The PCT Volume 13: Traipsing the Tehachapis

[Atomizer]

I'm really loving these reports Brad.  It's awesome to see you and the girls out there living it up.  Those are some tough mountain girls that you are raising. Sometime in my future I will hike that thing.  I was recently thinking it could be this year, but all the snow and my serious re-addiction to climbing changed my mind.  But that could change real quick.  I look forward to the next chapter.

[mynameismud]

I enjoy each section.

[Brad Young]

Thanks, Adam. I'm pretty proud of both of the girls. (And, I think they'll remember these torture sessions for as long as they live .)

You know, your comments remind me of me at your age. When I was in law school I dreamed of what would come after. I had two things that I really, really wanted to do. One was to climb El Cap, and the other was to through-hike the PCT. I think I got a little out of balance. I focused so much on the climbing (including plenty of El cap routes) that, before I knew it, taking months off for a PCT through-hike wasn't possible.

But it's funny how things work out. I never got to the through-hike and instead I'm doing it in pieces with my girls. And I can't imagine any set of circumstances under which I would enjoy doing the PCT in one push more than I am enjoying it this way, in pieces, with them.

[skully]

Well, they're good pieces, anyway...

[Brad Young]

Well, I just created a "good news/bad news" situation with the girls and the PCT.

Our next leg is 38 miles with no possible pick-up. So we'll do it in three days with backpacking gear. But the first six miles from Highway 58 are supposed to be really hot (and they consist of switchback after switchback - you oughta see the map!).

So the good news is we're going to do this hike over Memorial Day weekend when we have a better chance of cooler weather. We'll then spend time down there again in June.

The bad news is that I am going with both girls to a Taylor Swift concert (she's a country music star). Oh, joy. Bribery will get you everywhere.

[mungeclimber]

no worries, I will climb SPH granite for you in your stead.

 


actually, that's not a for sure thing, but if I can convince the old lady, then that's the plan.

[F4?]

The bad news is that I am going with both girls to a Taylor Swift concert (she's a country music star). Oh, joy. Bribery will get you everywhere.

Jenny says you will enjoy yourself.

[mynameismud]

Steep price to pay

[Brad Young]

I think Jenny is right. Taylor Swift's music is catchy, plus I think the girls will be really enjoying it (Tricia's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree from excitement when we told her the plan).

But if you told me seriously twenty years ago that I'd be going to see a teeny bopper pop/country star in concert one day, I'd have suggested that you see a psychologist.

[mynameismud]

Do not forget the ear plugs.  Old people do not deal with the loud music as well as the young.

[Brad Young]

Do not forget the ear plugs.  Old people do not deal with the loud music as well as the young.

Yeah, well the three of us who are attending the concert will be Young. Now, of those, one will be old Young and two will be young Young. So who should wear the ear plugs, the old Young, the young Young or the other young Young?

[Brad Young]

Gearing up now for a three day backpack, Saturday through Monday. It's supposed to be unseasonably cold, which is good, since there are only two reliable sources for water in 36 miles of hiking. The first day's first miles are uphill switchbacks described in the PCT guidebook as "a long, tight series of switchbacks that on the map resemble a recorded earthquake on a seismograph."

The girls are certainly going to earn the Taylor Swift concert.

[mungeclimber]

have fun

[F4?]

Have fun. Don't worry about your house and TP.

[Brad Young]

Have fun. Don't worry about your house and TP.

Edit: That wouldn't be a good idea.

[mynameismud]

On that note, take a hike, and enjoy it.

Remember to take pics.   We need at least one with the mudncrud flag.

Here's to sweat in your eye

[squiddo]

Edit: That wouldn't be a good idea.

Brad- I'll use 50% less TP. Will that be better?

Enjoy yourself man...have a good safe trip