Las Vegas and thru hiking mix like bad vodka and maple syrup.

As I sit here in a stuffy smoke-filled hotel ballroom waiting to give tidbits of information to the Home Media and Entertainment not-so-massive masses, I read through the ramblings of this years PCT thru-hiking troupe. I've never been to Vegas, for several reasons. I hate the heat. I am uncomfortable with massive crowds. I don't gamble and I am comfortably and happily married and therefore not seeking the seduction of the phony-busted, lusty lures of the opposite sex. Frankly, I can't think of any reason to voluntarily travel to sin city except when under the influence and quest for success. . .luck whatever.

As of today, all parties have updated their journals and are making moderate to swift progress. Seven is already two-thirds of the way through the Sierras and camped outside of Mammoth Lakes at Lake Virginia. He is having a great time, his attitude towards the trail remains the same, positive, and his company is well fed and wandering swiftly north towards their end goal of Canada. Seven has covered over 800 miles and was last heard from taking a "zero" day in mammoth. He seems to be averaging nearly 20 miles per day. Those are very respectable miles considering this year's snow pack and the severe undulation this part of the trail forces hikers to endure. I have hiked this section of the PCT otherwise known as the JMT. Throughout the course of the 220 miles the JMT covers one will accumulate an elevation gain of 80,000 feet. There are sections of trail known as the "Golden Staircase", for good reason too. The trail is magnificently groomed and maintained.

Many sections of the trail were built by the CCC during and shortly after the depression. For example the trail work leading up to Forester Pass is a trail building marvel. The hand of man is very apparent but worthy of mention. Also, several bridge crossings including the one leading across several lake outlets are a testament to man's hard work. IMHO, Roosevelt created a brilliant economic stimulation package when he created the Civilian Conservation Corp under the New Deal. Sure beats cutting a bunch of folks a check to spend money we don't have as a nation.

Zelda and Tarzan are only a few days behind Seven and making decent time considering all the zero days they have taken. They seem to be struggling quite a bit as they traverse snow-covered trails, and navigate by previous footprint along the route leading into Vermilion Valley Resort(VVR) and beyond. They have descended upon VVR, eaten big, slept well and left to bag more miles. They were last heard from leaving Red's Meadow, where again they ate well, and slept in the company of dear trail friends.

While en route, Zelda and Tarzan have met some new people, LandShark and his companion. This leaves me wondering, how will relationships formed while hiking one of America's most popular scenic trails be maintained post hike? How will life be maintained for that matter? I can attest to mild depression upon re-entering civilization after my JMT thru-hike and that was merely a two week walk. How will our troupe fair upon re-entering reality, a reality that will need addressing several months from now?

Hardcore Hiker, Latecomer and Hank are bringing up the rear but steadily logging the miles. Latecomer, who sustained some ankle injury is on the mend and things are looking up for them. They broke one of their tent poles several days ago. The tent manufacturer shipped a replacement that was of the wrong model then subsequently missed them by a day with the back up shipment. Hardcore, had to have the post redirected "Bounced" ahead to a destination several days up trail from their current position with the hopes of hiking to the new it. Fortunately for them they hooked up with a fella carrying a large tent, ample amounts of room for the four of them plus Hank. Hank is fairing well, despite a torn pad. I wonder how the three of them are addressing the "no dogs allowed" rule enforced by the California National Park System? I'll have to ask and let you know. I would sure enjoy taking Riley Girl (my Vizsla) for a long walk. She'd love it.

Leaving Las Vegas will come as a long awaited exit. Tonight's festivities on the stip were pure Vegas and I can't wait to get outta here. The trail awaits, the more simple features to this life await. See ya out there.