Tag: Pacific Crest Trail Page 6 of 7

It’s official – the (PCTA) Pacific Crest Trail Association has asked hikers to cancel or postpone their hike, and if you’re already on trail to go home.

The impact on the 2020 hiking season is devastating. People from all over the world have planned for months and sometimes years. They have saved their money, quit their jobs, spent hundreds of dollars on gear, paid for travel to the beginning of the trail, all in preparation for this epic adventure.

It’s not only the PCT. All thru-hikes, the long trails like the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and various other multi-day trails may still be open, but we are strongly advised to cancel or postpone.

My mind is swirling with all the news, the politicians, advice, and warnings. Actually quite tired of watching the news, you can’t help but listen. (Especially since my husband has it on all day!)

The information changes constantly. “What’s different from the last 5 minutes?”

Nothing like it in history…the whole world upended. How much is true? Who doesn’t believe it? And how nuts is a run on toilet paper for a respiratory disease! Wow. Just Wow.

Sort of in disbelief myself, but am taking it all in somewhat stoically. As a former Minnesotan, I have always had a bit of survivalist outlook.(Weathering a snowstorm at home without power or keep warm clothes and equipment in your car in case you go off an icy road) And now a Californian; earthquake prepared; told for years (especially right after a large earthquake) how to shelter-in-place. Are you prepared?

No one can tell us how long this will go on. Just keep your head, no need to panic, look out not only for yourself and family, but your vulnerable neighbor. Times like these bring out the best in us.

We Have To Decide Today!

By Late Bloom

On January 14, 2020

In Carol's Blog

Mid January and today is the day to attempt another PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) permit. They’ve changed “The Rules” and threaten confiscation and revocation of your permit if you aren’t starting where and when your permit states. I’m a rule follower…I steer clear of getting in trouble! Why risk something unpleasant if I can stay within the boundaries of “the rules.”

Since we aim to traverse the Sierras this year, and we avoid treacherous snow conditions, it’s impossible to know when or where that will be. Yet we have to have a crystal ball and make predictions by 10:30 this morning! (two hours 13 minutes as I write this!)

The PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association) and the local agencies that oversee and protect the environs covered by the PCT, have tightened “The Rules.” It’s not as easy as “Let’s start where we left off.” Or “Let’s wait and see when the conditions are suitable for two Senior hikers.”

We feel that since we are starting somewhere in the middle of the 2650 mile trail, our chances are good at getting whatever we apply for, but who knows where we’ll actually start depending on weather conditions?

But let’s complicate this a bit more. I have a grandbaby on the way. IN THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST – In TEXAS! Prime time for the SOBO stretch between Sonora Pass and Kennedy Meadows. Then Debbie has another milestone family event in June! AARRGGHH!

We have to decide today!

So we hedge our bets and roll the dice. Pick a place and date. We could always relinquish our permit and apply for another IF there is one available for the time and location when the time comes.

What are your strategies for selecting start and end dates through the Sierras?

First Steps – PCT 2019

By Late Bloom

On February 14, 2019

In Carol's Blog

First Steps – Are you Coming?

As I made my first steps on this epic adventure, it didn’t feel much different than any other hike. That surprised me. Shouldn’t I feel excitement? Maybe it just hadn’t hit me yet. Reality does kick in when at Mile One, I was already shedding the warm clothes. No more room in the pack, so things are tied to my waist, tucked under the hip belt and hang off the pack.

The look of uncertainty is clear on my face. Is this really happening?

The plan was no more than 30 pounds. Actual was 33, oh and another two for the extra liter I decided to add at the last minute. (Just had to carry the shiny new PCT themed nalgene bottle I couldn’t resist at REI) Forget luxury item, that was pure VANITY!

We opt to hit 11 miles for our first campsite. I was ready to plant at 8.5, but was convinced that two and a half more miles was doable. It meant my first night hike! Wishing I had actually put new batteries in the headlamp, I hoped it wouldn’t fail me. (Even though fresh batteries was on my last-minute to-do list on the day of departure, I wasn’t awake enough at 4 am to figure out how to install them!)

Loving my buff.

Day two was breezy and cold. Gusts grew stronger as the morning progressed. I was grateful for the merino wool buff I could pull up over my ears and cover my mouth as the wind blew grit and sand into my face.

The descent into Hauser was beautiful. We rested at the bottom and cooked lunch before attacking the ascent. It was a long slow effort. People passed me up like I was standing still…Oh yeah…I might have been…. catching my breath and letting my heartrate come back to normal.

The last stretch into Lake Morena was like nothing. I put on Jay Unger’s Harvest Home Album and danced down the trail. Gotta love good fiddle music to get you through.

Even though we were tired and our feet complained after setting up camp, Debbie and I walked to the Lake Morena Malt Shop and had good warm food. Good thing too, we needed the extra warmth for the cold night to come. Knowing the next day would be a leisurely six mile hike, we lingered at the campsite. We took our time with breakfast, repacked our backpacks and ditched trash. Having been a chilly night, the morning warmed quickly as the sun rose in the sky.

Lots was learned on our first three days. Like the funny sounds we make while inflating our sleeping pad, (Some things are funnier when you’re tired) it’s always a good idea to have fresh batteries in your headlamp, and take more toilet paper along than you think you’ll need.

Tag: Pacific Crest Trail Page 6 of 7

Mid Covid-19 Musings…… Dazed and Confused.

We Have To Decide Today!

First Steps – PCT 2019