Hiking Highs and Husky Goodbyes

Entering week 2 of my thru-hike brought a whirlwind of emotions. Within the first 3 days, I sent my Siberian Husky Zeus home, my son became an honorary trail angel, I encountered multiple rattlesnakes, completed my first night-hike to a creepy, horror-style water cache in the darkness, woke up to an insect air force while cowboy camping, hiked during what felt like the sun crashing into the earth, encountered trail wizards performing magic with fresh bread, and finally experienced the day 1 effect, but it was on Day 10. So much happened within this short time frame that truly made me feel I was on a unique adventure—not just with the trail itself, but with my personal experience while being on the trail. These moments genuinely made me feel as if I were doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing: embracing the challenges and enjoying the journey.

Day 8 – Poopsnakes & Rattlesnakes

April 27th, 2023: Scissors Crossing to Water Cache (Mile 91.2)

Waking up around 4 am to use the restroom, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortably I had slept on the floor. However, a new challenge presented itself: one bathroom for four people. Yesterday’s overindulgence in pizza, my sole food for the day, left me regretting the decision. With no bowel movement on the previous day, my stomach began to feel uneasy. Between 4 am and 5:30 am, I found myself using the toilet three times, including two bowel movements, all while everyone else was still sleeping. Though these situations make me anxious, there’s little choice when nature calls. The only notable difference from the wilderness is that, in nature, we venture far away from others. Writing this post at 5:45 am, my stomach remains upset, and the impending morning bathroom rush is likely to be awkward. Note to self: perhaps I shouldn’t have indulged in so much delicious pizza yesterday.

Planning to leave around 3 pm when my son would arrive with my SUV, some new gear, and resupply items, I spent the majority of the day lingering in the lobby area. Upon my son’s arrival, I loaded the SUV with fellow hikers Angry Dane and Jacob, and we reached Scissors Crossing around 3:45 pm. When the time came to say goodbye to Zeus, it was a difficult decision for me. However, it felt right due to his worsening paw condition, despite the care provided. I doubt it will recover while on the trail. Now, without Zeus, I find myself pondering who I am in this hiking community. Zeus was a constant attention-grabber and warmly welcomed by fellow hikers. Will people still recognize me without him? Will I be accepted by other groups and invited to hangouts? Most hikers were more familiar with Zeus’s name than mine, leading to a playful trail name suggestion, “Jesus” (Hey-Zeus). This trail name suggestion cleverly played on the common greeting, “Hey, Zeus,” as he often received greetings before I did, wherever we went. The upcoming week will reveal how I transition without my faithful companion.

We set off on the trail with a brisk pace. My pack now weighed 63 lbs., including a little over 4 liters of water. As we ascended the mountain, about an hour into our hike, Jacob alerted me to a bloody nose I hadn’t noticed. Undeterred, we maintained our pace and caught up with the other part of our trail family – Ash, Jana, and Stephanie. Our journey took us through Rattlesnake Canyon, where Ash had a close encounter with a nearly 4-foot-long rattlesnake, coiled and rattling in agitation. Crossing quickly while the snake was on the move, I found safety, but it coiled up on the hillside, angry and ready to strike. Keeping its attention about 8 feet away, I guided everyone to move low on the cliff side. The first attempt by Ash drew the snake’s focus, prompting her to backtrack. I redirected its attention again, ensuring everyone passed safely. In total, we encountered five snakes, all of them rattlesnakes.

Reaching the ridge line as darkness descended, Angry Dane, Jacob, and I settled down for dinner while the others set up tents for the night. Opting for our first night hike, we had our meal, exchanged farewells, and departed with headlamps illuminating our path for a 5-mile journey to the water cache.

The night hike proved to be an incredible experience, with the temperature just right to keep us warm while the wind on one side of the hill provided a refreshing coolness. Upon reaching the cache, the atmosphere took on a slightly eerie vibe in the darkness. A cage loomed in the shadows, and aluminum signs with black writing instructed on how much water to take. Despite the odd setting, we shared laughs and filled up, using the gallon water jugs neatly arranged on pallets. Sitting down, we engaged in conversation on various topics and enjoyed shots of whiskey. Choosing the first campsite, we opted for cowboy camping once again under the night sky.

Day 9 – Suffering and Sorcery:

April 28th, 2023: Water Cache to Barrel Springs (Mile 101)

Woke up to laughter and a delightful morning atmosphere. Soon, a swarm of bugs began flying over me as I lay in my sleeping bag, resembling a squadron of insects engaged in training drills. After some stretching, we packed our bags. Accidentally spilling water on my footprint caused a flurry of bugs to emerge, eager for moisture. Despite the insect encounter, we packed up and set out at 8:15 am.

The hike stretched for 10 miles, and as the day grew hotter, my thirst seemed insatiable despite consuming water. Pressing on into midday, the three of us faced challenges, taking numerous breaks. The relentless hike pushed us to our limits, with everyone nearly running out of water. The heat became suffocating, reaching a point where I was truly suffering. Seeking relief, I discovered a small cave to cool down.

My craving for a Coca-Cola intensified, and I couldn’t stop talking about an endless refillable fountain drink. Upon reaching Barrel Spring, a sign on a tree announced Trail Magic. Approaching, we found a group of hikers gathered with two trail angels offering sodas, hot dogs, brownies, various treats, and oranges. I grabbed a root beer and two oranges, then enjoyed a hot dog. After spending some time there, another woman mentioned additional trail magic in the parking lot, so I decided to check it out. To my surprise, there was a Cal Fire Truck in the lot attending to someone with a medical issue. Delirious from the challenging hike and heat, I unintentionally walked into the group of firemen and people. I spotted the trail angels in the parking lot. Offering assistance, the trail angel mentioned the cooler being heavy, so I took it to their table as they were setting up. Setting the cooler down and opening it revealed rows upon rows of magical red cans with black letters that read “Coca-Cola.” I grabbed one, a rice crispy treat, and made a PB&J sandwich with fresh bread.

The rest of the group, now named “Zeus’s Pack,” showed up. I waited for the next ride and got picked up in an older vehicle. Before long, we made it to Ranchita, a small town with just one store. Other hikers were already there. I resupplied with sunscreen and electrolytes. Soon, we left and returned to Barrel Spring.

We set up another Cowboy Camp, with Angry Dane and Jacob settling next to Stephanie’s tent. Soon, we had most of the Tramily in our area, with some new members hanging with us, Slo-Mo & Groundhog. Slo-Mo rolled up a blunt that looked like a Gorilla Finger. It burned nicely, tasted great, and seemed to burn forever. Soon, everyone was eating dinner, and Ash put on her YouTube videos of Days 5-7. She is very good, and her YouTube Channel is Ash O’Brien Outdoors (Check the official Channel). At the end, she does an outro about how the hike is also about people. Being in this group felt surreal. It invokes nostalgia for something we are currently experiencing. Soon, we laid our stuff out, organized everything for the morning, and went to sleep.

Day 10 – A Return to the PCT Section Where Thru-Hikers Inspired Me in 2021

April 29th, 2023: Barrel Spring to Agua Caliente Creek (Mile 112.6)

Waking up for the third consecutive night of Cowboy Camping, I’m appreciating the simplicity of not having to set up my tent. I have some extra time in the morning to stretch and smoke a bowl before hitting the trail. It has become my version of morning coffee. Today holds special significance as we approach Eagle Rock and the very road where, back in 2021, I captured a photo that became a source of inspiration for me. Allow me to share the backstory.

May 2nd, 2021 – I ventured to Eagle Rock during my time in San Diego, eager to catch a glimpse of the Pacific Crest Trail. Opting for a day hike, I reached the iconic rock formation and found it fascinating. However, my hikes usually lead me to captivating sights. As I returned to my car at the roadside crossing, I noticed four PCT hikers heading into the nearby field. I casually took a photo, not minding whether I was in it, enjoying the visual contrast it added. To my surprise, the front hiker spun around, arms raised, shouting with excitement, and the other three enthusiastically joined in. In that moment, I grasped that what they were experiencing was something I yearned for – not just the hike itself, but the encompassing journey, especially the connections with fellow hikers.

Navigating through these fields that stirred memories of my previous visit, today felt like my true Day 1. The sensation I’m experiencing now is indescribable. I found myself grappling with emotions too potent to articulate. The realization that I’m on Day 10, en route to a place once inspired by complete strangers, is truly awe-inspiring.

Now, returning to my ongoing hike, reaching Eagle Rock marked a special moment. The entire trail family, along with some additional guests, gathered for pictures and videos. The highlight of the occasion was an entertaining line dance orchestrated by Ash. It was an experience that I felt honored to be a part of and had even practiced for; you can watch the lively line dance on Ash O’Brien Outdoors’ YouTube channel.

As the temperature rose, we sought refuge at the Warner Springs Community Center, a haven for hikers. After leaving our bags, some members hitched a ride to the mini-mart for Mike’s Sausage, a coveted treat. The sausages were in high demand, and with only one employee handling the orders for about ten hungry hikers, we patiently waited for more to be prepared. Earlier, after losing a bet to Stephanie, I purchased a sausage for her and another one for Angry Dane, fulfilling Stephanie’s intention to get her one. Back at the community center, we laid out plans for the next three days, avoiding the scorching midday heat as we prepared for the stretch leading to Paradise Valley Café.

We departed Warner Springs later than planned, with only a 3-mile hike ahead to the creek. I eagerly anticipated this moment, aiming to recreate that moment of the 2021 PCT hikers in the same location. While waiting in the field, the cows provided some entertainment, with a bull on the other side of the road causing a commotion, prompting the bull on our side to respond in its bovine voice.

Satisfied with my photo mission, we walked through the area populated by cows, passing a few picnic spots. Continuing to a water spot, the available spaces were limited near the group. Angry Dane found a spot on a sandy hill with a view of the others but decided against cowboy camping due to the abundance of bugs. After setting up camp, we cooked dinner. Steph and Ash came by to say hi, and later, Jacob and I joined the larger group, bringing my dessert of peanut butter and a previously melted then reshaped Snickers bar. Laughter and camaraderie filled the evening until bedtime.

Reflections on Choices, Challenges, and Validation on the PCT

In the span of three days, breaking into double-digit hiking days—already the longest consecutive trek of my life—crucial moments emerged, challenging and reshaping my sense of self. The decision to send home my loyal hiking partner, Zeus, my Siberian Husky, was a difficult but necessary one. Encountering numerous snakes in the next section felt like a confirmation that it was the right call. Passing by Eagle Rock, a place I visited in 2021, solidified my commitment to this adventure. These three days etched a lasting imprint on my soul, shared with an incredible group of people. These were the moments I anticipated—decisions affirmed, a sense of validation, and confirmation that I was indeed on the right path of life.