Tag: why hike Page 3 of 4

What Happens When You…

By Late Bloom

On January 5, 2022

In Carol's Blog

Make Up Your Mind!

What happens when you make up your mind to do something you thought you’d never do?

Well – It happens! Maybe not the way you thought, or according to the timeline you set.

Here’s what happened when I said, “IT’S NOW OR NEVER!”

In 2018 I said, “This is it – now or never.” And I took measures to find a hiking partner for the BIG ONE – the PCT!. I’d been collecting gear over the years with this long-term goal in mind. (You can read about how that came about in a previous blog:. “Twenty-Year Journey to the PCT” to learn how I met my hiking partner, Debbie.)

2019 – Debbie and I obtained the required permit for a through hike. (Mexico to Canada 2650 miles) We began by hiking different sections in Southern California, avoiding snow, preferring to go where the weather was favorable. Debbie said, “We’re going all the way to Canada!” I had my doubts, but Debbie was adamant! After a few small section hikes to see if we were compatible hikers, and if I could actually do this at age 65. After a few hikes I did some math and informed Debbie that if we hiked every day with no breaks we’d be hiking until February 2020! She conceded to a two-year plan and gradually came to accept a three-year plan. (eye roll) That year we completed about 900 miles that included 300 miles of Oregon!

2020- With over 900 miles behind us we got new permits and planned a minimum of 1000 miles for 2020. But while we were getting prepared, the news of a pandemic hit, and the PCT was basically CLOSED. Ugh! What a kick in the pants, not only for us but hikers from all over the world who had quit jobs, saved for years, quit their leases, and had tickets for international travel. To close out 2020, we decided to fill in some of the local PCT gaps for a grand total of 86 miles.

2021 – Feeling more relaxed about Covid -19 fears (including our Governor declaring Covid was no longer a problem EYE ROLL!) we obtained new permits to begin a quest for another 1000 miles. The plan was to go South Bound (SOBO) from northern CA and go to Walker Pass. If successful we would have completed contiguous miles from Mexico to Washington – Oregon border. As typical of our track record, we didn’t quite get all those miles in but did hike through the Sierra including all the major passes for a total of 800 miles. Isn’t that a lucky number?

Moral of the story…Make up your mind! And stop putting off what you want to do!

Day Hiking 10 Essentials

By Late Bloom

On December 6, 2021

In Carol's Blog, Tips & Tricks & How-To

Great Gift Ideas for Your Hiker Friends

These are the 10 essentials that should go with you on EVERY hike. For sure you will likely change out some of these depending on weather, length of your hike, and what kind of terrain.

Let’s keep it simple and start with the basics for a day hike. You may think that many of these items are overkill for a simple day hike, but things happen, and you’ll be happy you are prepared. And sometimes you will be the hero when you can lend aid to another less prepared hiker. As an example; for years I carried an Ace bandage in my first aid kit. One day I saw a hiker wipe out, resulting in a sprained ankle. There was still a long way to get to the trailhead. He was grateful for the support I could offer. (And I was happy that that poor little Ace bandage got to do some good!)

First Aid: You can always build your own, but this is a lightweight & loaded First Aid Kit.

2. Sun Protection: Include SunScreen & at. Here are a couple of my favorites. Love the ability to pull my ponytail out the back.

3. Navigation. There are numerous ways to download maps and I use them all! My overall favorite is the All Trails App. You can download maps if you go where there is no cell service. No matter where you are, this all-purpose app gives all the information you need to determine if a trail is right for you and your physical level.

4. Knife: I’ve carried a number of different knives from large to tiny. But the most useful has been the tiny Victorinox Swiss Army Knife. I carried this in 2021 on 700-mile section hike of the PCT!

5. Shelter: Depending on where you are and the weather, you could carry a Lightweight bivy for winter or if you get the First Aid Kit mentioned above, an emergency blanket is included. If you want something a little more robust check out this 4 0z compact shelter.

6. Fire: If stranded a fire can be a lifesaver. Fire Starters can be a simple as a Bic Lighter or a Ferro Rod Steel that never runs out of fuel. (Word of caution! Check fire regulations where you plan to hike! Apply for CA Campfire Permit)

7. Headlamp: Especially this time of year it gets dark early and FAST! Don’t be caught in the dark. Headlamps are so convenient and keep your hands free. I LOVE this beanie with built-in rechargeable light! Serves two purposes: Light, and counts as the next Essential.

8. Extra Clothes: This depends heavily on the weather. Most likely you have a lightweight jacket to keep in your pack, but if you are looking for something very versatile try something like this Mountain Hardware long sleeve shirt with a hoody. You won’t believe how much protection a hoody can add to your comfort on trail.

9. Extra Water: Running out of water can be disastrous. Be sure to carry enough for yourself and possibly others on the trail who foolishly didn’t carry enough. Even while on short day-hikes I love having drink-tube hydration. There are a variety of sizes and brands but my favorite is the Platypus Hoser. Oh and don’t forget the Bite Valve Cover. It seems that all bite valves dive for the dirt every time I take off my pack for a break!

10. Extra Food: You may or may not be stopping for a break, but having a nice snack will refresh your energy and brighten your spirits especially if it’s a particularly yummy treat! Granted you will pack something fresh each time, but it never hurts to keep an emergency snack or drink. Consider one of my go-to high-protein bars, the Builder Bar. Most grocery stores sell them individually. And that’s a good option if you don’t need 14!

Many of these are items I use personally and others are recommendations if you are starting out building your 10 Essentials. You should also know that “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

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.