PCT Dream it, See it, Do it

More Pictures from the Pacific Crest Trail – Series No. 6

2008-06-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

Good News!

We heard from Donovan this morning, June 18th. He has already past Muir Trail Ranch, and called us from Red Meadow. He was about to have breakfast, and then he will be on his way to Yosemite. Yea! He should be in Tuolumne Meadows this coming Friday or Saturday. We never know exactly where he is on the trail. He has been going at a pretty fast clip, and has had more 30 mile days. How these hikers manage that is a marvel to us.

Well, no sooner did I type part of this, and Donovan called us from the General Store in Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite national park.com That was yesterday June 20th. So, as I was saying he is really making good time. He sounded pretty good, but tired and one of his hiking poles snapped

He settled into a campsite in the backpacker’s campground, and when he called us later he had a fire going and was about to crash. He said the weather was fantastic! He’s been eating everything in sight, and said he was going down into the Valley Saturday, today, to do laundry and eat pizza and drink beer, and lay out next to the river somewhere and relax, before hitching a ride back up to Tuolumne Meadows.

He mentioned he didn’t want to stay too long down in Yosemite Valley, too expensive and he has acclimated to the higher elevations, and wants to hang out in the Tuolumne area until we meet him.

He had a bear encounter coming down through one of the passes. Said it was “all good”. Didn’t want to make too much noise, so no picture, but the bear was pretty good size, and a beautiful honey color. He or she gave Donovan a good look, and stood up and then went on its way. Donovan said it was “great!” The kind of encounter you want to have!

These pictures are just random and the last we will put on from the Pacific CrestTrail until we meet the Wizz Kid in Yosemite. Pcta.org

I thought we would put some of my favorite pictures on, so some may be duplicates from our previous post.

Again, thanks for reading, and enjoy, and if you have been on the trail God speed and stay safe!

Donovan’s Mom, Anne

More pictures from the Pacific Crest Trail – Series 5

2008-06-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

These pictures are still from the first part of the trail, up to Tehachapi and include one of the Trail Angels.

Right now, we are not sure where Donovan (Wizz Kid) is on the trail. We think he is somewhere near the Muir Trail Ranch, where he will be getting is next supply container and another pair of shoes. The ranch is open now for pick ups for P.C.T. Hikers. It cost more because they have to pack in supplies on horseback up to the ranch. They have great information, so I have included their website: http://muirtrailranch.com/

After stopping at the Muir Trail Ranch Donovan should be on his way to Tuolumne Meadows, in Yosemite. I know he plans to hang out there for a while. It has to be one of the best parts of the journey.

We plan to be up there soon, and hope to meet him at the Tuolumne Meadows General Store. We will be downloading new pictures, and can hardly wait to hear about Donovan’s experiences on the Pacific Crest Trail.
I am looking forward to seeing him, and also finding my old campsite. I look forward to putting my feet in the river no matter how cold, and relaxing in God’s country.

Thank you again for reading, and God speed to all out on the trail!

Donovan's Mom (Anne)

Pacific Crest Trail Update: Series No. 4

2008-06-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

We finally heard from the “Wizz Kid” Donovan today. He is in Independence along with other hikers picking up supplies. He is doing great. Still having some shoe issues, but sounded fantastic. Hiked in Kings, and said the weather has been good, and scenery spectacular. He has taken tons of pictures and all kinds of video.

He wants everyone to know he is doing fine, and as he always says, “it’s all good!”
We hope to hear from him one more time before he takes off towards Muir Trail Ranch.

Again, the pictures we are putting on are only up to Tehachapi. We can hardly wait to get his latest memory card so we can download his pictures from the latest sections. For now, enjoy what we have, and God Bless all of you out on the P.C. T.

Thanks for reading!

Happy Trails from Donovan’s “Wizz Kid’s”
Mom

People Pictures from the Pacific Crest Trail: May-June 2008

2008-06-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

All the pictures are only up to Tehachapi. When Donovan sends us the next memory card we will be able to post from Tehachapi on. We will continue to post more great pictures in the near future. Enjoy!

People Pictures from the Pacific Crest Trail:

This series is dedicated to the hikers that Donovan “Wizz Kid” has met along the trail.

He left Kennedy Meadows June 6th, and would have left sooner except for the fact that he was stuck there due to the “shoe ‘ blow-out’ problem.” He finally received his emergency shoe package, and is well on his way towards Kings Canyon.

Thought I would share some camping stories from Donovan’s family since he is now hiking in my old camping territory.

My earliest memories were camping in Sequoia with my parents and my grandmother Grace. Having a bear in camp is nothing new. I can remember my father sitting on one of our army cots with his rifle, while the rest of us were in his 1945 something with the suicide doors. I was standing on the funny little pull down rail seat in the back looking out the window and listening to the dogs parking, people yelling, and a bear snarling in the camp next to ours. Bears and dogs usually don’t mix. Any way, this rogue bear completely tore up their camp and injured one of the dogs. He then proceeded to come over into our camp, where my dad stood up shouting. The bear climbed up the tree right next to our car. It was not a happy bear, and slapped at the bark on the tree and kept crawling. The sounds are something I cannot describe. The rangers finally came and the bear had to be put down. This is one of my first memories, and I think from what I was told I was only two years old.
Every year until grown, I spent summers with my grandmother in Sequoia, and then she decided Sequoia was too crowded, if you can imagine that. So from then on we stayed in Kings Canyon and sometimes up in Yosemite. I was about seven the first time I really remember being in Kings. My grandmother, Donovan’s great grandmother could chase any bear out of any camp. She was only 5 ft tall, but a power house. She had her arsenal of rocks, flashlight, cow bell, and was pretty good at banging on pots and pans. She would yell out, “ Go Bear, go away bear!” We always hung our old ice box up in a tree, a good 50 feet from our tent, etc.. She tied bells on to the rope and the ice box. The bears did their darnest to ride that ice box down to the ground, but never did. They would sit up in the tree, and swing at the ice box. Back then you could hear the bears coming along, going on their nightly feed fest to each garbage can, and if you didn’t have a clean camp, look out. Grace would tell other campers not to leave things in the stream at night. That is how we kept things cold. She taught me well, concerning the bears, never to feed them, etc.., and to stay clear of “mother bear and her brew” as she would call them. Over the years she chased many a bear out of camp, along with me trying to follow her lead. Of course these days the bears are not afraid of us, and it is best to stay clear.

My favorite story, which my sons always liked to hear was the time in Kings, while camped next to Sheep Creek, a bear decided to make the end of my sleeping bag a place to sit and enjoy his snack of a watermelon someone had left in the stream. My grandmother, Grace, crawled up on her knees and whispered in my ear. I always slept outside under the stars on a pine needle mattress. Any way, she said to me very softly, “Annie, wake up.” I did, and was trying to figure out why my grandmother was on the ground and why she had her arms hooked under me, and why she was trying to pull me out of my bag. Then to my surprise I saw this huge shadow at the end of my sleeping bag. I managed to scoot my way up and out of my bag with my grandmother’s help and we crawled a few feet away, before the bear even noticed us. He really didn’t care about us, just the watermelon. Grace started banging two pots together, and yelling “Go Bear!” He finally went on his way.

The moral which I have never forgotten; be careful where you decide to sleep, and never have your food any where near you. We always had a very clean camp, but the times were different. In that case it was food from another camper, and I always like to think that the bear just wanted a nice soft place to sit and rest and eat his snack. I was nine years old!

Thanks for reading, and more pictures from the P.C.T. will be posted in a few days!

Donovan’s (Wizz Kid)

Mom

More pictures from the Pacific Crest Trail: Series No.3

2008-06-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

More pictures from the Pacific Crest Trail:

We heard from Donovan and he is in Kennedy Meadows. He actually got there Tuesday, June 3rd. All is good!

He blew out his shoes, and we have mailed him some more which should arrive tomorrow. He really wants to continue on, and is just waiting for the emergency shoe package.

Checking the P.C.T.A., they have a report of a fire 5 miles north of Kennedy Meadows, but the trail is open, and the hikers are being aloud to continue on.

He is anxious to get to Mt. Whitney, which he intends to climb. There is a family history regarding this.

My grandmother Grace, Donovan's great grandmother hiked to the top of Mt Whitney with my father, Peter, and his brother when Donovan's grandfather was very young. I have never made the climb, but I am very proud that my son, Donovan is.

For now, here are more pictures for all of you to enjoy, and Donovan "Wizzz" thanks you for reading!

Our next post will be of people on the trail.

Donovan's Mom

PCT Pictures series No. 2

2008-06-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

More pictures from the Pacific Crest Trail! Please note; the pictures are not titled, but when Donovan returns, he will be doing that. We promised to get as many pictures as possible on, but we have no way of knowing exactly where they were taken, or who the hikers are that Donovan “Wiz” has met. He has mentioned so many, with all kinds of unique “Trail Names.” We do know that he has taken more video than pictures, and as we mentioned before, putting that on this blog will be a project that Donovan will be completing when he returns.

Again, thank you for reading, and for those out on the trail “God Speed!” Donovan’s Mom

PCT Pictures series No. 1

2008-06-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

Finally on the trail. I'm seein it, I'm doint it.

2008-06-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

Right after this posting we will be putting various photos sent to us from Donovan in sequence.

Finally, some pictures from the P.C.T.!

This is just a few minutes before getting back on the trail. Notice the jugs of water that "Trail Angels" have left. That's me in the back. (Mom)

Leaving Tehachapi Pass for the next section of the trail that will lead to Kennedy Meadows.

I am the messenger right now. Donovan, the “Wizz” is out on the trail. He has been out there for a while now. Once he is back from his adventure, he will be downloading video and be able to tell you more. Right now, we just wanted to get some pictures out there for anyone who has hiked the trail or is hiking the trail now and might want to check out this site when coming down into a town.

I’m Anne, Donovan’s mom. We were able to drive out to Tehachapi May 27th and met him. Probably the last time we will see him for quit a long time. He is doing fantastic, and is going at a pretty good pace. I am amazed at the food all the hikers can pack down, once in a town. “Fuel for the next section!”

We dropped him off at the 58, Cameron Overpass on May 28th, late in the morning. We have had one cell phone message this morning, June 1st, and he is well on his way towards Kennedy Meadows, and should be there June 4th or 5th. All is well except for some blisters, which go with the territory. There is a hundred and forty something miles on this leg of the trail.

Donovan has met all kinds of great people hiking the trail, is enjoying all of it, and has video of many fellow hikers.

He has also had some interesting encounters with some rattlesnakes, which he has on video, along with a huge flock of sheep, which seemed to want to be herded along the trail, because they just didn’t want to move out of his way.

For now though, he hopes you enjoy the pictures. They are in order of the download we have, and Donovan’s stepdad is the one to thank for putting this message and all the pictures on.

Donovan also sends a big thank you to all the fantastic Trail Angels that help all the hikers along the way, and a special thanks to P.C.T.A., and the great information they give and the work they do to preserve the Pacific Crest Trail! One person has become my Trail Angel, Brenda. Thanks for everything! Anyone interested in helping with the trail or the hikers, please check out their site!

He also sends his love to friends and family who are supporting him along his journey and encouragement to all the fellow hikers out there on the trail!

Enjoy the pics!

Thanks for reading and we will post more pics to share as “Wizz” sends them!

Choosing a tent.

2008-03-05T21:55:00.000-08:00

I’ve always affiliate tents with adventure especially with my family. My mom and dad just loved the sierras and they loved being spontaneous packing up the old VW and away we would go up to Sequoia or Yosemite and Tuolumne Meadows. We would normally leave on a Friday evening and drive through the night arriving at our destination no later than 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning. I would always be so excited. Click on pictures to enlarge.

I loved the smell of the outdoors, the pines and the redwoods, the sounds of the river, the wind in the trees and the thought of the adventures to come, and the anticipation of the unknown. But before any real adventuring could begin we had to set up camp, which was usually a lesson in patience. Setting up the big old canvas army tent with one pole in the middle and one pole for each corner was the first thing on the agenda. I’m almost certain this was the ugliest tent I have ever seen but it kept us out of the wind and rain. The next year my dad bought our first external frame tent a Coleman 9 by 12. My mom, reading the directions would be telling dad which pole goes were. It seemed like my dad needed an extra pair of hands to keep the right side from falling while he worked on the left side. It also seemed like some kind of funny balancing act was going on; but when the tent was finally standing we could all see what a huge improvement it was. I was around 10 when my dad gave me my first tent; a little two man Coleman and then 2 years later I had my first dome tent and through the years I just kept upgrading as tents evolved so did I. Now tents are ultra light durable weather resistant shelters built to withstand the most hostile of environments.

When I decided to hike the PCT I knew I would want a new tent so I started doing a little research looking at many different tents searching for the one that would best suit my needs; light and sturdy with a simple design. Here are some of the tents I researched. I feel any one of these tents would work very well on the PCT. Their easy construction and basic design make them quick to pitch in any sort of weather.

I have chosen the REI Quarter Dome UL.

The Quarter Dome UL has adequate headroom and is a great free standing two pole Design. The Quarter Dome also has two entrances and good cross ventilation. It takes me 5min. to pitch this tent with the rain fly and at a little over $200. I feel it was the best bang for the buck. The best advice I can give you for choosing a tent is to have fun and pick the one that makes you happy.

Thanks for reading

Pacific Crest Trail - Backpacking Stoves and which one to choose

2007-11-10T13:52:00.000-08:00

Here I sit broken hearted, stomach growling because I can’t get my stove started. That might be pushing it, but picking the right stove can be tough. It really depends on what you are going to do, where you are camping, and how long you plan to be out on the trail.

For the past 15 years I have been using an old Optimus, that my stepdad past on to me. I am not sure how old it is, but it is a great little stove and I have never needed to buy a new one. But, since it only uses white gas I have decided not to use it on the PCT.

There are so many backpacking stoves to choose from. I have been researching, trying some out, and very soon I will make my decision of which one to take.

You have your multi fuel stoves like the OPTIMUS NOVA, which weighs 15 ounces and folds down to a nice compact size. This is a very smooth working stove. Optimus also makes the Gravity stove which is lighter and it very efficient.

MSR makes the XKG.EX multi fuel, 14 ounces, compact, very tough and good for mountaineering. It is not so efficient on fuel, and maybe not as good for hiking. Another stove by MSR is the Dragonfly. It is lightweight, multi fuel and may be a better choice for hiking. It folds down small for packing. It isn’t great for simmering, but ok on fuel.

The Whisperlight is on the same page as the Dragonfly. It is also lightweight, folds down small, very tough, and great for hiking. It is also multi fuel and a good all around stove.

The new Brunton Vapor does it all and you can use canister fuel like; propane or butane. Then with a twist of the housing which adjusts the jet, you can burn any kind of liquid fuel, like white gas, kerosene, diesel and auto fuel. You name it, they all work. It is very efficient, lightweight and folds down for packing. I will most likely be using this stove for my Pacific Crest Trail hike.

I also researched canister stoves, like the new MSR Reactor. It uses ISO butane and is lightweight weighing 20 ounces. It is compact, fuel efficient, and a good tough stove.

Then there is the Optimus Stella Plus which uses propane and butane, ultra light, very compact. I like this stove. It is efficient and simmers well.

Now, for the super ultra light stove like the MSR Pocket Rocket. It only weights 3.5 ounces. It doesn’t get any smaller than this. It is a great little stove. For fuel it uses ISO butane which is great for backpacking.

I would most likely buy a canister stove if I knew for sure that I would be able to re-supply the fuel as I hike along the PCT. Besides that, I am not sure if the Post Office will let you mail fuel?

So, for me it is going to be the Brunton Vapor or the Optimus Nova. With either one of these stoves I should have no problem refueling along the trail. I only wish I could test them all.

Let me know if you have used any of the stoves above.

Happy Cooking, and thanks for reading!

Pacific Crest Trail - Backpacks and what works:

2007-10-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

I am still working hard organizing and deciding on gear, so I will be ready for the Pacific Crest Trail in April of 2008. Backpacks are the subject of the week. And more than that, weight is a huge issue for me and many other hikers.

When I started hiking as a kid, external frame packs were the only way to go, and I have had an assortment of them. For the most part they have always worked well. Most were easy to pack with lots of room, durable, and that is all I have used for the past 25 years.

I have on occasion used rucksacks for my climbing gear, or just for day hike use, but I have never used them for serious backpacking. They are hard on the back and uncomfortable on any kind of long haul.

I have noticed that over the past five years that the internal frame packs have become the main stay of many serious hikers and that includes me. With the advances in waist belts and shoulder straps combined with an internal frame with more adequate padding and support, I personally feel that they are more comfortable than any external frame pack I have ever used.

Internal frame packs are more versatile, easily adjusted for all kinds of terrain. They are more compact, fitting snug against your body, which makes the pack bend and move easy with you instead of against your body movements. In this way the pack doesn’t sway as much or throw you off you balance, especially on rocky and or steep terrain where falling can be very serious.
Loading gear into internal frame packs can be tricky. Most of them have only one large pocket with maybe one external pocket. Some of the newer packs have three, like my Palisade Backpack.

Packing for me is fairly simple. The least used gear goes on the bottom and then I work my way up. Normally rain gear and food are at the top. In the external pocket if you have one, I pack my stove fuel, snacks, first aid kit, bug spray, bug netting, and just the stuff you don’t want to dig for.

Last year I used a Palisade Back Pack by Gregory, from rei It is a great pack, built to last and very comfortable. It is also outstanding for hauling heavy loads. I did three sections of the PCT using this pack. I love the Palisade Pack and would recommend it to anyone. But now the whole deal has changed.

I am doing the entire PCT and weight is the issue, and the Palisade Pack weighs 6 pounds. So, I had to make a decision, and I will be using the Catalyst Backpack made by ULA Equipment This ULA Backpack has gotten great reviews and weighs half of what my Palisade pack weighs. That is huge!

I ordered mine from Mt Rogers Outfitters in Damascus, VA. They are at Mount Rogers Equipment They had one left in a large, so I bought it. I could have waited until after December, but I really want to try it out. I hope to keep my weight down to between 30 and 40 pounds.

Any one out there that has this pack? I would love to hear from you.

Thanks again for reading!

Update:
Pacific Crest Trail – Southern California Wild Fires

The tragedy that is happening in my county of San Diego is terrible and overwhelming. I know parts of the PCT have been affected. My heart goes out to all those who are going through this, and to the many firefighters, police, volunteers and medical personnel. We went through this a few years back and with the climate changes, and drought and the Santa Ana’s this appears to have set up our area for what they are calling the perfect fire storm. This may go down as the worse fire in recorded history for our part of California. I hope we can learn something from this, so that we do not lose all of our beautiful wilderness areas, not to mention the horrible loss of life and property.

I know I will be out on the trail in different areas, as soon as it is possible. I want to get an idea of what I will be hiking through. After the last fire here; the Cedar Fire the entire area was like walking on another planet, a dead planet. Nature is amazing though, and I know things will grow back, but it is still very sad.

Again, thanks for reading and God Bless

Pacific Crest Trail - Hiking / Trekking poles

2007-10-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

TRASHED! I have put about 800 miles on my REI TRAVERSE hiking poles, and they have never let me down; but now they are almost trashed. I could put new tips on them, but instead I went out and bought a new pair of BLACK DIAMONDS at REI in San Diego. They have the flick lock and the contour grips. They are a little lighter, but still strong and they should last my entire trip on the Pacific Crest Trail; or at least I hope so. Yesterday, I hiked about 28 miles, training and they worked great.

Though hiking has become part of the air I breathe, I was so into rock climbing for such a long time, I really didn’t give too much thought about the use of hiking/trekking poles. I would see some people using them, but again never thought about them as a crucial part of what I would someday be using. Well, someday is here, and guess what, I use them.

I had always used something in the way of a hiking stick as a kid. I usually just looked around, found what would work, and that was it. Back then it was just for fun. I remember hiking with my folks at a very young age. I wanted to find out what was under almost every rock, and I think my mom or dad were worried about what I might find, so hence, the hiking stick. From then on I was never without one.

Because I have always used a hiking stick and carried it in my right hand I found that over the years when going on long treks it sometimes threw my rhythm off. The more serious I became about hiking, I noticed that when I got a certain rhythm going, using just one stick wasn’t enough, so I decided to try the poles.

I started with hiking/trekking poles about two years ago. I bought my first set at REI; REI TRAVERSE poles. At first I admit they felt a little awkward, but the more I used them the better they felt and now I never go hiking without them.

I can’t tell you all the times they have saved me from falling. It’s not that I’m clumsy, but when going up a steep grade poling with my arms and pushing with my legs, the poles really help me out. Going down hill they help slow my pace, which takes some of the strain off my legs.

I know I will not be the first or last hiker that has slipped while crossing a river, and the poles have really given me that extra balance. I have used them in deep snow, and as added security traversing across slushy or icy sections. A section of trail doesn’t have to be steep to take a tumble after slipping, and a twisted ankle is not on my agenda. I have been there. They have also been my (shelter from the storm) tarp tent poles. They are like having another pair of arms and legs, and because I hike alone I need all the help I can get.

I know from everything I have been reading concerning the Pacific Crest Trail, and others, that the equipment hikers’ use is a real personal choice, but the hiking/trekking poles do the job for me.
Anyone out there with experience using poles pro and con, I would love to hear from you. Which ones have worked for you?

Thanks again for reading!

Training for the PCT

2007-10-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

Even with all the backpacking I have done over the years, when it finally comes down to being serious about the PCT, I know I have to get into shape. I started out going to a local park, Mission Trails. Marines trained there during WWII. The terrain can be steep and rugged, which is great. The problem has been mileage; so I ended up doing laps which became boring.

With some research, trial and error, I started to hike up in the Laguna Mountains, which has many trails, including the PCT that runs along the ridge. The trail I finally decided worked for me is Noble Canyon. I begin in Pine Valley and hike up to a very high elevation, about 9 miles one way where it ends at the Sun Rise HWY. There it connects to the PCT. Round trip ends up to be about 18 miles. I also add miles on the Big Laguna trail. I train as often as I can, and it is starting to pay off. My feet are tougher, my legs stronger and I feel I have much more lung capacity. I now have to work extremely hard to feel the burn.

I carry an old North Face rucksack and last week I was able to train out at Joshua Tree.

I use to carry 20 pounds of water, but now I am up to 30. I also carry a first aid kit, knife, cell phone, power bar, and some kind of fruit. I like oranges, apples, and kiwi shooters are great. Keeping your energy up and staying hydrated is important. Taking care of your feet can be a huge issue out on the trail. I am trying to break in boots, Lowa trekkers and a pair of Scarpa’s. I switch off and on. I still bring running shoes in case my feet can’t take it. What ever works.

I do believe it is so important to train not only to get into shape, but to familiarize yourself with what your body can and cannot do. Example being, how much weight you can carry comfortably and what kind of mileage you can hike each day without being too fatigued, where you might injure yourself or make a mistake. Just as important, is testing your gear. What works for you and what doesn’t is vital, so that once you are out on the trail there won’t be too many surprises.

Training in all kinds of weather is the key, especially in the rain. There is nothing worse than a pack full of wet gear. It not only weighs a “ton”, but you have to find a way to dry it all out. I have been there and it really sucks!

Finally, you are not only training to get your body into shape, but you have to train mentally. For me it is crucial. It can be pretty lonely out on the trail, and you need to focus. So, setting goals are way up on my list. Right now, I read everything I can get my hands on, study maps and I also like to log on to PCTA and read all the trail journals to see what worked and didn’t for others that have done the PCT. I admire each and every one of them.

For now, I am increasing my training, deciding what gear to take, and planning the enormous job of the packing boxes to be mailed along the trip.

Making friends along the trail.

Thank you for reading.

Dream it, See it, Do it.

2007-09-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

Most of us have a dream. If we are lucky, we are able to see it, laid out in front of us; and if we are very lucky we get to do it! The dream may be small, or something we think is out of reach, but whatever it is that drives us to try and find a way to fulfill our dream. It is amazing. So with that, my dream is about to happen; right out loud!

My name is Donovan. I have lived most of my life in California. From early on, as a small boy I was so lucky to have parents that lived and spent time in the great outdoors. I think I can remember back to age three, and all I know is that I was awe struck with the magic of the mountains, the Sierra. I didn’t know how to express my feelings as a little kid, but as a young teenager and adult my passion grew into the inner desire to experience the wilderness. Over the years this has taken many forms, some great, some just enough to keep me sane. As a young teen I was taken over by the rush of climbing.

My first exposure was at a place called Castle Rock in Northern California. My dad took me there, and though he didn’t climb, he loved the mountains and could see in me, that I had fallen in love with climbing. The solitude of being up on a wall and knowing you have to make it to the top under your own strength and self determination overwhelmed me and the thrill was something I still have no words for.

Whatever you want to call it, it planted a seed in me that has evolved, and brought me to this point, hiking the PCT., solo.

The dream has always been there in one form or another, but now it is going to happen, and every day I wake up thinking about being out on the trail.

Thank you for reading.