Oct 1, 2016
Crossing the US-Canada border!
seen from Russia
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Crossing the US-Canada border!
Daily 8 PM update!
Location
Approximate location: Pacific Crest Trail, Washington, USA Location coordinates: [48.926, -120.767] Current distance traveled today: 23.6 miles Total overall distance traveled: 2654.3 of 2,650 miles (100.2%) Days into the PCT: 176 days Time on the trail: 2016-09-30 - 08:05 PM PDT
Notes
Red marker is current postion, blue marker is the day's start position, green line is what was hiked today, and red line is the PCT. The number is over 100% due to the extra distance Thomas has hiked for fire detours. #pctclassof2016 #pct2016 #PCTA #pct #thruhike #pacificcresttrail #pctthruhike #hikers #thruhiker #heaven
100 LEFT!
Just had word from Thomas - he has 100 left to go!
In the Meadows!
Arrived in Kennedy Meadows! I made it out of the desert. I'm so proud of myself even though it was not super frying pan hot. I received my big supply package to gear up for the Sierras. Today, I am taking a zero day to do a gear breakdown and check-out. I will also find out the info on trail conditions heading north. Very limited internet access here, so I am not sure I will be able to get a picture to post.
What a Tough Day!
Today was very hard and extremely stressful. The route seemed straight forward and easy to orientate, since the reroute maps seemed very basic. Even though the maps are a year old, it seemed simple before leaving. The reroute takes you through asphalt and dirt roads, power lines & burnt forest, which makes you appreciate the trail even more.
There were trails and roads in all directions, some old, and some new from the fire. I spent hours looking at the small 8x10 topo maps, but only saw one sign or trail marker the entire day for the S. Ridge Trail. I think that other hikers have mismarked trails. I became lost after following the landmarks on maps, which is the only second time I have become lost backpacking in more than three thousands miles with maps. I was working my way back when a young land owner brought me back a mile or so to where I thought I went off track. He was the only other person I seen today besides a small group of hikers and PCT Trail Gorillas at the Lake Hemet Market. The South Ridge Trail’s first half is totally unmaintained and mainly used for mountain biking. It intersects with a boat load of trails, with none marked, and go to random rock faces and really cool campsites. It was very confusing with having never have been there before. Also, it was as a steep as hell super technical route. Beyond the maps, it does not match routes on any of my apps correctly, being roughly three to five hundred feet off most of the time. In short, way confusing with multiple trails and crazy dirt roads twisting and turning.
I did run into some PCT hikers I left when I picked up my pace when my arm needed medical attention. I ate lunch with them at Lake Hemet Market, reminiscing and laughing a ton.
I am kinda bummed I did not make it to the PCT junction my minimal goal for today, but I gave it my all. I had no more energy, and had to take shelter on the side of trail under a rock. Not my favorite move, but I could not push any further safely. My reward was a great sunset! Up here it is windy and cold, with snow next to me. Truly a neat little spot! I have to roll out early in the morning to respect fellow backpackers and trail users.
At the end of the day I'm smiling and actually had a blast, even though I was not thinking that at times today. What a day! I will remember this day forever, I really had to pull it all out. This is why I love long distance backpacking, as you find out who you really are inside. No riding coat tails on days like this!
I wish everyone could get out, and push themselves in some way, beyond their norm. Do something they have always wanted to do! Believe me, in that it will put a smile on your face when you accomplish your goal
Dirty feet after fifteen Ml day, feet are in good shape #pct2016 #pctclassof2016 #thruhiking