For the last six weeks I've been working on a secluded mountain farm with no access to amenities such as running water or electricity, to which of course I'm well accustomed. However, the lack of access to communication and in particular Wi-Fi, had left me unable to update my sorry excuse for a blog. Either fortunately or unfortunately, there was little to write about; I bathed in a shallow pool along a creek, made some trinkets such as ashtrays, pipes and a pendant out of local clay, all of which I left for future residents, aside from the pendant which I wore on my hike out last night, as well as a straw fly-swatter. But mostly, my time was spent tending a garden that I don't have pictures of. In retrospect, I could have still taken other photos, but I largely forgot about the blog because there wasn't much traveling anyway.
At any rate, a series of inter-office disputes (if you haven't already gathered, I'm autistic and lack a level of diplomacy skills that seem necessary to work well with others, which was why I wanted to hitchhike in the first place based on the theory that forced reliance on socialization would help me develop said skills) has left me increasingly desiring to return to a more nomadic lifestyle. So I packed my things, wrote off my time as a loss, and made the long hike into town. After a quick call to my parents to update them, I started hiking out to find a good place to set down for the night, and was immediately picked up by the local sheriff. He drove me out to a nice secluded area not far from town and wished me well. I do enjoy the kindness I find in small towns as opposed to large cities like where I've grown up.
In my perpetual search for Wi-Fi, I came across possibly the nicest coffee shop I've seen, where I now sit in a beautiful cafe garden, enjoying my morning coffee, which was generously provided by a local by the name of Eric. The hospitality I've experienced here is a tremendous boon to my morale, and I find myself fantasizing about living in a place where the barista asks about how your family is doing and even strangers will smile and greet each other as friends.
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Changes
I wake this morning feeling ready to attack the day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind, and order a bus ticket to Modesto, but with several hours to experience Long Beach before it departs, I decide to hit the beach for all the beauty there is to be had there, not only in the local landscape, but the locals, as well. Realizing I'd hadn't visited the ocean since I was a child, I drop my pack on the beach and run into the water, clothes and all. Still too early in the year for many of the locals to consider "beach weather", I had the ocean to myself. I had never felt so free. This will be a place I return to.
There is nothing in the world that can put an end to a sense of freedom quite like a deadline, and slightly begrudgingly, I head to the bus station to take one last long trip to what is for now, the last destination on my adventure, Modesto.
Along the way to Modesto, a handful of riders are picked up along the way. One of which, a beautiful woman in her early twenties sat with me, and after some banter, reclined into my chest and with my arm around her, I am immediately reminded of the one thing I miss most about having a place to go home to at the end of the day. Perhaps I don't want to be alone at fifty-five after all.
05-19-2016
I arrive in Modesto quite early in the morning, and with no major corporations available to exploit for free wifi nearby, I purchase a Zephyr at the nearby Preservation coffee & tea cafe at the glowing recommendation of the previous customer. Considering that Modesto will be more or less home for the foreseeable future, this may become a regular stop for me. My compliments to the baristo, Doug.
There is nothing in the world that can put an end to a sense of freedom quite like a deadline, and slightly begrudgingly, I head to the bus station to take one last long trip to what is for now, the last destination on my adventure, Modesto.
Along the way to Modesto, a handful of riders are picked up along the way. One of which, a beautiful woman in her early twenties sat with me, and after some banter, reclined into my chest and with my arm around her, I am immediately reminded of the one thing I miss most about having a place to go home to at the end of the day. Perhaps I don't want to be alone at fifty-five after all.
05-19-2016
I arrive in Modesto quite early in the morning, and with no major corporations available to exploit for free wifi nearby, I purchase a Zephyr at the nearby Preservation coffee & tea cafe at the glowing recommendation of the previous customer. Considering that Modesto will be more or less home for the foreseeable future, this may become a regular stop for me. My compliments to the baristo, Doug.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
People, Places and Things
I walked up to the San Diego bay area to have lunch on the beach, couldn't find a good place to crash, but noticed the VA hospital was only another five miles, and I'd left a prescription at home I wanted to see about getting filled, so I headed up there. This is where I met Danny, a New Yorker currently stuck in San Diego as well. We shared some food and coffee and discussed the intricacies of the Veteran services' red tape. And we certainly had the time to spare. It took eleven hours to not get what I came in for. But what the San Diego VA Medical Center lacks in efficiency, they make up for in presentation. If not for all the scrubs, I would have sworn that I had walked into a modeling agency on accident. San Diego women are stunning, and this was no exception. Unable to help me out, the young beauties send me on my way and I catch the 101 to Oceanside to finally put San Diego behind me. I spent all of twenty minutes in Oceanside, catching the bus to Long Beach with an unintentional short stay in Laguna Beach, because sometimes I'm a dumbass that doesn't listen. Passing through Fort Pendleton was easy enough, the adult jungle gyms really brought me back. Thankfully, having an expired ID and a large backpack didn't cause me any issues.
Arriving in long beach late in the afternoon, I immediately seek out the nearest grocery store and Starbucks. In this case, they're one in the same, the Starbucks in this Target being the first I've seen to not only have electrical outlets, but also the first to have honey packets since I left home. As I drink my tea and update my mother, I hear back about my potential job offer. My adventuring may have to come to a stay as more interesting projects present themselves. In the process of trying to calm my nerves as I make such a life-changing decision, I run into John, the self-proclaimed most famous homosexual in Long Beach. We discuss philosophy for several hours before he helps me find a good quiet squat (a major issue I had while in El Cajon) and takes off shortly afterward, leaving me with the very wise words "Don't get to my age and realize you're still all alone." Being of the mindset that I have a long ways to go before I reach his age, I respectfully acknowledge his advice, but it disappears in my mind as quickly as I hear it.
Arriving in long beach late in the afternoon, I immediately seek out the nearest grocery store and Starbucks. In this case, they're one in the same, the Starbucks in this Target being the first I've seen to not only have electrical outlets, but also the first to have honey packets since I left home. As I drink my tea and update my mother, I hear back about my potential job offer. My adventuring may have to come to a stay as more interesting projects present themselves. In the process of trying to calm my nerves as I make such a life-changing decision, I run into John, the self-proclaimed most famous homosexual in Long Beach. We discuss philosophy for several hours before he helps me find a good quiet squat (a major issue I had while in El Cajon) and takes off shortly afterward, leaving me with the very wise words "Don't get to my age and realize you're still all alone." Being of the mindset that I have a long ways to go before I reach his age, I respectfully acknowledge his advice, but it disappears in my mind as quickly as I hear it.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Zero Dazed
I've spent a couple nights in El Cajon as a traveler, now. They're not too keen on travelers here, least of which being hitchhikers. The homeless population on the other hand, seem to have a very tight-knit communal bond, far more so than I've seen before. I would imagine this is largely due to the fact that there's such a large degree of economic discrimination, that each other are all that they can rely upon. I've received help in the form of advice and directions from the local rough sleepers much in the last couple days, and not one has been hesitant to assist. The McDonald's that I visited last night for some quick calories and a WiFi connection, on the other hand, put my "for here" order in a bag and gave me the "Have a nice day" that really means "Now get the f* out". I know it won't make any difference to a multi-billion dollar corporation like McDonald's, but I'm going to make a point to stop eating there anyway.
As I finish that last sentence, I am immediately reminded that every rule has an exception. A kindly elderly veteran named Richard greeted me, and as old habits often do, I immediately straightened my posture and gave a confident "Good morning, sir." He smiled, undoubtedly recognizing not only the serviceman's gesture, but my pack as well, offered me money and well wishes. I declined politely, gesturing to my Starbucks cup and joking that I'd "only use it to buy overpriced coffee anyway", but accepted when he insisted. Reinstilled with the belief that the world is largely populated with the kind-hearted, my brief encounter with Richard will be the way I choose to remember this pleasant little suburb of San Diego.
As I finish that last sentence, I am immediately reminded that every rule has an exception. A kindly elderly veteran named Richard greeted me, and as old habits often do, I immediately straightened my posture and gave a confident "Good morning, sir." He smiled, undoubtedly recognizing not only the serviceman's gesture, but my pack as well, offered me money and well wishes. I declined politely, gesturing to my Starbucks cup and joking that I'd "only use it to buy overpriced coffee anyway", but accepted when he insisted. Reinstilled with the belief that the world is largely populated with the kind-hearted, my brief encounter with Richard will be the way I choose to remember this pleasant little suburb of San Diego.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Looks Like a Zero Day
I hadn't found a good place to settle down for the night, so I ended up sleeping next to an onramp yet again. The steady rumble of traffic now being quite familiar to me, I quickly fell into a deep sleep and woke well rested. A trip to the mall for a coffee and some internet to check my messages leaves me with a difficult decision. I may have my dream job waiting for me if I leave the trail now. I'll need to stay in towns until I can find out more.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Getting Sick of Walking
This wouldn't be so bad, except for all the walking. Around mile 25 I finally decided to quit smoking. Like ending a friendship with someone who never pays back what they borrow, it was a remorseful farewell, but you still hope to never see them again.
Around noon, I again attempt to rest away the hottest hours of the day, only to find once again that the flies make sleeping impossible. This is not enjoying nature as I had envisioned, but rather tolerating it while under the pressure of a deadline. I may as well have just kept my office job for as much fun as this is. I need to get out of this desert and back to the forests where I feel more at home.
With little else to do but take in my surroundings, I realize that I'm surrounded by what appears to be miner's lettuce. I believe I've also seen tomatillos, but that's really just a guess. There is certainly an abundance of nettles. I've also encountered no fewer than a dozen good-sized rabbits. I could easily imagine staying well fed in this environment, given enough time to set traps and maintain an established campsite.
I got as far as Cibbets Flat Campground (around the 30 mile mark) before I started to feel nauseated and caught a ride to get a quick checkup from some medics who were on standby for a nearby 50 mile run. Turns out I just hadn't been eating enough, so I caught a ride into La Mesa to grab a bite to eat and be near a hospital just in case it turned out to be anything more serious. It doesn't seem to be at this point.
Now, my biggest issue is just getting back to the trail.
Around noon, I again attempt to rest away the hottest hours of the day, only to find once again that the flies make sleeping impossible. This is not enjoying nature as I had envisioned, but rather tolerating it while under the pressure of a deadline. I may as well have just kept my office job for as much fun as this is. I need to get out of this desert and back to the forests where I feel more at home.
With little else to do but take in my surroundings, I realize that I'm surrounded by what appears to be miner's lettuce. I believe I've also seen tomatillos, but that's really just a guess. There is certainly an abundance of nettles. I've also encountered no fewer than a dozen good-sized rabbits. I could easily imagine staying well fed in this environment, given enough time to set traps and maintain an established campsite.
I got as far as Cibbets Flat Campground (around the 30 mile mark) before I started to feel nauseated and caught a ride to get a quick checkup from some medics who were on standby for a nearby 50 mile run. Turns out I just hadn't been eating enough, so I caught a ride into La Mesa to grab a bite to eat and be near a hospital just in case it turned out to be anything more serious. It doesn't seem to be at this point.
Now, my biggest issue is just getting back to the trail.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Just a Long Walk in a Park
I woke late, at around 8am. I had gone to sleep still feeling warm and hadn't used my thermals. The cold in the morning hours was just enough to be uncomfortable, but not enough to inspire doing anything about it. It seems I lost more time than I intended, making up the lost sleep.
Only a few miles short if lake Morena, I siesta under a massive boulder. I'm down to about a half-liter of water, which should be just enough. I spent about an hour in the shade contemplating the heat, before deciding to dump my rice to reduce weight. I'll only be carrying what I need to get to the next refill point from now on.
I arrived at lake Morena with about a quarter of a cup of water. If I ever do this hike again, it'll be strictly night hiking with just a bug net for sleeping during the day and a four liter dromedary bag, and some Oreos. Food hasn't tasted good since I started my hike, especially anything cooked. After chugging nearly a liter of water, I filled both my bottles back up and doused myself in the shower stall. Would have preferred a real shower, but I have exactly $52 to last me the next six months and I could have spend $20 of it just trying to feel clean. I washed some clothes in the sink and left Morena around seven p.m. with the sun already setting and a goal of five more miles ahead of me. I'm glad I had, as most of it was uphill and the daytime heat would have made it hard to fare.
The creek shown on my map was little more than a muddy puddle. Dissapointed, to say the least, I turn in with less than an ideal amount of water.
Only a few miles short if lake Morena, I siesta under a massive boulder. I'm down to about a half-liter of water, which should be just enough. I spent about an hour in the shade contemplating the heat, before deciding to dump my rice to reduce weight. I'll only be carrying what I need to get to the next refill point from now on.
I arrived at lake Morena with about a quarter of a cup of water. If I ever do this hike again, it'll be strictly night hiking with just a bug net for sleeping during the day and a four liter dromedary bag, and some Oreos. Food hasn't tasted good since I started my hike, especially anything cooked. After chugging nearly a liter of water, I filled both my bottles back up and doused myself in the shower stall. Would have preferred a real shower, but I have exactly $52 to last me the next six months and I could have spend $20 of it just trying to feel clean. I washed some clothes in the sink and left Morena around seven p.m. with the sun already setting and a goal of five more miles ahead of me. I'm glad I had, as most of it was uphill and the daytime heat would have made it hard to fare.
The creek shown on my map was little more than a muddy puddle. Dissapointed, to say the least, I turn in with less than an ideal amount of water.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Day One
I was unaware of it at the time, but on the bus to San Diego was another traveler on his way to Campo to hike the PCT. We met while trying to figure out the local tram system. Once we managed that, we got on the bus with three additional hikers and we shared notes during the bus ride, I had to go get cash to get on the bus. Arriving finally at the southern terminus at 11am, we walked the first several miles together before I decided to wait out the mid-day sun under a tree until it cooled down a bit. I awoke around 3 pm and resumed my hike and By dark, I was about halfway to Lake Morena.
There was a lot of sand and sage and not much else...
There was a lot of sand and sage and not much else...
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Back on Track(s)
I woke up today under a palm tree at the onramp near exit 222, knowing it would be a good day. Only slightly envious of the train hoppers I see passing me by at a remarkable speed, I resign myself to flying my sign to get as close to Los Angeles as possible.
My intuition never failing me, I was picked up in under an hour by an amazingly generous guy named Nic who was only going as far as Merced, but offered to buy me a train ticket to get me to Bakersfield. The air conditioning onboard the Amtrak train was a pleasant change from standing in the hot sun. It seems that my delay in Modesto worked out for the best after all. With a smile and a wave, Nic left me with the words "Attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind!!!!". Words to live by.
I decided that my top priority should be getting to the south terminus as quickly as possible, so I spent what was nearly the last of my money on a bus ticket to take me to San Diego. By morning, I should be only a couple day's away from Campo, even if I have to walk. PCT, here I come!
My intuition never failing me, I was picked up in under an hour by an amazingly generous guy named Nic who was only going as far as Merced, but offered to buy me a train ticket to get me to Bakersfield. The air conditioning onboard the Amtrak train was a pleasant change from standing in the hot sun. It seems that my delay in Modesto worked out for the best after all. With a smile and a wave, Nic left me with the words "Attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind!!!!". Words to live by.
I decided that my top priority should be getting to the south terminus as quickly as possible, so I spent what was nearly the last of my money on a bus ticket to take me to San Diego. By morning, I should be only a couple day's away from Campo, even if I have to walk. PCT, here I come!
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Going Nowhere Fast
With the help of a few "bump" rides, where I've gotten an exit or two further south, and a lot of walking, I've managed to get as far as Modesto. At this rate I should be getting to the south terminus around December. I'm very much looking forward to returning north where the bias towards backpack-burdened travelers is more favorable. Desparate times call for drastic measures, as they say. I'm currently sitting under a rather defunct but still operational bridge a short distance from a small yard and am seriously considering utilising the unwilling services of the freight trains that pass nearby as I sit in the shade to wait out the hotter hours of the day, due to a rather intense sunburn. During my wait I ran into an older gentleman that invited me to visit his church this Sunday. I really hope I'm not still around by then. Regardless, as a proponent of quitting one's job and abandoning worldly possesions to travel the countryside and fish, I think Jesus and I would have gotten along pretty well anyway. I also met a man who claimed to be a local homebum, however the can from which he was drinking was not entirely covered by the paper bag it was in, and so I noticed that it appeared to be an overpriced iced tea. He was also far more articulate than the bums to which I'm accustomed to speaking with. I'm speculating that he worked for the yard. If so, I may be in for some trouble should I decide to continue via train. The onramp where I was dropped off had no shoulder to speak of, and I've had little luck even when there has been a safe place for drivers to stop, so this will be a difficult decision. Most of my calories have been obtained through the gracious services of McDonald's, though today I picked up a bag of pork rinds. The otherwise slight five minute walk to the store was enough to make my skin feel as though it had been set ablaze. I wonder if the old adage "eat what ails you" applies here?
As I sit in my shady prison, unable to return to the world of the day-walkers, I find myself pondering great mysteries such as what my groundsquirrel neighbors might taste like and whether I might have found out, had I thought to bring my slingshot. I also believe the grass which grows everywhere here and has burrowed holes through every article of clothing I own should be edible, however I can't figure out an efficient enough way to husk them. Not that rice isn't cheap enough already, but it could have made for a fun side project, given how little else there is to do under this bridge.
Later on in the afternoon when I was able to take a closer look, I realised it wasn't a yard, or at least isn't a remotely busy one. The solitary southbound train I've witnessed in the ten hours that I've been here, was not leaving from the "yard", but rather just passing through it (at far too great of a speed to get hold of). It seems that I'm quite bad at this. I suppose hitchhiking is my only option.
My map evidently isn't current and led me through several homeless camps instead of to an onramp. I've basically gone in a giant circle and returned to the bridge that I'd been at all day, just slightly more sweaty, tired and sunburnt. I've officially concluded that it's impossible to leave California without a vehicle. I suppose it's time to learn Spanish.
I set out at dusk to return to the McDonald's where my day began, far more humble in my expectations of myself. I expect this to be only a short delay to make use of their WiFi to post. My intention now, it to travel largely at night not only to avoid the massive overburden of our life-giving star, but also to keep active during the surprisingly cold nights that have repeatedly woke me from an otherwise peaceful rest. Tomorrow will be a better day.
As I sit in my shady prison, unable to return to the world of the day-walkers, I find myself pondering great mysteries such as what my groundsquirrel neighbors might taste like and whether I might have found out, had I thought to bring my slingshot. I also believe the grass which grows everywhere here and has burrowed holes through every article of clothing I own should be edible, however I can't figure out an efficient enough way to husk them. Not that rice isn't cheap enough already, but it could have made for a fun side project, given how little else there is to do under this bridge.
Later on in the afternoon when I was able to take a closer look, I realised it wasn't a yard, or at least isn't a remotely busy one. The solitary southbound train I've witnessed in the ten hours that I've been here, was not leaving from the "yard", but rather just passing through it (at far too great of a speed to get hold of). It seems that I'm quite bad at this. I suppose hitchhiking is my only option.
My map evidently isn't current and led me through several homeless camps instead of to an onramp. I've basically gone in a giant circle and returned to the bridge that I'd been at all day, just slightly more sweaty, tired and sunburnt. I've officially concluded that it's impossible to leave California without a vehicle. I suppose it's time to learn Spanish.
I set out at dusk to return to the McDonald's where my day began, far more humble in my expectations of myself. I expect this to be only a short delay to make use of their WiFi to post. My intention now, it to travel largely at night not only to avoid the massive overburden of our life-giving star, but also to keep active during the surprisingly cold nights that have repeatedly woke me from an otherwise peaceful rest. Tomorrow will be a better day.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Happy Mother's Day!
Yesterday was pretty overcast and I didn't get a chance to charge my phone, or even take notes or photos along the way. Here's what I remember, anyway:
Carl picked me up on his way home to his wife after having to be away for a few days. He seemed sad to part ways when he dropped me off at the rest stop. It took a little while there to get a ride, but eventually I got picked up in the most surprising of vehicles...
Mike the streetsweeper dropped me in Sacramento where I took a tram for the first time, but I still got stuck there over 24 hours and had to sleep in a field, then it took three more rides just to get to Stockton where I'm finally getting a small chance to post while the sun peeks out from behind the clouds. I think it's going to be rough going from here.
Carl picked me up on his way home to his wife after having to be away for a few days. He seemed sad to part ways when he dropped me off at the rest stop. It took a little while there to get a ride, but eventually I got picked up in the most surprising of vehicles...
Mike the streetsweeper dropped me in Sacramento where I took a tram for the first time, but I still got stuck there over 24 hours and had to sleep in a field, then it took three more rides just to get to Stockton where I'm finally getting a small chance to post while the sun peeks out from behind the clouds. I think it's going to be rough going from here.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Crazy Awesome!
May 6th, 2016
I got picked up before five yesterday by a network analyst named Todd, going straight through to Portland. Hurrah! I arrived around 11pm to a rather festive Cinco de Mayo celebration, which under any other circumstances would have been fantastic. Unfortunately, all of my focus was on getting rested for the day ahead of me. I found myself a little more reluctant than anticipated about mingling with the local "rough sleepers", so after a few casual conversations about the area, I decided to turn in along the highway under a particularly comfortable tree, so as to not inadvertently crash anyone else's squat. I got all of about four hours sleep before the cold started to get to me, which I suppose was just as well, given that the hard ground and noisy freeway weren't treating me all that much nicer.
This morning greeted me with a much more casual urban experience than the over-abundance of happily inebriated party-goers of last night. I was surprised to find a Safeway in an office building, but more surprised to find that the accompanying Starbucks didn't have a seating area to warm up in. Nevertheless, I picked up my morning coffee and a muffin, of which it's evidently customary to share with the local fauna, because I was immediately greeted by a rather persistent pigeon, who gazed longingly at me while I ate. It was quite flattering. A little advice from local law enforcement told me everything I needed to know about how to catch a ride south to continue my hitchhiking sidequest, but that will have to wait just a while longer, as I'm currently waiting for REI to open, so I can pick up a pair of sales tax-free hiking shoes. All in all, I'm glad I decided to stop here.
I ended up in a quaint little town called cottage grove, nearly my halfway point in only two days! A special thank you goes out to everyone that helped me along the way!
I got picked up before five yesterday by a network analyst named Todd, going straight through to Portland. Hurrah! I arrived around 11pm to a rather festive Cinco de Mayo celebration, which under any other circumstances would have been fantastic. Unfortunately, all of my focus was on getting rested for the day ahead of me. I found myself a little more reluctant than anticipated about mingling with the local "rough sleepers", so after a few casual conversations about the area, I decided to turn in along the highway under a particularly comfortable tree, so as to not inadvertently crash anyone else's squat. I got all of about four hours sleep before the cold started to get to me, which I suppose was just as well, given that the hard ground and noisy freeway weren't treating me all that much nicer.
This morning greeted me with a much more casual urban experience than the over-abundance of happily inebriated party-goers of last night. I was surprised to find a Safeway in an office building, but more surprised to find that the accompanying Starbucks didn't have a seating area to warm up in. Nevertheless, I picked up my morning coffee and a muffin, of which it's evidently customary to share with the local fauna, because I was immediately greeted by a rather persistent pigeon, who gazed longingly at me while I ate. It was quite flattering. A little advice from local law enforcement told me everything I needed to know about how to catch a ride south to continue my hitchhiking sidequest, but that will have to wait just a while longer, as I'm currently waiting for REI to open, so I can pick up a pair of sales tax-free hiking shoes. All in all, I'm glad I decided to stop here.
I ended up in a quaint little town called cottage grove, nearly my halfway point in only two days! A special thank you goes out to everyone that helped me along the way!
Thursday, May 5, 2016
My Journey Begins
May 5th, 2016
I'm heading out today to California, to start my first PCT hike! Despite my family's objections, I'll be hitchhiking. I hope I make good time. It's hardly the least of my mother's worries, bless her heart, but I have a great faith in the kindness of others. I've hitchhiked before, and in my experience it's only the best kind of people that will pick up a traveler on the side of the road anyway. I'm looking forward to meeting some wonderful people along the way.
In an effort to conserve on weight as much as possible, I've decided to not take a tent or sleeping bag, per se. I'll be using my SOL escape bivvy with a Thermalite extreme liner and CCF pad for a total of 26 ounces, though I'll be bringing my polypro thermals for the colder nights. I'll also have my GI poncho for those bursts of inclement weather ...today included, as well as my cook kit which includes a Stanley adventure set and alcohol stove. With so much ground to cover, I decided I should probably go pretty light this year. For the sake of documenting along the way, I'll also have my phone (I apologize in advance for the low resolution photos) and a solar charger. I probably could have gone with a lighter option here, such as "borrowing" electricity along the way, but I like the idea of "keeping it green". Hopefully, there will be many sunny days ahead of me.
Cheers! I'm off to Campo ...slowly.
[Edit: I can't seem to uploads photos from my phone, so I'll have to figure something else out. Sorry.]
I'm heading out today to California, to start my first PCT hike! Despite my family's objections, I'll be hitchhiking. I hope I make good time. It's hardly the least of my mother's worries, bless her heart, but I have a great faith in the kindness of others. I've hitchhiked before, and in my experience it's only the best kind of people that will pick up a traveler on the side of the road anyway. I'm looking forward to meeting some wonderful people along the way.
In an effort to conserve on weight as much as possible, I've decided to not take a tent or sleeping bag, per se. I'll be using my SOL escape bivvy with a Thermalite extreme liner and CCF pad for a total of 26 ounces, though I'll be bringing my polypro thermals for the colder nights. I'll also have my GI poncho for those bursts of inclement weather ...today included, as well as my cook kit which includes a Stanley adventure set and alcohol stove. With so much ground to cover, I decided I should probably go pretty light this year. For the sake of documenting along the way, I'll also have my phone (I apologize in advance for the low resolution photos) and a solar charger. I probably could have gone with a lighter option here, such as "borrowing" electricity along the way, but I like the idea of "keeping it green". Hopefully, there will be many sunny days ahead of me.
Cheers! I'm off to Campo ...slowly.
[Edit: I can't seem to uploads photos from my phone, so I'll have to figure something else out. Sorry.]
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