MP 575 cont'd
What with the late start, the heat and the heavy pack I was able to make only a disappointing 17 miles. I need to average 24 miles per day to get 140 miles to Kennedy Meadows with the food I have.
I hope for an early start tomorrow. Camped now on a ridge in the Tehachapi Mountains in a thick chaparral of mesquite and pinion pine. Beautiful sunset tonight.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
MP 575 Got off to a late start from Tehachapi because I had to mail out my bounce box from the post office before leaving town. The clerk refused to accept my box because of the ORM-D Consumer Commodity label which indicates shipment of isobutane fuel canisters. She was absolutely ignorant and wrong but rather than argue I removed the offending fuel canister from the box. Next time I will think twice before going to the trouble of following all the rules and properly labeling the box.
Leaving Tehachapi I walked upwards into the Tehachapi Mountains through literally mile after mile of windmills. Although generally seen as environmentally benign, they surely do mar the landscape.
The weather was hot and dry. We had to carry water for a 25 mile dry stretch which on top of being newly resupplied with six days of food meant carrying one of the heaviest packs I have had so far. I am just guessing but it may have been forty pounds.
Leaving Tehachapi I walked upwards into the Tehachapi Mountains through literally mile after mile of windmills. Although generally seen as environmentally benign, they surely do mar the landscape.
The weather was hot and dry. We had to carry water for a 25 mile dry stretch which on top of being newly resupplied with six days of food meant carrying one of the heaviest packs I have had so far. I am just guessing but it may have been forty pounds.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
MP 558 I have been in Tahachapi since yesterday. Took a zero today which was much needed. The zero days are ostensibly days of rest but actually most of the time is spent with resupply, running around doing errands and solving sundry problems. Not very restful. Blackhawk, Atlas, Hee Haw, Malpractice. Argentina and the Three Caballeros are here, among others. We all went out to a Chinese all-you-can-eat buffet for dinner.
Even though not getting much rest, I'll be hiking out early tomorrow morning and it will feel good to be back on the trail. I have 140 miles to Kennedy Meadows which I need to do in 6 days. Kennedy Meadows is the gateway to the high Sierras. The trail will take me up to Forrester Pass at about 13,000 feet and then to the John Muir trail which runs through Kings Canyon Sequoia National Park on to Yosemite Park and Tuolomne Meadows for about 250 miles. I intend to climb Mt. Whitney which is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States at 14,500 feet. If I get the timing right I will climb Whitney on my birthday.
The hiking is getting easier. I can walk all day now without getting tired. Coming down from the San Gabriels my pack felt so light I was worried that I might not have packed all of my gear and had to stop to check.
Even though not getting much rest, I'll be hiking out early tomorrow morning and it will feel good to be back on the trail. I have 140 miles to Kennedy Meadows which I need to do in 6 days. Kennedy Meadows is the gateway to the high Sierras. The trail will take me up to Forrester Pass at about 13,000 feet and then to the John Muir trail which runs through Kings Canyon Sequoia National Park on to Yosemite Park and Tuolomne Meadows for about 250 miles. I intend to climb Mt. Whitney which is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States at 14,500 feet. If I get the timing right I will climb Whitney on my birthday.
The hiking is getting easier. I can walk all day now without getting tired. Coming down from the San Gabriels my pack felt so light I was worried that I might not have packed all of my gear and had to stop to check.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
MP 503 - 526
Climbed down out of the mountains again yesterday and am once again in the mojave desert following the route of the los angeles viaduct. I am blessed with cool weather. Temperature yesterday about 65 degrees. Normal temperature would be in the 90's or 100's. I need to take advantage and get my miles in before it turns hot. Next resupply is Tehachapi on Tuesday.
I did visit hikertown yesterday which is a bizarre little place. Will post some photos when I am able.
Climbed down out of the mountains again yesterday and am once again in the mojave desert following the route of the los angeles viaduct. I am blessed with cool weather. Temperature yesterday about 65 degrees. Normal temperature would be in the 90's or 100's. I need to take advantage and get my miles in before it turns hot. Next resupply is Tehachapi on Tuesday.
I did visit hikertown yesterday which is a bizarre little place. Will post some photos when I am able.
Friday, May 25, 2012
MP 478 to 503.
I stayed last night at La Casa De Luna, a hiker haven in Pleasant Valley which advertizes itself as providing hippy daycare. It features a 24 hour nonstop party which made me feel as though I had been transported back to 1967.
I was hiking by 5 in the morning and hit the 500 mile mark by mid-afternoon. The temperature was cool with high winds and dropped steadily all day. I covered 25 1\2 mile today so it was a good day. Am now camped in a small saddle below a mountain riddge. It is snowing hard and I hope my tent stands up against the wind tonight.
I stayed last night at La Casa De Luna, a hiker haven in Pleasant Valley which advertizes itself as providing hippy daycare. It features a 24 hour nonstop party which made me feel as though I had been transported back to 1967.
I was hiking by 5 in the morning and hit the 500 mile mark by mid-afternoon. The temperature was cool with high winds and dropped steadily all day. I covered 25 1\2 mile today so it was a good day. Am now camped in a small saddle below a mountain riddge. It is snowing hard and I hope my tent stands up against the wind tonight.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
15 miles: 400 mile mark came & went. Have been on the trail now for 4 weeks. The day was a lazy day. I slept in til 615, made tea, ate breakfast in camp & didn't start hiking till 820. The trail has been crisscrossing hwy 2 for awhile and the guidebook said there was a restaurant a mile and a half down the rd. Was able to hitch a ride down for lunch. On the way back hitched a ride with a fellow driving a 1957 VW Beetle which promptly broke down. Spent a good part of the afternoon messing around on getting back to the trail. Hiked another 8 miles after that.
Mile 377 - 396
Sunday, May 20, 2012
22 miles today. Started the day by summitting Mt. Baden-Powell which is the tallest mountain in Southern California. Had to detour a portion of the PTC that was closed on account of the endangered yellow toad. Camped at the Cooper Canyon Trail Camp which I had to share with what seemed like hundreds of boy scouts.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
22 miles today. Started the day by summitting Mt. Baden-Powell which is the tallest mountain in Southern California. Had to detour a portion of the PTC that was closed on account of the endangered yellow toad. Camped at the Cooper Canyon Trail Camp which I had to share with what seemed like hundreds of boy scouts.
MP 454 - Have now emerged from the San Gabriel Mountains and crossed a corner of the Mojave Desert. Hiked about 20 miles yesterday and 25 the day before. Got up early and was hiking before daybreak. The sunrise coming over the mountains was unforgettable.
Am now laying over at Saufley's in Agua Dulce. Temperature has been very hot. We plan on leaving here this evening and hiking into the night.
I spent nearly two hours this afternoon waiting on a computer to print a mailing label for my bounce box. Am totally frustrated with computers and not in a mood to waste time on them. Will try to post more later. All is well.
Am now laying over at Saufley's in Agua Dulce. Temperature has been very hot. We plan on leaving here this evening and hiking into the night.
I spent nearly two hours this afternoon waiting on a computer to print a mailing label for my bounce box. Am totally frustrated with computers and not in a mood to waste time on them. Will try to post more later. All is well.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
MP 342 I am at Cajon Pass taking an unanticipated zero. Have to replace my socks, which are all in shreds, before i can go on. Cajon Pass is on I-15 and consists entirely of a mcdonalds, a chevron station, a subway sandwich shop, and a best western motel.
Woke up and startedd hiking with the sunrise this morning. I find myself establishing the same routine as most of the thru hikers: start hiking at or before sunrise and continue until about noon or one, take a siesta until about 3 or 4 during which i prepare the main meal of the day, then continue hiking until dark. I usually hike with no particular destination other than canada.
Woke up and startedd hiking with the sunrise this morning. I find myself establishing the same routine as most of the thru hikers: start hiking at or before sunrise and continue until about noon or one, take a siesta until about 3 or 4 during which i prepare the main meal of the day, then continue hiking until dark. I usually hike with no particular destination other than canada.
Monday, May 14, 2012
MP 305 to 325. hiked most of the day with One-Step. Stopped at deep creek hot springs at mp 308 and spent a few hours soaking and swimming. coming up to mp 314 there was trail magic by Shephard which was a most welcome surprise. about 8 thru-hikers sitting around a table on a windy ridge in the middle of the mojave desert, drinking sodas, eating hot dogs and potato salad. finally hiked on and am preparing to sleep under the stars on a much higher ridge. Just saw a catlike creature. Probably a lynx or a bobcat. tomorrow i hike on to cajon at mp 345.
MP 285 - 305. started hiking yesterday before the sun was up. Had in mind to make some serious miles. at mid-day i came to a beautiful grove of ponderosa pine on holcomb creek. stopped for a short break, fell asleep and didnt wake up til midafternoon. hurried along to deep creek canyon and sstill managed to get in 20 miles. had to scramble down about 250 foot embankment to get to a beautiful spot sheltered by cottonwood trees next to a deep pool where i camped under the stars.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
MP 280 I left Big Bear City at about noon and am now camped on a ridge high above Big Bear Lake. The superb weather continues and I got in about 15 easy miles. Ran into Jason today whom I hadnt seen since kickoff. My next resupply will be in Wrightwood at about mp365. I want to average 23 mpd for the next 3 days to arrive in Wrightwood by Wednesday as I hope to do. To my amazement I remain exactly on schedule according to my itinerary.
Mile 242 - 266 Big Bear City
Friday, May 11, 2012
Hiked 24 miles into Big Bear City. The trail was easy walking, nothing steep, so I made good time. 24 miles today was easier than some days of 14 to 16 miles. I am getting stronger. It amazes me though how in one day of walking I can go from the desert heat to the mountain cold and then back again. There is a huge variation in temperatures. Although the desert feels hot, in relative terms this has been a mild year and there has frequently been a cooling wind. I am doing a much better job of estimating my water needs now which allows me to reduce my pack weight by several pounds. I find that 1 liter is good for about 5 miles in cool weather or for about 3 miles in hot weather.
The trail went through pine forest, back into high desert, then back into forest. Saw not one, but two grizzly bears! They were in cages near the trail at a ranch where they are kept for use by movie studios in Southern California. I've been in good spirits. It was such a nice day to be walking, the views were as awesome as ever, & the temp was cool. Hitched into Big Bear City without any problem and am now currently staying at the Motel 6. Friday will be for errands and R&R.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Hiked 24 miles into Big Bear City. The trail was easy walking, nothing steep, so I made good time. 24 miles today was easier than some days of 14 to 16 miles. I am getting stronger. It amazes me though how in one day of walking I can go from the desert heat to the mountain cold and then back again. There is a huge variation in temperatures. Although the desert feels hot, in relative terms this has been a mild year and there has frequently been a cooling wind. I am doing a much better job of estimating my water needs now which allows me to reduce my pack weight by several pounds. I find that 1 liter is good for about 5 miles in cool weather or for about 3 miles in hot weather.
The trail went through pine forest, back into high desert, then back into forest. Saw not one, but two grizzly bears! They were in cages near the trail at a ranch where they are kept for use by movie studios in Southern California. I've been in good spirits. It was such a nice day to be walking, the views were as awesome as ever, & the temp was cool. Hitched into Big Bear City without any problem and am now currently staying at the Motel 6. Friday will be for errands and R&R.
Mile 226 - 242
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Met a mother and daughter thru hiking today, trail names Heather and Monkey. (actually I had met them before at the Pioneer Mail). The girl is 8 years old and carries a ULA Circuit pack. It is impressive that they have made it the first 242 miles. The girl carries a stuffed monkey. A few years ago a ten year old girl finished the PCT with her parents which is described in the book Zero Days. I'm not aware that anyone as young as 8 has finished the trail.
Got back into the San Bernardino forest and left the desert behind. Here there are huge groves of majestic Ponderosa Pine. Am now cowboy camping every night. Don't bother to set up the tent. The moon has been so bright that it is hard to get to sleep.
:
This is the dreaded poodle dog bush. It grows in places recently burned. Causes severe skin irritation. Reports are that last year a forest service worker died after excessive contact with the stuff. Several sections of the trail ahead may require detours because of it.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Met a mother and daughter thru hiking today, trail names Heather and Monkey. (actually I had met them before at the Pioneer Mail). The girl is 8 years old and carries a ULA Circuit pack. It is impressive that they have made it the first 242 miles. The girl carries a stuffed monkey. A few years ago a ten year old girl finished the PCT with her parents which is described in the book Zero Days. I'm not aware that anyone as young as 8 has finished the trail.
Got back into the San Bernardino forest and left the desert behind. Here there are huge groves of majestic Ponderosa Pine. Am now cowboy camping every night. Don't bother to set up the tent. The moon has been so bright that it is hard to get to sleep.
This is the dreaded poodle dog bush. It grows in places recently burned. Causes severe skin irritation. Reports are that last year a forest service worker died after excessive contact with the stuff. Several sections of the trail ahead may require detours because of it.
Mile 212 - 226
Hiked out of the desert into the San Gorgonio Wilderness today. By my reckoning this is either the third or fourth distinct mountain range I will be hiking through. (Laguna, San Jacinto, San Bernardino and San Gorgonio). Hiked today with Blackhawk and Backup. Was bestowed the new trail name of Easy Miles after an encounter with some other hikers who advised that the next few miles would be easy and I responded enthusiastically by saying that I really loved the easy miles. Hence the new name for this blog.
These mountains are different than the San Jacintos. There are no pine trees. Just shades of brown with dots of green. The highlight of the day was the Whitewater preserve. It's a fish hatchery and park with picnic tables & shady trees & wading pool which was good for the feet. I hiked on another 8 miles to cowboy camp near Mission creek. The last few miles were grueling so I was satisfied with 14 miles for the day.
:
Hiked out of the desert into the San Gorgonio Wilderness today. By my reckoning this is either the third or fourth distinct mountain range I will be hiking through. (Laguna, San Jacinto, San Bernardino and San Gorgonio). Hiked today with Blackhawk and Backup. Was bestowed the new trail name of Easy Miles after an encounter with some other hikers who advised that the next few miles would be easy and I responded enthusiastically by saying that I really loved the easy miles. Hence the new name for this blog.
These mountains are different than the San Jacintos. There are no pine trees. Just shades of brown with dots of green. The highlight of the day was the Whitewater preserve. It's a fish hatchery and park with picnic tables & shady trees & wading pool which was good for the feet. I hiked on another 8 miles to cowboy camp near Mission creek. The last few miles were grueling so I was satisfied with 14 miles for the day.
Mile 191- 211 Ziggy & the Bear
Monday, May 7, 2012
The hike down Mt. San Jacinto turned out to be worse than the hike up. It took 15 miles & 8000 feet of elevation loss to get to the desert floor. Then another 5 miles through hot desert sand. By the time I got to the I 10 underpass I was beat up, tired, & thirsty. Someone left a cooler full of soda and beer beneath the I-10 underpass. A can of beer never tasted so good.
At this point I am not far from Palm Springs. Spent the night at the home of Ziggy and the Bear, trail angels, who provide all hikers with foot baths upon arrival. It felt very biblical.
Hit the 200 mile milestone and finished section B.
Hiker Trash at ther I-10 Underpass:
Ziggy and the Bear:
Monday, May 7, 2012
The hike down Mt. San Jacinto turned out to be worse than the hike up. It took 15 miles & 8000 feet of elevation loss to get to the desert floor. Then another 5 miles through hot desert sand. By the time I got to the I 10 underpass I was beat up, tired, & thirsty. Someone left a cooler full of soda and beer beneath the I-10 underpass. A can of beer never tasted so good.
At this point I am not far from Palm Springs. Spent the night at the home of Ziggy and the Bear, trail angels, who provide all hikers with foot baths upon arrival. It felt very biblical.
Hit the 200 mile milestone and finished section B.
Hiker Trash at ther I-10 Underpass:
Ziggy and the Bear:
Walked through a brief snow shower coming over Fuller Ridge on Mt. San Jacinto. Although Fuller Ridge is notorious for thru hikers, I found the walk very pleasant although I did hike through one brief snow shower. One section did feature a rock wall towering above me on the left and a sheer drop off to my right. Very dramatic. This is the San Jacinto Wilderness & San Bernardino National Forest. And the views have been incredible. Sometimes steep canyons green with trees or the brown vastness of the desert in the distance, or a bright blue lake far below.
Met a thru hiker who had gotten onto the wrong trail and headed into the higher snow fields of Mt. San Jacinto. He had apparently spent several hours postholing before realizing his mistake and his legs were cut and bleeding. When I met him he had rolled out his sleeping bag directly next to the trail and announced that he was quitting and would hike out the next day. He had reached his limit and was done. Quite a few hikers have quit for various reasons.
Slept in a boulder field and hiked down to hwy 74to the Paradise Valley Cafe in the morning. The cafe is a mile off trail on the way to Idyllwild. My original plan was to hitch on in to Idyllwild for resupply but after a huge breakfast, feeling revived, and it being a beautiful day, decided to hike on. Finished 20 miles for the first time. 18 trail miles & 2 off trail miles. .
MP 127.1 to 144 - Thursday May 3, 2012
Hiked from Warner Springs up Comb's Peak and finally slept in an old bunkhouse owned by Mike Herrera. Could hardly sleep because of the noise from the wind which was a constant roar all night long. In the morning there was heavy fog and mist which made me feel like I was walking in a cloud for several hours. After topping the ridge finally came into blue sky and sunshine and I finished the day with 17 miles.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
I arrived in Idyllwild yesterday evening and took my first zero in a week today. Idyllwild is a charming mountain village and a good place for a rest. Am staying at the Apple Blossom Inn which offers a special rate to thru-hikers. All of the towns I have been through have been amazingly hospitable and kind to the thru's. People spontaneously offer to give you a ride, etc.
Have been averaging 18+ miles per day, yesterday 20 miles and gained more than 5,000 feet elevation. Feet are in good shape. Weather and scenery have been dazzling although experiencing high winds at the mountain ridges. Coming over Takhquitz Peak the winds were a steady 20 to 30 miles per hour and left me feeling battered. Snow has mostly melted but there were some snow fields of 40 to 50 feet and I was postholing badly going through them.
Made the mistake of arriving in Idyllwild on a Friday after the post office had closed so I wasn't able to get my bounce box until late today and haven't been able to post anything. It is late now and I have to get an early start tomorrow so I'll have to make this short.
Have a ride to the trailhead tomorrow from yet another trail angel. Will start with a hike up Big Slide Trail to the PCT, gaining about 3,000 feet in 2.7 miles. Hope to make it over Forrester Pass tomorrow where I understand there is still a lot of snow.
Have been averaging 18+ miles per day, yesterday 20 miles and gained more than 5,000 feet elevation. Feet are in good shape. Weather and scenery have been dazzling although experiencing high winds at the mountain ridges. Coming over Takhquitz Peak the winds were a steady 20 to 30 miles per hour and left me feeling battered. Snow has mostly melted but there were some snow fields of 40 to 50 feet and I was postholing badly going through them.
Made the mistake of arriving in Idyllwild on a Friday after the post office had closed so I wasn't able to get my bounce box until late today and haven't been able to post anything. It is late now and I have to get an early start tomorrow so I'll have to make this short.
Have a ride to the trailhead tomorrow from yet another trail angel. Will start with a hike up Big Slide Trail to the PCT, gaining about 3,000 feet in 2.7 miles. Hope to make it over Forrester Pass tomorrow where I understand there is still a lot of snow.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
PCT 5-3-2012
Paul says -
I am near Idyllwild and had intended to hike in. However, the weather is perfect for hiking, so I am going to keep going, take advantage of the good conditions, and get some more miles in. All is well and the vistas are beautiful.
Posted by Jo McClain
I am near Idyllwild and had intended to hike in. However, the weather is perfect for hiking, so I am going to keep going, take advantage of the good conditions, and get some more miles in. All is well and the vistas are beautiful.
Posted by Jo McClain
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