Robert Francisco

Destination: Kennedy Meadows

Starting Location: Tributary south fork Kern River

Today’s Miles: 4.80

Trip Miles: 705.50

Tributary south fork Kern (700.4, 5916) to Kennedy Meadows Campground (705.2, 6150) ascent (787) descent (525) NERO

Woke up this morning in time to meet Scott Williamson who is attempting a repeat of his calendar year yo yo (Mexico to Canada to Mexico). He is 700 miles out in 19 days by averaging 40 miles per day. We had a nice visit & were in awe at his ability to go those distances without taking any zeros. After he moved on Popsicle commented that he had a thousand questions for Scott & noted that must be what it is like for day hikers who want to ask long distance hikers questions.

We managed to get misplaced before we ultimately found the trail prior to meeting up with go-BIG Daddy & the go-BIG support mobile. Dad has been an enormous help these last several weeks and particularly so here at Kennedy. He had gone to the store for us & had transported all of our Sierrian gear. We spent the entire afternoon getting organized with new gear including bear resistant containers, ice axes, crampons & cold weather gear.

Destination: Kennedy Meadows

Starting Location: Tributary south fork Kern River

Today’s Miles: 4.80

Trip Miles: 705.50

Tributary south fork Kern (700.4, 5916) to Kennedy Meadows Campground (705.2, 6150) ascent (787) descent (525) NERO

Woke up this morning in time to meet Scott Williamson who is attempting a repeat of his calendar year yo yo (Mexico to Canada to Mexico). He is 700 miles out in 19 days by averaging 40 miles per day. We had a nice visit & were in awe at his ability to go those distances without taking any zeros. After he moved on Popsicle commented that he had a thousand questions for Scott & noted that must be what it is like for day hikers who want to ask long distance hikers questions.

We managed to get misplaced before we ultimately found the trail prior to meeting up with go-BIG Daddy & the go-BIG support mobile. Dad has been an enormous help these last several weeks and particularly so here at Kennedy. He had gone to the store for us & had transported all of our Sierrian gear. We spent the entire afternoon getting organized with new gear including bear resistant containers, ice axes, crampons & cold weather gear.

Destination: Tributary south fork Kern River

Starting Location: Ridge between Spanish Needle & Lamont Peak

Today’s Miles: 27.20

Trip Miles: 700.70

Ridge between Spanish Needle & Lamont Peak (673.2, 6800) to Tributary south fork Kern River (700.4, 5916) ascent (3806) descent (4760)

Incredible . . . we have reached the “Range of Light” and as we exceeded 8,000 feet today we saw the snow covered mountains & continued north as being called. I am so excited to be here. I just walked 700 miles and am now camped on the south fork of the Kern River. Sugar Daddy is with me and our friend Popsicle is here also. The moon is nearly full, I am full of food & water, & life is darn good.

Kennedy Meadows has been a draw for the last 6 weeks because it means the end of the desert & southern California & the beginning of the mountains & central California.

The Kern is out of its banks and clouded. The runoff has clearly started & I scoped the river to determine if it was crossable here as practice. It is but it would require shrinking male body parts. The crossings will likely be tough . . . but Sugar Daddy & I have discussed it and we are going on. We have both agreed we can always turn back if undoable for our skill level, but we need to determine that rather than let those who never try dissuade us.

Wearing new shoes (Montrail, Hardrock) for the Sierra. I wore them the last two days with pretty good results. My feet hurt like hell, but 48 miles in two days will do that. They definitely have more support but you pay for that in extra heat retention. I also think the shoes simply wear differently and thus my feet are going to hurt in different places.

Destination: Tributary south fork Kern River

Starting Location: Ridge between Spanish Needle & Lamont Peak

Today’s Miles: 27.20

Trip Miles: 700.70

Ridge between Spanish Needle & Lamont Peak (673.2, 6800) to Tributary south fork Kern River (700.4, 5916) ascent (3806) descent (4760)

Incredible . . . we have reached the “Range of Light” and as we exceeded 8,000 feet today we saw the snow covered mountains & continued north as being called. I am so excited to be here. I just walked 700 miles and am now camped on the south fork of the Kern River. Sugar Daddy is with me and our friend Popsicle is here also. The moon is nearly full, I am full of food & water, & life is darn good.

Kennedy Meadows has been a draw for the last 6 weeks because it means the end of the desert & southern California & the beginning of the mountains & central California.

The Kern is out of its banks and clouded. The runoff has clearly started & I scoped the river to determine if it was crossable here as practice. It is but it would require shrinking male body parts. The crossings will likely be tough . . . but Sugar Daddy & I have discussed it and we are going on. We have both agreed we can always turn back if undoable for our skill level, but we need to determine that rather than let those who never try dissuade us.

Wearing new shoes (Montrail, Hardrock) for the Sierra. I wore them the last two days with pretty good results. My feet hurt like hell, but 48 miles in two days will do that. They definitely have more support but you pay for that in extra heat retention. I also think the shoes simply wear differently and thus my feet are going to hurt in different places.

Destination: Ridge between Spanish Needle & Lamont Peak

Starting Location: Walker Pass Trailhead Camp

Today’s Miles: 21.80

Trip Miles: 673.50

Walker Pass Trail Camp (651.4, 5100) to Ridge between Spanish Needle Group & Lamont Peak (673.2, 6800) ascent (5197) descent (3615)

After thinking our water worries were over Sugar Daddy & I discovered why we needed Lucky Liz, Cadence & Weed. We totally screwed up and missed a critical water stop. We talked ourselves into believing that our altimeters were off due to the clouds & that the creek we passed could not be the water because it was too soon given our pace. It was & now we suffer. Dirty bird & Numskull took pity on us and gave us each a half liter. That combined with the liter we had left will get us to the next spring in the a.m. but how stupid. We walked by a flowing spring & did not get water. Oh well. Being thirsty is an interesting experience & certainly develops appreciation for simple things.

I missed Weed a lot today. He is finished with this section of trail & only has 50 miles of the PCT left down by Palms to Pines. By the time you read this he will have completed his contiguous, never slack packed, hike of the entire PCT. Congratulations Weed!

In camp last night some teasing was going on & once again I realized it often times cuts too deep & hurts people’s feelings. In this case I was likely the giver and the receiver & found I did not like it. Sugar Daddy & I discussed it today and I was reminded that to have a laugh at another’s expense is hurtful and should be avoided. I am going to work on this & hopefully I will get back what I put out (i.e. more positive).

Destination: Ridge between Spanish Needle & Lamont Peak

Starting Location: Walker Pass Trailhead Camp

Today’s Miles: 21.80

Trip Miles: 673.50

Walker Pass Trail Camp (651.4, 5100) to Ridge between Spanish Needle Group & Lamont Peak (673.2, 6800) ascent (5197) descent (3615)

After thinking our water worries were over Sugar Daddy & I discovered why we needed Lucky Liz, Cadence & Weed. We totally screwed up and missed a critical water stop. We talked ourselves into believing that our altimeters were off due to the clouds & that the creek we passed could not be the water because it was too soon given our pace. It was & now we suffer. Dirty bird & Numskull took pity on us and gave us each a half liter. That combined with the liter we had left will get us to the next spring in the a.m. but how stupid. We walked by a flowing spring & did not get water. Oh well. Being thirsty is an interesting experience & certainly develops appreciation for simple things.

I missed Weed a lot today. He is finished with this section of trail & only has 50 miles of the PCT left down by Palms to Pines. By the time you read this he will have completed his contiguous, never slack packed, hike of the entire PCT. Congratulations Weed!

In camp last night some teasing was going on & once again I realized it often times cuts too deep & hurts people’s feelings. In this case I was likely the giver and the receiver & found I did not like it. Sugar Daddy & I discussed it today and I was reminded that to have a laugh at another’s expense is hurtful and should be avoided. I am going to work on this & hopefully I will get back what I put out (i.e. more positive).

Destination: Ridge between Spanish Needle & Lamont Peak

Starting Location: Walker Pass Trailhead Camp

Today’s Miles: 21.80

Trip Miles: 673.50

Walker Pass Trail Camp (651.4, 5100) to Ridge between Spanish Needle Group & Lamont Peak (673.2, 6800) ascent (5197) descent (3615)

After thinking our water worries were over Sugar Daddy & I discovered why we needed Lucky Liz, Cadence & Weed. We totally screwed up and missed a critical water stop. We talked ourselves into believing that our altimeters were off due to the clouds & that the creek we passed could not be the water because it was too soon given our pace. It was & now we suffer. Dirty bird & Numskull took pity on us and gave us each a half liter. That combined with the liter we had left will get us to the next spring in the a.m. but how stupid. We walked by a flowing spring & did not get water. Oh well. Being thirsty is an interesting experience & certainly develops appreciation for simple things.

I missed Weed a lot today. He is finished with this section of trail & only has 50 miles of the PCT left down by Palms to Pines. By the time you read this he will have completed his contiguous, never slack packed, hike of the entire PCT. Congratulations Weed!

In camp last night some teasing was going on & once again I realized it often times cuts too deep & hurts people’s feelings. In this case I was likely the giver and the receiver & found I did not like it. Sugar Daddy & I discussed it today and I was reminded that to have a laugh at another’s expense is hurtful and should be avoided. I am going to work on this & hopefully I will get back what I put out (i.e. more positive).

Destination: Walker Pass Trailhead Camp

Starting Location: Junction at Bird Springs Pass

Today’s Miles: 20.00

Trip Miles: 651.70

Junction at Bird Spring Pass (631.4, 5355) to Walker Pass Trailhead Camp (651.4, 5100) ascent (3396) descent (3658)

My day started with a usual walk into the woods (the desert in this case) for a typical thru-hiker bear scat. Unfortunately dehydration only produced rabbit pellets. Get me to water! After conserving water (Sugar Daddy gave a bit away) we made it to McIvers Spring and I drank a full 3 liters of water. These 2 days were the toughest environmental challenges of the trip thus far. We headed for highway 178 eagerly after water as I was completely out of food and knew the go-BIG support mobile was waiting there with cold juice and lots of food, food, food. As we dropped in elevation the temperature soared until a few clouds built. Then we heard it. Thunder! We kidded Weed that his pagan cloud dances were still working but his timing was off. And then, unbelievably the clouds began to release few but huge rain drops on us while the sky was blue minus one huge thunder head above us. The smell was so intoxicating as the parched pinon/juniper woodland soaked up the precious water & I was flooded with wonderful memories of Sierra thunderstorms. The details were vague but the feeling was incredible.

Just before the .1 mile turn off to the command post the sky exploded as torrential rain drenched us. We literally ran to the campground screaming with joy. After bailing inside, the rain turned to pea size hail and continued to rage. Now poor Weed needed to walk .7 miles further to finish this section of his hike and thus he got absolutely hammered and showered by the deluge. What a contrasting and fantastic experience.

At Walker several hikers were gathered at both go-BIG Daddies RV and Okie girls RV who was also out supporting hiker trash. BBQ dogs, chips, & chili were served and we enjoyed a late night (9:30) by the fire.

Destination: Walker Pass Trailhead Camp

Starting Location: Junction at Bird Springs Pass

Today’s Miles: 20.00

Trip Miles: 651.70

Junction at Bird Spring Pass (631.4, 5355) to Walker Pass Trailhead Camp (651.4, 5100) ascent (3396) descent (3658)

My day started with a usual walk into the woods (the desert in this case) for a typical thru-hiker bear scat. Unfortunately dehydration only produced rabbit pellets. Get me to water! After conserving water (Sugar Daddy gave a bit away) we made it to McIvers Spring and I drank a full 3 liters of water. These 2 days were the toughest environmental challenges of the trip thus far. We headed for highway 178 eagerly after water as I was completely out of food and knew the go-BIG support mobile was waiting there with cold juice and lots of food, food, food. As we dropped in elevation the temperature soared until a few clouds built. Then we heard it. Thunder! We kidded Weed that his pagan cloud dances were still working but his timing was off. And then, unbelievably the clouds began to release few but huge rain drops on us while the sky was blue minus one huge thunder head above us. The smell was so intoxicating as the parched pinon/juniper woodland soaked up the precious water & I was flooded with wonderful memories of Sierra thunderstorms. The details were vague but the feeling was incredible.

Just before the .1 mile turn off to the command post the sky exploded as torrential rain drenched us. We literally ran to the campground screaming with joy. After bailing inside, the rain turned to pea size hail and continued to rage. Now poor Weed needed to walk .7 miles further to finish this section of his hike and thus he got absolutely hammered and showered by the deluge. What a contrasting and fantastic experience.

At Walker several hikers were gathered at both go-BIG Daddies RV and Okie girls RV who was also out supporting hiker trash. BBQ dogs, chips, & chili were served and we enjoyed a late night (9:30) by the fire.

Destination: Walker Pass Trailhead Camp

Starting Location: Junction at Bird Springs Pass

Today’s Miles: 20.00

Trip Miles: 651.70

Junction at Bird Spring Pass (631.4, 5355) to Walker Pass Trailhead Camp (651.4, 5100) ascent (3396) descent (3658)

My day started with a usual walk into the woods (the desert in this case) for a typical thru-hiker bear scat. Unfortunately dehydration only produced rabbit pellets. Get me to water! After conserving water (Sugar Daddy gave a bit away) we made it to McIvers Spring and I drank a full 3 liters of water. These 2 days were the toughest environmental challenges of the trip thus far. We headed for highway 178 eagerly after water as I was completely out of food and knew the go-BIG support mobile was waiting there with cold juice and lots of food, food, food. As we dropped in elevation the temperature soared until a few clouds built. Then we heard it. Thunder! We kidded Weed that his pagan cloud dances were still working but his timing was off. And then, unbelievably the clouds began to release few but huge rain drops on us while the sky was blue minus one huge thunder head above us. The smell was so intoxicating as the parched pinon/juniper woodland soaked up the precious water & I was flooded with wonderful memories of Sierra thunderstorms. The details were vague but the feeling was incredible.

Just before the .1 mile turn off to the command post the sky exploded as torrential rain drenched us. We literally ran to the campground screaming with joy. After bailing inside, the rain turned to pea size hail and continued to rage. Now poor Weed needed to walk .7 miles further to finish this section of his hike and thus he got absolutely hammered and showered by the deluge. What a contrasting and fantastic experience.

At Walker several hikers were gathered at both go-BIG Daddies RV and Okie girls RV who was also out supporting hiker trash. BBQ dogs, chips, & chili were served and we enjoyed a late night (9:30) by the fire.

Destination: Junction at Bird Springs Pass

Starting Location: Landers Creek

Today’s Miles: 24.10

Trip Miles: 631.70

Landers Creek (607.3, 6300) to Junction at Bird Springs Pass (631.4, 5355) ascent (3501) descent (4462)

The Sierra feel of yesterday was a dirty trick. Knowing we had 35 miles to our next water, we rose early to a very cool morning. So much so that Weed & I headed out before Sugar Daddy was ready in order to warm up. If only that feeling had lasted. The trail quickly plummeted down the rain shadow of the mountain & rapidly morphed into a desert with the accompanying heat. At Kelso Road a small cache of water had about 1 gallon left. We had left Landers with 6 liters each & an agreement that we would only drink 3 liters before our dry camp. We were still full & left the water for others.

As we prepared to depart, Cloudwalker & his wife (Mrs. Cloudwalker) drove up and offered us fruit, power bars & water. Given we were starving we gladly accepted & treated ourselves with a half liter drink. Then we headed into the toughest environmental conditions of our hike thus far; steep fully exposed climb, deep hot sand, no water, & temperatures approaching 100 degrees. Are we having fun yet? At 1:00 we could go no farther & contorted our bodies to fit slivers of shade provided by a Joshua tree. Weed had previously conducted a pagan cloud dance (minus the Peyote) & Sugar Daddy had asked for a breeze provided it was God’s will. I, being the heathen, did nothing. Unbelievable and quickly clouds developed and a breeze began to blow . . . I kid you not! We grabbed our packs and headed back up. It was still brutal but not impossible. Then we heard this loud buzzing and looked up to see an enormous swarm of bees immediately above us in a Joshua. Weed and Sugar rushed through & I ran in the opposite direction and then went off trail to avoid them. We finally got to our night camp and found 3 cups of water in the 40 gallon cache. We toasted and each enjoyed a cup.

We all made our goal & had 3 liters when we arrived. The next group in only had one liter left and are going to be in for a tough 11 miles in the morning. We will be thirsty but should be fine. I have enough food for breakfast & a mid morning snack & then nothing but food fantasies until we see pop at 178.

Despite the tough conditions today, I was strong & am still off the vitamin I. How much you take seems to be in direct proportion to how much you hurt.

Starting to think more about the snow north of Kennedy Meadows. Heard today that highway 108 (Sonora pass) is now open & that 120 (Tuolumne pass) will open in a few weeks. This is potentially good news but we won’t know for sure until we are above 10,000 ft. I am not too worried about the snow but the route finding could be a challenge and heading down the wrong drainage in the Sierra can have consequences, so I have some apprehension.

Destination: Junction at Bird Springs Pass

Starting Location: Landers Creek

Today’s Miles: 24.10

Trip Miles: 631.70

Landers Creek (607.3, 6300) to Junction at Bird Springs Pass (631.4, 5355) ascent (3501) descent (4462)

The Sierra feel of yesterday was a dirty trick. Knowing we had 35 miles to our next water, we rose early to a very cool morning. So much so that Weed & I headed out before Sugar Daddy was ready in order to warm up. If only that feeling had lasted. The trail quickly plummeted down the rain shadow of the mountain & rapidly morphed into a desert with the accompanying heat. At Kelso Road a small cache of water had about 1 gallon left. We had left Landers with 6 liters each & an agreement that we would only drink 3 liters before our dry camp. We were still full & left the water for others.

As we prepared to depart, Cloudwalker & his wife (Mrs. Cloudwalker) drove up and offered us fruit, power bars & water. Given we were starving we gladly accepted & treated ourselves with a half liter drink. Then we headed into the toughest environmental conditions of our hike thus far; steep fully exposed climb, deep hot sand, no water, & temperatures approaching 100 degrees. Are we having fun yet? At 1:00 we could go no farther & contorted our bodies to fit slivers of shade provided by a Joshua tree. Weed had previously conducted a pagan cloud dance (minus the Peyote) & Sugar Daddy had asked for a breeze provided it was God’s will. I, being the heathen, did nothing. Unbelievable and quickly clouds developed and a breeze began to blow . . . I kid you not! We grabbed our packs and headed back up. It was still brutal but not impossible. Then we heard this loud buzzing and looked up to see an enormous swarm of bees immediately above us in a Joshua. Weed and Sugar rushed through & I ran in the opposite direction and then went off trail to avoid them. We finally got to our night camp and found 3 cups of water in the 40 gallon cache. We toasted and each enjoyed a cup.

We all made our goal & had 3 liters when we arrived. The next group in only had one liter left and are going to be in for a tough 11 miles in the morning. We will be thirsty but should be fine. I have enough food for breakfast & a mid morning snack & then nothing but food fantasies until we see pop at 178.

Despite the tough conditions today, I was strong & am still off the vitamin I. How much you take seems to be in direct proportion to how much you hurt.

Starting to think more about the snow north of Kennedy Meadows. Heard today that highway 108 (Sonora pass) is now open & that 120 (Tuolumne pass) will open in a few weeks. This is potentially good news but we won’t know for sure until we are above 10,000 ft. I am not too worried about the snow but the route finding could be a challenge and heading down the wrong drainage in the Sierra can have consequences, so I have some apprehension.

Destination: Landers Creek

Starting Location: 3.5 miles beyond Golden Oaks Springs

Today’s Miles: 20.40

Trip Miles: 607.60

Beyond Golden Oaks Springs (586.9, 4738) to Landers Creek (607.3, 6300) ascent (4472) descent (2904)

Took a long lunch break at Robin Bird Spring because we only went 5 more miles to ensure we have adequate time to hydrate at what will be our last water source for 35 miles of trail. Twoshoes, Earlyriser, and Hardtack are also here and are setting up for the same strategy. This morning we had a nice hike and had the Weed financial hour with questions from Sugar and I being fielded with aplomb. This conversation was much more fact based then our lively chat yesterday about separation of church & state and the appropriateness of Christianity in public places to the exclusion of other religions. Conversations like that really help on tough up hills. When we are all panting like dogs we typically take a time out until the terrain flattens. At one point Sugar Daddy said I was being very stubborn in my views and we laughed as we both realized how entrenched each of us are.

We passed the 600 mile mark today and are getting close to the 25% line. We are making steady progress in the cumulative, but if I think about hiking 20 miles a day everyday I tilt at how overwhelming it is. This was not the case at home as I planned this hike. Oh yea, just hike a 20 per day and you reach Canada in 4 ½ months or so. Right! The trail is great because it has an amazing ability to get me into the here & now. And right now that means I must focus on getting my cells saturated with water, eat, and sleep. Canada or other things are not on the agenda.

Our camp spot is Sierra like with large pines & granite. Several times today I literally smelled the Sierra in the air. It’s not quite right but we are getting close.

So Weed got his trail name because he is an advocate for the legalization of marijuana. He is also a professional in the world of the S&P 500 and he certainly is not the stereo typical hemp head depicted in our fear based culture. So our current team is a Baptist missionary whose drug of choice is sugar, Weed, and a guy who does not drink or use drugs because I had my full allocation by age 26. The PCT is the great meet place for unlike minded souls.

I love getting into camp early and being able to relax before sleep time which is typically before 8 pm. 9pm is called hiker midnight for a reason; if you make it that late it feels like midnight.

I seem to be accepting the trail as it is more now then a month ago. Today we had some pretty torn up trail due to motorcycles & I was not even close to as upset as I was weeks ago when I saw minor evidence of bicycle use. Today it seemed like the trail just was how the trail was & I realized I could not change that . . . at least not today.

Oops, I do not have enough food for this leg. The inventory results are quite clear & old mother Hubbard has struck. I set aside a last day bare minimum needed to make our next resupply point. I will have to go 20+ miles on 2 energy bars. Tomorrow will be okay, but lean & will have the added bonus of having no water tomorrow night. Oops again, Weed & Sugar are in the same boat so we can do little to help each other out. Sugar may have a bit of extra mashed potatoes and mac & cheese but we will not have any extra water to cook it with tomorrow night. We all believe we brought our usual amount & think that our appetites & metabolism may have kicked into full gear as our bodies scream for more calories. Being a hunter-gamer must have been very interesting.

Destination: Landers Creek

Starting Location: 3.5 miles beyond Golden Oaks Springs

Today’s Miles: 20.40

Trip Miles: 607.60

Beyond Golden Oaks Springs (586.9, 4738) to Landers Creek (607.3, 6300) ascent (4472) descent (2904)

Took a long lunch break at Robin Bird Spring because we only went 5 more miles to ensure we have adequate time to hydrate at what will be our last water source for 35 miles of trail. Twoshoes, Earlyriser, and Hardtack are also here and are setting up for the same strategy. This morning we had a nice hike and had the Weed financial hour with questions from Sugar and I being fielded with aplomb. This conversation was much more fact based then our lively chat yesterday about separation of church & state and the appropriateness of Christianity in public places to the exclusion of other religions. Conversations like that really help on tough up hills. When we are all panting like dogs we typically take a time out until the terrain flattens. At one point Sugar Daddy said I was being very stubborn in my views and we laughed as we both realized how entrenched each of us are.

We passed the 600 mile mark today and are getting close to the 25% line. We are making steady progress in the cumulative, but if I think about hiking 20 miles a day everyday I tilt at how overwhelming it is. This was not the case at home as I planned this hike. Oh yea, just hike a 20 per day and you reach Canada in 4 ½ months or so. Right! The trail is great because it has an amazing ability to get me into the here & now. And right now that means I must focus on getting my cells saturated with water, eat, and sleep. Canada or other things are not on the agenda.

Our camp spot is Sierra like with large pines & granite. Several times today I literally smelled the Sierra in the air. It’s not quite right but we are getting close.

So Weed got his trail name because he is an advocate for the legalization of marijuana. He is also a professional in the world of the S&P 500 and he certainly is not the stereo typical hemp head depicted in our fear based culture. So our current team is a Baptist missionary whose drug of choice is sugar, Weed, and a guy who does not drink or use drugs because I had my full allocation by age 26. The PCT is the great meet place for unlike minded souls.

I love getting into camp early and being able to relax before sleep time which is typically before 8 pm. 9pm is called hiker midnight for a reason; if you make it that late it feels like midnight.

I seem to be accepting the trail as it is more now then a month ago. Today we had some pretty torn up trail due to motorcycles & I was not even close to as upset as I was weeks ago when I saw minor evidence of bicycle use. Today it seemed like the trail just was how the trail was & I realized I could not change that . . . at least not today.

Oops, I do not have enough food for this leg. The inventory results are quite clear & old mother Hubbard has struck. I set aside a last day bare minimum needed to make our next resupply point. I will have to go 20+ miles on 2 energy bars. Tomorrow will be okay, but lean & will have the added bonus of having no water tomorrow night. Oops again, Weed & Sugar are in the same boat so we can do little to help each other out. Sugar may have a bit of extra mashed potatoes and mac & cheese but we will not have any extra water to cook it with tomorrow night. We all believe we brought our usual amount & think that our appetites & metabolism may have kicked into full gear as our bodies scream for more calories. Being a hunter-gamer must have been very interesting.

Destination: 3.5 miles beyond Golden Oaks Springs

Starting Location: Tehachapi

Today’s Miles: 20.30

Trip Miles: 587.20

Highway 58 (566.6, 3830) to 3.5 miles beyond Golden Oaks Springs (586.9, 4738) ascent (4505) descent (3698)

I just consumed an enormous amount of calories and had to stop eating to ensure I did not eat a days of food in one sitting. I started with a tub of artichoke & jalapeno dip (630 kcal) on a bagel (310 kcal) then I had a huge bowl of cereal with lots of powdered milk and wonderful brown sugar. Next came chili cheese fritos, followed by gold fish crackers, a handful of whoppers and a large Hershey bar. I want more! Per the mirror in the motel it looks like I am down 10 lbs and still have a nice belly to help sustain me through the calorie deficient (not possible to carry enough food given weight & expenditure requirements) Sierra Nevada.

Now – can you believe we are getting close to the Sierra? How much snow – how deep are the rivers, all exciting, all scary, all thru-hiking the PCT.

Cadence saw us off this morning & I was so glad Dave drove up from L.A. so she did not have to be alone as we departed, and had support in navigating the U.S. (Cadence is Canadian) medical system. Cadence gave me the most thoughtful card as we departed with tears in our hearts if not our eyes. We enter the real mountains in 10 days and I hope she is there to join us.

Physically I am doing well today. My stomach is behaving, my knee is great, and my foot is cooperating. I took a pretty good fall today on a section of trail that was highly eroded due to unauthorized off road vehicle use. Got a nice cherry on my hip, and an abrasion on my shin, but nothing serious.

We are camped out in a shallow ravine below the whirl of the giant wind machines up slope. I like the windmills & do not think they distract from the trail. Hearing them in the distance reminds me of the great natural processes going on all around us if we only stop to look & listen.

We saw Billygoat & Cloudwater this morning as well as Prodeal. Also ran into Popsicle and was glad to hear his tick bite did not develop into any problems.

I will be asleep before dark and I am very happy about that. Good night Lucky Liz, I love & miss you.

Destination: 3.5 miles beyond Golden Oaks Springs

Starting Location: Tehachapi

Today’s Miles: 20.30

Trip Miles: 587.20

Highway 58 (566.6, 3830) to 3.5 miles beyond Golden Oaks Springs (586.9, 4738) ascent (4505) descent (3698)

I just consumed an enormous amount of calories and had to stop eating to ensure I did not eat a days of food in one sitting. I started with a tub of artichoke & jalapeno dip (630 kcal) on a bagel (310 kcal) then I had a huge bowl of cereal with lots of powdered milk and wonderful brown sugar. Next came chili cheese fritos, followed by gold fish crackers, a handful of whoppers and a large Hershey bar. I want more! Per the mirror in the motel it looks like I am down 10 lbs and still have a nice belly to help sustain me through the calorie deficient (not possible to carry enough food given weight & expenditure requirements) Sierra Nevada.

Now – can you believe we are getting close to the Sierra? How much snow – how deep are the rivers, all exciting, all scary, all thru-hiking the PCT.

Cadence saw us off this morning & I was so glad Dave drove up from L.A. so she did not have to be alone as we departed, and had support in navigating the U.S. (Cadence is Canadian) medical system. Cadence gave me the most thoughtful card as we departed with tears in our hearts if not our eyes. We enter the real mountains in 10 days and I hope she is there to join us.

Physically I am doing well today. My stomach is behaving, my knee is great, and my foot is cooperating. I took a pretty good fall today on a section of trail that was highly eroded due to unauthorized off road vehicle use. Got a nice cherry on my hip, and an abrasion on my shin, but nothing serious.

We are camped out in a shallow ravine below the whirl of the giant wind machines up slope. I like the windmills & do not think they distract from the trail. Hearing them in the distance reminds me of the great natural processes going on all around us if we only stop to look & listen.

We saw Billygoat & Cloudwater this morning as well as Prodeal. Also ran into Popsicle and was glad to hear his tick bite did not develop into any problems.

I will be asleep before dark and I am very happy about that. Good night Lucky Liz, I love & miss you.

Destination: Tehachapi

Starting Location: Highway 58

Today’s Miles: 0.00

Trip Miles: 566.90

Tehachapi – Zero

Today was a very difficult zero. Cadence’s foot was hurting badly and she was concerned she may have developed a stress fracture. This injury was of particular concern because she had a previous break in the same foot as a result of long distance hiking. After researching options she went to the emergency room and received inconclusive results but an urging from the doctor to not exacerbate the injury and seek more advanced medical review. Given the pain, history, and recommendation she opted to not hike with us tomorrow. It is difficult to describe how bummed I am Cadence is hopefully only temporarily, off the trail. We have hiked together for weeks and while we disagreed occasionally on daily strategies, and our personalities bumped a bit, she was/is a great team member who added a tremendous amount to my hike.

Today was also logistically difficult as this was our last “big” town stop before the Sierra and it will be over a month before we see a full service town again. So we planned, we strategized, and we ultimately decided on buying food for 14 days and plan on coming out of the Sierra at Kearsarge Pass for a mid traverse resupply. Planning 14 days of meals is more difficult than it sounds so Sugar Daddy & I walked every aisle of the store and grabbed lots of things we like and that provide our caloric needs. I hope we got enough stuff because if we don’t we will be at the mercy of a few tiny convenience stores before we enter the “Range of Light” and all its snow.

Destination: Tehachapi

Starting Location: Highway 58

Today’s Miles: 0.00

Trip Miles: 566.90

Tehachapi – Zero

Today was a very difficult zero. Cadence’s foot was hurting badly and she was concerned she may have developed a stress fracture. This injury was of particular concern because she had a previous break in the same foot as a result of long distance hiking. After researching options she went to the emergency room and received inconclusive results but an urging from the doctor to not exacerbate the injury and seek more advanced medical review. Given the pain, history, and recommendation she opted to not hike with us tomorrow. It is difficult to describe how bummed I am Cadence is hopefully only temporarily, off the trail. We have hiked together for weeks and while we disagreed occasionally on daily strategies, and our personalities bumped a bit, she was/is a great team member who added a tremendous amount to my hike.

Today was also logistically difficult as this was our last “big” town stop before the Sierra and it will be over a month before we see a full service town again. So we planned, we strategized, and we ultimately decided on buying food for 14 days and plan on coming out of the Sierra at Kearsarge Pass for a mid traverse resupply. Planning 14 days of meals is more difficult than it sounds so Sugar Daddy & I walked every aisle of the store and grabbed lots of things we like and that provide our caloric needs. I hope we got enough stuff because if we don’t we will be at the mercy of a few tiny convenience stores before we enter the “Range of Light” and all its snow.

Destination: Highway 58

Starting Location: Tylerhorse Canyon

Today’s Miles: 25.20

Trip Miles: 566.90

Tylerhorse Canyon (541.4, 4840) to Highway 58 (566.6, 3830) ascent (5112) descent (6099)

With chin straps tightly secured we completed the Mojave desert section of the trail under the watchful eye of the enormous wind turbines east of Tehachapi. Now that was wind.

Had a good day of hiking and completed my first 25 miler of the trip. I physically felt pretty good and I am getting stronger. I have developed a minor (hope it stays that way) case of plantar fascitis which, as I understand it is a tear of the ligaments that run under the foot & connect to the achilles. It hurts nicely after it has contracted (in the morning) and feels like a hundred needles in my heel. Crazy horse has the same problem but his is real serious and thus has developed some expertise on the subject. He gave me the run down of mechanical aids as well as critical stretches.

So, to be clear – thru-hiking is not anything like backpacking and the likely the two should not be lumped together. Long distance hiking is physically very hard as your body suffers from cumulative stresses that develop & hopefully heal without taking any meaningful recovery periods. For me this has meant a series of physical challenges that would typically warrant doctor attention. But our bodies are resilient & I keep thanking mine for hanging tough.

Met Dad at Willow Springs road for lunch and learned he had provided rides to Mojave. We pushed on to Highway 58 to set up our next leg & we are enjoying a little town comfort. We officially enter the Sierra Nevada Range when we proceed north from here but one side of the freeway does not look different than the other and this does not look like my Sierra Nevada but the milestone is cool.

Realized today that Mexico is a fair drive by car from here and thus we are making northerly progress. I feel like I have accomplished a lot by coming this far and I think I can now say that I have a legitimate shot at making it. Don’t get me wrong, “stuff happens” but every mile north means an increase in potential success.

Saw a herd of wild horse this morning. Magic. They let us approach fairly close, and then they positioned their new foals in the middle of a perfect circle with all of the adult horses facing out while the lead stallion served as the high ground sentinel. They are not endemic to California, but they have adapted to the western landscape & to see them gave me hope for wildness into the future.

Destination: Highway 58

Starting Location: Tylerhorse Canyon

Today’s Miles: 25.20

Trip Miles: 566.90

Tylerhorse Canyon (541.4, 4840) to Highway 58 (566.6, 3830) ascent (5112) descent (6099)

With chin straps tightly secured we completed the Mojave desert section of the trail under the watchful eye of the enormous wind turbines east of Tehachapi. Now that was wind.

Had a good day of hiking and completed my first 25 miler of the trip. I physically felt pretty good and I am getting stronger. I have developed a minor (hope it stays that way) case of plantar fascitis which, as I understand it is a tear of the ligaments that run under the foot & connect to the achilles. It hurts nicely after it has contracted (in the morning) and feels like a hundred needles in my heel. Crazy horse has the same problem but his is real serious and thus has developed some expertise on the subject. He gave me the run down of mechanical aids as well as critical stretches.

So, to be clear – thru-hiking is not anything like backpacking and the likely the two should not be lumped together. Long distance hiking is physically very hard as your body suffers from cumulative stresses that develop & hopefully heal without taking any meaningful recovery periods. For me this has meant a series of physical challenges that would typically warrant doctor attention. But our bodies are resilient & I keep thanking mine for hanging tough.

Met Dad at Willow Springs road for lunch and learned he had provided rides to Mojave. We pushed on to Highway 58 to set up our next leg & we are enjoying a little town comfort. We officially enter the Sierra Nevada Range when we proceed north from here but one side of the freeway does not look different than the other and this does not look like my Sierra Nevada but the milestone is cool.

Realized today that Mexico is a fair drive by car from here and thus we are making northerly progress. I feel like I have accomplished a lot by coming this far and I think I can now say that I have a legitimate shot at making it. Don’t get me wrong, “stuff happens” but every mile north means an increase in potential success.

Saw a herd of wild horse this morning. Magic. They let us approach fairly close, and then they positioned their new foals in the middle of a perfect circle with all of the adult horses facing out while the lead stallion served as the high ground sentinel. They are not endemic to California, but they have adapted to the western landscape & to see them gave me hope for wildness into the future.

Destination: Tylerhorse Canyon

Starting Location: Adjacent to Aqueduct

Today’s Miles: 16.40

Trip Miles: 541.70

Adjacent to Aqueduct (525, 3100) to Tylerhorse Canyon (541.4, 4840) ascent (2907) descent (1263)

The negative sentiment regarding the aqueduct walk across the lowlands of the Mojave proved untrue for me. This is a beautiful area with sublime views of open desert landscape. Yes, it is hot but to have one hiker call it purgatory made me question me perception of reality.

Around 10:30 when our backs, chest, & foreheads were soaked in sweat we rounded a corner to find my Dad, his dog Boo, and their motorhome all set up for our afternoon siesta in the middle of nowhere. And what a siesta! Mom had premade a meatloaf that Dad baked along with baked potatoes, peas & ice cream for dessert. Cadence sincerely commented that it was thus far her best meal of the trip. Dad also poured lemonade for the other hikers waiting out the sun and provided abundant water that did not require chemicals or filters to ensure potability.

Pro Deal joined us on our departure & he brought an entirely different set of life experiences to our already diverse group. He is under age 40, but we waived the entrance requirements and 6 miles flew by as he shared his experience with one particular religion. The more I know about the options available the more certain I am becoming that a particular dogma is not for me. Nor the rub is that I do not get to have “the answer” but I am beginning to take comfort on the path of looking without finding.

We had to stop early as the wind is howling on the ridges & we did not want to be caught exposed. That means a 25 mile (our longest) day tomorrow. I am feeling up to it and knowing we are going to Tehachapi upon our completion helps a lot.

Destination: Tylerhorse Canyon

Starting Location: Adjacent to Aqueduct

Today’s Miles: 16.40

Trip Miles: 541.70

Adjacent to Aqueduct (525, 3100) to Tylerhorse Canyon (541.4, 4840) ascent (2907) descent (1263)

The negative sentiment regarding the aqueduct walk across the lowlands of the Mojave proved untrue for me. This is a beautiful area with sublime views of open desert landscape. Yes, it is hot but to have one hiker call it purgatory made me question my perception of reality.

Around 10:30 when our backs, chest, & foreheads were soaked in sweat we rounded a corner to find my Dad, his dog Boo, and their motorhome all set up for our afternoon siesta in the middle of nowhere. And what a siesta! Mom had premade a meatloaf that Dad baked along with baked potatoes, peas & ice cream for dessert. Cadence sincerely commented that it was thus far her best meal of the trip. Dad also poured lemonade for the other hikers waiting out the sun and provided abundant water that did not require chemicals or filters to ensure potability.

Pro Deal joined us on our departure & he brought an entirely different set of life experiences to our already diverse group. He is under age 40, but we waived the entrance requirements and 6 miles flew by as he shared his experience with one particular religion. The more I know about the options available the more certain I am becoming that a particular dogma is not for me. Nor the rub is that I do not get to have “the answer” but I am beginning to take comfort on the path of looking without finding.

We had to stop early as the wind is howling on the ridges & we did not want to be caught exposed. That means a 25 mile (our longest) day tomorrow. I am feeling up to it and knowing we are going to Tehachapi upon our completion helps a lot.