Robert Francisco

Destination: Rock Creek Crossing

Starting Location: Second Saddle

Today’s Miles: 22.70

Trip Miles: 760.60

Second Saddle (737.6, 10260) to Rock Creek Crossing (760.3, 9550) ascent (3760) descent (4465) high (11,320)

I really enjoyed hiking today. The scenery was amplified by snow covered ridges & a deep blue sky. I can not describe the beauty of this place but I walk most of the day with my jaw dropped in awe.

This morning started very cold with a strong wind & some very ominous looking clouds. The clouds appeared to have dropped a dusting of snow on the highest peaks but fortunately we stayed dry. We encountered snow and in some areas it was significant enough that we managed to lose the trail above Chicken Spring Lake. There were some tracks but they were obviously misplaced as well & were as we, simply heading in generally the right direction. After 20 minutes or so we were back on track. Because of the cool temperatures the snow stayed reasonably firm for most of the day. I post holed (sinking in deep . . . sometimes to the crotch) a few times but nothing serious & managed to fall on my butt as well. We did not deploy either ice axes or crampons today.

Surprisingly we did a big mileage day & this sets up the rest of the leg nicely. Tomorrow we will get close to Forrester Pass & set up for an early ascent on Thursday. Then we should be set up for Kearsarge Pass on Friday. One thing we just recently learned is that we are now close to the front of the class of 2006. It is certainly not a race but being in the first wave to close the mountains adds a bit of excitement for me & it certainly has cut down on the tracks to follow. Chuckie V thought we were behind approximately 30 people.

Sugar and I started thinking we were the only people left on earth as we had only seen one section hiker early this morning. Then just before camp we caught Rita from Frankfurt Germany, & Claudia & Pang from Switzerland. We just enjoyed a wonderful meal together while sitting in the glow of a setting sun next to a beautiful meadow complete with deer. As always the conversation about food came up and we began to discuss cheese. Claudia then proceeded to take off her bandana to show us, as depicted on her bandana, the alpine cheese making process & cultural significance in her country. It was a great story and to hear it trail side while helping each other with language barriers was a memory I will cherish from this trail.

Have not seen a rattlesnake for several days now & that is fine with me. I saw about 7 & Sugar Daddy had over 15 in the first 700 miles. We may see a few more near Lassen but the large numbers of snakes are behind us now. Instead we get yellow bellied marmots and deer so far & we are looking for our first bear.

Well it is 8:00 pm & past my bedtime. I have my down jacket on in my down sleeping bag and it feels like the mercury is going to drop fast tonight.

Destination: Rock Creek Crossing

Starting Location: Second Saddle

Today’s Miles: 22.70

Trip Miles: 760.60

Second Saddle (737.6, 10260) to Rock Creek Crossing (760.3, 9550) ascent (3760) descent (4465) high (11,320)

I really enjoyed hiking today. The scenery was amplified by snow covered ridges & a deep blue sky. I can not describe the beauty of this place but I walk most of the day with my jaw dropped in awe.

This morning started very cold with a strong wind & some very ominous looking clouds. The clouds appeared to have dropped a dusting of snow on the highest peaks but fortunately we stayed dry. We encountered snow and in some areas it was significant enough that we managed to lose the trail above Chicken Spring Lake. There were some tracks but they were obviously misplaced as well & were as we, simply heading in generally the right direction. After 20 minutes or so we were back on track. Because of the cool temperatures the snow stayed reasonably firm for most of the day. I post holed (sinking in deep . . . sometimes to the crotch) a few times but nothing serious & managed to fall on my butt as well. We did not deploy either ice axes or crampons today.

Surprisingly we did a big mileage day & this sets up the rest of the leg nicely. Tomorrow we will get close to Forrester Pass & set up for an early ascent on Thursday. Then we should be set up for Kearsarge Pass on Friday. One thing we just recently learned is that we are now close to the front of the class of 2006. It is certainly not a race but being in the first wave to close the mountains adds a bit of excitement for me & it certainly has cut down on the tracks to follow. Chuckie V thought we were behind approximately 30 people.

Sugar and I started thinking we were the only people left on earth as we had only seen one section hiker early this morning. Then just before camp we caught Rita from Frankfurt Germany, & Claudia & Pang from Switzerland. We just enjoyed a wonderful meal together while sitting in the glow of a setting sun next to a beautiful meadow complete with deer. As always the conversation about food came up and we began to discuss cheese. Claudia then proceeded to take off her bandana to show us, as depicted on her bandana, the alpine cheese making process & cultural significance in her country. It was a great story and to hear it trail side while helping each other with language barriers was a memory I will cherish from this trail.

Have not seen a rattlesnake for several days now & that is fine with me. I saw about 7 & Sugar Daddy had over 15 in the first 700 miles. We may see a few more near Lassen but the large numbers of snakes are behind us now. Instead we get yellow bellied marmots and deer so far & we are looking for our first bear.

Well it is 8:00 pm & past my bedtime. I have my down jacket on in my down sleeping bag and it feels like the mercury is going to drop fast tonight.

Destination: Second Saddle

Starting Location: So Fork Kern River in Monache Meadows

Today’s Miles: 20.90

Trip Miles: 737.90

South Fork Kern (716.7, 7820) to Second Saddle (737.6, 10,260) ascent (5220) descent (2799) High (10,633)

I am exhausted beyond description. And while it is only 7:30 I can barely keep my eyes open. The extra weight, ascending 5000 + fet and the altitude took everything out of me. Had hoped to do about 24 miles today in order to set up for better timing (condition) of the snow, but we simply could not go on.

But it is so worth it. The mountains are spectacular and by being this early we get to see a lot of winter storm damage across the trail. Natural forces are amazing and to see huge trees uprooted or exploded by lightning demonstrates it.

This morning was by far our coldest & we woke up to heavy frost & frozen water bottles. It was so hard to get out of my bag and get going that it was 6:15 before our first steps. I am really glad I brought extra clothes for the Sierra. In the last 24 hours I have used them all.

Scott passed us about 9:30 and while we tried to keep up we could only hang with him for about 10 minutes. I hope he completes another yo yo. We will likely see him again in Southern Oregon as he is heading back to Mexico.

Thought a lot about my late great uncle George today. I actually did not know him very well but the man of my memories is still huge in my mind. George was reclusive & spent his summers in the Sierras near Bridgeport, his winters at the Colorado River, and the middle season at Tonopah. We visited him every year in the Sierra & I remember his hot cakes that he would keep warm in a double boiler, his grizzled stubble that he would shave with a straight razor and his willingness to spend time with a young boy who loved the woods. He and my grandfather let me play cribbage with them while they told stories and lies about days gone by. I have not thought about that in a long time and as I write this I find a tear in my eye for those great men. I missed George’s funeral because I was stationed out of the country & when I heard he had died I did not give it much thought. Interesting how 25 years later I grieve the loss but also celebrate the life lived in these mountains.

Destination: Second Saddle

Starting Location: So Fork Kern River in Monache Meadows

Today’s Miles: 20.90

Trip Miles: 737.90

South Fork Kern (716.7, 7820) to Second Saddle (737.6, 10,260) ascent (5220) descent (2799) High (10,633)

I am exhausted beyond description. And while it is only 7:30 I can barely keep my eyes open. The extra weight, ascending 5000 + fet and the altitude took everything out of me. Had hoped to do about 24 miles today in order to set up for better timing (condition) of the snow, but we simply could not go on.

But it is so worth it. The mountains are spectacular and by being this early we get to see a lot of winter storm damage across the trail. Natural forces are amazing and to see huge trees uprooted or exploded by lightning demonstrates it.

This morning was by far our coldest & we woke up to heavy frost & frozen water bottles. It was so hard to get out of my bag and get going that it was 6:15 before our first steps. I am really glad I brought extra clothes for the Sierra. In the last 24 hours I have used them all.

Scott passed us about 9:30 and while we tried to keep up we could only hang with him for about 10 minutes. I hope he completes another yo yo. We will likely see him again in Southern Oregon as he is heading back to Mexico.

Thought a lot about my late great uncle George today. I actually did not know him very well but the man of my memories is still huge in my mind. George was reclusive & spent his summers in the Sierras near Bridgeport, his winters at the Colorado River, and the middle season at Tonopah. We visited him every year in the Sierra & I remember his hot cakes that he would keep warm in a double boiler, his grizzled stubble that he would shave with a straight razor and his willingness to spend time with a young boy who loved the woods. He and my grandfather let me play cribbage with them while they told stories and lies about days gone by. I have not thought about that in a long time and as I write this I find a tear in my eye for those great men. I missed George’s funeral because I was stationed out of the country & when I heard he had died I did not give it much thought. Interesting how 25 years later I grieve the loss but also celebrate the life lived in these mountains.

Destination: So Fork Kern River in Monache Meadows

Starting Location: Kennedy Meadows

Today’s Miles: 11.50

Trip Miles: 717.00

Kennedy Meadows Campground (702.2, 6150) to South Fork Kern River in Monache Meadows (716.7, 7820) ascent (2680) descent (1010)

Awesome! It’s no joke, we are in the Sierra Nevada & it is gorgeous. We are camped along the banks of the Kern River in a giant open valley. Hundreds of mud swallow dart along the river & return to their adobes under the bridge. Scott Williamson & his girlfriend Michelle are also here and Sugar Daddy and I can honestly say we hiked farther & faster than on any day in history. However he basically called this a non-hiking day. We really enjoyed visiting with Scott & Michelle and because we are the only ones (we think) that left Kennedy today we have this entire valley to ourselves.

Typically thru-hikers aim to leave Kennedy Meadows on June 15 (Ray day) during a normal year. It is called Ray day after Ray Jardine who promoted June 15th as likely optimal for manageable snow & river crossing levels while allowing ample time to make it to Canada. One problem . . . this is not a typical year. So do you go early & deal with lots of snow, go late and deal with heavy run-off, or skip the Sierra? Sugar Daddy & I decided that one foot of snow is not unlike 20 or even 30 feet of snow, but one foot of running water is very different from 5 feet of running water. So we are in early. We got a good glimpse of the southern exposed slopes further north & they look to be 50% covered. This will likely mean nearly 100% coverage on the northern slopes at high elevations.

I am apprehensive & excited about what lies ahead. What an opportunity. We left Kennedy with our bellies exploding. Dad made us a huge pan of homemade macaroni & cheese with pounds of cheese for dinner last night. So today after a hash & egg breakfast we had mac & cheese and lots of ice cream. We waddled out of camp with heavy bellies & heavy packs.

The Sierras bring some new weight challenges. First we needed more warm clothes, then we added a bear canister for our 7 days of food, then some crampons & finally an ice axe. This added about 5 pounds to our base pack weight which does not sound like a lot but try carrying around a 5 pound dumbbell all day every day

Based on my belly size index I would say I am down about 10 lbs to approximately 180. Now this section of our trip requires between 4500 – 5500 calories per day (big mountains with snow) and if we are only able to carry about 2.5 lbs of food per day (due to our ability to carry it & the size of our bear can), & if each ounce (40 ounces) total per day of food weighs on average 100 calories, then we are going to lose more weight because if I remember right a pound of body weight is 3500 calories. So, if we burn 5000 per day & we consume 4000 per day in 3.5 days we will lose 1 pound. These factors are going to last for about 35 days so I will likely lose at least 10 pounds in the next month.

If I keep doing this I will starve to death so we eat 10;s of thousands of calories when available to partially mitigate for this phenomenon. Bottom line: if you want to lose weight get more exercise. If you get enough you can literally eat all you want. I doubt this will sell well in our quick fix, instant gratification society. Regardless, I have to pay attention to these real calorie issues in order to maintain enough go-BIG to continue.

Destination: So Fork Kern River in Monache Meadows

Starting Location: Kennedy Meadows

Today’s Miles: 11.50

Trip Miles: 717.00

Kennedy Meadows Campground (702.2, 6150) to South Fork Kern River in Monache Meadows (716.7, 7820) ascent (2680) descent (1010)

Awesome! It’s no joke, we are in the Sierra Nevada & it is gorgeous. We are camped along the banks of the Kern River in a giant open valley. Hundreds of mud swallow dart along the river & return to their adobes under the bridge. Scott Williamson & his girlfriend Michelle are also here and Sugar Daddy and I can honestly say we hiked farther & faster than on any day in history. However he basically called this a non-hiking day. We really enjoyed visiting with Scott & Michelle and because we are the only ones (we think) that left Kennedy today we have this entire valley to ourselves.

Typically thru-hikers aim to leave Kennedy Meadows on June 15 (Ray day) during a normal year. It is called Ray day after Ray Jardine who promoted June 15th as likely optimal for manageable snow & river crossing levels while allowing ample time to make it to Canada. One problem . . . this is not a typical year. So do you go early & deal with lots of snow, go late and deal with heavy run-off, or skip the Sierra? Sugar Daddy & I decided that one foot of snow is not unlike 20 or even 30 feet of snow, but one foot of running water is very different from 5 feet of running water. So we are in early. We got a good glimpse of the southern exposed slopes further north & they look to be 50% covered. This will likely mean nearly 100% coverage on the northern slopes at high elevations.

I am apprehensive & excited about what lies ahead. What an opportunity. We left Kennedy with our bellies exploding. Dad made us a huge pan of homemade macaroni & cheese with pounds of cheese for dinner last night. So today after a hash & egg breakfast we had mac & cheese and lots of ice cream. We waddled out of camp with heavy bellies & heavy packs.

The Sierras bring some new weight challenges. First we needed more warm clothes, then we added a bear canister for our 7 days of food, then some crampons & finally an ice axe. This added about 5 pounds to our base pack weight which does not sound like a lot but try carrying around a 5 pound dumbbell all day every day

Based on my belly size index I would say I am down about 10 lbs to approximately 180. Now this section of our trip requires between 4500 – 5500 calories per day (big mountains with snow) and if we are only able to carry about 2.5 lbs of food per day (due to our ability to carry it & the size of our bear can), & if each ounce (40 ounces) total per day of food weighs on average 100 calories, then we are going to lose more weight because if I remember right a pound of body weight is 3500 calories. So, if we burn 5000 per day & we consume 4000 per day in 3.5 days we will lose 1 pound. These factors are going to last for about 35 days so I will likely lose at least 10 pounds in the next month.

If I keep doing this I will starve to death so we eat 10;s of thousands of calories when available to partially mitigate for this phenomenon. Bottom line: if you want to lose weight get more exercise. If you get enough you can literally eat all you want. I doubt this will sell well in our quick fix, instant gratification society. Regardless, I have to pay attention to these real calorie issues in order to maintain enough go-BIG to continue.

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.