#onyx summit

[rizzledazzle]

a small study for this weekend- Hashim, the Greatwyrm and The Summit.

[pcttrailsidereader]

The Power of Nostalgia

Muk Muk thru-hiked the PCT in 2013.  Born in Australia, for the past couple of years she has lived without a home:  on trails, on couches, in hotels, or with family and friends. “I’m still trying to find my place in this world,” she says, “and have chosen to share my stories to show that there are no rules on how to live your life. The more effort you put in, the more you’ll get out – that’s my philosophy.”  Follow her blog at www.serialnomad.com)

Her adventures have taken her to Africa, Europe, Canada, New Zealand and elsewhere . . . and for a brief stint, back to the PCT.

By Rozanne ‘Muk Muk’ Pilbeam

My heart is about to explode out of my chest, either from the two cups of coffee I just consumed or the view of the Sierras I’m witnessing from Lone Pine.

This town brings back a wealth of memories from the PCT five years ago. The pang of nostalgia is so sharp it physically hurts, and my desire to live the experience again is so fierce it’s overwhelming!

It’s bizarre how we revisit places we’ve traveled to knowing all too well the experience will never be the same. A place or location is really just a shell and setting for the events that take place and the connections we make. Without the people the places have a familiar yet distant feel, reminding me I can never go back to times past no matter how hard I try. I can’t turn back time and that can be a hard reality to swallow sometimes.

I had another major hit of nostalgia yesterday when I hiked 15 miles of the PCT from Onyx Summit to Hwy 18 that leads to Big Bear, (thanks to my dear friend and trail angel Betty, who bought me dinner and breakfast at Drakesbad Guest Ranch five years ago and helped me in countless ways).

I was giddy with excitement in the hours leading up to my arrival at the trailhead, but as the scorching heat showered me with fatigue, I remembered the PCT was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and that I’ve begun to romanticize the memories after all these years.

I also realized it was no longer my playground. The trail was now home to thethru-hikers of 2018. I was just an onlooker, a giddy thru-hiker groupie wanting to live vicariously through them or be them. I also wanted to do anything I could for them. Give them my food, drive them wherever they needed to go, or take the clothes off my back to give to them. I now understand why trail angels are so passionate. It’s because thru-hikers appreciate even the smallest gesture, like a cookie when all they have left in their food bags are plain tortillas.

When I was thru-hiking I never understood why people wanted to help me so much, because I was the fortunate one living out my dream. But now I get it. It’s one of the most satisfying things to help someone who is living out of a backpack and hiking for five months. Having the chance to hear about their experience and see their eyes light up with gratitude is priceless.

Muk Muk’s spirit comes through in a short clip she posted about her 15-mile long return to the PCT: 

 https://youtu.be/eiNkYOGRbeQ

[dailycyclr]

Breathless Agony - "The Toughest Century in Southern California"

Breathless Agony – “The Toughest Century in Southern California”

Breathless Agony Simply put, Breathless Agony is one of the most difficult rides, if not the most that I have done to date. Were it not for friends and a riding group, I never would have contemplated attempting this ride let alone finishing it. “That was stupid.” These were the first words that broke the silence in the car as the four of us just sat there. Not moving. Numb. Working to fathom had…

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[herr-karger]

Onyx Summit....

...is the highest highway pass in Southern California (2,573m). Is it a good idea to start the first ride here? Probably not! Ok, let`s do it!