Dehydrated Lasagne on the Trail

What to eat on the trail? How many of us have asked that question before heading out on a multi-day trip or even a thru-hike. I hiked the Appalachian Trail on Ramen, Mac N' Cheese, Oatmeal, and Snickers bars. Yeah, it got old. By the time I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2003, I started adding dehydrated vegetables to my meals, giving them a bit more nutritional content and a more complex texture. When I hiked the Continental Divide Trial in 2009, I pretty much got things dialed in, eating a dehydrated meal two out of every three nights. One of the best meals I had on trail was homemade lasagna.

Lasagna goes in there!

Dehydrated Lasagna

Here's how I did it. Cook any lasagne recipe that you have (sometimes the boxes have a recipe on the side), and after it is finished, let it cool it down. Might as well have a slice to eat while it is warm - nothing like a freshly made lasagna. Anyway, put it in the refrigerator, and let the entire lasagna congeal. Slice it in 3/4 - 1" slices after it is cold, and then put it in a food dehydrator. The dehydration process will take about 18-20 hours, which is longer than other dehydrating other foods like refried beans or even bananas.

Now comes time to package your lasagna. I have one of those Seal-A-Meal devices, which I bought at an Albertson's in San Francisco. It works, but they are noisy, and foods that get jaggedy and sharp can puncture the plastic wrap. Yes, when dehydrating lasagne, it is important to package it carefully, so that the dried pasta does not puncture the seal. I've found that it is sometimes best to wrap the lasagne in a layer of regular Saran Wrap to soften the jagged edges from puncturing the seal-a-meal packaging. My friend, Stormy, told me that she and her partner ran their dehydrated meals through a food processor and blender to prevent punctures in their seal-a-meal wrappings. She ate what she described as "power mush,' saying that they had all the flavor, but the consistency of mush.

On trail, it is a good idea to pull out the lasagne at the beginning of the day, and add just a slight amount of water. Allow the lasagne to absorb the water, and kind of let it stew on the outside of your pack all day. Be sure the lasagna is not going to leak out its water, and furthermore be careful with how it is situated in your pack - trust me, you don't want lasagna water running all over your pack!


When it is time to cook, add more water, but not a lot more. I know that's vague, but I don't bring measuring cups with me in the backcountry. Still, rehydrating your lasagna is just going to best left to your own judgment. I personally don't like to eat my lasagna as a stew, so I carefully monitor how much water I put in my cook pot. Only a little bit of fuel (good reason why it is ultralight!) should be used to heat up the lasagna. Stir briskly in the pot, so it does not burn the bottom of your pot, add a bit more water if needed, and enjoy!

Cooking Lasagna

The lasagna will not have the exact same consistency as if you pulled it out of the oven, but it's close. Just a reminder, it's freaking lasagne on the trail! Enjoy it while everyone else eats their Knorr with tuna or an over-priced Mountain House meal in a heavy-duty plastic packaging. Treat yourself well out there. Eat right, and happy hiking!

Happy Hiker Eating Lasagna

First Post In Nearly 7-Years

Ker-splash! Yesterday, I made a splash back into the world of blogging with my post about pooping in the woods. I've been gone from this blog for a while. Try 7-years! Not that I have been totally away from doing this blogging thing, since I made a few posts on my other blog hikethecdt.blogspot.com back in 2016.  Still, there's this blog, and I started it back in 2007 when blogging about long distance hiking and thru-hiking was becoming a thing, so I'd like to think I was part of a hiker digital revolution back in the day.

Climbing Baden-Powell in 2003 on the Pacific Crest Trail

I started this blog when I was getting a certification in Integrated Marketing from San Francisco State University. I took a social media class, and part of the exercise was to create a blog about something I was passionate about. Of course, I chose long distance hiking and the name Distance Backpacker, because I had to come up with a unique name on the spot (I think thruhiker.blogspot.com was taken at the time, and if you click the the link, it's still there with no meaningful content. Who the hell is sitting on that?!). Anyway, this blog was created for a class project, and I ran with it for 5-years posting content on a semi-regular basis.

My content at the time was sometimes pretty random. I'd post something about a gear idea, or I'd write about a fire closure, or a hiking trip I took with my niece in Colorado. As I look back on my posts, I think it's good to post trip reports, and gear ideas, but I don't think it's necessary to make posts about trail closures and fires. Organizations like the PCTA and the Appalachian Trail conservancy got that pretty well handled.

I am going to blog more about my expertise, knowledge, and experience in long distance hiking. I've been doing it for 20-years now, and you know, I've got some wisdom to share with the world. Dare I say that I am an authority on the subject? Hell yeah! Granted, I am kind of an old fossil when it comes to all the latest gear companies, apps, and innovations, but I am pretty much still in the know on what is cool, and what people are using these days.

Whitney "Allgood" LaRuffa would be a good interview!

Still, I don't think this blog should be concerned so much on gear and innovations as it should be about the people who are involved in the hiking culture, long distance hiking wisdom, and long trails. I've had some ideas swimming in my head, and I plan to do a few interviews (like I've done before with Uncle Johnny (RIP) and Billygoat), continue with trip reports from sections I am re-hiking on the Triple Crown and other trails, and share the knowledge, thoughts, and ideas swimming in my head.

I will re-commit here on the blog, and see where it goes. I am not sure how much traffic this blog will get, but as they say, "content is king on the internet," and I am sure that people are still reading and not just looking at the pictures only. It's good to be back, and dammit, I have something to say!

Pacific Crest Trail Section D: Day 3

Day 3 Camp North of Vincent Gap to Cajon Pass - 33-miles

View of Baden-Powell from PCT Marker

I left my tent in the middle of the night.  Wind gusts slapped the fabric of my Gossamer Gear One tent throughout the night, so I moved to one of the benches, and slept soundly until rain drops fell on my nose and cheek.  I jumped out of my sleeping bag immediately, and started moving my gear under a nearby tree. The rain died after I moved my last items under the tree. I slammed my breakfast, packed up, and descended toward Highway 2 at Vincent Gap.

From Vincent Gap, the trail ascended 800-feet to Blue Ridge, where the trail leveled out, providing occasional sweeping views east toward the Mojave Desert. Patches of snow occasionally covered the trail, but posed little difficulty for hiking.

At Grassy Hollow Visitor's Center, I refilled my water bottles, and took a moment to capture a picture of me standing next to a PCT sign with posted mileages to Mexico and Canada.  I remember this sign from my 2003 hike, and it seems like I see this picture every year in photo presentations at the Kickoff.

Climbing out of Grassy Hollow, my sights were set to the west, where I could see Mt. Baldy, and beyond it, a band of rain moving toward me.  Great... rain... Before I left on this trip, I heard that a storm was moving in, but I did not know that it was moving in this early! Rain began to spit on me, and then turned into a steady shower. I donned my rain jacket.  I kept hiking to the next intersection with Highway 2, where I took cover under an informational kiosk. Was this the monumental storm I heard about moving in early?  Should I hitch to Wrightwood, and get off the trail early?  If I do that, when am I ever going to get back to this point to hike from here to Cajon Pass? I donned my rain jacket, and decided to push on.

"Famous Sign"

After crossing Highway 2, I ascended toward Mountain High West ski resort.  The steady rain that had fallen earlier stopped completely, and skies started to clear up. I pulled the rain jacket off during a surprisingly 'brutal' climb (by PCT standards) up what appeared to be an old jeep road, which may be a remnant of development from the ski resort.

I came to a large, open, fenced-in, plastic-lined, man made water tank.  By wilderness standards, this is thing was out of place, but by skiing standards, it is essential for making snow at the resort. Regardless, it is ugly.

I stopped for a short break, and absorbed the scenery to the west. Again, I looked back at Baden-Powell, and it's daunting, dramatic, west-facing slope. The weather was now downright sunny and warm. What a perfect moment!

A view of Mount Baldy from Blue Ridge

The trail followed the ridge, darting in and out of forest, crossing and paralleling forest service roads, and passing campgrounds, namely Guffy Campground. Guffy is significant place, since it has the first, reliable water source for northbound PCT thru-hikers 22.5-miles after Cajon Pass.  Likewise, this was a critical water stop for me, and I missed it. Yep, I blew right through the campground, because I just was not paying attention. Stupid me.  I had about a liter and a half of water when I passed through, and after I realized my mistake, I figured on rationing the rest of the way to Cajon Pass.

I passed the Acorn Trail (a steep descent that leads to the hiker-friendly town of Wrightwood), and after another mile, the Baldy Trail.  If I were not pressed for time on this hike, I would have taken the 4-mile side route to the top of Mt. Baldy, a 10,063-foot peak in the middle of the Sheep Wilderness - that trip will come another day.  From this point (8,328-feet), the PCT begins a very long, gradual descent all the way down to Cajon Pass (2,995-feet). Passing through ponderosa pine forests, the PCT offers occasional, yet exceptional views of Mt. Baldy to the southwest, the San Andreas Fault and Cajon Pass to the east, and Mount San Gorgonio and Mount San Jacinto to the South.

A View of the San Andreas Fault

I followed the trail along Blue Ridge down to the Upper Lytle Creek Divide, a fast, yet sun-exposed hike through the south end of the San Gabriel Mountains. Clear views of the San Andreas Fault Zone, which Lone Pine Canyon Road follows, caught my interest and fueled my geological imagination. What did this area look like thousands of years ago? What's the greatest shift along this fault line? What would happen on the trail here if a large quake happened right here, right now? Would I be dodging boulders? At least I had these thoughts to distract me from thinking about how parched I was, since I had a half of liter of water left for another 11-miles of trail, and the sun continued to beat down on me.

I met a few thru-hikers going the opposite direction. They asked about the climb up this dry stretch of trail, wondering how much further it was to Guffy Campground.  I could only guesstimate the mileage, and offer some hope by telling them that the climb is steady, but not steep. What a tough stretch for a northbounder! I asked about Bike Spring just below, and was told, "Don't bother."

Looking North at Swarthout Canyon 

Getting closer to Swarthout Canyon Road, the trail twists, meanders, and turns, which seems to add unnecessary mileage, but this terrain, covered with thick chaparral and cut by countless dry gullies, dictates a winding path.  At the road, I looked north through the San Andreas Fault Zone, and was amazed by the two ridges (Upper Lytle Creek Divide and Circle Mountain Ridge) which lined this alluvial channel in the desert. The sun was starting to set by this time - the scenery looked heavenly.

The trail hugged the west side of Ralston Peak, which I had been observing from Upper Lytle Creek Divide for the last 3-hours. I stopped for another break, and drank the last few swallows of my water, and ate some dehydrated mangos. For the fist time, I noticed a tick embedded in my leg, and as much as I hate ticks being attached to me, I thought it was better to deal with it later. I had more hiking to do, the sun was getting lower, and high winds and clouds began to move into the San Gabriels - a storm was coming.

I entered the oddly, but beautifully-shaped, Mormon Rocks section of this hike, where the trail undulates over nubs, along short ridges, and down into chasms. Small caves, and wind-shaped depressions in the rock tempted me to stop, explore and play, but I was too focused on getting water at Cajon Pass that I blew these features off.

The Pacific Crest Trail at Mormon Rocks

Civilization grew closer, as I crossed railroad tracks, walked past dilapidated homes, and the hum of Interstate 15 became louder.  I crossed a creek, but chose to continue on, knowing that the water at McDonald's needed no treatment. I crossed under I-15, and arrived at the PCT trailhead at Cajon Pass. I was finished with this long day (32-miles), and celebrated with a burger, fries, and cold, delicious water!

Pacific Crest Trail Section D: Day 2

Day 2 Winston Spring to Camp North of Vincent Gap - 25-miles

Burkhart Trail Alternate Route

After studying my maps, courtesy of Halfmile, I realized that hiking was going to involve a road walk for several miles along Highway 2. Great... The PCT is closed from Eagle's Roost to the Burkhart Trail through the lush Copper Canyon.  However, the closure is there for good reason. The nearly extinct Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog once thrived in this area, and in order to protect its breeding grounds, hikers are prohibited from traipsing through this area.

What I did not realize is that there is a better alternate route that I took on this trip. I had Half-Mile's maps from last year, which told me to take the road walk. Now there is an longer, more circuitous alternate that travels through Devil's Punchbowl County Park (which I have heard is quite scenic!) that is the official PCTA detour. Oh well...

Panoramic View From Saddle Below Mt. Williamson

From Cloudburst Summit I descended the PCT to Copper Canyon. I remember this stretch well from my 2003 thru-hike, as it traveled through dense, lush forest, and provided plenty of water for the parched hiker. I ascended the Burkhart Trail up to Buckhorn Camp, and then took a cross country route up to Highway 2. For the next 4-miles, I walked a sun-drenched highway, passing by an old, dilapidated ski resort, and the occasional off-road picnic area. There was little traffic on the road this early in the season, so the miles were not so sketchy, just hot!

Little Jimmy Spring - a critical (and great!) water source!

At Eagle's Roost, I rejoined the PCT near a large, white highway maintenance building, and climbed up a few hundred feet, and after a short mile, dropped again back to Angeles Crest Highway.  I really hate how the PCT runs in the shadow or hovers over this highway. Motorbikes and discarded trash on and around this high really detracts from any wilderness feel one might get in the San Gabriels.

The PCT then climbs steadily towards the top of Mount Williamson. Actually, the trail skirts just below the summit, but one can take a short side trail to a rewarding panoramic view.  I took a break on the saddle just below the summit, and noticed on my maps that the trail dived right back down to the highway... yep, this is one of those PCT PUDS (pointless ups and downs), established perhaps because the trail is displaced by the highway.  I enjoyed some homemade jerky, fruit leather, and GORP, removed my shoes and socks, and took in the pleasant view.

Summit of Mt. Baden-Powell

The descent to the highway was quick, painless, and quite pleasant.  Going down, I could see how the trail climbed straight back up the mountainside on the other side of the road. More climbing. I had a half liter of water for the next two miles, and was parched on this warm day full of ascents, and I looked forward to refilling at Little Jimmy Spring.  Luckily, the trail ducked under the cooler cover of trees about half mile south of the highway, and then started running into occasional patches of snow covering the trail.  I munched on snow.

I passed through a snow-blanketed Little Jimmy Campground, and after another .2-mile, arrived at Little Jimmy Spring.  I chugged a liter right on the spot, and filled up another two liters for the 8-mile stretch to Lamel Springs.

Ancient Limber Pine

Higher up, the snow patches gave way to snow fields, and often I lost sight of the trail.  I soon figured that it was best to just hike cross-country off the snow, especially along the ridges.  Sometimes I followed other foot prints off trail, and other times I was blazing my own path.  I asked myself, "Why did the trail builders put the PCT on the snow-prone north side of the ridge, and not on the south side?" It seemed like the trail could easily be on the other side of the ridge... oh well.

At 6:41 pm I arrived at the summit of Mount Baden-Powell, named for Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder and Chief Scout of the Scout Movement.  This peak is a pilgrimage for many scouts hiking the Silver Moccasin Trail, and a sturdy monument dedicated to Baden-Powell stands just slightly off the summit.

More interesting than the monument are the ancient limber pines that grow just below the summit of the peak. These stout, drought tolerant, wind-loving trees stand like arthritic, gnarled guardians, with centuries-old battle scars. Many of them have old exposed root systems, which have endured the steady erosion of the soil. They are beautiful trees, and one of them is estimated to be 1,500-years old!

Alpenglow in San Gabriels

With the sun setting, I began my scramble down the snowy north face of this mountain.  Apparently snow fell on this mountain a few weeks back, and there was no trace of the PCT going down... none.  The only thing I had to go on were steps in the snow, which I followed, despite the waning daylight.  The snow was mushy, and a couple times, I postholed mid-thigh, especially early on.  Later, I found switchbacks, which I followed closely, since I was looking for the side trail to Lamel Springs.

When I gathered water at Lamel Springs, I could barely see the side path leading me back to the PCT.  Snow was still prevalent along the trail, and I did not feel like crossing the patches in the dark.  I hoped to find a flat spot soon.  About a mile south of Lamel Springs, I came to a small flat rest spot with two benches, just off the crook of a switchback.  In spite of wind gusts, I set up my tent, cooked supper, and rested my weary feet.  I had just hiked 25+ miles for the day, which included climbs up Mt. Williamson and Baden-Powell.  Rest was justified!

Pacific Crest Trail Section D: Day 1

Introduction

View North Toward Mill Creek Summit

When I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2003, I blazed through sections of which I have little recollection. Since that time, I have been revisiting the PCT, and hiking sections to rekindle my love affair with this trail, relive memories of 2003, and get a better in-depth experience of a section. Recently, I hiked a 77-mile (or 75?) section of trail from Mill Creek Summit to Cajon Pass.

I had hoped to hike this section last year when I did sections F and E, but it was closed. In 2009, the Station Fire, one of largest wildfires in California history, scorched large portions of San Gabriel Mountains in the Angeles National Forest, and forced all 2010 thru-hikers to walk roads from the Wrightwood to Agua Dulce - that must have sucked.

The highlight of this section is without a doubt, the climb up Mt. Baden-Powell, whose snow-covered north slopes can pose a formidable challenge to the early season hiker - I will mention more about that later!  This section also presents the opportunity to take a side route and climb Mount San Antonio (Mt. Baldy), the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Day 1 Mill Creek Summit to Winston Spring - 19-Miles

Mill Creek Summit is near the epicenter of the fire, and it's shaded picnic area was completely destroyed. A new new restroom facility stands naked at this exposed road crossing, surrounded by barren slopes, denuded from the fire. This was my starting point.

Wildflowers Emerge From Station Fire Burn

The PCT climbs gently but steadily along slopes, which used to be filled with manzanita, chamise, and Our Lord's Candle (Mojave Yucca).  Now Poodle Dog Bush, which can cause skin irritations for many brushing against it, grows abundantly along the trail, protecting the soil from erosion.  Occasionally, the trail darts under the cover of pines, whose dark, charred remains provide little escape from the high sun.

After climbing toward the top of Pacifico Mountain, the fire damage becomes less noticeable. Sweeping views to the east reveal the expanse of the Mojave Desert, and to the north, the fire damage along the slopes of Mount Gleason.

Descending Pacifico Mountain, I returned to the chaparral that I was familiar with from my 2003 thru-hike. Near Sulphur Springs campground, I refilled my water bottles with water I had to take a chance on. Unfortunately, the part B bottle of my Aqua-Mira sprung a leak, leaving me without water purification. Yep, I'd be dipping and sipping the rest of this hike!

Sunset in San Gabriels

The trail meandered to my first crossing of the Angeles Crest Highway at Three Points. For many northbound hikers, Three Points represents the last of many crossings over this scenic highway.  From Three Points, the Pacific Crest Trail parallels the highway, which is occasionally hidden by a hillside or below an escarpment.  I found the highway to be a nuisance because of the occasional engine noise from cars and the proliferation of garbage, which seems to drift toward the edge of the trail. I wish the trail would take a different route away from the highway. Ugh.

From Three Points, the PCT joins up with the Silver Moccasin National Recreation Trail, a 53-mile long hike that is popular among boy scouts seeking their Silver Moccasin Trail badge.  I hiked about a mile beyond Three Points to a small rill, where I retrieved water, and cooked a macaroni and cheese meal.  Continuing on, I passed Camp Glenwood, a rustic looking camp, equipped with a couple pit toilets, and made camp about a mile north of Cloudburst Summit. I found a nice flat spot, and conveniently tied my food up on a single, low transmission line hovering over my campsite.  I laid down, and let the sound of a gentle flow of water through Cloudburst Canyon lull me to sleep.

Condor's PCT Adventure in 3-Minutes

One of the videos featured at Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kickoff's Video Shorts Festival was "Condor's PCT Adventure in 3-Minutes."  I've seen SunWalker's facial transformation video, which is awesome, but Condor's video definitely takes the cake. He won the "Best Spirit of the PCT" category for this video, so check it out:



Condor (Kolby Kirk) also runs a website called thehikeguy.com, which is loaded with information about his hikes, and includes hiker outings out of the Bend, Oregon area.  Condor also has a few clips from his journals, which are amazing pieces of art work. Seriously, the time, detail, and effort he puts into his colorful, textured journals tell a multifaceted story, which cannot be captured online. I got to travel back to Oregon with him, and he showed me his journal for his upcoming Sierra Trek Hike.  I was utterly amazed at what he had already written, painted, and "stickered"into his journal before the big hike. Very cool.

Original Pacific Crest Trail System Signs

I hit the motherlode today.  In the midst of traveling back from Washington state, when I met a hiker, named Will, who did the Pacific Crest Trail back in 1998.  We had a conversation over breakfast, and he invited me to come back to his place, as I had a couple hours to kill before my bus arrived.

When we arrived at Will's place, he said that he had something for me, and he pulled down a light blue shoebox, and on the front of it were the words "PCT Signs" scribbled with a black Sharpie. He pulled out a diagonal sign, with an evergreen tree in the middle, and the words, "Pacific Crest Trail System" bordering the diamond shape. I recognized the sign as I've seen a few old rusty ones like it engulfed by bark on trees.  The sign was wrapped in wax paper, and looked authentic, but I assumed that it was a replica.

I was grateful for the gift, and I asked how he got these replicas. "They're original," he said.

Amazed, I asked "What?"

"Yeah," he responded, "when I was in the Forest Service, I found these in a dumpster. A forest service employee had simply discarded them, and I rescued them."

I couldn't believe it, as he had a lot of these signs.

Apparently, Will releases one sign a year on eBay, and he said that they usually sell for about $60-100.  He said that he'd rather not sell them all at once, so he doesn't flood the market.

With Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kickoff (ADZPCTKO) coming up on April 26-29, I made the bold move, and asked him if he might consider donating a few to the Silent Auction.

"Sure," he said.

So, I grabbed two signs, and immediately emailed Carl and Jan Siechert with the news.

Today was one of those days where I happened to be in the right place at the right time.  Now, I hold a piece of history of the trail that I love so much. Thanks Will for the gift, and being a trail angel off the trail. You rock!

Balls and Sunshine's 2011 Hike on the PCT

Well, Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) did it again... another video about hiking. I just posted recently about Lint's ultralight set up, and now, OPB has a great video about Balls and Sunshine's adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail. For those not familiar with Balls and Sunshine, they are a father-daughter hiking duo (or should I say MACHINE!) from Salem, Oregon. They completed the PCT last year, and as it turns out, Sunshine is the second youngest to complete a PCT thru-hike, just behind Scrambler, who hiked in 2004. Check out the video below to learn more about Balls and Sunshine's epic hike.

Watch Season 23, Episode 13 on PBS. See more from Oregon Field Guide.

Stories like this deeply move me. The trail has a way of bringing people (and families) closer together in a way that cannot be experienced in a culture filled with distractions. Adversity, challenge, wanderlust, and simplified living strip us down to our core, revealing our vulnerabilities, and tempering our relationships. I often think back to my hike on the CDT with my friends Luna, So Far, George, Tooth Fairy, Patch, Panda, and Chance, and how much I appreciated getting to know them through that trip. I wish I could do it again!
Congrats again Balls and Sunshine on your thru-hike in 2011, and best of luck as you set out to hike the Appalachian Trail!

Hiking 26

I just saw this website called Hiking 26, and I had to blog about it. I have not done much research on this hiker named Ron Ulrich, but what I know is this: he will hike the Pacific Crest Trail (2600-miles) in 26 weeks, and will wear 26 wedding dresses for the duration of his hike. Yep, that's about one wedding dress per week.

I love this project! Here's why: his endeavor takes all the pretension out the current über hiker-than-thou thing going on in the long distance hiking community. We have so many people attempting speed records every year, using the trail as a platform to raise money for a cause, or showing off the latest ultralight contraptions or techniques. Ron Ulrich's Hiking 26 project is a fresh take on hiking the trail. It is a bit art, a bit challenge, and a slap in the face to everyone that takes their long distance adventure way too seriously. Is this project shameless self promotion? Yes it is. So what? So are all the other hikes that are documented on Trail Journals or Postholer. And people announcing their speed record attempts? It's huge self promotion.

I say, "Go Ron! Go! Have a great hike, and may all your wedding dresses whisk you gently to Canada!

Gear Review: La Sportiva Wildcat Mountain Running Shoe

La Sportiva Wildcat Shoe

I walked into the Nantahala Outdoor Center’s (NOC) Outfitter on March 16th just after closing time.  My 2007 Montrail Hardrocks were falling apart after a mere 70-miles of hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and I needed another pair of shoes to continue hiking north.  The salesman, a previous Appalachian thru-hiker named Alpine, told me that he’d take care of me.  Thank God.

My hiking partner, Found (PCT ‘06, CDT ‘10) had a pair of green La Sportiva Wildcat mountain running shoes, which he highly recommended, saying that they are now the new standard for long-distance backpacking.  I noticed that Alpine also had a yellow pair.  The gear shop sold a red-colored pair of Wildcats for $99, so I asked to try them on.

  

I tried on my usual size 9, which Alpine thought was a half size too small for my foot - I agreed.  Then I tried on a shoe a half size larger, which allowed for more room in the toe box. After ambling up and down a small, portable ramp, I felt that I found the right fit, and bought them.  I thanked Alpine for staying 15-minutes after closing time, and walked out with my new pair of shoes.

The Wildcats were super comfortable.  Unlike the rigid Hardrocks, which have a rock plate in the sole, the Wildcat’s Frixion soles had give to them, and felt gummy.  My feet liked this feeling.

Out on the trail, the soles gripped the AT’s tread of angled rocks and wood steps.  I felt confident with each step, and rarely did I ever slip on these surfaces, even when it was wet outside.  Muddy conditions were the “achilles heel” of this shoe, as I slipped and slid on ascents and descents.  However, I  think mud on the AT would cause most trail running shoes to do the same thing.

650-Miles of Wear on these Shoes!

I also found the Wildcats to be very breathable.  For the uppers, the shoe uses a lightweight mesh and thin inner liner, and in wet conditions, the shoe drained well, and dried out quickly.  I hiked a 350-mile stretch through the driest parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, and my feet never felt stifled by heat in the Wildcats.  They were perfect for the PCT!

I liked the lace harness on the Wildcats.  The shoes I purchased were roomy for my feet, but I felt that my feet were locked down in place due to the lacing.  Finally, I don’t know what La Sportiva did with the laces, but they never came undone on me on the trail.

Mesh Tearing from Sole

Alpine told me that I’d get about 450-miles out of the Wildcats, and he was right.  After hiking from Walker Pass to Highway 58 on the PCT in California, I noticed that the mesh was starting to tear apart from the sole on the right foot.  Then after hiking another 50-miles into the Antelope Valley, the mesh and inner lining on the Wildcats continued to tear away.   However, the soles had so much life to them that I continued to hike in them, and I added another 200-miles to Alpine’s 450-mile prediction.

I highly recommend La Sportiva’s Wildcats for long-distance backpacking, especially if one is going ultralight.  The soles are grippy and durable, the uppers are breathable, and the shoe is designed for the comfort of feet.  Even though they started to wear out after 450-miles, one can get extra miles out of them.  I believe in these shoes so much that I’ve already purchased another pair of Wildcats.  This time they are green!

* Here's a little article that was posted on September 18th, 2012 about the Wildcats being a hit among PCT thru-hikers. 

Uncovering the Story of a Helicopter Rescue

Back on May 11th, the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit airlifted a Pacific Crest Trail hiker near Snow Creek in southern California. The following video shows the rescue:

After watching the video, I could not figure what was wrong with the hiker. She was not unconscious, nor did she have broken leg. She looked fine! I did a little research, and I found a detailed report for the rescue, but the hiker's ailment was never listed. I was puzzled, and wondered if this rescue was actually necessary.

Then I found another video on YouTube that was related to this helicopter rescue. In fact, I recognized the hiker (Annie) telling the story using finger puppets, so I had to check it out:

Well, I guess that answers my question about why the hiker was rescued. I guess that's a legitimate reason, eh?

Props to the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit for doing what they do. Keep up the good work!

I Will Complete the PCT in 2011!

38-miles to go. That’s all I have to hike to complete my 2003 Pacific Crest Trail hike and the Triple Crown. I embark on that 38-mile adventure today to finish these two milestones. Thank God. For eight years, these last 38-miles have been a haunting reminder that I am not done with the trail. Every year I attend Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kickoff (ADZPCTKO), I see pictures of smiling hikers at Monument 78 at the Washington-Canadian border, and feel frustrated. I’ve not been there yet.

Conditions at Devil's Park in 2003

In 2003, my hike on the PCT was re-routed through the Devil’s Park area of the Wenatchee Wilderness, since the trail was closed from Rainy Pass to Hart’s pass. The only map I had of the area was the free, colorful North Cascades National Park map I got in Stehekin, WA, and it was useless in snowy conditions with limited visibility. I had also made a commitment to be in Seattle, and I had no time to kill a day waiting for the weather to clear, so I bailed on my thru-hike attempt.

I am resuming the hike where I left off: at the Devil’s Dome Loop trailhead. Yes, I am continuing on the re-route from 2003, as I will hike up the Devil’s Dome Loop to Devil’s Pass. From there, I will head east through Deception Pass, and reconnect with the PCT at Holman Pass, where I will make the run toward the border. After I get to the border, I will turn around, and hike south on the PCT all the way to Stehekin, where I will catch the ferry to Chelan. From there, I head to Wenatchee, WA to receive my Triple Crown award at the ALDHA-West Gathering.

The time has come for me to complete this hike, and I will complete it. I have a very detailed Trails Illustrated map (on loan from Chigger!) of the area, better equipment, wit and wisdom from hiking the CDT, and a bitchin’ attitude that I am going to get this thing done.

Weather Forecast for the Next 5-Days... Yikes

The weather is looking like crap again. As in 2003, mid-September is looking really “iffy.” Highs will be in the mid 50’s and lows in low 30’s with precipitation forecasted every day. I figure that if the weather gets really bad, then I will head toward Ross Lake, and complete the trail on the north end of that lake. However, that’s a really bad weather scenario, and I certainly hope to avoid that.

I will be checking in from the trail through my Twitter feed, and I hope to write a more detailed account when I get to Wenatchee.  Until then, Happy (and snow-free) Trails!

National Trails Day Work Party

I just spent the weekend with volunteers from the Mt. Hood Chapter of the Pacific Crest Trail Association, where we worked on a section of trail between Rock Creek and Sedum Ridge.  The work was done in conjunction with National Trails Day, promoted by the American Hiking Society.  Below is a video of the work we did, repairing tread, removing slough, and doing some brushing.  The work was strenuous, but a lot of fun.  Enjoy!

Gear Review: La Sportiva Wildcat Mountain Running Shoe

La Sportiva Wildcat Shoe

I walked into the Nantahala Outdoor Center’s (NOC) Outfitter on March 16th just after closing time.  My 2007 Montrail Hardrocks were falling apart after a mere 70-miles of hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and I needed another pair of shoes to continue hiking north.  The salesman, a previous Appalachian thru-hiker named Alpine, told me that he’d take care of me.  Thank God.

My hiking partner, Found (PCT ‘06, CDT ‘10) had a pair of green La Sportiva Wildcat mountain running shoes, which he highly recommended, saying that they are now the new standard for long-distance backpacking.  I noticed that Alpine also had a yellow pair.  The gear shop sold a red-colored pair of Wildcats for $99, so I asked to try them on.
  

I tried on my usual size 9, which Alpine thought was a half size too small for my foot - I agreed.  Then I tried on a shoe a half size larger, which allowed for more room in the toe box. After ambling up and down a small, portable ramp, I found the right fit, and bought them.  I thanked Alpine for staying 15-minutes after closing time, and walked out with my new shoes.

The Wildcats were super comfortable.  Unlike the rigid Hardrocks, which have a rock plate in the sole, the Wildcat’s Frixion soles had give to them, and felt gummy.  My feet liked this feeling.

Out on the trail, the soles gripped the AT’s tread of angled rocks and wood steps.  I felt confident with each step, and rarely did I ever slip on these surfaces, even when it was wet outside.  Muddy conditions were the “achilles heel” of this shoe, as I slipped and slid on ascents and descents.  However, I  think mud on the AT would cause most trail running shoes to do the same thing.

650-Miles of Wear on these Shoes!

I also found the Wildcats to be very breathable.  For the uppers, the shoe uses a lightweight mesh and thin inner liner, and in wet conditions, the shoe drained well, and dried out quickly.  I hiked a 350-mile stretch through the driest parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, and my feet never felt stifled by heat in the Wildcats.  They were perfect for the PCT!

I liked the lace harness on the Wildcats.  The shoes I purchased were roomy for my feet, but I felt that my feet were locked down in place due to the lacing.  Finally, I don’t know what La Sportiva did with the laces, but they never came undone on me on the trail.

Mesh Tearing from Sole

Alpine told me that I’d get about 450-miles out of the Wildcats, and he was right.  After hiking from Walker Pass to Highway 58 on the PCT in California, I noticed that the mesh was tearing apart from the sole on the right foot.  Then after hiking another 50-miles into the Antelope Valley, the mesh and inner lining on the Wildcats continued to tear away.   However, the soles had so much life to them that I continued to hike in them anyway, and I added another 200-miles to Alpine’s 450-mile prediction.

I highly recommend La Sportiva’s Wildcats for long-distance backpacking, especially if one is going ultralight.  The soles are grippy and durable, the uppers are breathable, and the shoe is designed for the comfort of feet.  Even though they started to wear out after 450-miles, one can get extra miles out of them.  I believe in these shoes so much that I’ve already purchased another pair.  This time they are green!

Fire on the PCT - Alcohol Stove Safety

I shot this video last Thanksgiving at the Mosley Manor up in Milwaukie, Oregon.  I focused on being careful with fire on the Pacific Crest Trail, especially in light of the fact that there have been three fires in the last five years started by hikers who mishandled their alcohol stoves.  I presented this video at the ADZPCTKO Video Shorts Festival.  So, this is for all you hikers out there who missed the Kickoff.  Enjoy!

ADZPCTKO Presentations Over the Years

I love the Kickoff.  For seven years I have been involved with it as the Presentation Coordinator, and this recent event was my last in that position.  Yep, it's time to move on, and let someone else take over the reins.  I believe that one way for organizations to experience healthy growth is that they experience change, and thus my stepping down.

As the Presentation Coordinator, I have introduced many presenters to hikers in the Lake Morena pavilion, and I thought I'd list my favorite presentations from over the years.  So here it goes.

Winston Vickers

1. Mountain Lions and Their Safety - Usually when I announced the presentation, everyone asked, "What about my safety?"  Wilderness veterinarian Winston Vickers has traveled to the Kickoff from UC-Davis three times to talk to hikers about mountain lions and the habitat that we hikers enter every time we explore the wilderness.  The reality is that humans continue to encroach on their habitat, and thus endanger these beautiful cats.  True, we also are risk entering their habitat, but attending Winston's presentation always helped me better understand mountain lions, and how to deal with them should I encounter one.  Finally, if there is one thing that was apparent from Winston's presentations, it is his passion.  He loves these animals, and he wants us hikers to have a better knowledge and appreciations for them.  I hope Winston comes back in the future.



Paul Hacker and Greg Hummel

2. Geology of the PCT - Greg "Strider" Hummel and Paul "Nohawk" Hacker both hiked the PCT in 1977, and are professional Geologists.  Their presentation on geology always fascinated me, so I attended everyone that they did just to see if I could scrape another nugget of information on the subject.  The Pacific Crest Trail runs across and along some of the world's most vibrant geological areas.  Consider that it crosses the San Andreas (and other faults!) several times, and it contours the Cascades' volcanos from northern California up to the Washington-Canadian border.  As Strider always says in his presentation, "Every rock is on a journey," and many of us hikers interact intimately with their journey as we traipse along the PCT.



1959 Thru-Ride

3. Pioneering Women of the PCT - Barney "Scout" and Sandy "Frodo" Mann led this presentation in 2010, and it featured June Mulford, who along with her husband Don, thru-rode the PCT on horseback in 1959.  The presentation also had Teddy Boston, the first woman to thru-hike the PCT in 1976, and Carolyn Burkhart, who finished the same year as Teddy.  June Mulford's story was unearthed that year, so many of us there were eager to hear more about her ride on the trail.  Teddy, of course, is at the Kickoff every year, and is always entertaining.  Carolyn talked about her hike and how it helped her deal with personal struggles in her life.   It was a most memorable presentation. 



Ken Murray

4. Mountaineering Skills - On a heavy snow year, this is perhaps the most important presentation at the Kickoff.  Ken Murray has done this presentation every year that I have been involved with the Kickoff, and he balances the serious nature of hiking the Sierras along with making it an enjoyable experience.  Ken has also demonstrated how to ford river crossings, using an ice axe, and how to make a self arrest - all in the rugged conditions of the pavilion!  Ned Tibbits of Mountain Education has also helped Ken over the years, lending his rich mountaineering experience to the discussion.  

5. Class of 2004 Photo Presentation - This is the class video that started a tradition that has endured to this day (Class of 2009 is the only one that has not been shown).  In 2005, Weathercarrot put together a photo presentation that set the bar high, and is now the standard by which all photo presentations are judged.  Panning in on dramatic images while mystical, ethereal music played in the background, he created the genre of video pleasure for eyes longing or eager to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Thank you Weathercarrot!

Those are my favorite presentations at the Kickoff from over the years.  I am sure that the Kickoff will continue to flourish by bringing in knowledgable, talented, and entertaining speakers for years to come.  In the future, I look forward to enjoying those presentations as a participant, and not as a coordinator.

Big Bear Lake for Easter Sunday

I pulled off the trail today to go to worship on Easter Sunday.  I have extra time on my hands, so I thought the opportunity could not be passed.

Spring continues to erupt throughout southern California, and a friend of mine reminded me of the significance of this time through the words of Martin Luther who said: "Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf of spring time."  Of course the resurrection of Christ is central in the promise, but it is the 'ordinary' things in life that remind me of that great gift.  Yes, even the small, but colorful phlox ring out resurrection, even in a seemingly barren, desert landscape.

I am staying at the Big Bear Hostel here in Big Bear Lake, California.  I have the whole place to myself!  A hiker named Ari was here earlier today, but he left the trail to go to Los Angeles, and eventually to the Grand Canyon.  He said he could not handle the southern California desert sections, and was tired of the exposed sections of the trail.  I was puzzled to understand why he was leaving the trail, as I am really enjoying the desert environs.

I head out tomorrow after Sunday services.  I only have another 56-miles to hike by Wednesday morning, so I still have time to kill.  Therefore, I purchased a pair of hand loppers, and I will do some maintenance on the trail as I hike.  I thought I might as well take care of some of those stupid branches that cause us hikers to stumble or get caught in our eyelids.

Happy Easter everyone!

At the Saufley's in Agua Dulce

I have been staying at Donna Saufley's place (Hiker Heaven) in Agua Dulce for the last day, and I am enjoying my section hike on the PCT.  Section E was wonderful, and filled with poppies, water, and fair weather.  I am tackling Section C next, and I begin hiking at Cajon Pass tomorrow.  I am tackling Section C, because the re-route around Deep Creek is shorter than the huge 60-mile re-route that goes around the Station Fire burn area.  I leave tomorrow, and I will be on the trail for the next 132-miles.  Yipee!  Happy Trails.

Poppies are in Bloom in the Antelope Valley of California

Off the Appalachian Trail... Being FED on the Pacific Crest Trail

Found and Freefall at Elk Park (19E)

I finished my 400-mile stretch on the Appalachian Trail on April 3rd, so I could fly to California for an interview with the Pacific Crest Trail Association.  I am happy to be off the AT.

There are things that I really appreciate about the Appalachian Trail, but I am resolved that the trail is brutal on the knees, hips, ankles, and every joint below the torso... seriously.  The tread on the AT is rocks, roots, log steps, and mud.  I am not sure the trail has to be that way.  I think there must be a culture of machismo among the trail clubs that leave the trail in such a state of... blech!

I am now on the Pacific Crest Trail, and I am enjoying that better tread, grades, and weather.  The PCT is a hiker's trail.  Distant views are abundant along the trail, there's a sense of wilderness, and at this time of year, there's nobody out here.  I have this trail all to myself - it's a great feeling!

Abundant views are on the Pacific Crest Trail!

I just finished hiking Section F (Walker Pass to Hwy 58), and I am taking a day off in Tehachapi to rest.  I hobbled into town with an ingrown toenail, which I removed last night (don't ask!).  I also discovered a tick under my armpit while I was showering last night.  How long had that thing been there?  Due to a bad childhood memory, I absolutely hate ticks.  Anyway, that problem has been resolved too.

I am looking to also hike section E and D while I am out here.  Section E travels through the western arm of the Mojave Desert, which should be nice due to cooler temperatures.  Section D travels through the San Gabriels and up over Mt. Baden Powell, which should be adventurous.  A little bird told me that Section D might be closed due to a previous fire, so I may end up doing Section C instead.  I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Hike on!

Appalachian Trail Hike: 3-Weeks

I learned the other day that I will only be on the Appalachian Trail for three weeks.  I figure that's enough time to scramble up to Erwin, TN (or perhaps a little further) before I have to catch a flight out of Knoxville.  This is certainly not bad news, because I am leaving the trail to interview for a job with a well-known trail organization.  Yep, I have the opportunity to land a dream job, so I have to go for it.

That said, after the interview, I plan to hop on the Pacific Crest Trail near Mojave, and hike south for a few weeks.  I am pretty excited about that.  Now, if only I can figure out a way to hike on the Continental Divide Trail for a few weeks, then the circle will be complete.  Who knows? It might happen.

I leave for Georgia in a week, and I getting excited.  I have a lot to do in the next week to prepare for the AT, and living the drifter lifestyle for the next two months.  Look for more updates here as March 11th approaches.