Monday, July 15Humboldt Redwoods State ParkUnmarked Trailhead across from Burlington Campground16.17 miles3,482′ ascent3,570′ descentGrasshopper Peak 3,388′Unceded lands on the Sinkyone peoples It’s set to be a long, hot day so we’re on the road by 7 am. The Hiking Humboldt V1 directions take us along the slow, and yet scenic Avenue of the Giants route. … More Grasshopper Peak
Monday, July 8Prairie Creek Redwoods State ParkRedwood National and State ParksWest Ridge TrailRhododendron Trail~16 miles (my Garmin watch added a bunch of miles)2,871′ ascent2,914 descentUnceded lands of the Yurok Tribe We’re on trail by 9 am and while deep into conversation, fork onto the Knapp Trail. It’s takes me at least 10 minutes to realize … More PCRSP: West Ridge Rhododendron Trail Loop
CDT Gear List oz. lb. zpacks 52L arc blast with hip belt pockets 18 zpacks 0F wide long bag 27.1 zpacks solplex tent w/stakes in big agnes stuff sac 19 64.1 4.0 thermarest Xtherm long 16.5 gossamer gear 1/8 pad 3.2 gossamer gear polycryo ground cloth 1.4 cocoon pillow 4.1 msr pack towel half 0.7 … More CDT Gear List II
You know those days. The days that stand on the shoulders of all other days. The days that find you looking back through time with a new lens and entranced on the spiraling playground slide of the future. The days where time does in fact come to a stand still and indelible bookmarks are logged … More The Days That Change Your LIFE
You see it all the time – 10 reasons to do this or that, 9 ways to be successful, etc.. We humans sure love to number things. There’s even 7 Great Ways to Poop Outdoors that’s got a great picture of a deer taking a shit. Ok, the deer is probably peeing but whatevs. I … More 10s Are All The Rage – Ode To Warmth
10 Reasons to Go Hiking and Backpacking with an Umbrella Thanks to Francis Tapon for writing this thorough blog on the backpacking umbrella. I’ve had a Golite umbrella (now collectors item) for the last 6 years but haven’t really gone down the path of considering it an essential piece of my gear setup. My main … More 10 Reasons to Go Hiking and Backpacking with an Umbrella
In 2009 during my first trip through the Pacific Crest Trail ‘desert’ – which is really patches of chaparral connected by mountain ranges – I said “never again”. My slow trudging seemed excruciating, the heat unbearable. New to the thru-hiking lifestyle my pain was abundant and incessant. The time spent whistling through the crisp cool … More Nuevo México
Yesterday, the rushing Robinson Creek bounced its poetic words full of cheer and wonder off the canyon walls. What was a nearly stagnant, algae-filling water source two weeks ago has found new life. Nothing like a little downpour to get this life blood flowing. Here on Smart’s Mountain we got about 8.5 inches of rain … More The 64 Day Countdown Begins
The hamster wheel in my brain has been turning and turning. And turning. Did I mention the turning? The cold. What about the cold? How cold will it be in the New Mexico desert? Should I start with my desert gear or my mountain gear? Hmmm……what about that cold? Cold? COLD? You get my drift. … More CDT Gear Changes…….Already
September 11 Mileage 20 Woody Pass mile 2649 to US/Canada Border mile 2660 (+9 to Manning Park) The ground crunches below our feet. The frost heave ice towers crumble under our giant-like strength. Nothing can stop us now. It’s not even a consideration. We savor the morning and the sun, knowing this is really it. … More 13
Journey Return 