MudNCrud Forums
Climbing and ... Climbing => Everywhere Else => Topic started by: Brad Young on May 31, 2011, 05:38:33 PM
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Right after our April hikes I started to wonder about the next leg north from Highway 58. The temperatures we experienced then, combined with repeated entries in the guidebook about heat, were cause for concern. Very sporadic water sources for the next 35 miles of trail added to the mix. So, after that last trip, hoping for cooler weather, I suggested a three-day backpack to Jawbone Canyon Road over Memorial weekend (instead of waiting for our June trip).
It worked. To say the least we got cooler weather.
We drove to Tehachapi Saturday, intending to start hiking in the late afternoon. Our plan was to start late, leaving enough time to climb the long switchbacks from Highway 58 while avoiding the afternoon heat and direct sunshine. We stuck with "the plan" even though temperatures were predicted to be 15 to 20 degrees lower than average for Tehachapi in May. By the way, the prediction also included the phrase “windy.”
We started hiking from the Cameron Road overpass at 3:30 in the afternoon. The trail parallels the highway for the first mile, so, as we hiked we saw Vicki drive east on Highway 58, heading for her sister's house near L.A. for the weekend:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/5782344208_b4d4bbc77d_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5782345538_a643bb4b47_z.jpg)
We hiked downwind at first, so what was blowing only felt like a strong breeze. After the first mile, the trail diverged slightly north and started uphill. Soon the uphill got significant. Then the switchbacks started:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/5782348344_8d4e8e15b9_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2418/5781799217_191f1f1bb7_z.jpg)
After a few long switchbacks, the wind changed from a strong breeze to serious gusts. More uphill followed, which the guidebook describes as: “a long, tight series of switchbacks that on the map resemble a recorded earthquake on a seismograph.”
But these switchbacks are only tough. So far, neither the uphill nor the heat are problems; instead it is the wind that almost stops us. The wind was significant when we started. We feel it more and more as we move up. The higher we get, the more exposed we become. Finally it's really, really blowing, even affecting our balance:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/5781797457_ae31559667_z.jpg)
Eventually we top out on a ridge, more than halfway through our hike. Here the wind becomes outrageous, like nothing I've EVER experienced. We're getting knocked off balance and fighting to walk where the trail goes into the wind. Then Katie gets decked by the wind; literally she's knocked to the ground. She gets up and hikes on. Then Tricia gets knocked over. When they're not getting knocked over the girls are struggling to hike, being blown off the trail and fighting to make progress:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2307/5782357250_d72401a7ba_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2775/5781811103_c1c61bfb3a_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5782366502_5af8979884_z.jpg)
Here's Katie fighting to get back on the trail after repeatedly getting blown off balance and forced downwind:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/5781812199_7c5bb3b43e_z.jpg)
We get some relief where the trail passes behind summits. But this also highlights the portions where we're exposed to the wind's full fury. Katie in particular is fighting; with a full-size backpack, she's as big as a sail, but weighs nothing. At one point I try to help her keep in balance by grabbing her pack. But the slight change in my balance does me in; Katie is knocked over anyway, and I go down too, right onto her. This is crazy.
After nearly a mile of literally fighting to hike we see forested parts of the ridge ahead only a few hundred more yards. Surely the trees will provide some shelter? But the wind seems to sense our hope; it increases again. I have no idea what to do. Each girl is knocked down again and then again. What can we do? I press them and encourage: the trees are ahead, keep fighting (no more pictures, the situation was getting too far out of control for them).
Finally, we reach a copse of snarled, bent junipers (bent with the wind). And there's a tent! And a hiker. And relief, a strong wind is all that makes it through a 100 foot distance of trees. It howls above us, but we can breath. The girls collapse at the base of a trunk. Our fellow PCT hiker is "blown away" too. Wow.
After regrouping we decide that ahead must be similar groups of trees. We talk with our new friend for a while, but it's getting late and we press on, more sheltered now. After another half a mile we find a similar, downwind flat spot and set up the tent. Cooking outside is out of the question, but our new, three person tent has plenty of room:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5782367340_f54bc6ca0d_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2111/5782368040_a9c25d1df0_z.jpg)
And that's it for day one. If I never, ever have to hike in wind like that again, it won't be too long.
Next up, day two and a lesson about weather reports. We all rely on them, but can we?
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awesome!
Brad, you know what, I think you should post these up on the Taco. I bet there would be interest. Some of the stories are just plain great!
I'm thinking about cross posting the links to a thread on SPH.
looks like the weather nabbed us all.
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Great stories, for sure, but I think it's good enough for its own venue, ie; here. Tacos can give one heartburn.
That wind can be badass, huh? Just speculatin', but I reckon they set those windmills there for a reason. ;) Good on you & your gals for keepin' with it.
I love your account of your journeys. 8) Thank you.
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Yeah, Munge, the weather got us all.
Two days before we left the predicted weather for the Tehachapi area was 0% chance of precipitation. And that was 0% for the two days before we left, all the three days we were out, and for two days afterward. Then, the (Saturday) morning we left, the prediction for Sunday was up to 20% chance of precipitation. That seemed totally reasonable and so we went for it.
After howling winds all night (thank goodness for foam earplugs), this is what we woke up to Sunday morning:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/5782370198_4a2876282a_z.jpg)
Being modern travelers, and knowing we had a near line of sight to Tehachapi (and therefore phone reception), we texted Vicki for a detailed weather report. Shortly she texted back "clearing in two hours." Cool. Onward we'll go.
The wind blew and it was cold. But there's always a silver lining. In getting ready to hike we didn't have to waste time taking off our long, Capalene underwear. Instead we just added layers:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5782371278_12f8111c5a_z.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/5782372436_fc05beb976_z.jpg)
True to the prediction, we saw the sun. For about ten minutes:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/5781825509_8a62c92a4b_z.jpg)
Then, more wind, and, bonus, liquid sunshine (in frozen form):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/5781827123_eda3d86eea_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/5781828073_f86bdca80a_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2352/5782382234_1395eb45c4_z.jpg)
Finally, after ten miles the weather began to clear some. Not until early evening did it completely stop spitting. During one "clearer" spell we came to Golden Oak Spring, the first water in 16 miles (and the last for 18 more). Two decades ago the BLM piped the spring and placed a catch-basin (this has resulted in year-round reliable water and in massively reduced damage to the moist soils around the area - good job BLM):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/5781831359_8f89a38273_z.jpg)
After refilling our water bottles we continued. Our goal was to greatly reduce the remaining 18.2 miles from this spring to Jawbone Canyon Road (where Vicki was to pick us up). As we continued north, we entered extensive windmill farms. More critically, from the perspective of rock climbers, we passed the north side of Cache Peak which has many, many, 80 to 100 foot-high, steep cliffs (of an unknown type of rock):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/5782388120_f5d259eca6_z.jpg)
As we continued we developed a goal of 6.5 more miles. This would leave us with less than 12 miles to hike the next day. And, according to the book, at 6.5 miles past Golden Oak Spring there was a cattle fence with a green gate. This landmark would tell us exactly how far along we were, a type of knowledge that helps the morale. But, as the day wore on, tired feet and legs started to demand relief. On we hiked, but no green gate. Finally, too pooped to make more effort worth it, we looked for a place to camp. But most of the trail here is on hillsides; there are no flat spots. On we continued until, finally, I noticed that the trail itself was wide and flat enough that we could pitch the tent. Enough. We stopped for the day at 16 miles from where we started (it turned out we were less than half a mile from the green gate):
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5781839199_9d9c57c114_z.jpg)
In the remaining daylight we cooked and ate and rested. By now the skies were definitely clearing and the wind was down. The night was nice and restful.
Up next: A warmer day with almost enough water and lots and lots of natural beauty.
And, Munge, I may try it on the Topo, although I admit that most of the climbers I really care about in the world are on this site (or on no sites at all). It might be fun.
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Great stories, for sure, but I think it's good enough for its own venue, ie; here. Tacos can give one heartburn.
That wind can be badass, huh? Just speculatin', but I reckon they set those windmills there for a reason. ;) Good on you & your gals for keepin' with it.
I love your account of your journeys. 8) Thank you.
Thanks Skully.
And that's a great quote: "Tacos can give one heartburn." Yeah, someone there would/will find some fault. But as a whole the group would probably react fine. Maybe we'll see.
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Good to see you own a tent and were it.
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nice tr
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Man Brad- what an adventure....all the more and sooo special to
have with the girls.
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Marc: I'm not sure the girls are ready to run out right now for more. On the other hand you should hear how they talk with their friends about it (when they do). Katie has a boy she talks to a lot. He's a junior who's commented to her about hiking harder than she can. With total conviction she tells us that she will take him hiking this summer, and that that will be the last time we hear about him out-hiking her. Seems pretty likely to me.
We woke up on the third day to clear skies. As is common, the at first very strange, nearly-on-the-trail site we'd chosen for camp had become home overnight:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3433/5782393028_8076710a7c_z.jpg)
Our hike continued with ups and downs, although there was a little more up than down. Brush gave way to live oaks and pines:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/5781849897_f9d7b30b2b_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5781853591_6b8dafb7cb_z.jpg)
One hot section of uphill made us realize that our water supply was a little tenuous. We had plenty for meals at camp, but by the time we started hiking we were down to two liters for three people and a dog, with 12 miles to go to the next spring and temps getting back toward normal. There was one particular tough spot, not even halfway along for the day, on a hot, exposed section that was steep (by PCT standards) uphill.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/5781854731_240ab76432_z.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3190/5781857727_8a639f72c6_z.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/5781856679_27d2c926ec_z.jpg)
Then we turned a corner and it was almost as if day had turned to night. Within 100 yards we were in shade, black oaks and ponderosa pines and even tiny residuals of snow (we gave pinches of this to Charlotte to help with thirst).
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/5782413334_f5e8efe3d7_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/5781862059_45afbe5bd4_z.jpg)
This was a beautiful forest, and it grew in a way I hadn't seen before: the pines provided shade and the forest floor was pure, dense miner's lettuce:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5782415964_aa39c0dbdd_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/5781867677_787b1b4529_z.jpg)
We almost ran two quick miles of shady, downhill to reach a perfect lunch spot at Hamp Williams Pass. (Who names these things? I searched the internet for the origin of this name, but found nothing.):
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2390/5782417420_6f8aab8477_z.jpg)
More ups and downs followed, including two long, hot slogs uphill, but we were closing in now:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5781865739_2645fe5761_z.jpg)
Then, up one last up section, past another spring (Robin Bird Spring, this one piped/protected by the Forest Service) and around a corner, and there she is, Vicki, on time, waiting to pick us up. And not just her, she's shown up with cold drinks, sandwiches and donuts. These are, in part, for us. She has plenty of extras though because we expect to, and do, see many through-hikers (who were just one mile past 600 miles from the Mexican Border by this point, nearly one fourth of the way to Canada). We eventually shared with four through-hikers (including the man who we'd seen in the tent, sheltering from the wind on day one). It's fun to see eyes get really big as a fresh-food deprived hiker realizes that, yes, we did bring extra just so we could share:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/5781869875_e8c63317d3_z.jpg)
After we dropped packs we walked 50 feet into the next hike (we've done this after every single hike; it insures overlap and, thereby, that we've done every single step from Mexico north):
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2331/5781872453_f149175b90_z.jpg)
That's it until mid June coming up. We're now 601.4 miles from the where we started.
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Nice. So does the trail take you to the Kern river? It seems like you are getting closer to the needles? Or will you pass by them to the east?
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The trail passes to the east of the Kern, but not too far away. The PCT goes right over Walker Pass at Highway 178. This is less than 30 minutes (by car) from Kernville).
In June we will likely take a day off from hiking to go raft the Kern.
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Brad-
Nice and I have no doubt she could out hike all of us, except you. Freakishly long legs:-)
The last days looks the nicest!
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The admin need to stickie a map up of the PCT so we can get an idea...
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Here's one from the PCT Association's site. It shows the whole trail though, so the scale may not be ideal for a trip by trip discussion:
EDIT: Yikes, it is big enough. Maybe the next size down would help?
(http://www.pcta.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PCT_Map_High.jpg)
As of this last trip we are between Highways 58 and 178, about 7 miles south of where the trail takes a sudden eastward jog.
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no perfect. it gives a good perspective on the distance.
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Happy Trails
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great stuff, priceless memories, the adventures continue...
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Happy Trails
Oh, a postscript: the only thing I forgot on this trip was my Mudn'Crud handkerchief (which we, of course, call a snot-rag). This caused me some panic at the trailhead, but by that point there was nothing I could do but curse (which, naturally, I did). So, the trip was a bit of a failure in the sense that I got no photos for DES and Mudworm.
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and I am appropriately bummed.
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/mungeclimber/5791036746/#secret2f5bcc69fa (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mungeclimber/5791036746/#secret2f5bcc69fa)
vid should be available shortly. This is Brad's vid he asked me to post.
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Thanks, Munge for posting that for me. I had to get home before I could check whether it plays well, and it does. Obviously you were able to rotate it.
I shouldn't have sworn, but I forgot that cameras have audio along with their video. My expletive was because I couldn't hold the damn thing still in the wind.
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The video does a good job of showing just how strong the wind was up there. I guess that's why the hills are filled with windmills. :o
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The video does a good job of showing just how strong the wind was up there. I guess that's why the hills are filled with windmills. :o
Wow, I just noticed that Steve TRIPLED his total numbers of posts in one fell swoop. Let's see you do that Munge :D :D
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Wow, I just noticed that Steve TRIPLED his total numbers of posts in one fell swoop. Let's see you do that Munge :D :D
Please don't encourage that behaivior Brad. I get pinged with all updated and with a push for stats few will be worthy:-)
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Well, I see your point, and I probably shouldn't encourage Munge to "triple" his posts.
But I think it is important to document as much as possible Steve's descent into Mudhood. He's been to Pinns so much more in the last four years. He climbs there in back country places and does obscure routes. I think he even likes the place. And now, he's starting to post here. I think he's gunning for a Master of Mud degree. I've forgotten now; which Shakespeare play used the phrase: "Whence the Mud the dark side will prevaileth?"
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+1 for me!
Burp!
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And another to close the gap to Mungie
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Well, I see your point, and I probably shouldn't encourage Munge to "triple" his posts.
But I think it is important to document as much as possible Steve's descent into Mudhood. He's been to Pinns so much more in the last four years. He climbs there in back country places and does obscure routes. I think he even likes the place. And now, he's starting to post here. I think he's gunning for a Master of Mud degree. I've forgotten now; which Shakespeare play used the phrase: "Whence the Mud the dark side will prevaileth?"
Indeed, the more people the merrier!
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Nice quote.
"Whence the Mud the dark side will prevaileth?"
Uber has to know this. he can recite anything.
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Low key weekend around here, due to a steady, light rain. Got a big brush/burn pile done (I would never burn in June, but this isn't really June, it's March). We had Tricia's ninth birthday party (any of you herded cats lately?). Did guidebook work.
And we did some preparation for the upcoming week hiking the PCT (June 11th through 18th). The preparation included packing various bags, including my clothes bag.
All of the above actually has a point, and is relevant to this thread. Because, under the category of "must not forget," I packed the following:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/5801947549_5bcfdf54de_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5801948233_3fd5558761_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5235/5801949057_5ca521fbbe_z.jpg)
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HA, Mr. Mud approves
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Mr mud has joined the dark side of angry birds...nothing else matters.
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I approve.
You have he essentials.
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I approve.
You have he essentials.
Ha- that thing looks like in a pinch you could "forget" your undies and make do due with the hanky ::)
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A Joe why didnt you ask? I have one in my chalkbag pocket.
All right, I've tried to figure out what Joe said/meant, and I have no idea. Would you or Squiddo mind explaining what you said (since he apparently got it)?
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it's a family forum Brad. we don't talk about such things.
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This is a family forum.
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this is a family forum?
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I do see now that especially this thread is family oriented....my apologies...
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I do see now that especially this thread is family oriented....my apologies...
Great, now Brad will have to wait for the next face to face. On a lighter note, how you healing Joe??
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doing okay, some ups and downs,
ups: I have been cleared to do upper body workouts and I'm doing light weights at the gym, also figured a way to do some light cardio with one foot, and the gym has a handicap shower, complete with chair, which makes life significantly easier (can't get the cast wet), stoked about that...
downs: I'm involved in an insurance saga, just switched policies May 1, and the new company is putting me through a eligibility review to determine whether they will cover the costs, a bit complicated, but a real chance I'm going to get screwed, straight out of a Michael Moore movie...so sleepless nights worrying...driving is also very difficult (not to mention illegal) and something I'm trying to avoid, but having to do here and there...
overall, I think I'll be ahead of the curve healing though...
look forward to the next mud gathering...
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doing okay, some ups and downs,
ups: I have been cleared to do upper body workouts and I'm doing light weights at the gym, also figured a way to do some light cardio with one foot, and the gym has a handicap shower, complete with chair, which makes life significantly easier (can't get the cast wet), stoked about that...
downs: I'm involved in an insurance saga, just switched policies May 1, and the new company is putting me through a eligibility review to determine whether they will cover the costs, a bit complicated, but a real chance I'm going to get screwed, straight out of a Michael Moore movie...so sleepless nights worrying...driving is also very difficult (not to mention illegal) and something I'm trying to avoid, but having to do here and there...
overall, I think I'll be ahead of the curve healing though...
look forward to the next mud gathering...
Joe- sorry to hear about the pains...insurance sucks and hope it works out in your favor.
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A little thread drift is no big deal. And the words are not offensive per se anyway. Besides, if you consider what the Mudn'Crud handkerchief is really used for (allergy "remediation" might be a good word for it), that's not exactly a topic for polite company anyway (not that the people who post here is polite company by any means, but my family does glance at this thread to see what the girls are up to).
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post removed, that was easy...
have fun on the hike next week, look forward to more photos...
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A little thread drift is no big deal. And the words are not offensive per se anyway. Besides, if you consider what the Mudn'Crud handkerchief is really used for (allergy "remediation" might be a good word for it), that's not exactly a topic for polite company anyway (not that the people who post here is polite company by any means, but my family does glance at this thread to see what the girls are up to).
HA, fair enough.
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A friend is over for dinner tonight. We got to talking about our upcoming week on the PCT. That led to some history of all the trips; the over four years we've been going down and hiking, piling on miles over time. Then the photos came up and we compared some from now to some from our very first trip in April, 2007 (33 miles in five days).
Holy mackerel! I guess when your kids grow, it's before your eyes and you don't notice so much. But the difference between those photos and now is utterly striking.
So, as part of getting psyched for this upcoming week (and since I never posted trip reports for the first three trips, since Mudworm hadn't given me her simple instructions for posting photos yet), I'm posting a few photos from April 2 through 7, 2007 (Tricia turned 5 years old the day before we started this trip).
Putting our feet under the Mexican Border:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2230/5816486847_842d023a1c_z.jpg)
The PCT southern terminus (with my Dad, who hiked a few of our earlier trips with us):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/5816489325_52c7c29982_z.jpg)
Katie at 11 and Tricia at 5:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2220/5816481445_d5d96a9143_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/5816972144_3eaf0c7aba_z.jpg)
On the trail with a determined hiker (how could such a shrimp walk so far?):
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5816404937_7025cb2153_z.jpg)
Anyway, that's the retrospective. We're leaving very early Saturday and planning a full day's hike once we get there. Can't wait.
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the change is dramatic and fun to see, especially with such a cool hike as the theme.
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In the last photo there is a Ridgerest strapped to my day-pack. That tells me that this was our second day of hiking (the first was three miles from the border to the first major road north of it). We had to do 11.5 miles to the next possible pick-up point. I had no idea whether Tricia could do that distance in a day. So I brought some basic bivy gear so we could spend the night out if we had to.
She made the hike, but fell asleep in the car within 2 minutes after Vic picked us up. After sleeping for twenty minutes, we got back to camp and she played at the playground for 40 minutes while we got dinner ready.
Kids have limitless energy.
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Truly inspiring.
We could start next year, but the little one would be cheated as I'd be carrying it.
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Good stuff as always, Brad. Those shorts are a bit SHORT though, eh? ;)
((chuckle)).....Groove on! ;D
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Factor, it took me a minute to figure out what you meant by you'd be carrying "it." It? You mean him or her, not it! Goodness man.
And no matter what the new one is up to, carrying him/her or not, James can always be taken hiking and climbing. We all saw him prove the "limitless energy" theory at the Rendezvous didn't we? The kid wore out a whole pair of pants in one weekend sliding and sliding and sliding.
Skully, those same shorts are already packed for this trip. In addition to maximizing the tan, they have another great function now: they're much shorter than what's in style, and when I wear them it maximizes Katie's embarrassment.
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They're perfect, then, eh? Awesome. :D
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It is cool to see the change.
When do they learn to ride?
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When do they learn to ride?
I assume you mean really ride, like you two do? If so, the answer is: never if it is up to Vicki and I. We aren't really bike riders. I would however be very open to someone like you or mudworm (or Stacy Schr., who's really gotten into it, but is in Colorado) showing them things like how fun and intense bike riding can be. Some of the tricks you can use; you know opening their minds to a new way to have fun.
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beats walking.
:)
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Pictures??