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
My mom drops me at the bottom of the mountain where the road turns from dirt to pavement. A mere 5.5 miles and 20 minute drive from our house. I jump out, grab my 18 lb. pack and trekking poles before she departs for San Francisco. I do an about-face, ready for my climb back … More The Mystery of the Abandoned Crutches
A few weeks ago I dropped a couple raccoons off down the way. Ok, that sounds weird. But we caught them in a live trap. Them. A momma and her baby, all at the same time. They seemed pretty sweet. Raccoons look so cute no matter what they’ve done. They never once hissed or reared … More Red Corduroy Pants, Triple IPA and 37
September 9 Mileage 13 Mile 2617 to Harts Pass 2630 We’d heard there was going to be trail magic at Harts Pass. Perhaps we were getting a little hungry or the fond memories of trail magic were moving our legs fast. But before all that we had to climb. Switchbacks. To. Hell. No really, I … More Shrekerita
September 8 Mileage 16.25 Mile 2601 to Brush Creek 2617 I again leave first but I haven’t had my breakfast yet so I stop after a mile and chow down. Ok, chow down is an overstatement since my hiker hunger in nonexistent. I eat a bar and and a dried pineapple slice. I’m soon on … More Rock Ball
September 7, 2014 Mileage 16 Bridge camp mile 2585 to Porcupine creek mile 2601 Was the first up and out of camp. Sunshine, Tree Killer, Bramble, Rotisserie and Brian were not too far behind and we met up at the bridge creek bridge. Basking in the sun, I enjoyed my entire Stehekin Bakery cinnamon roll. … More Lost Love
September 6, 2014 Mileage 5 Stehekin mile 2580 to Bridge Creek Camp mile 2585 You know, you can’t have it all. The weather is perfect. Sunny, warm, sparkling lake, fresh mountain air, tall reaching mountains. And I have allergies? Whatever. Screw you Washington. But all that doesn’t even matter because today, a woman in her … More Life And Death In Stehekin
So, I’ve decided to skip section D (Cajon Pass to Agua Dulce) which will put me at trail mile 454. I’m skipping about 100 miles of the trail in order to keep a more favorable schedule and it’s a lot easier for family to drop me in Agua Dulce. But I do not feel disconnected from … More Skipping Section D
After leaving Idyllwild, I hiked out of the San Jacinto Mountains and descended over 7000 ft. back to the desert floor. After completing a 28 mile day, I arrived at trail angels Ziggy and the Bear where at least 60 other hikers were gathered. First they give you a bucket with warm water and let … More 347 Miles and 1 Corny Toe
Journey Return 