African American thru hiker – Page 6

Blood Mtn 1 Me 0

Day one was great! Did the Approach Trail up the bizillon steps, 8 miles later I was at the start of the AT. The falls were beautiful. Camped at Hawk Mtn shelter with a fun group.

After a 17 mile first day I was set to do 22 to get to Neel Gap. Only one other guy was planning the same miles. Headed out feeling good, got over Sassafras Mtn still thought t I could make it. Unfortunately by the time I got to Woody Gap I realized I was behind and had a choice to make. See the last 5 miles into Neel Gap a bear canister is required (to camp). I don’t have one & there is a $300 fine if you get caught. So I would HAVE to push all the way over Blood Mtn, possibly night making it til 9pm.

Or hike only 4 miles, camp get the next morning. I really hated not making it and figured the other guy was well ahead of me. But then the guy walks up while I’m sulking. Oh he says glad to see ya, I was sure you were up ahead!

Turns out neither of us had it in us to make that push over Blood Mtn. Oh well we found a great camp spot and are resting up to tackle it tomorrow. On the AT it’s not the miles that get ya, it’s the mountains!

For my first trail magic today! A while bags of mini Snickers, Twix and rice krispy treats from a guy named Dr Pepper with the outdoors ministries! Also talked to some Army Rangers who were training. Later when I saw them at their base camp they flagged me down. One the guys says I got something for ya. He says it’s not alcohol (we had talked about doing shots earlier). He have me some fruity hand sanitizer! Didn’t make Neel Gap but it was a good day!

Thanks to everyone that helped me get to the trail! My sister for driving out from Mississippi and grabbing me at the airport. Thanks to my old friend JD for taking me out for a tasty lunch before dropping me at the transit center to catch the shuttle to the hostel.

Leave it to me as I find a way to be

Life, PCT

I’m finally finding the time to reflect on my journey. It’s weird, I spent so much time, after finishing the trail, traveling and running here there and everywhere. There has just not been time. Or maybe….

I was avoiding it. Some how there has been a part of me that has not really wanted address how much it effected and changed me. As it is I have changed so deeply at my core that I cry at the loss of who I was.

Some days I catch myself reacting as my old self would, that is frightening. It’s like trying to slide into an old skin. It’s not right it doesn’t fit, it’s uncomfortable yet familiar. It is imperative that I find a way to embrace this new me and move forward.

………..find a way…….
What has started all this ruminating? Well I been working put all my trail pics in a video you know with music and stuff. It’s taking a bit as my computer, well, sucks. The windows program is constantly crashing, so annoying. That and everyday it seems harder and harder to settle in the city. When did things become so overly complicated? Why am I here? Why is it so darn noisy?

Today I watched a film about the Appalachian Trail. So much hard stuff to deal with rain, mice, mosquito, mountains lots of them. Yet after the film I whipped out the calendar to see when I could start! Um, yea when did I become this person, did not see that coming. I have a feeling it’s gonna be a long winter and I need new hiking shoes.

Paperback Writer

Life, PCT

So it was my birthday this last week! Another spin around the sun and what can I say this last chapter in the life of me was a dozey! Really looking forward to the next one because I did not realize the last one was gonna play out the way it did. You just never know.

I didn’t really do much for my birthday, but I did get to go to Youtopia at the last minute. So glad that I did. It was amazing! Got to spend time with some very special people, get my dance on and a bunch of, well other things went on. It was beautiful. Connected with a guy from North Carolina hoping we can meet up when get out east! Even got to throw up my old Coleman tent, after that one person tent that Coleman was super roomy! Heck I could have had people over, if I was ever there. Think I slept all of 4 hours all weekend, good thing I don’t feel as old as I am.

Looking forward to my life settling down a bit but I am just not sure when that’s gonna happen. With work and so many people I need to catch up with. Feels like I am constantly running with hardly time for a short hike. That makes me sad and even more anxious. Pushing to get into my own space by November, that should help lower my current high anxiety. I just feel really discombobulated with things everywhere, the room, the car, storage. I need a solid landing pad so I can focus and stop stressing out. At least I’ve started eating better, so there’s that. One day at time, one thing at a time, just breathe……………………

By the way did you see this article:
It’s all about the journey. Hiking the PCT, solo.
This was pretty much the first interview I’ve ever done, or least remember (mind is the first to go). It came out pretty awesome, but that’s just me. Thanks Teresa!

Gear Breakdown

Hiking, PCT

When I did my preparation, I compared gear reviews from a bunch of blogs, journals and websites. It was my intention to forgo comfort for less weight. That sorta happened. They say you pack your fears and mine was cold. So I carried cold weather gear the whole trip weight be darned. So let’s get started.

Tent: Six moon – Scout

WP_20150519_002_preview — tent inside teepee, yes!!

Upside: Light weight
Downside: Honestly I wasn’t too happy with this choice. Anybody around when I put it up knows of my displeasure. Using trekking poles as tent poles is great til you break your poles in the middle of the woods. Plus staking it down was kinda a pain, especially setting up in the rain or snow.

Sleeping bag: Big Agnes Mirror 20 degree
Upside: Simply put, warm. Even when I cowboy camped and it got all wet, I was warm inside. When it was warm I just threw it over me, still great.

Backpack: ULA Circuit
train track_preview

Upside: Light weight, the fit was great, held more than enough stuff and really sturdy.
Downside: Could use like two more pockets. Also wish there was a way to put away and get poles without having to take off my pack. Like if I could whip them on the pack all ninja style would be cool. But maybe that’s asking too much.

Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Z/MSR. Talus Sure lock

Upside: The Black Diamond was great & light weight, til they broke. Not even sure how, it just snapped at the z part. First one then the other. But they lasted all but 2 weeks. The MSR were a tad bit heavier, but super sturdy. (thanks Dinsmore’s for the poles)

Downside: I really only use the poles when I want to really move or crossing water. Most of the time they are strapped to my pack. However, they were necessary for my tent.

Shoes: Brooks Cascadia 9/New Balance

Ok, so here is the shoe situation. August 2014 I got my Brooks to tryout, loved them. So I trained in them and started the PCT in them. So great comfy, light weight and no blisters. I was happy as a chipmunk, however they had plenty of miles from the jump. So by the time I went to order more (around the Sierras), too late. I could only find Brooks 10 in my size (not my fav). My bad. So I picked up some New Balance and shipped my lovingly used Brooks to Ashland. The NB did not work for me, my feet are flat and weird, but they got me to Ashland where I slipped back into my old Brooks. Now yes I should have gotten new shoes, but I tend to make do and I wanted to ride it out. So I slipped in some inserts and made it to Canada. I don’t recommend this. Ok enough about shoes.

Rain gear: Or lack the of =poncho

I did not have adequate rain gear. There I said it. A rain poncho works well….until it doesn’t. Lesson learned, invest in rain jacket and pack cover. Even though nothing in my pack got wet, except for when I spilled water in there.

Energizer Headlamp: It was inexpensive and worked like it was, but it worked. Basically it just wasn’t very bright.

Cold Weather Gear:

Walker pass_preview

Laundry Puffy jacket-not the lightest, but inexpensive and warm
Cool Max long sleeve top- loved it, kept me super warm!

Wool hat, fingerless gloves (camo insulated gloves for Sierras), leggings, cropped workout pants. Surprisingly this all kept me toasty enough.

Socks- I had a lot of socks, so weird, I lost some, bought some, was gifted some. I really liked the Thorlos and the Darn Tough the best though.

Well I think that is it. I really didn’t have that much stuff. Daily I wore my black skirt (found at a thrift store years ago and used to bike in, that skirt could tell some stories). Topped it off with a Columbia short sleeved shirt (loved it even more when I found the hidden pocket), dirty girl gaiters (all the kids are wearing um) sports bra and my Pat hat!

So time ton start working on my new gear list…….I’m gonna need some things!!!

Oh Canada

Hiking, PCT

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!!!

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!