't make it. Why is this interesting? He makes it 2,561 miles and then drops out before the last 62 miles (the trail has changed length since this time due to new routes). Now, I'm not criticizing the guy because after all he hiked 2,5621 miles and that's amazing. His feet were torn up and blistered and he was cold. He probably could have went back a week later and finished but he didn't. This is a testament to the trail and it's difficulty.

Meanwhile in the same film we see a 78 year old man finish the trail. How beautiful is that? I thought about this for a while and my conclusion is that it's about personal motivation. I have not always been the type that fought the long fight, or saw the gains in long term sacrifice. Isn't it easier just to go out for coffee and read a book after all? This however is something I want to do and must do. I will plan this hike better than those in the film (I think they tried to go too fast), I will train better (doing long term hikes a week or two long before I go), and I will not take no for an answer when my feet and body throw it at me.

The hike is said to be 80% mental and 20% physical because it's such a physical pounding that your mind has to overcome the consistent pain. Here's some fun facts:

• It was recently pointed out that fewer people have thru-hiked the PCT than have climbed Mt. Everest!
• The trail doesn't actually end at the Canadian border but continues for another 9 miles into Manning Provincial Park, British Columbia. Thus I need to update my passport.
• In spring 2003, the Travel Channel chose the Seiad Valley Cafe (in Seiad Valley, near Calif./Ore. border) as the third best location in the world to "pig out." They were referring, of course, to the cafe's great "pancake challenge" which tempts hungry thru-hikers to finish a mammoth stack of pancakes in one sitting.
• The PCT passes the three deepest lakes in the nation; Lake Tahoe (1,645 feet), Crater Lake (1,932 feet) and Lake Chelan (1,149 feet)
• Eric Ryback, popularly known as the first person to hike the length of the PCT, carried an 80-pound pack on his 1970 thru-hike. He had only five resupply packages on the entire trip, and was loaded with 40 pounds of food at the start of each leg. He often ran out of food and foraged or went hungry.

This 3rd post is about . . .

the way nature can change so dramatically. In 10 miles we went from forest to chapparal. In other words we went from high mountain, shady, majestic trees and an underbelly of shrubs and berries, to low shrubs, dirt, low shrubs, dirt and things that hurt when you touch them. Please see these pictures for the differences. The first picture is in the forest as well as the pictures from the first post in this trilogy. The next two pictures are taken in chapparal.

Post 2 of 3 . . . my inspiration

Two creatures inspired me to continue through this epic quest. The first creature is the ever-driven and positive Bobbi Bass. Her unstoppable spirit keeps me moving forward. Plus, look at that smile.









When Bobbi and I both started to drift down to a slower pace and begin looking for a rock or post to sit on we were visited by the "Lizard of Hope". He just popped up on top of a rock as we rounded a corner and the dramatic blue of his chin and his "I ain't moving from this amazing spot even for you humans" look on his face put a new hike in our steps. I know it sounds strange but he really got us moving along. This little guy drove me for a mile or so and then it was Bobbi who kept me going to the end. That and the promise of water, juice, shade, a chair, and food being at the end of our journey.

Our Hike on Sunday the 20th

We did 10 miles above Big Bear Lake on Sunday and I'll break this into 3 posts. First we have the first 2 miles which took us 2 hours and some 40 or 50 pictures. It was beautiful. We encountered a Mexico to Canada PCT hiker named GESH. Apparently at one point of the trail (5 miles previous to our start point), you co
me up to a chain link fence only to realize there's a Lion on the other side. Much more nerve racking is when you don't know about the fence but walk along and hear the enormous roar of a lion. There's a wildlife park near Big Bear. Who knew?

I'd like to go see the Grizzlies as these animals are awesome.

This part of the hike was along a creek and meandered through shaded creek meadows.

The next few miles were exposed ridges with views of our target. If you want to know how far away a ten mile hike takes you, go back to the top picture in this post and see the small white blotch in between the trees. That's the dry lakebed we would meet our ride back to our car at.

The first 8 miles of the hike were extraordinary. I wasn't too friendly for the last 2 miles. I was tired, hot, worn out from pain, (I had been in a car accident the day before), and a little pissy. Compunding all of this was the lack of anywhere remotely appealing to sit down. However. . .

Overall . . .

Just thought you might want to see the whole journey.

So then Dad says. . .

Why wait? Why don't you do this PCT hike next year?

I had to say that I need some time to develop the skills to do snow-covered mountain tops, and deep river crossings. I would also like to be in a LOT better shape although I know the trail will whip me into shape. However, he is right that I don't need to wait too long. So, on that note, I have decided to go in 2009. The only reason this may change is if Damian or someone else can do the hike with me in 2010, I will put it off for one year, otherwise 2009 here I come.

I really do wish someone was going with me only because I like to share my excitement for this sort of thing with others, but I know it will be THE most amazing experience of my life whether I'm alone or with someone. I also know that I have some good friends and a great girlfriend who will share their excitement for what I am accomplishing. I have very supportive friends in April, Jason, Damian and Marla. Hopefully I will be able to convince everyone to write me letters to read on cold nights huddled in my sleeping bag. I know Bobbi and my parents will come see me and hike with me as often as possible, but there will be nights on top of the Sierras in the snow where I will be feeling the darkness and cold of Mother Nature. I will take solace in hiking's ability to make me sleep to keep me from feeling lonely.

Walking in familiar footsteps . . .

Well, for Mother's Day we hiked the same trail we hiked last weekend, the PCT above Wrightwood. This time we saw some thru-hikers. I was too shy to say, "hey, what's your trailname?" Don't know why, but we saw a gentleman hiking alone and a man and woman, she had an umbrella. Dad got a new backpack for his birthday and we took it on a testrun. He seemed to like it, although I think he finds it a little too complex for what he wants. Afterwards we went to the Pizza joint in Wrightwood that the thru-hikers talk about and we saw a whole table of thru-hikers and I still didn't say hi or nothing.



Monday my new clothes arrived. I got a pair of Convertible Pants that are ultra-light, shield me from the wind and can become shorts. I got a Fleece vest to keep my core warm when it gets cold on the trail. I got an ultralight Windbreaker that is windproof up to 60 miles per hour and sheds rain. It also has an adjustable volume hood and "pit-sippers" to allow for great breathability in case of a warm rain. Also it fits into a bag that's 3" round and 7" long. I got a pair of Gaiters to keep the dust and rocks out of my shoes, but I think I'll exchange them, they're a little small. And of course I got a poop shovel! Okay, Bobbi likes it better when I call it a Sanitation Trowel. It's for digging a hole when you have to go, you know . . .



I will tell you all about these items as soon as they are put to use. Well, I might leave out the trowel.





P.S. Don't I look taller in the jacket?

Another serious hike

Well, we went on a serious hike this Sunday. By serious I mean that it was a 7 mile hike. 7 miles doesn't sound all that impressive if you ask me, but we're atlking about hiking up and downhill for about 5 hours without a break. It was a beautiful hike ( I went with Bobbi) along the PCT just west of the city of Wrightwood where I hope to live. Along the trail you swing by Jackson Flats campground where I hope to hike into and camp soon. Also, I tested some new and old equipment. I used my bladder (for those giggling let me tell you that this is a resorvoir of water in my backpack brought up through a tube to allow you to drink water without stopping) and it was fantastic. The water was cool and refreshing and it's convenience made it great to take a pull right before a climb started. This was also the first time I hiked in Grandpa's Tilley. It's just a great hat.
Now, speaking of hiking, this week is very important because it's the REI Anniversarry Sale. Yes, of course I did some shopping. On Saturday I bought some birthday gifts for Dad and also a headlamp, nylon cord for tent staking, travel-sized roll of duct tape (yes, I could have cut up a full size roll), and some meals
that you simply pour boiling water into the bag to rehydrate and cook. I'll be tasting these later this week. Also, I bought a can of Dermatone. We'll put the Dermatone to the test soon.
Now, not to be outdone by all the other sale shoppers, I spent today researching clothes and bought a fleece vest, hardshell outer layer light jacket, covertible hiking pants, gaiters, and a sanitation trowel. More info on all these soon in my yet to be published Gear List.
I'll get to see Damian this week and talk more about the trail, but it sounds like he won't be able to make the whole hike. I know this is my dream and doesn't necessarily fit everyone else's needs and schedule so I understand, but I admit to being sad about this as well. What I'll need now is a list of lightweight reading material to take with me for any lonely nights.

"A Holly Shit" moment (not my spelling)

Okay, so if you have been reading Go-BIG's journal you may have seen this, but if you haven't read to September 1st, you haven't. Click here to be taken directly to the page and then after reading make sure you click on the photo to enlarge it. Also, the pulldown at the top provides more pictures of this AMAZING part of the trail. I am really excited to get to see this soon.

ADZPCTKO!!

Okay, so Bobbi and I both had to work Saturday morning, but we made it out to the Kickoff event in time to have an impact on me. No, I won't talk about how friendly a community of hikers they are, because they're like any group of humans, mostly friendly and some snobby. I won't talk about the lightweight gear that was for sale, but holy crap you can get light stuff. A rundown of events is even out of my thoughts right now. What I found was shear determination.
This determination I found in myself. On Saturday night they showed a "film" which was essentially a fancy computer presentation of photos from last years "graduating class" of hikers. This was all the photos they took on their hikes along the PCT (some all the way through, some not) divided into four sections; Southern California, Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. It was unbelievable. Literally species upon species of flower I had never seen before! Awe-inspiring views! And the utter weight of a thru-hike that would take someone through that many different environments. As each picture progressed I was able to understand how long this little walk is. I saw hundreds of photos and no two were of the same place. I can't think of the word for my thoughts, but as I thought of how much work it would be I was more and more relieved to know I had taken on this task. This is something I can conquer and this is something that will be a huge part of me. This trek is that thing I have always wanted to do and didn't know it was there. I am determined and I am resolute.
Some people will truly understand this next part and others will wonder, but fate really stepped in and confirmed things for me today. You see I was at work and looking for a hat on the REI site to put onto my list of wanted items, because on Sunday we were in REI and Bobbi found me this great hat. As I was looking to put it on my list my mother looked over my shoulder and saw the listing of hats and pointed out that they sold Tilleys. Her next words were, "I have Grandpa's Tilley at home if you want to use it?"
For those of you that don't know, my Grandpa enjoyed hiking and the outdoors. I still remember watching him cook us spaghetti with his backpacking stove on a hike we all took once when I was young. Grandpa would have loved the hike up the PCT and I sure would have loved this opportunity to spend six months with the man. I will wear his hat and hopefully he'll walk along with me.

So...

This new diet has me eating a good amount of food, but the workouts are intense! The food is generally tasty and I've learned some great recipes (i.e. open-faced apple and cheese sandwiches!) but the workouts are well-designed to fool you into thinking it's not all that tough. Just when your relaxing and everything seems great, your muscles suddenly say in their best Eddie Izzard, "What was that then?"

Okay, reading a lot of go-BIG's tales. Unbelievable stuff! He is insightful and brings the beauty of the hike out. Also, he has some great photos. I strongly suggest that you click the photo tab on the left and look through the pics. I have to admit to some early fear on this. The trail has quite an impact on go-BIG and poses some tough challenges. Don't for a second think that I'm second-guessing here, I'm going and I'm going to finish that trail! But I have a lot of fear mixed in. I feel it's productive fear though as it's motivating me to focus on preparation and training.

Amazingly excited about my trip with Bobbi to the kickoff event this weekend. We are camping with 5 other people (Kerins, Merriman, Woolston, and the two Lau's) in campsite #27. I hope to learn a lot about the trail, community, and my tent.

I will write Monday with the exciting results.

Deep thoughts

I've been reading the journal of Go-Big (see link on right side) and have read about 2 deaths. He mentions them almost in passing as if he is keeping them out of mind, but here I am planning a trip instead of stuck in the middle of one. It's interesting to think ahead about how it would be to die from the elements. Not fun. I don't think I'll think much more, except to plan as thoroughly as possible.

Diet update:
The fruit in the morning diet did it's job and started me shedding some pounds. Still down to around 263.5. I have moved on to a new diet. This one is a long term diet and exercise program designed to help packers build up the stamina and strength to go on long hikes. It's provided on the site for Backpacker Magazine. I'll post some details and links later. Damian has insinuated that he may take the hike, but I don't believe he's read this blog yet. He's addicted to online gaming I think and can't go near a computer without playing (just kidding).

Unresolved. . .

Well, as we get ever closer (still 3 years) to my thru-hike I have pondered about where to find a hiking buddy. This needs to be someone with the physical endurance to accomplish the task, a knowledge of the outdoors, and the ability to spend cash on equipment. Prepare your gasps, I have asked Damian. I know what you're saying. His ability to be oblivious and not see you when your standing next to him, might be a bit of a hindrance in emergency situations. However, I know he can be successful if I wear bright colors and jump around and make a lot of noise. Also, we have become a lot closer friends through our nerdy Dungeons & Dragons endeavors.
There is one unresolved issue however. Damian has refused to commit (I'm sure Tracy understands what I mean). His initial response was hysterical and brilliant by the way.
You see, the way I asked him was to send a text message that read, "In 09 or 10 I'm gonna thru-hike the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, look into and tell me if you wanna go with?"

Damian's response: "I'm pretty sure you're on heavy drugs! But that's not necessarily a 'no'"

Classic.

The countdown to the party

Well, for those of you that don't know, next weekend is the ADZPCTKO. This stands for Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick Off. What does this mean? A big party with vendors and hikers (present, past and future), all celebrating the beginning of this years thru-hikes. There are already a few that have started, but this is for those that want to kick it off together. The journals of hikers spending this year on the trail have already started posting. I'll try to scan for interesting ones to read.

The one I noticed today is the journal of Ladybug. She is hiking for charity. All the details can be found on her webpage. Once there you can read her journals by clicking on "Trail Tales" and an even cooler feature is to click on "Where Is Ladybug?" and see where on the map of the trail she is located. I most enjoy that she had her first rattlesnake encounter while stopping to relieve herself.

If you haven't hit the link for Go-Big's journal from last year, I highly recommend it. Interesting to note on the May 10 log entry he mentions Jon Donovan who died on the trail the year before.

New Toys

Well, today I got the REI Half Dome 2 HC Tent. It's a little bit heavier than some of the 1 and 2 person tents on the market, but here's the thing about 1 and 2 person tents. Generally 2 people can't actually fit into these tents. The 1 person tents are actually "1 small person who never wants to situp" tents and the 2 person tents are "myself and a friend of legally small stature really enjoy sleeping on our sides and being miserably uncomfortable" tents. So I got this little gem because 2 people can fit in it and sleep if they want to. Why is this important? Well, let me tell you this first, the tent with all equipment weighs 5 pounds 11 ounces. Many tents get down around 4 pounds while still being good tents for most weather conditions, so you might say that this tent weighs 1 pound 11 ounces more than those tents. Ahhh, but here's the exciting part, if two people can sleep in it, it means 1 person doesn't have to carry a tent. Thus the weight can be distributed in 2 packs via seperating the tent parts or trading off some other items. Therefore this tent is actually about a pound and a half less weight.

Even better is the price. I looked at a lot of $250 - $300 dollar tents, and this tent comes in at $109 on sale this week. Now, I just gotta set it up and sleep in the backyard to find out how cool and exciting my new tent is.

So, who wants to sleep in the tent? Come on I know someone does. Better yet, bring your tent and we'll setup a little hippie commune in my backyard!