They Say Patience is a Virtue...

Scenes that could easily be mistaken as backdrops to any John Wayne adventure encompass my view.  Shorten, dry vegetation dotting the almost barren landscape. I'm starting to recognize them: sage, prickly pear cacti, barrel cacti, and yuccas with their unique adaptations to tolerate such a hostile environment.  The landscape changes without the effort of a single step. I constantly sip on my stale coffee to lessen the irritation on my throat as I look past the chaparral. My sun kissed hands are beginning to peel.

It's been exactly 7 days since I began to feel ever not so well. The last 5 days have been spent at Betty's house a la rest. Her and her partner's southern [California] hospitality far exceeds my people of the South. If curability came in the form of selflessness and encouragement from others,  I would be out hiking twenties rather than my current situation. I cannot thank them enough. I do look forward to seeing them again in September.

People are concerned that death will be met at the hands of another human, stray dog, exotic viper, or storm systems. I, myself, fear death by asteroid, shark, or plane. Ironically enough, the most dangerous encounter for most living organisms isn't really "alive" at all and may be as large as 30 nanometers in diameter consisting of merely protein and nuclei acid. I'm describing a virus, specifically a rhinovirus. This group of viruses is responsible for the common cold and is responsible for my current situation. Remarkable really.

It could be another 7 days before my immune system has completely eradicated  this invading army. Even still, it could be another couple of weeks before I'm well enough to tackle 20 miles days on trail. That's looking three weeks into the future with much uncertainty. I am certain that the first stretch back would be no ball park. It includes a 32 mile waterless stretch. Not the typical ease back into trail life for a recovering viral victim.

How to make the "right" or "mature" decision? It's hard especially when there are no blazes or footprints in sight. I will still have my finances saved, gear ready, and a job for the next 11 months by postponing this hike until next year. This would allow my body time to adequately heal without any added pressure. It's a guaranteed "safe" decision.

Most importantly, if I'm patient, Rachel (aka Katchup) will be able to hike next year. Originally we had planned to do the CDT together next year, but I think this will be just perfect. I can't imagine another human I'd be more excited to share these beautiful views and experiences.

So for now, I'm going the safe route and postponing this hike until next April. I ask, that you too, exercise some patience. It'll happen and when it does, it will be glorious and I'd love for you to follow along in this experience.

Until next April, remind yourself that you are stronger than you think in every aspect of your life.

Day 4: Long Canyon Creek Ford to Sunrise Highway

7 miles

Slept well last night considering the tightness of quarters and wind. At least 9 people walked by along the trail as I ate breakfast on a log. I tried to reply to each with a friendly "morning", but no sound developed. Slightly concerning. Maybe my throat is dry from all of the dirt?, I thought.

Easily covered the 5 miles from Long Canyon to Mt Laguna in a couple of hours. Beautiful countryside with vibrant greens from the recent rain. The trail meandered through a conifer forest with grasses and yellow muster plants growing adjacent to the trail. The female conifer cones are huge in size compare to their Eastern cousins. I did notice that my nose was running super fast relative to any other part of me. Maybe this is allergies?, I thought. My throat was also very swollen and it was quite the chore to swallow even a sip of water.

I stopped at Burnt Campground to take 2$ worth of a shower hoping that was all that was needed to rid my body of allergies. After the shower, I stopped by the outdoor store at Mt Laguna. Dave, the owner, looked at me and suggested I take the rest of the day off. I appreciated the concern, but shrugged it off thinking that this was just allergies and I need to keep moving forward. Rest wouldn't help allergies, I thought.

After collecting my mail drop from the general store and purchasing some overpriced cough syrup, I was ready to get  back on trail. Except my body was not. I went to stand and was dizzy. I consulted the maps and noticed there was access to Sunrise Highway two miles north of Mt. Laguna. I decided to hike two more miles and see how my body responded. If things went well, I would continue forward. If things did not, I still had the opportunity to bail out.

Upon arriving at Sunrise Highway, I faced the realization that I was not well and that it would be foolish to continue forward. This next section included a 32 mile waterless stretch. The last thing experience I want to have is a helicopter rescue or something similar.  In addition, I had the luxury of cell service once I reached the road. I called Betty Wheeler to see if she would be able to help me. Before I could even ask, she asked if I'd like to take some time off at her house. Wow! What generosity!!!! She stopped in the middle of her scheduled day to drive over an hour and a half to pick me up. Then, she drove me to urgent care and waited over six hours with me to determine what was going on. Who does that?!?! This is beyond Trail Magic...this is more like Trail GOLD!

After the bloodwork and normal vitals were taken, it was determined that I am suffering from acute pharyngitis and/or acute upper respiratory infection.  Basically, I've been carrying around a viral army in addition to my pack. The symptoms I've been experiencing the last three days were not due to allergies as I had hoped.

Betty stopped at a store on the way to her house to purchase the all important viral cure combination of 7up and ruffles chips. I have found the  equivalent of southern hospitality in Del Mar, California and I am eternally grateful.

The doctor recommended 7-10 days rest, but I really have no idea what that means for me specifically as I must solely rely on my T cells to save the day.  As this inner cellular war rages on, my frustration builds as my body (especially my feet) are ready to move with the exception of some tingles in my left arch. What does this mean? How long will I be sidelined? I was already on a time crunch, will this just amplify my fear of running out of time to finish before the snow hits Washington making it impassible? What are my options at this point?

These questions will best be answered later. I do have several options to consider. In the meantime, I rest.

Day 3: Lake Morena to Long Canyon Creek Ford

After the sobering seminars yesterday, a cloud of doubt entered my mind as I awoke to the sound of a nearby alarm going off. It was 4 am. I refused to rise until 5:45 am. It got cold last night and I mean COLD! Never use your pack liner to completely cover your feet and sleeping bag. You will remove your down sleeping bag in the morning to discover that your bag is soaking wet. Luckily for me I'm on the West Coast and it quickly dried during lunch.

Sun city with panoramic views all day. My face and hands are currently being pampered with Mary Kay sun burn gel courtesy of Julie Wallace. I will never take shade or even the slightest breeze for granted moving forward.

The trail started around the campground at Lake Morena and then through a sandy area with sage lining the trail on both sides. The previous rain has made the sand wet so it didn't kick up too much dirt and these beautiful flowers were in bloom. I have no idea what they are yet, but there were yellows, purples, reds, and whites.  This was followed with a slight climb that snaked it's way down to a grassy area with large oak trees on either side. Absolutely beautiful.

While taking a break under one of these oaks,the herd began to pass by. I counted at least twelve within a few minutes. I counted over thirty different people on the trail and two dogs. This leap frogging continued after passing under interstate 8. At one point, I was in a group of six people gradually climbing up toward Kitchen Creek.

Y Knot, Balance, and I decided to travel the steep 100 ft down to the actual creek to soak our feet and get water rather than hike 0.8 off trail one way at Cibbets Campground.  All three of us are AT Alum so steep terrain is completely natural for us to follow. This was the first time I used the sawyer squeeze to filter water. I think it's gonna work. Thanks, seester! I also enjoyed a powered peanut butter and coconut oil wrap at lunch today. Instead of adding water, I used the coconut oil to moisten the peanut butter. It actually worked!

This afternoon the trail climbed to 5,405 ft in elevation. Views from both sides of the trail we're reminiscent of the Whites in New Hampshire. The recent rain has really brought out all the green in the scrubs as well as the trees. Views were available for miles.

I'm camped with 8 other people by the Long Canyon Creek. There are only 5 decent tent spots so we're making the best of it. My tent is setup adjacent to a log and another hiker (named Banjo) who has a Big Agnes tent. It's like old times.

I discovered that Y Knot and Balance have done multiple bike tours. Last year, Y Knot completed the Southern Tier. We actually crossed a road that he biked last year after leaving San Diego. What a small world! Y Knot hopes to complete the TransAmerica tour in the near future. I guess touring and backpacking can go hand and hand.

Trail magic was served at mile six today by an adorable couple. The gentlemen's name was Kermit and his van was green and covered with that lovable little frog. He was offering homemade cookies.

My progress on understanding yogi's notes in combination with halfmile's maps is improving. I may just get the hang of this thing after all. I also downloaded the apps yesterday. It's crazy what technology can do these days. For instance, Y Knot, Snake Farm. and Balance were trying to determine exactly how far we were from the Ford. I had commented that I thought we were close. Snake Farm turns on the app and announces that we are exactly 0.1 from the Ford. How crazy is that?!?!

Still surprised at how fast the temperature drops when the sun sets. It suppose to be another cool night here by the stream. I thought it was hot in the desert and that it rarely rained. That hasn't been the experience so far. My hands are getting numb from exposure so I going to sign off. It's 8:20 pm.

Mount Laguna tomorrow for a mail drop and perhaps a shower.

Day 2: Kick Off at Lake Morena

April 26, 2014
0 miles
Lake Morena Campground Tented

Those gentle breezes brought the smack down around 1 am last night. My registered tent site is really a rock covered by two inches of sand. Getting the 8 stakes securely in the ground was practically impossible. Once the sand became saturated by the relentless rain, it was only a matter of time before a strong gust took the tent down. This happened not once but three times. Each time I reluctantly removed myself from my bag liner and quilt to restake the tent barefoot in the cold, windy rain.   Surprisingly enough, my gear remain dry throughout the ordeal. Sleep never arrived.

Since Thursday, folks from across the country have gathered to celebrate this year's hikers who wish to attempt to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. These volunteers provide food, educational seminars, and entertainment. I cannot thank them enough for their encouragement and selflessness.  I enjoyed the Flora and Fauna of the PCT seminar this morning. These plants are both beautiful and dangerous. Stinging nettle, poodle bush, and multiple forms of poison oak exist along the trail from here in the Chaparral to the Alpine wooded environments in Washington. The animals will be equally respected. Snakes, snakes, and more snakes! I did watch two crows fighting a hawk for it's snake diner this evening from my new tent site.

I also attended the water report. Woah! Hiking the Appalachian Trail during the wettest season on record spoiled me. I never had to think about water. Now, I do as it's a matter of life or death. This will definitely take some time to adjust. Very grateful for halfmile's maps and water reports! I actually met him in person today as well as several other Trail personalities. I shook hands with Coyote (Wizards of the PCT) while waiting to use the restroom. I also allowed Billy Goat the luxury of touching my cuben fiber skirt while we huddled in the pavilion to escape the cold rain.

The most exciting encounter was with three other 09 Appalachian Trail Alum: Col. Mustard, Bunyan, and OG. There's just a connection there, expressed in our eyes and embraced in a hug that cannot be verbalized. We're family forever and now we have traveled to the West Coast to experience a new adventure. So glad to see each one of them.

I was spoiled once again by Betty. She took OG, Lucky, Ross, and myself to a nearby grill for burgers. She even paid for my lunch. Incredible generosity! (THANK YOU!). I used the store's wifi to download the PCT Apps: Guthook, PCTHYOH, and Halfmile's maps. I am very interested to see how these work on trail. So much has changed with technology on trail since 2009.

I'm currently listening to the final movie presentation here at the Kickoff from the confines of my tent as I type this entry. "As it happens" is being shown on the Tyvek big screen on a very cold evening. The temperature has dropped compared to yesterday although the winds have decreased and the rains are gone. I have sought solace in my bag liner and quilt and there I will remain until tomorrow morning.

My tent was moved to another section of the campground where my tent stakes are more effective. I'm surrounded my Appalachian Trail Alum from 2011: Goldie, Balance, and Y Knot. Goldie completed the AT at the age of 16 with her brother who was 13 at the time. She asked her professors at Texas A & M if she could take her exams two weeks early so she could start this hike. (sounds familiar right?!)

Feet are good. Spirit is lifted from a wonderfully supported conversation with family. Sore rib. Happy heart.

I'm here where I need to be, taking it one step at a time.

Let's do this!

Day 1: Mexican Border to Lake Morena Campground

April 25, 2014
19.5 miles
Mexican Border to Lake Morena Campground

My heart was heavier than my pack as I left the white wooden monument this crisp, cool morning.  Heavier than my pack, which contains 7 liters of water, 2 days of food, and gear. Much heavier. A young man's heart stopped beating 16 miles north of this white wooden monument yesterday afternoon. He was 19 years much too young. Life is precious. Appreciate each and every moment.

Living life is what brought me to the West Coast and to this dusty, dry trail. It has surrounded me with loving and altruistic people who also share a common goal: to reach the Canadian Border one step at a time. I had the pleasure of sharing the experience today with two Bostonians, who happen to be Appalachian Alumni (2011). Y knot and Balance shared the shade and stories as we transversed close to 20 miles to reach Lake Morena in time for burritos at the Kickoff.

Water has never tasted so good. Salt covered my face and hands. And there was dirt. Lots of dirt. My throat began to get scratchy and I thought I might be sick compliments from a recent family visit. I soon realized that dirt was collecting at the back of my throat as it was being kicked up in the air.

Lake Morena doesn't really resemble a lake by normal standards. It is more like a dry lake bed. Houser Creek was dry too, but there was a water cache located in the dry creek bed. "Bottled straight from the source," said Roam.  I didn't need any water.  In fact,  I arrived to Lake Morena carrying 2.5 liters of water. Water is so precious to life. So are electrolytes. A Pacific Crest Trail Alumni (2013) by the name of Hops shared an electrolyte product named Nuun. By shared, I mean he went to the grocery store and bought me some to try in addition to jelly beans that also contain electrolytes. This selfless generosity is what pulls me to the trail and the thru hiking community.

It's sprinkling now in the desert. It's suppose to drop down into the thirties during the night. This will be an excellent test for my new tent and sleeping quilt. Currently, I have my feet elevated and am listening to personal conversations of nearby neighbors who have forgotten that sil nylon does not act as a sound barrier. No blisters. I did change my socks once today and powered them with gold bond twice. I even shared these handy tricks with Y Knot and Melanie. This is Melanie's very first long distance hike and she had some tender toes when she arrived at Lake Morena today.  I may go by Grommet, but I will still doctor feet at a moment's notice.

I plan to remain at the Kickoff tomorrow rather than hike forward. I will take this "zero" day to rest. Rest. It will be my first opportunity in over a month and I'm looking forward to it.

I am also looking forward to meeting with Betty tomorrow to further discuss the local flora. There are trees that grow out here with normal looking bark surrounded with a smooth reddish brown coat that closely resembles wax. There are also pea plants, indian paintbrush, and yucca. All of which are currently in bloom. I also observed tall sycamore trees as well as live oaks.

Tomorrow. Tonight, I will fall asleep to the interment sound of rain drops hitting any and every surface while the gentle wind caresses my single walled tent.

Maildrops

I've had several inquiries over the past few weeks about where friends/family can send care packages to me along the trail. Below is a list of places where I'm currently planning on picking up food drops along the way. Mail drops will require that specific information be written on the packages, and often times, the receiving locations requests an estimated time of arrival (ETA) of the recipient. Since specifics for each location may vary, please contact Rachel Albritton (rralbritton@gmail.com) to get specific mailing instructions for a desired location. Also, the list below may change as I travel up the trail. Checking in with Rach before sending a package will help ensure that your care package is received. Likewise, as I communicate with Rach along the trail, she will help me keep this list as updated as possible.

CALIFORNIA
Warner Springs - Trail Mile 109
Wrightwood - Trail Mile 369
Agula Dulce - Trail Mile 454
Old Station - Trail Mile 1377
Catella - Trail Mile 1506
Seiad Valley - Trail Mile 1662

OREGON
Crater Lake Mazama Village - Trail Mile 1829
Big Lake Youth Camp - Trail Mile 2001

WASHINGTON
White Pass - Trail Mile 2303
Snoqualmine Pass - Trail Mile 2402
Stehekin - Trail Mile 2580

Frequently Asked Questions

With two weeks to go before my flight to San Diego, CA, I’d like to take a moment today to answer the top ten frequently asked questions (in descending order) regarding my summer plans to hike the entire length of the Pacific Crest Trail.

10. What does the PCT stand for?

Answer: PCT is short for Pacific CREST Trail (not coast…poor form).  The trail follows fault lines that include deserts and mountains.  No coast hiking…at least for this summer!

9. How long will this take you? variation…Will this take you a couple of weeks? 

Answer: I would really like to complete this trip in 4 months, which would equate to averaging 20 miles per day.  Keep in mind that’s an average.  I can start with lower mile days (10-15 miles) as long as there are longer days (20-30 miles) later down the trail that will produce a 20 mile day overall average.

8.  Are you bringing a gun? variation… What about protection? another variation… Will you bring your dog for protection?

Answer:  I would LOVE to bring Dudley, but he would die.  He’s a great pyrenees mix and is governed by natural laws. His heavy coat would be the death of him through the desert. No gun…EVER! They’re heavy to carry and I’m more likely to accidentally shoot myself.  I will be carrying a personal (small size) container of mace.

7. How long is this trail?

Answer: 2,650 miles, which is longer than the Appalachian Trail (2,178.3 miles when I hiked it in 2009).  The PCT, however, is graded for pack animals.  This means that the trail is not as steep, making the miles less arduous. This should allow me to complete more miles per day compared to my average daily mileage along the AT. For those that live in and or around Boone, NC, it’s very similar to the conditions on the carriage trails at Moses Cone Manor.

6. Will you be able to journal? variation… How do you keep your battery charged in order to use your phone to journal?

Answer: I am carrying an 11ounce battery charger that can recharge my iPhone 7 times on a full charge.  This should allow me to continue to journal while I’m far from any chargeable devices.  I will journal directly on my phone, then email the entries to Rachel (aka Katchup/AT 2009er) when I have cell reception.  She will then update them online.

I decided not to go with a solar charger because of mixed reviews.  The solar charger will become dead weight once I hit canopy cover in Oregon and Washington anyways so I opted for a rechargeable battery.

5. These two questions go together: (a) Where do you start? variation… How are you getting there?

Answer: I am hiking Northbound, and the starting point or trailhead is a marker by the Mexican border in California. The nearest town is called Campo.  I will fly into San Diego, CA where this wonderful Trail Angel couple (Frodo and Scout, PCT 2007 thru hikers)will pick me up at the airport, run any errands I need, take me to their house, feed me, shelter me, and then drive me to the trailhead without accepting a single monetary gift. What wonderful people!

(b) Where do you finish?

Answer: If all goes well.  I will finish at a similar marker at the Canadian border just North of Washington state.  I will then proceed 8 miles on the side trail to Manning Park in Vancouver, British Columbia. From there….?

4.  Are you scared?

Answer:  Scared of what? Scared of failure that my body will crap out on me like it did in 2008 on my first attempt to thru hike the Appalachian Trail ?  Scared of  dying from thirst, mountain lion attack, bear attack, PEOPLE (gasp), and/or an early snow event? Scared of  getting lost? Scared of spiders or scorpions crawling on me at night? These things do not scare me.

To be honest, what does scare me is my  flight out to San Diego. I’m TERRIFIED of flying. The thought of it makes me break out in a sweat. The crazier part is I use to fly. Although I was never comfortable with it, I could do it. I’ve flown on everything from an international flight to Saudi Arabia to a puddle jumper in Panama.  I understand that I have an illogical fear of flying, but for reasons I cannot begin to explain, I purposely have not flown since 2004. So this cross country flight to San Diego will be difficult to say the least.

Other than the flight, I am very excited for this opportunity.  This will be my first trip out West.  I just wish I had more time to memorize the local flora of the area before setting one foot on trail.

3. Have you read that book Oprah recommended? variation… Have you read “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed?

Answer: Yes, I have. Just like I read “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson prior to hiking the Appalachian Trail.  That is NOT how my hike experience will read. Strayed’s book should be viewed as entertainment value only.  She is an excellent writer, but a poor example of a thru hiker.  I didn’t even use that book to prepare for this hike. I would highly recommend Yogi’s PCT Guidebook () to best prepare for a thru hike of the PCT.

2. Are you hiking alone? variation… Who’s going with you?

Answer: I am starting on the 25^th of April with no strings attached to any one particular person.  In 2009, I had the opportunity to start my AT thru hike with 5 wonderful women. To my surprise, 3 (myself and two others) out of the 5 made it 1,800 miles together before the group dynamics took a toll. Let me make this clear, I would not change that experience for anything.  This year, however, I want to see what it’s like to hike without any commitments except to myself. 

I will never be “alone.” I have read that there are approximately 1,000 individuals attempting to hike the PCT this summer.  On my first night of the trail I will be sharing a ADZPCTKO (Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kickoff)  with 10 other individuals.

1.  And the most frequently asked question thus far is: Will Rachel be going with you?

Answer: Unfortunately, she will not be accompanying me on this trip.  She, arguably my better half, will be with me in spirit and in logistics.  She’s in charge of updating my blog entries, shipping me maps and food, taking care of the dogs, and keeping up with all things house related while I’m gone.  I OWE HER BIGTIME. J

So there you have it!

The top ten most frequently asked questions regarding my attempt to thru hike the PCT.  If I didn’t answer your question, please feel free to leave a question in the comment/guest book section.

Wanna learn more about the PCT or donate to their association?  Please visit: The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA)