PCT Field Notes

Type II fun is the kind that is difficult and challenging during the experience, but it feels fun in retrospect and reflection. This week was a rebirth of the trail experience. The desert had worn on everyone. It had worked my mind and body, but stepping into Kennedy Meadows, we all knew something fresh was to come to fruition. The week was full of type II fun, with plenty of challenge and discomfort that we looked back on with joy. From surviving snow storms, hiking above 13,000 feet multiple times including the tallest mountain in the lower 48, to battling hunger, there was never a dull day. The week made the journey feel fresh. Ranger getting a scolding for stealing food from Joe An Easy Day I take the day slow at The Kennedy Meadows General Store. I take it slow intentionally. This really feels like a proper transition from the desert to the mountains, not just in scenery, but in spirit. I talk with a lot of folks, and the past few hundred miles were emotionally difficult. Physical...

  Rekindled Setting up my tent the night before was tough, the wind was ripping through. By midnight it had calmed down, but the flapping of my tent must have created enough of a ruckus to keep critters away because once the wind stopped, an assault began. It first was a large rustling in the green grotto 20 yards away. Then I heard something rummaging in my bag. I grabbed my phone, turned the light on, and this little creature with great big eyes and a long tail was staring me in the face, must have been paralyzed by the bright light. Kangaroo rat. It scurried away and I closed my bag up. It must have felt slighted, because him and his friends decided to do parkour on my tent fly for a good 20 minutes, chittering and laughing the entire time. After a while it died down, must have gotten bored, but there was still large movements about 20 yards away. I knew it was bear country, but I eventually fell asleep.  The morning is cool and my body is a bit stiff, but even after a frus...

Near the top of Burnt Peak of the Sierra Pelona  Preface: This was a particularly mentally tough week that left me rather uninspired to write. My thoughts were much more internal and personal. This entry may be a bit boring and it took me a while to compile, but things did resolve by the next week. Hike down to Hikertown Mile 500. I descend from Burnt Peak into the Mojave today. The heat is on, but there are a lot of oak trees at the higher elevations. Looking down into the valley seems daunting, there is some real heat down there. I find a well flowing creek to bathe and do laundry. I’ve been pretty good about keeping my clothes and myself clean.    About 200 meters past there are some trail angels providing water and snacks. An Australian fellow swears we left on the same day and shows me a photo. Yep, that’s me. I don’t know how I haven’t been hiking with anyone from that day. The day is hot and I carry on. I’m headed to Hiker Town, a bit of an infamous hiker stop. It’...