Tag: thru-hike

PCRSP: Miner’s Ridge Fern Canyon Friendship Ridge West Ridge Loop

December 1, 2024

Sunday, December 1Prairie Creek Redwoods State ParkRedwood National and State ParksUnceded land of the Yurok Tribe17.01 miles2,704′ ascent2,662′ descent Miner’s Ridge Trail to Gold Bluffs RoadFern Canyon to James Irvine TrailFriendship Ridge to West Ridge I drive all the way to Clam Beach before I miraculously realize that I have forgotten my trekking poles. The … More PCRSP: Miner’s Ridge Fern Canyon Friendship Ridge West Ridge Loop

Loowit Trail Lava

September 12, 2024

Thursday, September 12Start: June Lake TrailheadStop: June Lake Trailhead9.41 miles2,343′ ascent2,374′ descent I awake early and check the weather. The weather window is shortening so I decide to head out earlier rather than later. I’m hoping to make it 12 trail miles to the South Fork of the Toutle River today. And then finish it … More Loowit Trail Lava

Limping Into Longmire

September 10, 2024

Tuesday, September 10Wonderland Trail Day #7Start: Nickel CreekStop: Longmire 14.46 mi2,662′ ascent3,430′ descent  When I went to bed, the moon was rising and shining brightly. And for some reason, the group camp folks were up late walking back and forth with their headlamps lighting up the forest. I awake before my 5:30 am watch alarm and … More Limping Into Longmire

Sunrise Resupply

September 8, 2024

Sunday, September 8Wonderland Trail Day #5Start: Yellowstone Cliffs via Sunrise Visitor CenterStop: Sunrise Camp17.20 miles4,945′ ascent 3,878′ descent Just as I was going to bed I try to clear my stuffy nose. Either because of the smoke or trail dust or other outdoor factors, my nose has been so congested. I give my nose a good blow … More Sunrise Resupply

Spray Park Goats

September 7, 2024

Saturday, September 7Wonderland Trail Day #4Start: Eagle’s Roost via Spay ParkStop: Yellowstone Cliffs11.01 miles3,813′ ascent3,648′ descent  The exertions of yesterday leave my body amped up and it takes me half the night to fall asleep. Plus, it is so damn warm that I don’t need my sleeping bag for half the night. I toss and turn … More Spray Park Goats

Who Wants Lake Water?

September 5, 2024

Thursday, September 5Wonderland Trail Day #2Start: Devil’s Dream CampStop: Klapatche Park Camp10.54 miles3,722’ ascent3,186’ descent As usual, I toss and turn all night but mostly sleep well. I don’t have an alarm set and let daylight wake me. I don’t hear any sounds of life from my neighbors as I roll into action about 6:20 … More Who Wants Lake Water?

The Return Of Lionheart

September 4, 2024

Wednesday, September 4Wonderland Trail Day #1Start: LongmireStop: Devil’s Dream Camp5.8 miles2,568’ ascent406’ descent  A barred owl hoots as some animal whose cry is not in my auditory catalog howls along the banks of Big Creek. My watch alarm goes off at 4 am after a fitful night of sleep. I remove the few items from … More The Return Of Lionheart

Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park 60

August 28, 2024

Monday-Wednesday, August 26-28Prairie Creek Redwoods State ParkRedwood National and State ParksUnceded lands of the Yurok Tribe 60.01 miles7,181′ ascent6,980′ descentThese three days and 60 miles of hiking were a focused training period and preparation for hiking the Wonderland Trail (September 4-10). Monday, August 2619.17 miles2,223′ ascent2,271′ descent Park Headquarters to West Ridge TrailZig Zag #1 … More Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park 60