MudNCrud Forums
Climbing and ... Climbing => Everywhere Else => Topic started by: Brad Young on June 15, 2011, 06:12:10 AM
-
We took the day off yesterday after hiking 49 miles in three days (the third of which was 20.6 miles, starting with 1600 feet of uphill). Since we weren't hiking, we did a driving reconnaissance of the roads and campgrounds in the area north of Walker Pass and then went to Ridgecrest for the afternoon and night.
We hope to set out today from Walker Pass north, intending just under 29 miles in a two day overnight. A very, very warm forecast and a 15 year old with a bit of a lower GI problem may necessitate one more rest day.
We started this trip Saturday, June 11. It was a smooth and practiced start, up at 6:00, drive down the Central Valley and over Tehachapi, and then out Jawbone Canyon Road. We arrived at 2:30 and quickly got ready to start the intended 13.4 mile hike. But first, Katie needed a bit more fuel:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5113/5834531194_3161682c6d_z.jpg)
We got going at 2:45; late, but still with plenty of daylight. Here's a photo of us starting past the same place, same sign as where we ended two weeks ago:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5078/5834531652_1e8beb1c20_z.jpg)
Just as we started we ran into a through-hiker heading the same way. The camaraderie between PCT hikers is very strong, possibly even stronger than between climbers. Our new friend, Greg (trail name "Malto" after the 600 plus calories of maltodextrin he was consuming, in addition to his regular food, every day) seemed happy for company. Although he was averaging 30 miles per day, and we offered repeatedly to let him pass, he was quite pleased with the pace Tricia was setting. We hiked together for our entire hike (which was half of his day's hike!):
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5834534608_000f78e22f_z.jpg)
Hiking doesn't get much easier than this, perfect temperatures, forested trails and, for 90% of the entire hike, slight downhill :
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5072/5834533166_a9e092c15c_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/5834537168_aaedeb580b_z.jpg)
Soon we were six miles along, crossing Piute Mountain Road where we'd fed through-hikers last trip:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5152/5833984215_7c0b8f803b_z.jpg)
Katie signed us in to a trail register:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/5833984637_ec92cd423e_z.jpg)
Then we met Vicki about a mile further, very near where she'd set up camp. We said hellos, made an introduction and had some trail snacks. Vicki and I reviewed the map for the end of the day pickup point:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/5833986399_41db98d931_z.jpg)
Soon we were off. Mostly downhill, we were now heading out of the forest and back to the desert; just in the distance after we met Vicki, we lost over 1500 feet of elevation. The flora was changing:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/5833988045_04bd761e48_z.jpg)
We finished (obviously in the late evening) with two miles of real desert, hiking toward the setting sun, and toward Vicki, waiting on Kelso Valley Road (which can narrowly be seen in the center of the photo, rising from left to right, below the sun/shade line, but above the more obvious slash also rising from left to right):
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5232/5834543252_0c939249a9_z.jpg)
Then, back to camp at Landers Meadow Primitive Campground (this photo was taken the next morning, since when we got there it was essentially dark):
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/5834543722_d8ecea274d_z.jpg)
A very good day. Now, however, we were in the desert. We knew the next day's hike wouldn't be so cool.
-
very nice...
-
next Day! come on down! you're the next contestant on the PCT is Right!!!
-
Cool.
-
Since we didn't get to bed Saturday night until after 10:00, we slept in some on Sunday. Then we packed camp to move north. A reconnaissance of meeting and pickup points afterward meant we didn't hit the trail until 11:00.
In desert now, the trail dropped in elevation to Butterbredt Canyon Road, the lowest point we'll see on the PCT for at least 800 more miles. Then gentle uphill under Mayan Peak to meet Vicki for lunch at six miles:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/5834547156_53d96fecbe_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5039/5833993631_6230b0fb97_z.jpg)
Here's Vicki after the drop-off:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/5833995567_c766ce3cca_z.jpg)
Obviously the girls are desert hiking veterans now:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/5834550664_c07cd2268f_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5834551130_e83328fb8b_z.jpg)
On this stretch we encountered one hapless young man hiking the opposite direction. He looked worn out. He carried nothing but an empty one-gallon water bottle. He was headed to the road (where "trail angels" periodically replenish a bottled water cache). He'd literally abandoned his tent and camp to go desperately in search of water. We later came across his gear, still set up, right next to the trail (we didn't offer him water since we needed all we had, and he needed to go only another mile and a half to the cache).
Vicki drove out Dove Spring Road to meet us for lunch. She hiked out a mile to meet us:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5833999153_ec4fb80906_z.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/5834554236_8a832d76ff_z.jpg)
We took an hour for lunch. The truck provided enough shade. Another nine miles followed, still through desert. Abandoned mines and nice views were the themes. One long, uphill, sunny stretch was pretty darned hot:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/5834001043_23d67ecebd_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5834555562_4cdf7004b9_z.jpg)
Soon we rounded Wyley's Knob and got a view of Bird Spring Pass where Vicki would be waiting:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/5834002113_b24bc35d36_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5151/5834556286_d1b2b48da5_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/5855095578_b73a609a8c_z.jpg)
Note in the last photo, just a glimpse, behind a Joshua Tree: there's a pile of water bottles. As I said, PCT hikers are a close community. Included in the mix are trail angels. They are usually people who've done all or some of the trail and who live near it. They undertake (voluntarily, and at their own cost) to help hikers by leaving water caches at roads, by doing trail maintenance, by posting current conditions. Whatever they can to help (kinda like the people doing rebolting at Pinnacles).
In this case the water cache at Bird Spring Pass included over 75 one gallon water bottles. And of these, only 14 were full:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2661/5834557978_e6336ca473_z.jpg)
We then headed down about two miles west on Bird Spring Road to make a peaceful "bandit" camp among pinyon pines in the desert:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2499/5834559276_0b223a28d5_z.jpg)
Up next: an early start, a gruesome uphill slog, and the most miles yet of any day we've spent on the PCT.
-
cool cool more more
-
I like Katie's entry in the register, too. :D chortle. I'm diggin' goin' along on your journeys, Brad. This stuff is pure Gold. Thank you for posting them.
-
We're off the trail now and at Vicki's sister's house in Los Angeles. Katie gets to go from here to San Diego to stay and play with friends there for the next week (her reward for a week well hiked).
And what a week!
When I left off, we were camped just west of Bird Spring Pass. It's 20.6 miles from there to Walker Pass on Highway 178, with two reliable water sources along the way. So we decided on a day hike, starting early (with a teenager that means, in this case, hiking by 8:30 A.M.). Just as we got out of the car, two through-hikers came up from the south. We talked and visited extensively. Eventually the girls and I got going while Vic continued to talk with two more PCT friends (we'd see them and other through-hikers several more times each):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/5834561024_1edfa9c804_z.jpg)
The day started with a huge climb up Skinner Peak. Switchbacks led to switchbacks. And then we encountered switchbacks. But we had great views, and a gentle breeze kept the heat manageable:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3503/5834562528_ef3b761666_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5237/5834009471_3fbb63001d_z.jpg)
Looking back at where we started from most of the way up the climb:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/5834564200_f0b90e89f0_z.jpg)
We then followed the pacific crest for several miles, moving gradually up and down. Our views north now began to include relative "close-ups" of the Sierra Nevada:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5113/5834011459_5c919faf67_z.jpg)
Many miles led to a nearly flat plateau that had once been badly burned. This had little cover, and was downright hot:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5834568374_e23c4e7440_z.jpg)
But finally we arrived at a seasonal trickle/stream that provided great (and, by this point 14 miles into the hike, needed) refreshment:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/5834571920_e7afd76099_z.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/5834572838_5d2704c321_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5834020105_4d5c33abb7_z.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/5834572364_69d7805df4_z.jpg)
The next seven miles included only a little uphill. But the heat of the day, combined with the relentless pounding of step after step were starting to take their toll. Our first glimpse of Highway 178 was very encouraging:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/5834023649_18b558083c_z.jpg)
The last three miles seemed like ten. Finally we could see tents in the Walker Pass Trailhead Campground. Still we pounded on, feet screaming at us now (and not nice words either). Finally, we came around a corner, and there, there was the ultimate trail angel: Vicki had come up to check on us:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5834579618_2c6c337a77_z.jpg)
As we arrived in camp, signs pointed to one campsite where there was offered a certain PCT "trail magic." As we walked by on the way to our site, we saw two trail angels completely rigged out, set up for days, intending to help. See, Walker Pass is a big milestone for through-hikers. These angels were there to be, well, angels. They had available vast quantities of fresh water. They had extra clothes and repair tools and parts. Big garbage bags into which hikers could dump parts of their loads (the campground has no water and no garbage service). And they especially had fresh food; barbecue, salad, soda, and ice cold beer. All there for passing hikers, no questions asked. All free, and all for the love of the trail and those who hike it:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/5834580154_ef241d5720_z.jpg)
And with that, we finished our longest one-day hike ever. We stayed there that night and Dad (that is, me) cooked bacon and eggs for breakfast the next morning:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/5834582238_92cde0173a_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5834583286_ee347a4b1b_z.jpg)
We spent the rest of that day checking out areas farther north: camping spots, the trail, and drop-off and pick-up points. Then, with a 28.3 mile section coming (too far for one day - we'd need to bivy), we drove to Ridgecrest for a rest/preparation day.
-
What a contrast from the weather you encountered over Memorial Day. You guys really cranked out a lot of miles on this trip.
-
Oh, and here's one for the Muds:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/5834007963_c763a4ed02_z.jpg)
-
very nice...
especially like the trail angels...
I'm thinking we should promote the idea of climbing angels...
so let's say you're half way up a difficult Grade V, like Swan Slab Gully for example, and there you find an ice cold IPA and hot BBQ chicken; certainly increases the chances of red pointing that puppy next time...
-
I like the MudnCrud banner
-
very nice...
especially like the trail angels...
I'm thinking we should promote the idea of climbing angels...
so let's say you're half way up a difficult Grade V, like Swan Slab Gully for example, and there you find an ice cold IPA and hot BBQ chicken; certainly increases the chances of red pointing that puppy next time...
they exist. they usually come in the form of 1 gallon seal bottles of water 3/4 of the way up a Grade VI sitting there on a ledge. :)
-
Think that bear grills guy........tromping through the wilds, when you recognize a tree...in there is a 12 pack of beer. Who needs food. Beer is better.
Joe start caching for us.
-
Ah, finally home!
I think the climbing equivalent of trail angels is bolt/anchor replacers. They spend huge amounts of time and energy (and sometimes their own money) and the benefit is 99% other climbers, not themselves.
-
Don't ruin the dream!
-
The next part of our hike took us 28.3 miles north from Highway 178/Walker Pass to Canebreak Road, a dirt road on the edge of Chimney Peak Wilderness. We did this in two days, with light packs and an open bivy. Although we went back and forth a few times from desert to Sierra Nevada during these miles, we finally, truly made the transition by the time we finished.
The first day was rough though. Katie had had a G.I. issue during the last of our hike to Walker Pass and during the (next) rest day. Plus the temperatures had spiked some; Ridgecrest, where we spent the rest day was at 101 degrees by the time we left town just after noon.
But we stuck with the plan: Leave the pass in the early afternoon, endure the miserable heat in the early hike, and then burn up the miles in the afternoon and evening cool to arrive at camp right at dark.
And the first miles truly were miserably hot. Starting out was hot:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/5851025318_63d3f0fa3e_z.jpg)
Resting in the shade was not quite as hot:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5851028924_f905df35d7_z.jpg)
How often do you see a nine year old girl with beads of sweat on her chin?
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5851029820_7dc7b320d6_z.jpg)
But as we hiked we got progressively higher and a little cooler. We passed the five mile mark at the memorial to Jim Jenkins, and moved around to the east side of Mount Jenkins:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5851033216_7ceec4a8ca_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5157/5850480143_2da07da088_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/5851038430_8d3d77d811_z.jpg)
(That's Owens Peak's southeast side in the background of the last photo). We rested liberally at this point; it was still warm and Katie was less than 100% still:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5113/5851035372_aa25638da0_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5851039400_221217c94a_z.jpg)
By the time we made it to the Owens/Jenkins saddle (just over halfway through our intended 16.6 miles), it was 6:00 P.M. But we were starting to hit our stride (and I knew Katie was feeling better because she was talking freely again, this time about what electives and college prep classes she was considering for her upcoming junior year):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/5851040752_6eacaa0974_z.jpg)
We practically ran the next miles of downhill to and past Joshua Tree Spring. We faced one more long uphill trudge then before the last two miles, downhill cruise to where we wanted to camp in Spanish Needle Canyon. But before the last uphill we took a break in the last rays of the sun (now Katie's appetite was coming back - she could eagerly eat an apple):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/5850509365_56bcc6a956_z.jpg)
Right in here we hit mile 662.5, a very significant number. Multiplied by four it is 2,650, which is the total length of the PCT. Here are the girls making a crude "1/4th" sign with their hands:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/5851059870_3cca65819f_z.jpg)
And then, up and over the last saddle. I offered up the chance of sleeping there, but the girls vetoed it. On we'd go in spite of the now set sun. They wanted the chance to clean off the trail dust in the running stream and, especially, they wanted a shorter hike tomorrow:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5851062786_29dfb1648e_z.jpg)
Soon there was only one more mile to go. But the sun was truly gone now. Tricia needed a headlamp. Then Katie and I needed them. On we tramped. Then, we hiked around a corner, and, what's that? It sounds like the trickle of water. It is the trickle of water! Camp at last.
It took 10 minutes to wash off the dirt and set up camp. Then dinner: we used a patented back country food preparation method first taught me by my good friend David Harden: don't. Instead of a stove or anything fancy we brought deli sandwiches, which are fine for a few hours unrefrigerated (no mayo or other spreads though).
And, then, off to sleep we went.
Next up: a wonderful finishing hike during which we truly started to feel like we were in the Sierra Nevada.
-
Escape the Desert... It's becoming kinda punishing, eh?
I really like how your girls are such go-getters. They hike on, for real, huh?
8) 8) 8) Diggin' & groovin'......
-
Thanks, Skully. It is certainly nice to be out of the desert.
This was a long trip, so there's more to come, which I'll try to keep short so it doesn't get too much more repetitive.
We awoke early the next morning (due to Katie having a bad dream) which was provident, it allowed us to get an early start on another big climb via switchbacks:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/5851066796_49a04948c1_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/5851066158_4ae7a840ee_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5850516565_b9c8447a92_z.jpg)
It was kinda chilly when we started hiking, so we wore all the clothes we had with us. This caused a problem in that Tricia's clothing was so totally camouflaged. We actually lost her for a short time because we couldn't see her:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5850518499_e2d2e40a13_z.jpg)
;D ;D ;D
Once we topped out on this morning's climb we followed a ridge to a saddle that was the actual pacific crest. This is the last time in 40 miles that the trail is on the actual crest:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/5851074120_fb30f45e8a_z.jpg)
A question came up about lunch: When is the right time? The answer, we decided, is when the view and the log are both perfect:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2551/5850521201_bac6b527b7_z.jpg)
We started getting views north that looked like the Sierra (this one into Lamont Meadow, right near where Vicki would pick us up at the end of this second day):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/5850523903_e41d755f2b_z.jpg)
More miles led into lower/drier country (again), but not desert:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/5850527051_110cbcba7b_z.jpg)
We encountered a calm, quiet friend:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5075/5851076956_96e33a85c7_z.jpg)
Before we started the two days I gave some thought to how things would likely go. I told Vicki that we'd probably be at the pickup point between 12:30 and 1:00 P.M. We finished 11.9 miles at 12:20 P.M. the second day (and if you think that was anything other than a lucky guess, well I could sell you some swampland, etc.):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/5851079108_fc54a4b3c0_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5851080590_f3fa22b9d0_z.jpg)
The early start got us back to camp early. We enjoyed relaxing and a bunch of family laughing and fun:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5038/5850532629_5201f73e40_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5274/5850530773_73c8e54981_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/5851085490_92f066b1d6_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5851087556_4d4e0cfafa_z.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/5850536863_b17e831d2f_z.jpg)
We capped off the day with a nice sunset right over our camp:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/5851093604_08f6ac76b1_z.jpg)
And then dinner and to bed; to be ready for another (light) hiking day.
-
Amazing Sky!!!2!! 8)
Good vistas & antics, too. My kinda camp, I think. :)
-
Yep, the girls are pretty good sports. Not to mention Vicki!!
Oh, and I forgot to post this one more for the Muds:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5034/5850523209_92bfefce51_z.jpg)
-
662.5 miles!!! yowza
hiking while not feeling well
chin sweat
maybe I don't want to do the PCT. was getting stoked for it for awhile there.
So about this open bivy thing. Knowing how ticks and rattlers are, namely ticks are blood sucking good for nothings, and rattlers like heat, especially after dark when temps drop down. Why no tent?
At upper elevations in the late season I don't always use a tent, but skeets, ticks, and rattlers at lower temps, especially near and in deserts...
-
So about this open bivy thing. Knowing how ticks and rattlers are, namely ticks are blood sucking good for nothings, and rattlers like heat, especially after dark when temps drop down. Why no tent?
At upper elevations in the late season I don't always use a tent, but skeets, ticks, and rattlers at lower temps, especially near and in deserts...
Pure and simple, it's weight. For just one night a tent isn't worth the weight. The risks are very, very low, and, especially in the heat, that weight can make the difference between "this is hard" and "I'm dying."
-
10-4, makes sense.
I think I would do a bug net type of tent. GoLite used to sell them, but I don't see it anymore.
-
Friday's hike was our second to last. The next distance between roads was 7.9 miles, so we decided on a short day. We started, of course, where we'd finished the day before:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2678/5850543039_ba66c27489_z.jpg)
Just under six miles of hiking lead gradually uphill in hot but getting cooler temperatures:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/5850545381_9c1b034814_z.jpg)
Just before the high point for the day (8,020 feet) we started seeing the devastating results of the Manter fire from the year 2000. Apparently this burned a good portion of the Chimney Peak Wilderness and fully 75% of Domelands Wilderness (that's not a naturally bald hill in the next photo, much of the burn took everything down to bare soil):
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5271/5850548563_d8ff2dec39_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/5850550839_80ded9274a_z.jpg)
Past the highpoint of the day we started getting very exciting views: relative closeups of the Sierra itself. Here's (I think) Mount Langley, the south-most 14,000 foot peak in California (if it's not Langley, it may be Olancha Peak, but it looks too big for that; I'm not used to seeing Langley from the south):
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/5851103758_bfaf43a4e4_z.jpg)
And the snow-covered Great Western Divide:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5240/5850553335_b97a4f3f10_z.jpg)
And then downhill for a few short miles (still through the fire) in the heat, to Vicki and the end of the day:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5320/5850555831_706d652d60_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5038/5851108746_5a4701b7cc_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/5851109378_1aacb2d7ea_z.jpg)
There followed another fabulous afternoon and evening in camp, hanging out, reading and playing around:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/5851110252_8b4384907c_z.jpg)
Next: our last day on the trail takes us down to the Kern Plateau, the South Fork Kern River, and, no doubt about it, fully and finally, into the Sierra Nevada.
-
OK, finally, the last day of seven. After this, those of you still with this can stop reading these damn, interminable trip reports (at least for a while).
First the humor. Tricia is a fairly bright little girl. She also owns a purple pair of rubber/plastic shoes that she wears in camp a lot. These shoes are of a popular type called "Crocs."
This year the fad/trend among PCT through-hikers is to use a brand of gaiters called "Dirty Girl" gaiters. They're made by a small (one woman?) company and they come in screaming bright colors. The girls both thought these were totally cool. Of course, on the PCT gaiters are helpful to keep rocks and dirt out of the shoes and off the legs (as opposed to keeping snow off, which is what I've always heard of them for).
One day this trip, when the girls were doing well, I told them that, as soon as we got within range of the internet, I'd order for them each any pair of Dirty Girl gaiters they wanted. This thrilled them. Two minutes later Tricia was even more thrilled when she realized: "Daddy, that means I'm going to have both gaiters and Crocs."
Where the hell does she come up with this stuff?
So our last day was really fine. From what I could see of where we'd be hiking, I started getting excited the day before. We continued down the canyon we had been in all the way to the Kern Plateau, and then up the South Fork Kern River to and through Kennedy Meadows. The real Sierra Nevada.
The trail can barely be seen here on the left wall of the canyon (yes left); the Kern Plateau can be seen below, as can some of Domelands Wilderness:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/5850564379_20acce7789_z.jpg)
This is the same canyon, showing more detail, and one of the prominent domes:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/5850566541_6b54646b21_z.jpg)
Once down this canyon we could see huge distances up and down the main (South Fork Kern River) canyon. The views were spectacular in spite of the extensive burning:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/5851120298_da6529ecba_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5850571071_4ef52a0705_z.jpg)
I was glad to have the old Southern Sierra Domelands climbing guidebook along, just to help identify some of what I was looking at.
We continued north, sometimes along the river, stopping for lunch alongside it:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2729/5850573235_57a5386f8c_z.jpg)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/5850573979_3d40d3f68b_z.jpg)
After several pretty miles, we hiked into Kennedy Meadows. PCT through-hikers consider this the "true" start of the Sierra Nevada. Although geologically this is incorrect, it is easy to see why this is considered such a transitional point:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2699/5850574797_6dcc9afa0b_z.jpg)
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5851127974_dc763af781_z.jpg)
Soon we saw Vicki parked along the river waiting for us:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2497/5850577143_55ef7593db_z.jpg)
We met up with her, but carried on for 2.4 miles more, to the north end of Kennedy Meadows Campground, a natural starting point for a next trip:
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5851129788_afdacd6a6c_z.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/5851132614_3633626fe0_z.jpg)
Thus we finished 101 more miles on the PCT in seven days hiking. We're past one quarter of the way; we've walked every step of 702 miles from the Mexican border. Oh, and we're still having fun.
And that may or may not be it for a while. The next logical portion to hike will require just under 50 continuous miles to Horseshoe Meadow (and past there it's 200 miles, plus or minus, to Tuolumne Meadows, with no pickup point). We may backpack this in July of this year, on our way to a family vacation at Disneyland. Or, we may wait and hike to Horseshoe Meadow in June 2012, using it as a training hike for the big, many, many day trip we'll do into the core of the Sierra in July or August of next year.
-
It is sure to be glorious. ;D
Cheers!
-
first thread I go to on this forum. I'll miss checking on this for awhile.
-
thank god none of us still have dial-up.
All that rock looks like choss. I'd keep moving on.
-
This is awesome, Brad, trip of a lifetime stuff. I salute you! What a cool and ambitious project.
It took me a little while to find some decent maps, there is a good collection here:
http://www.pctmap.net/download/p/mapdl.html (http://www.pctmap.net/download/p/mapdl.html)
Maybe you've already seen that.
I think you could chop off 35 odd miles from the Horsehoe/TM leg if you were to use Red's Meadow (Devil's Postpile) as a pickup point.
Best luck to you and your fellow hikers!
-
Joe, what an ironic post. Actually I only just learned about the the "half-mile" maps from through-hikers this last trip. Up to now I've been printing my own maps from my Topo software. The maps are the same, but the half-mile maps have more PCT specific information printed on them. I'm going to start using them next trip.
And, yes, Red Meadow is a good point to come off the trail if we decide to on our long hike next summer. Or maybe Kearsarge Pass instead. Another possibility (and one that would keep Vic involved) is to go five days and then meet her and a mule train (with fresh supplies and kisses; kisses from Vic, not the mules), and then go another five days or so. At 18 miles average in a day, we should be able to make a long distance.
-
REALLY great stuff Brad. Pls keep up the posting. Really enjoy reading this.
-
Awesome trip report and thanks for sharing your adventures. What a great way to make lasting and fond family memories. Very impressive numbers being posted by Katie and Trisha!! Go girls!!! Looking forward to your future posts and keeping up with the Youngs!!
-
Well, Vicki called and the girls are packed (I packed last night). We're off in the morning for four more days on the trail. This will take us another 50 plus miles (just over 45 of which are on the PCT), to Horseshoe Meadow, a few miles from the southern border of Sequoia National Park.
This will be the last trip until next summer, when we'll do all the distance to Tuolumne Meadows.
On Monday, when Vicki picks us up, we'll continue south to Disneyland for a "normal" family vacation.
-
way cool stuff Brad, keep loving the images
-
Sweet, look forward to the TR