Dave's Walkabout 2020

Even with some Motrin on board I didn’t sleep well last night.  Between the left knee throbbing, and the toes on my right foot hurting, along with a bear rumiging through camp it was a restless night.   I heard Meander pack up camp, and leave at 5:30 am.  I tried to sleep in some more, and got up at about 7:00 am.  Knowing it was 10 miles to Hearts Pass parking area and almost all up hill,  and worried that Meander would have to wait for me, I just had a cliff bar, and some coffee for breakfast, did my morning routine, packed-up and hit the trail.  Another beautiful day, with temps higher than they had been.   I caught a quick pic of this little guy scurrying across the trail! Thankful that it was uphill most of the way, and my injured left leg could do some of the heavy lifting, I caught up with Meander at about the 8 mile mark.  We took a water and smack break, and then he told me what his car looked like, and said he would catch up with me ther...

Said goodby to my Mountain Goat friend.  I felt kind of bad, because he seemed really lonely out there, but I had miles to cover, so I finished my MH Granola with Blueberries packed up, and started my trek back toward Hearts Pass.   It was another beautiful day, and I was looking forward to getting back to a more manageable trail.   And then!!!   While scrambling across one of the rock slide areas I had successfully passed on the way in, my footing slipped, and I twisted my knee, and then slammed it down hard on a large rock.  It was a LONG way down, so the alternative would have been much worse.   I immediately knew it wasn’t good, because it was that kind of pain that makes you immediately a little nauseous!   In that instant I thought about the fact that it had now been more than two days  since I had seen anyone, except my Mountain Goat Buddy, and how fortunate I was to have my Garmin InReach Satalite Comunicator with the SOS Rescue button on ...

Waited for the morning frost to burn off, before leaving my warm tent and sleeping quilt.  This time of year as soon as the sun hits, it warms up fast!   Had the Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy for breakfast, with a couple cups of coffee!  Delicious!!! Packed-up, and filled up all my water storage before leaving this beautiful spot.  Now with just under 12 miles to the Canadian Border I was happy with my progress so far.  As I got higher in elevation  there were still a lot of snow patches covering the trail in some areas, yet it was about 80 degrees! It had been since mid day yesterday since I had seen anyone on the trail, and I wouldn’t see a sole all day today!  It was nice, but it made me wonder, and for good reason!!! It was beautiful!!!  But as I got closer to Canada the trail got much tougher, with downed trees, rock slides, washouts, and trail overgrowth where you could barely see your footing.   Yup...  that’s the trail!!! It ...

Up early for the 18 mile drive from the Mazama Ranch House to Hearts Pass WA. Most of the way was dirt!!! That’s why 18 miles takes 45 minutes! Sondra kicks me out with a kiss at Hearts Pass, and drives off for Spokane and her flight home.   The journey officially begins, but does it?  Remember...  31 miles to the Canadian border and the OFFICIAL start of the PCT! The weather is perfect!  Cool mornings and afternoons in the high 70’s to low 80’s! The wildflowers are in full bloom, it’s like a picture! The views are breathtaking!!! Not many people on the trail, but the three “local day hikers” I did see, warned me that due to the COVID the crews haven’t been doing any trail maintenance this year, and there are many rock slides, washouts, and downed trees blocking the trail.  I wondered if my 17+ mile per day goal for this first week could be in jeopardy, but I moved on. They were right!!!  Numerous downed trees blocking the trail, that you had to go over, un...

Phoenix - Seattle - Spokane - Mazama WA Tomorrow morning a short 18 mile drive to Hearts Pass, and the PCT!

Low Maintenance is KEY!

After watching my last post about packing my backpack, my good Friends Art and Martha didn't think my pack was heavy enough to be challenging on the PCT, so they brought me a little trail gift to add to my pack!   Thanks BUDDY! I will be adding ONE of these to my pack!  Guess which one!

Many backpackers will say Ultralight Backpacking is the ONLY way to go, and others will say Heavyweight Backpacking is the ONLY way to go, but I say... "this is still AMERICA (last time I checked anyway), so bring what you like, and more importantly, what makes you comfortable".  If you want to bring a cast iron skillet because that makes you happy, then bring a cast iron skillet!   In the following videos I give a brief description of each item in my backpack, and explain MY packing philosophy.   Sorry...  I had to break the video into two parts Part 1 Part 2 Countdown to trail...  10 Days!!!

Granddaughters Penny (Left) and Abby (Right) proud of their work helping me pack the 16 re-supply boxes that will be shipped to predetermined locations along the PCT for pick-up as the trail weaves in and out of small mountain towns along the route. Only the first couple boxes are sealed, because they will need to be shipped prior to leaving for the trail.  All the rest are left open to be sealed just prior to shipping.  In that way, as I settle in to daily life on the PCT things can be added or removed as needed. So far everything is on schedule, and I'm now on the two week countdown!  Trail date July 25th!!!

During the video when I am showing you my breakfast options, take notice of the special note that my granddaughters left me on the baggie of eggs.  My granddaughters helped me repackage my dehydrated food!!!

If you would like to see where I am along the PCT in real time I am providing the link to my Garmin Map-Share Page below.   The In-Reach Mini is a Satellite Communicator that allows me to remain in touch with family and friends even when I am without cell service.   It is small, and very light weight, and even has an SOS button on it to summon help along the trail anywhere!  Very cool device that connects to my iPhone through bluetooth, and works through the Garmin Earthmate App to give you real time navigation on the pre-loaded Topo & USGS Quad Sheets.   The In-Reach Mini "drops a breadcrumb" along my course every 10 minutes, and by logging in to the Garmin Map-Share Page you will be able to see on a map exactly where I am, and the path that I took during my journey!!! The Map-Share Web Address is; https://share.garmin.com/AZHiker You will need my pass code (below) to connect with my map; 8500Hiker Launch date is approaching...  I hit the tra...

Last week I finalized the itinerary and confirmed 16 restock locations along the trail.  Most of the restock locations that I chose are less than a mile from the PCT with the exception of one.  My first restock stop is the little town of Stehekin, WA, which will be 10 miles from the PCT, but there is a bus that runs to and from, so not too bad! With the restock locations confirmed I printed shipping labels for each of the 16 places along the PCT that are kind enough to receive and hold packages for PCT hikers.  Most of the resupply boxes will carry seven days of supplies, with only a couple of six or eight day exceptions.  It's tough to fit more than seven days of food in your Bear Canister which is required for most of the trail.  Below...  Our Granddaughters Abby and Penny helping me break down the Mountain House #10 Cans into double serving zip-lock bags.  Lets face it...  one serving of 300 calories for breakfast, and one serving for dinner j...

Then the packing begins for weekly re-supply boxes that will be shipped to pick-up points along the trail.