Keep Moving Forward

Let’s Recap My Journey

I made it to Kennedy Meadows South (KMS) on April 13. My group took time to complete Mount Baden Powell, which we had skipped initially. Upon returning to KMS, I held off on entering the Sierras due to the trail conditions. After taking a few days off trail, I met Flipper in NorCal, and we did a section of trail from Old Station to Burney. We stopped there due to a snowstorm and trail conditions. Then, we jumped over to the Oregon Coast Trail and completed that on May 22.

Sierras

Mando, Trooper, Fuji, and I entered the Sierras from Horseshoe Meadows. The Sierras were beautiful and like nothing I had seen before. It is an extraordinary place. The landscape had such dramatic juxtaposition between the granite rocks, alpine lakes, sequoia trees, and snow.

The trail was challenging both physically and mentally. We still hit snow each day and traversed a new mountain pass every day. We summited the highest peak on the PCT, Forest Pass, at 13,120 feet on May 28 and Mount Whitney the day prior on Memorial Day. Doing these passes quickly reinforced the notion of trust! Every hiker had to look out for one another to ensure everyone was safe and comfortable. I could not have asked for a better group of hiking friends.

The snow was melting quickly, which created high river/stream crossings with strong currents. We joked that the tide crossings on the OCT helped prepare us for the stream crossings. Man, were we wrong…

The snow, high mountain passes, and stream crossings required us to focus more than ever. Each step and placement of a trekking pole or ice ax was essential.

Two people in my hiking group got injured during the first stretch of the trail, requiring them to take time off the trail. 

The Angels of the Sierras

I experienced real angels twice while in the Sierras. Both times, these hikers came out of nowhere when we needed them. Without them, we would not have made it out.

The first time was on Forester Pass. As we approached the pass, we saw another group ahead of us. We started by following their footprints the best we could; however, at one point, this was no longer possible. As a result, we created our own route. As I was climbing, I had to use my ice ax to self-arrest. I slid down and was able to stop initially. However, once I began pulling myself up, I lost grip on the ax and slid into a rock field. This left my ice ax stuck probably 30 feet above me. I scrambled to get to a safe spot. I had no idea how I would safely return to my ice ax.

We had yet to see another hiker behind us all morning. Then, out of nowhere, another hiker in full mountaineering gear appeared. Without hesitation, he climbed and got my ax for me! I was so grateful.

The next time was after Mather Pass. One of our fellow hikers slipped, fell down the mountainside, and needed to be rescued by helicopter. At the same time she slid, myself and Trooper found ourselves in a route that we felt extremely uncomfortable navigating. Our emotions were running high as we wanted to make it down to help our friend. Then, again, out of nowhere, a hiker came. He had crampons and was willing to help. He climbed up to us, creating footprints for us to traverse.

In both situations, the right person appeared out of nowhere and jumped in to help. It was incredible to experience their genuine care and support.

Decision

I hiked through to Bishop Pass and decided to end my hike of the High Sierra Section. The notion of safety and what people are willing to experience can vary. This was a personal decision based on my abilities and strengths/weaknesses. I know many people have/are/will push through and feel comfortable. This is not a weak decision; instead, it is me being self-aware and having self-confidence. In the end, for me, the risk overpowered the reward.

If I had to sum up my time in the Sierras in a few words, wet/frozen shoes, high elevation, icy/slushy/wet snow, post-holing, glissading, magnificent views, and awe!

 

Trail Magic in Kennedy Meadows North

As a result of my decision to get off trail in Bishop and two other hikers being injured, Mando had to continue alone in the Sierras. After three days, he was crossing a stream after Benson Pass and fell in. He ended up losing his cell phone, credit card, and cash. Luckily, he was physically ok. Losing his phone was the biggest concern because he could no longer use FarOut for navigation. He was able to use his Garmin to some extent.

When he made it to Kenny Meadows North, he was welcomed with open arms, and everyone who heard his story wanted to help—the man who gave him a hitch from trail paid for his shuttle back to the trail. The owner paid for his breakfast. The cook in the kitchen made him lunch to take back on the trail. The front desk attendant allowed him to shower for free.  Then, on top of all this generosity, the staff pitched in and gave him a few extra dollars for when he was in the next town. Stories like this should remind us all how far a little kindness can go.

I was with him outside of Sierra City, and he shared this story with a gentleman we met who was riding a motorcycle. The guy was brought to tears because the story moved him so much!

NorCal

I started the trail again in South Lake Tahoe at Echo Summit. Mando and I cruised through the first eight days, averaging 30 miles daily! We also did about a 5,500-foot ascent and a 5,500-foot descent each day. NorCal is anything but flat!

NORCAL is beautiful and so peaceful. The trees are unique, and there are lakes everywhere. The forests bloom with yellow, orange, and purple flowers, and many mushrooms grow on the trees. In stark contrast, many miles were again affected by the Dixie Fire a few years ago, leaving a massive burnt area with thousands and thousands of downed trees! The trail could have been better maintained, so it felt like a blown-down tree city and bush-whacking central!

We still had to navigate through snow much less than in other sections. Did you know that humans can eat mosquitoes in the snow? The mosquitoes are out!

I did see a rattlesnake and a black bear in this section. The bear was sprawled out on a patch of snow near mile marker 1,322. I am assuming he was trying to stay cool. As soon as we saw each other he quickly slid off and ran into the woods.

Sierra City

Sierra City is a gem! We spent about 5 hours in town just relaxing. The General Store was so accommodating and supportive of hikers. The owners have created an outdoor hiker space with shade, charging areas, and WiFi. I was told that their burritos are excellent and huge! Additionally, the city had public restrooms, showers, and access to drinking water.

Burney, CA

We took a zero in Burney, CA, at the Word of Life Assembly church. The church has opened up its gymnasium to hikers. They allow hikers access to a full kitchen, showers, and WiFi and offer other services. Everything is based on donation and what they call “what it’s worth” basis. I cannot express how phenomenal the church staff and members were. Everyone went out of their way to welcome us and ensure we had everything we needed. This is a place I would recommend all hikers stop by!

 

A Thru-Hike Experience

I have continued to realize that a thru-hike is what each hiker makes of it. Everyone has different expectations for the experience, and the outcomes are often different. Most hikers wanted to have a continuous footpath from Mexico to Canada. However, this is different for most hikers. Hikers have the autonomy to choose their path! However, that may look.

There are countless stories of hikers flipping, skipping sections, getting off trail for periods, jumping to other trails, taking road trips, and spending extended time in towns.

I am proud of each hiker who continues to choose their path. Everyone should be proud of their accomplishments and their once-in-a-lifetime experiences, no matter how that looks! Keep moving forward!