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.
Las Vegas and thru hiking mix like bad vodka and maple syrup.
Progress on the PCT
As the warmer temps begin to land upon us here in our climate controlled headquarters, the PCTers are beginning to feel the effects of the increased heat, so is the dry brush. Currently there is a fire just north of Kennedy Meadows that has fire crews escorting hikers through burned out sections of trail.
The Heard as it's know is the mass of hikers currently making progress along the PCT. As the PCT season starts, a fare number of potential thru-hikers congregate at the southern-most terminus of the PCT. They all start around the same time and make relatively similar progress north toward Canada. This hiking body/mass is know as the heard and has recently descended upon Kennedy Meadows.
Thus far Seven, Patrick and Tarzan & Zelda have made it beyond Kennedy Meadows and through the fire section. Reports claimed the trial would be closed to thru-hikers. However, Tarzan and Zelda have journaled that the crew was very courteous and escorted them through the burn zone. They also mentioned that the fire was of very little consequence to the surrounding area. Tarzan & Zelda were last seen in Lone Pine driving around in the car of some fellow thru-hikers awaiting their return from a section just south of their current position. They intend on hooking up with them upon their arrival at Lone Pine and continuing on together. Our socialites are whooping it up in their borrowed car; they have driven around the area, picked up other thru-hikers as far north as independence and escorted them into Lone Pine for groceries and a clean shower. They are forming quite the network of friends along their hike. They are not setting any land speed records, but they may very well set the most zero days record in history while still managing to complete the thru-hike into Canada.
Keep up the steady progress and enjoy the John Muir Trail section. I have seen this stretch of trail first hand and can attest to the impending beauty you are poised to experience.
Hardcore hiker and her companions are suffering a rather slow start as Latecomer has sustained some sort of ankle injury. They are nursing it along as well as keeping blog silence. Apparently Hardcore hiker attracted some frisky stalker type "Trail Angle" That kept track of her while en route. By keeping from her blog she believes she may have been able to dodge this menace to the hiking society. Keep pulsing along guys and Hank, you keep tabs on your company and sound your alarm if something should appear out of the norm.
As for Seven and company they post less often than most but make good progress. It is my feeling that Seven and Patrick are hiking together and are currently well north of Kennedy Meadows. Hopefully they will post an entry as soon as the reach Toulumne Meadows.
Thru-Hikers on the PCT, a Vicarious Journey Thru the Journal Enties of Four
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a national scenic trail hiked by droves of individuals looking to re-establish their personal goals, renew life's desires, get over a failed relationship, seek new employment/meaning for their lives or reconnect with loved ones.
This time every year "thru-hikers" set out on their journey, most of them north to south, with the goal of completing a thru hike of the entire PCT by October. Many set out but few will see the trail's terminus in Canada. The community of hikers on the PCT has no comparison. Of the three major long distance trails in the US, the PCT creates a unique atmosphere among it's hikers. Due in part to the vastness of the wilderness that makes up many of the miles on the PCT, hikers, both solo and partnered, will hook up and form bands of trail troups. Among these troups are a select group of people with names like Seven, Tarzan, Montana, Zelda and Hardcore Hiker. Often times the names are chosen by one other than that to which the name belongs. The name comes about through experience and time spent with one another. Other times the name is self-assigned. Whatever the case, the PCT allows the men and women to take on new persona and live out their dreams, past present and future.
Along the way relationships are formed as are they broken and all of these experiences can be found and shared alike through the network of journals at TrailJournals.com.
Every year I keep tabs on the PCT community and currently I am tracking the progress of four hikers set on hiking the 2600 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. The four journals that I am following this year make up a vast diversity and exemplify the true spirit of the trail and its community.
Seven, aka Sean Gordon: a solo hiker set out on April 15th with the goal of completing his hike mid-September. From all accounts, he seems very strong and has the right mindset. He is approaching his hike with a mild starting pace and seems to be enjoying life on the trail. As stated previously, few attain their goal of completing the trail. Why? I think it's several things, most common is that the destination becomes the goal rather than the journey. With that said, Seven seems to be enjoying the journey. His journal entries are few and far between. But when he does post, they are concise, informative and positive.
Montana, aka Jason Wilcox: a solo hiker from Montana set out on his hike April 23rd with the goal of reaching Canada as phase 1 of his journey. The next several phases of his trip gaols take him to Olympic National Park, a bicycle leg from Anacortes Washington to Glacier National Park and finally a hike through the Montana section of the CDT and back home to Bozeman, MT. These are lofty goals but nothing that can not be accomplished with a little determination and a solid desire to experience grand vistas, soaring heights, and devastating lows. His journal entries are frequent and very detailed. He loves gear and would rather experience much of his journey aside from the community of hikers.
Tarzan & Zelda, aka Dave and Cindy: a married couple who set out on their hike April 10th. They have a passion for hiking, ignited by an experience leading a boy scout troup into the wilderness. They are socialites who seem to love the moment. They are making good time (400+ miles thus far) and are taking their journey one step at at a time. The have met several other hikers along the way and have continued to hike as a group. The even connected with Montana along the way. They have had to take a short hiatus from the trail as Zelda injured her back. They are back on their feet and on their way north. They updated their journal frequently and keep good notes. I think they will make it if they keep up the steady and solid miles.
Hardcore Hiker, aka Arianna McKeown: is hiking with her boyfriend "Latecomer" and dog "Damscus Hank." From all accounts she is an experience hiker as is Latecomer. They seem to have their act together and are steady hikers with realistic goals. I fully expect them to complete their trip, if Hank can endure the heat and long miles that is. Their journal is updated very infrequently but is well noted when they do post.
So begins the thru-hike season and my vicarious blogging about their experiences en-route to their final destination. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds. Who will make it, how will their relationships fair, come fall, what will their outcomes be? I will keep you informed as the events transpire.
Thru Hikers have started their journey north
So starts the Thru-Hiker season.
I am currently following two journals. One journal is that of an individual that goes by the name of "seven" (not sure the meaning here.) Anyway, he is over three weeks into his journey. It seems he is going about it nice and easy. The right approach in my opinion. He is eating a lot and enjoying himself thus far. Will he make it to Canada. Will he burn out? Will he meet up with others for company? Will the solitude get the best of him?
This is my second year tracking hikers on TrailJournals.com. So far I have not tracked a successful thru-hiker, everyone has quite prior to meeting his or her goal of the northern most terminus.
My hope is that he makes the entire journey north. I hope to learn more about this fella, "seven" throughout the course of his journey.
Stay tuned.