An update to the journey currently underfoot by the four journalers (Seven, Zelda & Tarzan, Montana and Hardcore Hiker, Latecomer & Hank) en-route to the northern terminus of the PCT.
A lot has changed since Saturday, May 24 when last I posted. The weather has been terrible by desert standards. Cold winds, and rain have swept the hikers by storm. As a result Montana has made some modifications to his trip itinerary and skipped the High Sierras and the remaining balance of the PCT. He has traded in his hiking shoes for a pair of cycling shoes and a chamois to boot. Currently he is en route back home to Bozeman MT. for two weeks of training and preparation for a trip across America via the Transamerican Cycling Route. I will keep tabs on his journey if I can keep up with him. He has stated that he plans to keep notes along the way, when and how frequently depends on his route (TBA).
On the trail Seven has reported from Tehachapi and is looking forward to reaching Kennedy Meadows in Sanora CA. The weather outlook for the next couple of days is turning up for the troupe as they meander north through their final leg of the Mojave.
Tarzan & Zelda, the socialites of the troupe are making great progress and have met up with a host of thru-hikers as they all scramble to get out of the driving sleet and rain. Last I heard from Zelda and Tarzan they were taking the old PCT route out of Lake Huges and had cut off several miles in the process.
There is this unwritten code that follows the footsteps of the thru-hiker. Do you stay true to the PCT and its route along the National Scenic trail or do you deviate from the plan to avoid the boredom of the desert, or backtracking several miles to re-enter where one left off the night before, prior to heading into town for supplies and rest? It is a question ALL thru-hikers will ponder before making the decision. Once at the terminus, the would be thru-hiker must deal with the fact that they missed some 'miles' or claim the made the entire journey mile after mile without leaving the course. Don't be too quick to judge, only the hiker living in the moment can make this decision.
I have not heard news from Hardcore Hiker or her companions, Latecomer and Hank since they left Agua Dulche. As soon as I receive an update as to their location I will update the the news.
In closing, I have added an individual thru-hiker to the list. His name is Patrick Beggan (no trail name I am aware of). He posts to Flickr with great insight and awe inspiring images taken from his iPhone. As stated in my previous entry, the PCT is a long-distance footpath like none other. At it's core are a band of thru hikers interconnected through a system of news and information that travels up and down the trail day after day. For example, if a storm is hitting north on the trail several days away, hikers south of it have already heard the news as information is passed down along the route.
Another phenomenon that takes place are the relationships formed along the way. Case-in-point, Patrick Beggan, a thru hiker I discovered while perusing the flickr scene left for his journey north sometime in April. While reading through his flickr posts I discovered that he was also hiking with Seven. I am not sure if they started together, nevertheless one realizes the scope of the trail and the minuscule world in which our hikers live.
Northward under the cover of clouds and uncanny desert weather conditions.
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.