PCT – Page 3 – wandering chardonnay

Oh Canada

Well if you haven’t heard I freakin made it to Canada! I can’t believe it! Got to the northern terminus on August 13, 2015 at 9am!

Left Skykomich (thanks for the ride Matt!) and took the ferry from Chelan to Stehekin. Steheken is a great place you can only get to by ferry, float plan, or hiking. The fire was just across the lake, we could see flames from our campsite. (thanks to those fighting the fires, you guys are incredible). Got to stop in the famous bakery. Had ice cream, a cookie, monster cinnamon roll, and the biggest croissant every filled with cheese & bacon. So much yummy goodness! Visit Stehekin, the people are so nice, the lake is beautiful and bring me one of those croissants!

After stuffing myself we hiked on to Rainy Pass and hitched into Mazama. I was worried my last package won’t make it, since we had to change the shipping at the last minute. But Leslie was on the ball, and it got there just minutes before I did! After a quick resupply Goat and I headed for Harts Pass. There was trail magic there, muffins, fruits and drinks! Thanks Meander!

We camped 6 miles out from the border and celebrated a bit! I woke the next day in a mood, due a lack of sleep. There was a deer (with a huge rack) eating outside my tent all night, seriously I could hear it chewing. Guess we were in his dinner spot! My mood improved once we started those last miles, to the monument.

I’ll tell ya it was kinda weird when we got there. I had imagined it for so long. So hard to believe it was over and I had made it. That and I also had 30 more miles back to Harts pass, so it wasn’t really over for me.

2015 pct register

wine and reflection PCT

After many pictures, signing the register and some mashed potatoes (I was super hungry) we said our goodbyes and Goat headed into Canada while I headed back to Harts pass. (Goat you were a great hiking partner! Thanks for the laughs, trail chat, pushing me and putting up with my crazy especially in the rain! Lol)

The 30 mile hike back was a great decompression. Plus I got to see many friends headed to the border. Came around one corner there was Toasted Toad! Happy trails to you man I will never forget Forester Pass!

Did I mention how beautiful Washington is? I will definitely be back! The views, lakes, mountains, only second to the Sierras, in my opinion. I was told there was another fire the smoke & helicopters confirmed it. We were very lucky to get through before the northern fire closures. There is a reroute so people can still get through! Good luck to all those still pushing to the border! Stay safe and happy trails!

To all those I hiked with or crossed paths with on trail, let me just say Thru Hikers are a special kind of crazy and I wouldn’t want it any other way! Thanks for being part of my journey. See you on the next trail….yes there will be more!!!

Life in miles

Hiking, PCT

On the trail life is all about the miles. You meet people then don’t see them for miles. When you do they have changed, you have changed. You’ve had many adventures. I had the pleasure of meeting up again with Paint your wagon. I first met him 2400 miles ago at trail angels Ziggy & the Bear’s place. I was still so new to the trail. He gave me good advice back then about trail temptations/distractions; so it was great to see him this far in my journey. He’s been on and off trail dealing with life as we all must. But still making miles heading south bound now. He whipped up a great veggie dinner for us hiker trash last night, much appreciated. Happy trails and stay safe Paint!

The end is near, sorta

Hiking, PCT

Gosh, I can’t believe I am so close to the end. It all has gone by so very fast. But the PCT being the PCT we have been thrown a curve ball, a fire detour. The Wolverine/Blankenship fire has closed 13 miles of the trail.

We have 2 choices a 80-90 miles reroute that includes about 50 miles of road walking on hwy 20 (or hitching). With this route you bypass Stehekin, unless you him back to it. Or take a bus or hitch to Chelan and take a ferry to Stehekin.

This complicates things, first because I suck at making decisions, I’m wish washy. I really want/need to go to Stehekin. My last resupply is being sent there, and they have this awesome bakery I’ve been hearing about for 2000 miles! Oh and I’m just not all that excited about tryin to hitch 50 miles. So we are headed to the ferry, I think.

So for now I am at the Dinsmores, awesome trail angels in Baring WA. I was all fired up to blow through here but maybe this is a lesson in patience. While here I got some awesome free socks from Thorlos and the Dinsmore’s gifted me new trekking poles! Yea, no more duct taped tent poles, that was ridiculous (even though I am the queen of makin do).

I been told this next section is rugged, beautiful, and steep. So this chance to regroup and head out with a hiking partner instead of alone (as I have been for the last couple of days) is a good idea.

This post is brought you by the kindness of others! Thanks James for my Seattle break & hauling me back and forth. Thanks Zara & Dan for my surprise snacks (I heart snacks)!

ashland dan_preview

Happy trails y’all!

Almost There!

Hiking, PCT

Hey guys! I’m in Washington now! Can’t believe it, everything is going so fast now. Trying to slow down a bit but I don’t think I know how to anymore. I finally did a 40 mile day! My feet are not as happy about it as I am.

Washington is beautiful, Mt Rainier, Knives Edge, fresh berries along the trail, even trekked through some more snow!

Broke both my trekking poles! This sucks because they also hold up my tent. To late in the game for new equipment, so duct tape to the rescue! Other than that everything is holding up.

Taking a day in Seattle (my friend James picked me up, and is taking great care of me!). There is a possible fire detour coming up, so trying to figure that out, before I make a last push.

Go take a hike

Hiking, PCT

If I can offer you a piece of advice….go for a hike! Or call it a walk if you’re not out doorsy. Seriously people you should get out here. I know everyone can’t take off and hike the PCT, but maybe a section or a day hike. Hiking is trans-formative and just freaking good for your mind body and soul. Who says, me.

PCT – Oregon

Hiking the PCT

3 1/2 months I’ve been out here strolling through the woods. Pretty much playing it by ear, because all plans go out the window when you hit the trail. It’s all a surprise, around every corner, everyday. All I really know is I’m getting up and walkin…10, 25, 30 miles.

But at the end of the day I will be tired with memories that will last a lifetime. So go head get out there and make so memories, you know you wanna. Don’t forget your camera!

Trail transformation

Hiking, PCT

Well I can’t seem to shake this weather bubble. Hiking through Oregon, it is a beautiful place. But, there is always a but, it is chilly. Actually it rained/hailed on us the whole first week. It was so cold & wet one day I yelled (while crying, yes crying) at my hiking buddy “that’s it, I’m done & getting in my tent, you do what you want.” So we put up the tents and of course it stopped raining.

So it now it is sunny but the mornings are chilly, especially since we are hiking starting at 4am! Not my fav since I am not a morning person.

Most hikers at this point are pretty beat up but pushing to Canada. In central Oregon everyone seems to be resting up with some time off trail. We are lucky my friend Teri has picked us up and whisked us to her lovely home to rest! Much luv! I have the best friends!

With only 700 miles to go it’s hard to believe that this crazy journey will be ending soon. Everyday I am reminded how extremely lucky I am. So many amazing people I’ve shared time and experiences with. Breathtaking views that make the makes all the aches and pains worth it! Can’t walk to Canada without a little suffering. It’s making us stronger and different people! Who will I be when this is all over?

Oregon

Hiking, PCT

So if you haven’t heard….I finally made it to Oregon!!! Less than a thousand miles left to Canada, I can’t believe it. Getting there

So I left Etna, California hiking with a Turkish guy, trail name Goat. He is fun an a great hiker (he hikes 40 mile days for fun). He also has an injury. Honestly we are all pretty banged up at this point but, gotta get to Canada. Our plan was to hike slower/less miles and heal up. So on July 4th we hiked 14 miles, then 21, then 29! So much for that plan.

Oh well, we were just too excited about getting to Oregon. We are both feeling better though. I have slowed him down (he can’t help but go fast), and he is fattening me up (trying). I have enjoyed hiking with Goat, he is fast but really enjoys the experience; taking many beautiful pictures and breaks! On break he makes sure I eat. He has a stove makes bean burritos plus tea and coffee in the middle of the day! (yea, I’m rethinking this whole stoveless plan) So my last days in California were filled with new experiences, including cowboy camping (that’s no tent, just throwing down your sleeping pad/bag), hiking at 4am (yep, that happened), and 2 more bear sightings!

There was a good group of us headed to the Oregon border, we had plans to celebrate. We got rained on. So my first day in Oregon was a wet one. In Ashland now drying out stuff and trying to pickup packages, then back on the trail. The race to Canada is heating up and I am really excited to see Crater Lake!

Must eat…pie

Hiking, PCT

Hey y’all, I’m in Etna,Ca mile 1597! Looks like I’ll be here for a day or two to recuperate. We’ve really been pushing it through NorCal (I have no idea why). Averaging 27 mile days has put us ahead of the pack and me with hurting feet and underweight (again).

Goat, Samson & Iron Chef

load up…rolling out

Etna Hostel w/Snickers

So I am resting my feet. Not sure what to do about this eating thing. Hiker hunger where are you? I should be stuffing my face, but I just have no appetite. Maybe it’s partly the heat (it’s hotter than blazes with lots of climbing) so I am at a constant calorie deficit. I try to force myself to eat (ha never thought I’d be saying that) but it is hard to get in 3-4 thousand calories that way. Down to 138 lbs, yikes. But trail magic =Unexpected generosity from a non-hiker! I had some tasty blueberry pie yesterday thanks to Steady. Maybe I should just stuff my food bag with pie.

In other news I saw my 3rd bear, he turned and ran too. Probably never seen a stick figure strolling through the woods!

Tree, tree, tree, bear

Hiking, PCT

Made it to 1500 miles!!! NorCal is not my fav. Alot of hills, very hot and bizillon trees (or more I lost count). There is so much ridge walking. But the PCT is never boring, walking along yesterday I came across a bear! He looked at me ten turned and hightailed it down the hill. I hightailed it on up the trail, you know, in case he had friends.

I camped on top of a climb a day ago. Was treated to the most amazing sun setting just behind Mt Shasta, breathtaking!

NorCal heat

Hiking, PCT

Hey guys! I’m finally past the midpoint and….drum roll…..I did my first 30 mile day! Whiskers gave me a big ankle bandage that really helps with support. I’m still babying it and popping vitamin I every now and then. But moving!

The Midway point!

Midpoint 1325 miles to Canada!

Got so excited about being half way……I walked off and left my trekking poles. Luckily I remembered and jogged back for them! I’ve been hiking with Kelsey and we have been averaging 27 miles lately. It’s been pretty nice being at a lower elevation. Oh, and it is warm!!! Hot even. So nice not having to pack a frozen tent with frozen fingers!

For now we are playing escape California! Oregon is so close but yet so far, 280 miles away. I’ve also ran through my 2nd pair of shoes. I got 700 miles out of them but I guess 2 weeks in snow and water was a bit much.

shoes_preview