Mexico to Canada

The End....The Beginning

2008-10-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

Alright, I have decided it is time. Not that I have become “reflective” as I said previously, or that I am now sufficiently acclimated to home, more that I am just bored and this somehow makes me feel ever so slightly productive. Oddly enough I am not sure who I am writing this for as I am sure no one is checking this thing for updates now. Anyway, I will try and make this short and concise, meaningful and deliberate. First I would like to thank everyone who followed me along my PCT journey over the last 5 months. It was a great joy, as I have said before, to come into town and check my comments on here; every one of them spurring me onward, northward. I would not have finished if it wasn’t for all of my friends and family, period, nuff said. I have never written punctuation before, it doesn’t work all that well. Coming back home has been great and odd. Great, in that I am home, duh. Odd in every other sense. Nothing seems to have changed, I fell right back into my pre-trip patterns; wake up, eat, check email, check facebook, run some errands or workout or shower, or all three, lunch, think of some task I should get going on, do half of it, dinner, TV, reading, sleep. Repeat. I have a hard time figuring out how I go from here, how I maintain my once strong and easy “on trail” attitude, how I incorporate the changes I felt I made in myself, but have yet to see play out back in “real life”. I am hoping that in writing this I will inspire myself to get going NOW and start seriously planning my trip around, over, and through the world. I am hoping that in writing this I will re-ignite the spirit of living life that I managed fairly well on trail. I realize that the trail is not real life in a sense. I worried towards the end that similar to my summers at camp, it drops you back into your civilian life fairly abruptly. So here I am. I have decided just in writing the last two sentences that my mission is now to make this life into the one I had at camp and on trail. Live feeling free, making some money, and enjoying the ride. Wow, that was all a little too much, but mostly true. I am selling the rest of my stuff that I deem un-needed. On Thursday I will go up to see Jarell and family, the second week in November I will see Landshark & Caterpillar, and Anna. After that who knows, it’s off to the races; around, over, and through the world. I’ll see you there.

JWC off the PCT

Home Sweet Home

2008-09-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Day 151
I spent most of last night waiting to go to the bathroom, and the rest of the time in the bathroom. I caught all my flights and arrived to LAX around 945. As i exited the jet way there were my parents with a huge hand-made sign welcoming me home. It felt good, real good. All was great until i got home and realized my gastrointestinal distress was overpowering my appetite while croissants, fruit, eggs, and all other wonderful things that sat in front of me. By 3ish i had decided that whether it was giardia or not i needed some antibiotics or something. Went to urgent care, the doctor told me we would do this "half assed" and then prescribed only 3 days of antibiotics. I got the feeling he didn't quite believe me regarding my symptoms, and when he asked if others on the trail with giardia had gotten better with Flagyl and Cipro (not what he was prescribing) i thought this guy might not have a clue. At any rate i got the drugs and took some with dinner, now i am back on the throne and writing this blog. I really hope it gets better tomorrow. Its killing me that on the trail i imagined all this great food when i got home, now here it is, and i cannot enjoy it. Now that i am home and at the true end of my PCT adventure, this will be my last post for awhile. When i get a chance to stop thinking about my food and bowels and their terrible relationship troubles, i hope to get reflective and do a final post to wrap it all up. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Thought of the day; getting giardia while still on the trail would have made me quit i think. Song of the day; iiiiii wouldnt daaaance with anutherrrrr, wooooooo ,when i sawwww herr standin therrrrrr - Mr. Monogamy. Craving of the day; to eat like a regular person.
Post Script; it is the morning, i think i am on the road to recovery which crosses the hwy of gluttony in the next couple days hopefully
JWC on the PCT

The Slow Return

2008-09-28T01:29:00.000-07:00

Day 150---I look like a bum, my pack smells like one, we sit together in purple chairs at the Vancouver International Airport. I arrived about an hour ago. I had plans to go out with James and his beer league hockey team this evening. The only flight that looked good was the 7am tomorrow morning out of Vancouver to LAX. Consequently i had to leave on the last flight out of Kelowna this evening. James was at a golf tourney so i had to take a taxi and leave a note like some spurned lover. I felt like my Kelowna tour was cut short, but home has been calling me for some time, so i had to take the opportunity. My box will have to be returned to sender, i bought clothes at "Winners" to wear on the plane. I forgot my belt and i am wearing crocs for dress shoes. I look like a bum who went on a small shopping spree at one time and did a fairly poor job. I called the parentos to tell them i would be arriving tomorrow, they suggested (among many other things) that i get a hotel room for the night. Seems like a whole lot of effort. There is a hotel attached to the airport so i inquired about a room. On the way up the stairs i noticed a woman in pajamas being questioned by the police. She looked up at me with manic eyes of recognition and jumped up to greet me, the police stopped her. That sentence was overdone. Anyway the concierge informed me that the room would be 330 dollars, way too much. So now i sit on the purple chairs. I wanted to get back through security and customs tonight while it was slow, but my bag cannot be checked until 4am. Sleeping at the gate sounded very appealing; sleeping on the purple chairs around the corner from ms. psycho, not so much. Its ok though, i am not sure i could sleep anyway, i think i have giardia. Just the very beginning of it, the part most people attribute to trail food etc. I could be wrong, maybe its just the extreme switch in diet and lack of proper nutrients or something. It's uncomfortable but not terrible. I will go to urgent care tomorrow in LB and get some anti-biotics to catch it before i am shitting on myself in a week or so. Exciting i know. TMI most likely. Alright i realize i am just writing to use time now. Thought of the day; what food you choose to eat, is who you are. Song of the day; something something out the bedroom dorrrr, goodbyeeeee goodbyeeeeee - ??. Craving of the day; my bed, my good sleep, my gastrointestinal health, not necessarily in that order.

JWC on the PCT

The Waiting Game

2008-09-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

Day 149---Not much to say here. I had breakfast with the crew and their families this morning. Afterwards they all left for various destinations on their way home. L&C were nice enough to request a late checkout so myself and Clearwater had a place to hang out til 12. After that my time was occupied by sitting in the lobby, talking to the front desk ladies, talking to FedEx, and eating, oh and i got a short workout in too. The first time i called FedEx the customer service rep knew by first name regarding my "lost" packages, said i was infamous. Apparently all that infamy still only gets me one package. Of the two it was the better one, as it contained one of my tickets home. The other is still MIA. In the afternoon the manager gave me a t-shirt she didn't want so i could go workout. It felt good, and i just hoped everything was in kg so i couldn't tell how weak i am. James picked me up around 8ish and drove me 2.5hrs north to Kelowna where he resides. Here i am on a couch in Kelowna iin Canada, in need of sleep. Tomorrow I'm hoping to get my box(i have no idea how), if not maybe just find a thrift store and get some civilian clothes to wear around here and to fly home etc. Thought of the day; good friends are good to have. Song of the day; waaaaaay-k up litttle suuuuuuzeeeeee waaaay-k up - a guy. Craving of the day; home - speaking of which i found out the welcome back shindig is happening at 7pm on October 4th, if ya know me well enough to know where the parentos house is, then you re probably invited. See you there, maybe.

JWC on the PCT

Hello Canadia

2008-09-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

Day 148, Mile 2663---Many more lasts were had today. Last climb, last switchbacks, last day on the PCT. This morning it was pouring as it had all night. I thought to myself well, this will be the last day so i guess i can arrive soaking wet no problem. But we were lucky again. The rain let up just as we started packing up and taking down the tents. The excitement was palpable and everyone pretty much bounced along the trail. By 10:30 we came around the final switchback and viewed the 15ft wide swath cut through the forest - the border. Once again it barely sunk in, barely. I had a brief moment where i thought i could feel the weight of this accomplishment, but then it was gone. On to more important things, like kicking over monument 78. Before you think i was desecrating a international marker or whatever, you should know that the PCT log was inside and it was really the most effective way of getting to it. We all took pictures, talked, laughed, signed the log, took some more pictures. By 11:30 the Jack Daniels was drank and the cigar was smoked in celebration, and i was back on the trail for the last 8 miles to Manning Park. The Jack Daniels propelled me up the 1000ft climb and wore off just as i started my descent down to the trailhead. I walked the last 2 miles with Clearwater and as we rounded the last corner every ones family was there to meet us. Champagne, grapes, veggie juice, i enjoyed it all. The families were even more excited then we were for our big finish. It was great. Later when i was talking to my Mom on the phone it occurred to me that i might have robbed her and my Dad of a special experience. But i had decided well before that i wanted to finish on my own. I am not sure why, I always envisioned meeting my parents at LAX, but i know they (especially my Mom) wanted to see me here. Anyway i am here now, and will be there soon, so its all good. Only problem is my box didn't arrive from FedEx today. It is a rather large fiasco apparently international rates and customs etc. Hopefully it will get here tomorrow so my buddy James can pick me up and start my transition home. I'll have more time to write tomorrow. Thought of the day; what i wrote in the border log - "This has been the most awesome ride/adventure/journey of my life to date. But i have had enough, i am quitting the trail." Song of the day; hip hop horraayyyyyy hoooooh hayyyyyy hohhhhh - someone i should really know considering it was played at the border on Landsharks ipod and i was told who it was by at that time. Craving of the day; dinner with friends and family again and again with no hiking inbetween

JWC on the PCT

Last night on the trail

2008-09-26T00:59:00.000-07:00

Day 146, Mile 2648ish---Not so bad after all, it snowed once, sprinkled a few times, and we even got sun here and there. Worked out real well that the hardest rain of the day is right now as i lay in my warm bag with a "roof" over my head. It was very cold this morning but warmed throughout the day and was really fairly pleasant hiking weather. L&C and I hiked together today and enjoyed our good fortune together. Tomorrow will probably be not as great in terms of weather but it will be the last day so who cares. We talked about how all the "lasts" were happening; last climb, last saddle, last lunch break etc. It is really odd to me that here i am just 8 miles from the border and the ultimate finish of this trip and it doesn't seem that big. I think it will take awhile to sink in. Maybe when i get on the plane to fly home, maybe not until i am using all past tense explaining PCT things at my party. I have decided that the trip doesn't ultimately end until i am off the plane at LAX. So i will continue to post until that is the case, and then probably a couple days later a final de-briefing will be posted. As for now it is surreal. Thought of the day; goals set are equally important as goals attained. Song of the day; its the finaaaaal countdowwwwnnnn - somebody. Craving of the day; cotton clothes, the entire fruit section of Costco as well as their bagels and croissants, Canadian tap water. (i can satisfy 2 of the 3 tomorrow i hope)

Post Script; it is now morning and i just got back from the 5:58am "call". In the mildly frantic in and out of the tent most things got wet, in fact i am now laying inside my sleeping bag with a soaked rain jacket and wet pants. But it doesn't matter cause it is the LAST DAY!! huuuuuuwhaaaaaaat!? Yeeeeaaaayuuuuuh

JWC on the PCT

Oh what a beautiful morrrrrning

2008-09-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

Day 145, Mile 2624.3---We got a ride back to the trail from the guy who let us crash at his place last night. There wasn't a cloud in the sky this morning. The snow had stuck and it was beautiful. At Cutthroat Pass the snow was about 6 inches deep and with the surrounding mountains dusted it was very picturesque. The entire morning was one of the most awe-some times of the entire trip. Last night we decided to do the same miles we had planned for 3.5 days in 2.5 days. The forecast for tomorrow and Thursday looks pretty dismal. We decided to take advantage of the sun and do as many miles as we could today. We came in after dark, but we managed just over 30 miles. Myself, Clearwater, Hoffa, and L&C are camped together at Harts Pass. We passed a sign 2 miles back that said 35 miles to the Canadian border. It made me just want to run north. The cold has taken hold of my fingers so i need to get them inside my bag soon. 24 miles tomorrow mostly in the rain, and then only 14 left also mostly in the rain to get all the way to Manning Park (8mi north of the border) Alright i fell asleep for the second time now still holding this thing, not good for my freezing fingers. Thought of the day; every once in awhile putting a guy in his man box just needs to happen - only a few will understand that one, if any. Song of the day; Winter Wonderland by somebody Christmas-y, and meeeeeeyeeeyeee me and misses, misses joh-oh-ohnes - don't know. Also one i made up, j-e-double s-e coome on baaack to the llll-bbeee-cccee. Craving of the day; a hot tub soak and a professional massage, also carrot cake from the Stehekin Pastry Company.

JWC on the PCT

At Rainy Pass it's snowing

2008-09-26T00:45:00.000-07:00

Day 144, Mile 2593.8 ---It rained for most of the night. By the time everyone was up it was very cold and snowing. We were at approx 4800 feet and had to go to 6800ft today at a couple different points on trail. Every ones gear was wet to some degree and all the tents got soaked when taking them down in the snow/rain. After some deliberation we all decided to try and get down into town to dry out. I really wanted to just go north being that we were so close; if i was by myself i may have. The PCT alumni told us they could take us down to Mazama(closest town) in two trips. It was a great relief as hitching with 7 folks was going to be more than challenging. Shortly after the first car load left Hawkeye (one of the passengers) came back. He said as they pulled out on the highway a guy came down the road in distress. He rolled his car twice and felt OK but thought he might need some medical attention. Hawkeye gave up his seat quickly. Long story short, we ended up being invited to dry out at his vacation home in Mazama. It is an awesome place. In fact i am writing this sitting in a plush leather recliner right now. It turned out to be his lucky day and the doctors couldn't find anything wrong after a battery of tests. It was our lucky day to get to spend a day in this great house while all the gear dried out. Dry for now anyway. Tomorrow there is a 20 percent chance of rain, the next day 70. Temps anywhere from low 30's to 50's - who knows really. Still planning on getting there by Thursday but a later arrival and less time to hang at the monument unfortunately. We are getting out of here early tomorrow hoping to make big miles so i should go to sleep. Thought of the day; pay it forward. Song of the day; push it by salt-n-peppa. Cravings of the day; honey crisp apples with caramel, eggs benedict, french bread french toast.

JWC on the PCT

At Rainy Pass it's raining

2008-09-26T00:37:00.000-07:00

Day 144, Mile 2593.8---Got an early start this morning by catching the first bus out. Stopped by the Stehekin Pastry Co. to pick up my order and a few day-old items for breakfast. It was there that i failed a test of the PCT. I thought i recognized a very pretty girl working in the back as a fellow UCSB grad. Instead of saying "excuse me did you go to UCSB?" or "you look really familiar" i just stared. Real smooth. I was pissed at myself that i thought i had been gaining all this confidence on the trip, and yet i couldn't even ask a girl where she went to school. Anyway we got back on trail a little after 9. It looked promising early on weather wise, but by the end of the day it rained for most of the time. I arrived last at Rainy Pass to find everyone enjoying some great trail magic. Some former PCT alumni had a tent set up with tons of beer and hot dogs. Although i was grateful, i was a little concerned that i wouldn't be able to eat down my pack weight. For some reason on this leg i thought it was a good idea to pack almost 5 days of food plus what feels like 3-5lbs of baked goods. I think i will be gaining weight down the home stretch. I didn't sleep too well last night so i am going to lay it down now. Thought of the day; what should i write in the border log? Song of the day; iiii neeed a liiight light. to help me smowwwk awayyyy this paaayaain - some rapper. Also, wouuuuld you knooowww my naaayme, if i saw you in hehvunn - Eric Clapton. Craving of the day; half a cantaloupe filled with blueberries.

JWC on the PCT

Last Zero

2008-09-26T00:28:00.000-07:00

Day 143, a zero---Today was nothing short of awesome. I had breakfast with part of the crew at 8:30am. I enjoyed a Loraine omelet with potatoes and toast and a slice of apple pie a la mode. We then checked out and had some time to sit and wait for the 11o'clock bus to the bakery. Last night we found out the place was booked solid for tonight because of a wedding so our zero was in jeopardy. While we waited for the bus the front desk informed us we got a room. Later on in the day we got a second room, so its all good. The bakery visit was awesome part two. A sandwich, an orange twist, a peach iced tea, side of potato salad, and a lemon bar for lunch. I pre-ordered some things to pack out tomorrow which should be wonderful. For 20 bucks i got lunch and breakfast for the next 4 days on trail. We said farewell to Lorenzo at the bakery and he got a little teary eyed. Hopefully i will catch up with him in Manning Park. Moonpie came in to town by noon and it is her birthday tomorrow, so naturally we had another birthday dinner party this evening. I had the pasta primavera with chicken and shrimp, a salad, clam appetizer, a large piece of carrot cake with a scoop or two of strawberry ice cream on the side - all wonderful. I think i was wrong about my hiker appetite lacking, maybe i just had an off day yesterday. I didn't feel full afterwards but my distended stomach showed otherwise. As I was getting ready for bed Landshark said i looked pregnant so i recreated the Demi Moore Vanity Fair(or something like that) cover and he took my picture. No, that will not make it on the blog. It's late now, the rain started about 2 hours ago and hasn't let up. Hopefully it will have passed over by the morning and we can hike on in good weather. Rain is nice to fall asleep to when you have a roof over your head. Thought of the day; stereotypes are too easy, too simple, too dumb, to be useful. Song of the day; yo no se. Craving of the day; fresh fruit of any type, the orange slice with my breakfast was all i got today.

JWC on the PCT

Steak in Stehekin

2008-09-21T10:25:00.000-07:00

Day 142, Mile 2574.1---We made good time this morning and got to the bus stop by 11:45ish. It was a slightly strange feeling when the bus pulled up with Don't Panic and Nick on board headed back out. Strange because it was a real goodbye this time. Odd to see Don't Panic whom I've spent time with here and there and shared experiences with, take off for the end, the finish. But that feeling quickly dissipated as i started to dream of the bakery that seemed so close now. The bus stopped just long enough for everyone to buy an item or two. I bought a day-old cinnamon roll and a bacon & swiss croissant; both were delicious. We decided to get a room at the Lodge and proceeded to do the usual town stuff. I got my last box today from the parentos. Received my passport, Canadian entry papers, Jack Daniels, and cigar; all the essentials to cross the border in style. Also the same food that i've been eating for the entire state of Washington. I'm not complaining, but if i see any sort of snack cracker mix when i get home i may vomit spontaneously. Speaking of food, we had a wonderful dinner this evening at the lodge restaurant. I had beef medallions in a mushroom demi-glaze. I couldn't finish it. I think my body is starting to finally adapt to this way of life. While the hunger is still there, once i start eating the appetite sometimes fails me. I've even gained some weight back; per the Dinsmores scale i am around 152lbs now. We celebrated Lorenzo's birthday at dinner and afterward in a lounge area with cake, champagne and wine. I think a great time was had by all. It hit me at the time that this was a "last" something as well. Although i will miss these folks and the trail lifestyle i really can't wait to have this trip under my belt and accomplished. I won't have to wait long, 5 more days -ish. Thought of the day; opportunities are always there. Song of the day; i do not recall. Craving of the day; an "orange twist" pastry that i saw but didn't get today at the bakery, hopefully tomorrow.

JWC on the PCT

Blowdown City

2008-09-19T23:53:00.000-07:00

Day 141, Mile 2562---Sat on a saddle in the middle of the wilderness with friends and watched the sunrise over the mountains. Great way to start my day. That however, was about it for enjoyable things today. The rest of the day was filled with fighting my way through branches, stepping, climbing, and vaulting over fallen trees, and tripping. Lots and lots of tripping. My feet have started to mutiny at this point and i trip at least 10 times a day, sometimes to the point of falling on my face. After working our way through Blowdown City we arrived at the Swiattle River and the site of the infamous log crossing. It turned out to be nothing like we heard. The log was thin not wide, the water was 5ft below it not 8 and the crossing was not certain death if you fell in. Nonetheless it was challenging because although certain death was not foreseeable, you still wouldn't have a very good day if you did in fact take the plunge. We did one last 2000ft+ climb following the river crossing and then a descent to Hemlock Camp where we are presently. If it's labeled as a camp in both guidebooks you can assume there will be mice, and there are. It's just lovely. I hung my pack on a tree so hopefully they won't keep me up all night scurrying around it. Early start tomorrow to get to the 12:15 bus to Stehekin on time. It's crazy that tomorrow i will arrive at my last town stop on the entire trail. I cannot wait for this bakery, the hype better be more accurate than the log crossing's. Thought of the day; i walk and therefore i am - going somewhere. Song of the day; donnnnt speeek, i knooow whut yerrr thinkinnnn, dohhhhnt tell me cuz it hurrrrts - No Doubt? Craving of the day; Thai food.

JWC on the PCT

Going North feels like I'm climbing the earth

2008-09-19T23:44:00.000-07:00

Day 140, Mile 2539.4---Up, dowwwwn, up, down, uuuup. Two 2000ft climbs, one 1000ft climb, one 500ft climb. A fairly brutal day. Saw two more bears today, not close but that was a good thing because you could actually sit and watch them for awhile. The clouds burned off by the afternoon and so far so good. We all keep expecting rain, in fact as i type this i am imagining waking to the sound of drops in the morning. Tomorrow starts the section of trail that is un-maintained. We passed a few southbounders who said it was pretty terrible but only lasted for about 2 miles. This section of trail has been closed for the past 5 years and was just recently opened back up even though its not been entirely re-done. Anyway all that to explain it's going to be tough. I have had a couple of times the last few days where my body says no mas and my mind has almost agreed. I have had other awe-some times like last nights sunset and this evenings moonrise as well. Times where you just pause and go wow, i am extremely lucky to be out here. It will all be over in a matter of days now, definitely bitter sweet, but more sweet. Tonight i am camped with Hoffa, Landshark & Caterpillar. Hawkeye, Danger-Prone and Lorenzo are just 0.7 miles ahead. I should mention Lorenzo, he is an incredible man. A soon to be 59 year old Italian, he came to the U.S. to hike the trail knowing hardly any English. His boots are big, his pack is large, a giant Nikon D80 SLR hangs from his neck. He shaved with an electric tri-foil razor at the top of Fire Creek Pass today. Whenever you talk to him you cannot help mimicking the cadence with which he speaks. Although he wants his trail name to be Walker Wolf, everyone calls him Uncle Lorenzo. One of the great people and characters of the trail. It's late. Thought of the day; i wonder if my parents will meet me in baggage claim or at the gate with a welcome home sign. Song of the day; daaammm this traffic jammm how i hayt to be layyt, hurts my mowter to go soooo slowwww! - some jazz group. Craving of the day; bonzai burger from Red Robin with the all you can eat fries.

JWC on the PCT

Bears Number 8,9 &10

2008-09-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

Day 139, Mile 2517ish---I'll start where i left off. We hiked well past dark last night. It was myself, Landshark & Caterpillar, Hawkeye & Danger-Prone. I walked point and decided i did not need a headlamp given the relatively bright moon. That was until i fell for the second time all the way to the ground with my immense pack pinning me. The rest of the folks thought it was hilarious and i laughed pretty hard myself. I had gone too long without food and i was getting a little careless in my application of foot to ground in my attempt at forward motion. When we got into camp we were informed that some non thru-hikers were already asleep. There was only room enough left to cowboy and i didn't want to use my headlamp as it might bother some of those also cowboying and trying to sleep; hence the moonlight writing. Also I didn't cook since it was so late and luckily after only a bagel and some water i slept through the night without feeling like i was starving. Today went well but short and late. Oddly enough we (me, L&C) only made 23ish miles and we got in well after dark. Managed to get dinner this time though, very satisfying. Oh as i am falling asleep and about to end this i realize i should speak to the title of this post. This leg of the trail is crawling with both bears and deer hunters. Season opened yesterday i think. Anyway i saw 3 bears, 2 up close. OK sleep is winning the battle. Thought of the day; i am really looking forward to flying on a plane. Song of the day; lehhhts goooo flyyyy a kiyeeeet up tooo the higheeeest hiyeeet - Mary Poppins. Craving of the day; butter cookies and the bakery products in Stehekin - gotta get there.

JWC on the PCT

Exiting Skykomish

2008-09-19T23:33:00.000-07:00

Day 138, Mile 2494.something---I am writing by the moonlight next to Pear Lake. We just arrived like 15 minutes ago and it's going on 10:20pm. We did not get back on trail until around 2 o'clock. Given the good weather and the full moon we decided to go as far as we could within reason. Considering that i am cowboying on a slope about 5 inches off the lakes main trail i am not sure this was within reason. But i am glad we made it this far. The moon is moving behind some trees, i'll explain more tomorrow night. Thought of the day; youth is wonderful, sometimes. Song of the day; too dark. Craving of the day; dinner.

JWC on the PCT

Dinsmores River Haven

2008-09-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

Day 137, Mile 2476.3---The mice quit last night after using my tent for entertainment for a couple hours. The miles flew by and we were overlooking Stevens Pass before 11am. We hitched into Skykomish and I enjoyed a burger and chips and a Gatorade. I was treated to an ice cream cone by Caterpillar & Landshark for dessert which was nice. Got picked up at the Deli by Eric D who is volunteering at the Dinsmores for the time being. He is a PCT celebrity of sorts as he is (i think) the only other person to "yo-yo" the PCT besides Scott Williamson. The term refers to hiking northbound tagging the border and hiking back southbound. Mex-Can-Mex, basically. Ridiculous, basically. Anyway got all the essentials handled and went out to dinner at the only restaurant in town with most of the hikers. Apparently the entire downtown Skykomish is a superfund site currently. It was my first time eating dinner in a super-fund site. I had a chicken fried steak dinner, a salad, soup, strawberry shake, and apple pie a la mode. I was hungry again in about 2 hrs. Luckily i did not starve because Landshark picked up a Heineken keg can for me at the mini-mart, once again their treat. I like hiking with Landshark & Caterpillar, but not just because of the free stuff of course. The group met back up for the time being but i am sure we will split again in the next few days of hiking. There have been attempts to name the group - "crazy tasty town", "the fellowship" and "fun train express" have been suggested. I am not a fan of "the fellowship" and "crazy tasty town" is a registered trademark of Spam. Definitely hoping to finish with at least a couple of these folks at the border. One, because it would be nice to share it with someone i know(to some degree). Two, i need someone to take my picture. Hopefully the rain will have passed by then and the pictures will actually turn out. Rain is forecasted for Thursday. I had refrained for superstitious reasons from commenting on the weather in earlier posts. Now that the rain is supposedly coming i can say that all of Washington minus the first two days has been glorious weather. Hardly a cloud in the sky the entire time. I got lucky and got a bunk here at the Dinsmore's in the hiker loft thing above the garage. The lights finally got turned out so i am going to get some sleep. Thought of the day; it doesn't necessarily take one to know one. Song of the day; this one song by P-diddy where he does a terrible dance in the music video for it. i think it was on the soundtrack for the movie where the giant dinosaur attacks Japan i am completely drawing a blank here hence the entire last sentence. Craving of the day; Belgian waffles, bacon, eggs, hashbrowns , toast, juice. Maybe i can satisfy that tomorrow before I head out.

JWC on the PCT

Up and Down, Up and Down

2008-09-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

Day 136, Mile 2468.2---I dislike mice. Last night one slid down the outside of the mesh body of my tent right over my head. 5 minutes later it or one of its' vermin friends made it's way into Landshark and Caterpillars' tent. Although it was quite amusing to listen to their efforts at getting the mouse out, it kept me awake. Later i awoke to a mouse sitting on my pack and then working its' way side to side, over and under, trying to get inside but to no avail. The terrain was pretty tough at times today. I tripped real hard twice this morning and after the second i felt a shin splint type pain in my right leg. It didn't get much worse throughout the day, but it definitely didn't get any better. I am sure the fact that my shoes are starting to fall apart doesn't help much, but it is not that big of a problem. I can deal with pretty much anything with only less then 190 miles to go -(knock on wood). The large group is fairly non-existent now. Hawkeye, Danger-prone, and Don't Panic are hiking together. Clearwater, Landshark & Caterpillar, MoonPie, and myself are hiking together. Hoffa is hiking with friends. But we will all meet up tomorrow at the Dinsmore's. Got into camp at Hope Lake after dark because we couldn't find anything suitable at our original stopping point. It is a popular lake and there are plenty of other people camped which means, you guessed it - mice. I turned my head lamp off while i was eating my dinner because the moon was bright enough. Within a minute there were 3 mice out, darting here and there, on their approach to my food bag. Safe to say as soon as i stop using my headlamp to type this, they will be back. Assholes. Looking forward to the Dinsmore's tomorrow and a nice Sunday dinner. Thought of the day; i wonder how quickly i will start putting on weight once i get home. Song of the day; I can't remember it. Craving of the day; the swedish pancakes with apple sauce i had(twice) at the "Family Pancake House" in Snoqualime.

JWC on the PCT

The air show, the bear show

2008-09-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

Day 135, Mile 2440.4---Walked in what felt like a mini-sierras today. Actually the climbs and descents did not feel mini at all, but the views were spectacular and sharp. On the biggest climb of the day i was about 1/2 a mile from the top when i heard what sounded like an incoming fighter jet. It was, times two, they were flying so low through the valley that i was looking down on them from the mountain side. They were so close that if they had been slower i would have been able to see the color of the pilots helmet. They pulled up at the end of the valley and came within what seemed like less then 500ft above the ridge top. It was so energizing i found myself in the middle of the wilderness yelling "yeeeeeaaaah boooooyeeeeeee" and "whoooooo-hooooooo" at the top of my lungs. It was just an awesome sight and the closest i have ever been to a plane in flight let alone a fighter. They looked like Russian Migs but they could have been what i think is called the "warthog", which is a Marine plane i think. Used the adrenaline to get me to the top and lunch which i enjoyed the later part of with Landshark, Caterpillar, Moonpie and Clearwater. The group is a bit fractured but i never expected us all to stay together too much longer anyway. After lunch myself and Landshark came upon a bear eating something in the meadow. It was a blackbear but with long blonde hair over the majority of its body. It noticed us but didn't run away. It stayed long enough for a couple pictures and a video actually. Clearwater soon showed up and with the three of us standing there the bear changed its mind and took off. Oddly enough there is a statistic i heard that groups of three or more have never been the victims of a bear attack. It was Landsharks first bear sighting of the entire trail. We made it into camp next to a creek and had a campfire with dinner. When everyone returned to their tents Moonpie discovered that mice had eaten some of her breakfast food under her tarp(just a tarp no enclosed tent). In the time it has taken me to write this there have been two attempts on my pack by the resident pests. I do not know what it is about Washington but ever since i crossed the border the mice have been a problem. Hopefully i can just turn my ears off or attribute all sounds to the creek and still get a good nights sleep. Thought of the day; confidence is key. Song of the day; mamas don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys - some country singer. Craving of the day; anything and everything fresh and made from scratch.

Post Script; Moonpie just startled awake and said that a mouse just jumped on her bare shoulder, and then, "it's going to be a long night". Not for me i hope.

JWC on the PCT

The closer i get, the harder it gets

2008-09-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

Day 134, Mile 2317.0---First off i want to apologize for the lack luster post preceding this one. I was tired, i was distracted, it was very poorly done. Actually i was thinking today that in general my posts have been fairly rudimentary and un-entertaining as of late. I start all of them with "i awoke..." or "this morning..." or "i slept...". So i will work on doing better in the future, all 14ish days of it. That's right, 14ish days left and i will be crossing the Canadian border. I know starting tomorrow it will fly by. On the one hand i know i will miss it, on the other i am ready to be finished. You would think that by now i would just be flying along everyday, but the opposite is true. I walk slower, my body is tired, and i am more cautious. I say cautious because while i do have more confidence in myself in general now, i don't want to do anything injurious that would jeopardize my finishing the trail. Today i had a great breakfast, some internet time, and talked to the parentos, before departure around 12. My dad informed me that my picture from Mt. Whitney made it into the Press-Telegram for "roving readers". Even though summiting Mt. Whitney seems like so long ago, and mildly irrelevant now, that is still pretty cool. I keep falling asleep so i should stop. Camped with MoonPie, Clearwater, Landshark & Caterpillar, and Don't Panic made it in about an hour after dark. Thought of the day; money is very interesting. Song of the day; oooh jesse i will cut freshhh flowers for youuuu - by Mary Lou, also the theme song from sports center is stuck on repeat in my dome. Craving of the day; a tropical vacation/adventure with tropical drinks and tropical activities and just tropical-ness.

JWC on the PCT

250 miles left, whoa

2008-09-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

Day 133, Mile 2401.8---Mice again last night. I gave up immediately this time and after hitting my pack once i rolled over and went back to sleep. Had a nice little hike into Snoqualime this morning; we made it in by 11ish. I had decided it would mean a lighter pack and a quicker pace if i didn't carry water. It did, but by the time i made it in i was very very thirsty. A liter of Gatorade solved that. Breakfast was had and the chores commenced. One of the benefits of hiking with a group is getting to split hotel rooms. Got everything handled and wow i am having a hard time forming sentences. The TV is on, people are talking on the phone, my mind is not strong enough apparently. The group is breaking up to some degree but we will probably be back together...to some degree by Skykomish at the Dinsmores. The Dinsmores are the only trail angels who accept hikers into their home like the Saufleys or the Hietmans etc in the entire Northwest. So i am looking forward to that and yeah this isn't working at all. Plus i am laying in a bed which is nice and soft and wants me to be asleep already. Oh and now there is a show on how boomerangs are made - life on the trail. Thought of the day; i look forward to a day off that isn't considered a "zero". Song of the day; i do not recall. Craving of the day; green bean casserole, a fresh ripe peach, a chicken dish i used to make at home with a sesame dressing from Costco.

JWC on the PCT

Camped at Mirror Lake

2008-09-15T17:40:00.000-07:00

Day 132, Mile 2392.7---Last night i didn't sleep well. For some reason the way my tent was positioned the acoustics made it sound like there were mice in my pack every time either Hoffa or Don't Panic moved in their tents. I was convinced it was mice as i had a hole chewed through my mesh pocket the other night. It was after about an hour of vigilance that i finally realized what i was hearing. Still didn't sleep that well hearing Hoffa and Don't Panic toss and turn not sleeping well themselves. Anyway today was a lot of steep ups and steep downs. I am not sure why the trail has changed so much but in all of California and Oregon we never had grades like this. Everybody complained about it at one point or another throughout the day, and we all did it nonetheless. Ran into a hunter today that reminded me of an older Jesse, not me Jesse, crazy Jesse from outside Ashland. He wanted to know where i had seen or heard elk in the area. He also informed me that it was only bull elk bugle-ing not hunters so i stand corrected from the previous post. 9+ miles to get into Snoqualime tomorrow, everybody is looking forward to showers and some good food at the "Family Pancake House". I am fading fast. Thought of the day; who invented the toaster? and at what point did toast become popular enough to elicit such an invention? Song of the day; gotta live to eat, gotta eat to live, otherwise weeeed get along - Aladdin. Craving of the day; my Mom's teriyaki drumettes and all the vegetables i could fit on a plate or two.

JWC on the PCT

Another day bites the dust

2008-09-15T17:00:00.001-07:00

Day 131, Mile 2369ish ---The arrows started flying just after sunrise. It was like in a medieval movie war scene where the sky blackens with arrows. I managed to avoid some but not all. Ok not at all really. In fact the only sign of hunters this morning were seemingly poor elk bugles. I obviously don't know whether it was a real elk or hunters calling, but it sounded pretty weak either way. The first 13 or so miles passed quickly and we had lunch at Camp Urich. It was a really nice cabin set on a large meadow. It was occupied by some folks and their horses who were doing trail maintenance work. Looked like a great place to wait out a storm if you had enough food. The last 15 or so miles didn't seem to go as fast. Certain sections were better then others; one section had amazing huckleberries. A lot of clearcuts but i don't necessarily mind that as it provides access to great views at times. Got into camp earlier then usual and got to set up and cook before dark. Once again we shared a good time eating, talking, and laughing. As a collective, this group has a really easy going and smart sense of humor that i enjoy a lot. There is an owl hooting right now that while a nice reminder that we are out in the woods, might need to be shot if it doesn't stop. Elk have been bugle-ing as well and one just did as i type this, it sounded close actually. Speaking of that, i just want to say that while i have no problem with hunting in general, some methods kind of suck. For instance calling a buck in with a cow call and then shooting it; or putting out good food and then shooting them. Imagine guys getting shot outside strip clubs and Hometown Buffet just doesn't seem right. I am realizing that people probably do get shot outside strip clubs and Hometown Buffet quite often, bad example but you get what I'm saying(writing). Alright this has gone on long enough and poorly enough. Thought of the day; high school dances were awesome. Song of the day; waaalk like a maaannnn talk like a mannnn, something like a man two nye-hi-hi-hite. Craving of the day; Enrique's and the breakfast i had in Mammoth prepared by mí Madre.

JWC on the PCT

It's Elk Season

2008-09-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

Day 130, Mile 2343.0---Little bit of dew last night, woke to a drip on the forehead. Lots of climbing throughout the day. Some of us hit Chinook Pass for lunch. It was like Disneyland up there, everyone young and old out on the trail and a lot of dogs. All of which (the dogs) i might add, were walking out in front at the ends of their leashes. This is not proper trail etiquette, let alone good in any way for the dog/ owner relationship. Alright i'll stop this rant short. Saw a fair amount of bow hunters out today. Elk season opens tomorrow and they have been out scouting for the past two days. Tonight we all camped in a stand of tree's just past a nice spring. There is now 12 of us, well just for the night anyway. Detour, High Octane, and Nathan joined us. While we all ate, just after dark a red head lamp came across the small field. It was a hunter and he asked how long we all planned to camp here. We explained that we were all just thru-hikers and would be gone in the morning. He was happy to hear that as he stated that he had been waiting 11 years to draw this Elk tag. He had been watching a bull and some cows and then said they heard us talking and laughing and took off so he was understandably concerned. Speaking of big game, i finally got to see a mountain goat, 16 actually plus the kids. They were far off on a hillside but it was still pretty cool. Got a picture but they are just white dots. Alright i should get to sleep cause there is a good chance i will be woken by Elk calls at 4am tomorrow. Thought of the day; i think i want and need to go hunting and go through the whole process of stalking, killing, cleaning/quartering, and eating a large mammal of some kind. Song of the day; iim gettin bored drivin up and down the saaayme old strip, i gotta fiind a new place where the kids are hip - Beachboys. Craving of the day; turkey, avocado, tomato, cheese on a toasted bagel.

JWC on the PCT

Next stop Snoqualime

2008-09-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

Day 129, Mile 2317.4---This morning i woke just in time for the 7am continental breakfast. Last night was a lot of fun but i definitely felt the lack of sleep today. A group of us had breakfast at Peters Inn around 8:30. I got an omelet with sausage, swiss, and mushrooms, country potatoes, toast, and a fat cinnamon roll all for just under 12 bucks. I just realized as i write this that i totaled my check wrong, oops. After breakfast a couple of us went to the market to do some resupply shopping. Although i already got a great box from the parentos i have decided to augment a bit. I added a bag of wheat kaiser rolls, sliced tillamook cheddar, and pepperoni to make my lunches more hearty. Got packed up and out of the hotel by 12. Went and used the internet at the sports hut to check my comments on the blog. Thanks to all who comment as it continues to propel me on this journey. I am sure i have said that before, maybe even the same language, anyway - its true, thanks. Went and bought a pint of Hagen Daus ice cream and ate it while attempting to hitch back to the trail for about 20 minutes. Gave up for the time being and went to call my Mom one last time to make sure everything is in order. Kind of scary to lose my support team for the first time in the entire trip, but I'm sure I'll manage. Got a ride soon thereafter with Don't Panic and Clearwater back up to White Pass. Hung around in the store and bullshitted with some other hikers who just got in for awhile and then finally decided i should get back on trail. Interesting thing though, one of the hikers was Yetti whom i met on day 1 and have not seen since, until today, pretty cool. Got into camp after dark and met up with the rest of the crew. After dinner and a few songs by Landshark on the guitar (Clearwater carries a backpacking guitar) it is now late and i am in need of a solid nights sleep. Thought of the day; Happy Grandparents day to my Grandma, Namer, and Granddad. Song of the day; this one song we did in high school that utilized "throat singing". Craving of the day; sleep.

JWC on the PCT

Wilderness to Cruisers

2008-09-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

Day 128, Mile 2302.8---A decent nights sleep last night. Walked this morning with Landshark and talked about religion for awhile. It was a really cool conversation that moved in and out of religion to societal life to career aspirations. It made the miles fly by and before i knew it we were finished with the main climb of the day. At the top of the ridge there were great views of where we had been and where we will be going. Hoffa got reception on his phone and managed to set a room for us in Packwood. I also used the opportunity to call my Mom since that "10 minutes" from Tuesday was now 3 days later. She was glad to hear from me. We made it down to White Pass by just after 1-ish. I got my box and a snack while the first group hitched. They waited about an hour and a half. Luckily they got picked up and about 5 minutes later myself, Hoffa, Pothead, and Good Times got a ride. Handled internet, laundry, re-supply, and a call to the parentos all before dinner. Pizza (i know) was had by all and pitchers of beer. The birthday celebration moved to the bar across the street and we kept the party going. It is late and i need to get the most mattress time possible. Heading out tomorrow after 2 breakfasts and some cruise logistic checks maybe. Thought of the day; the end is near. Song of the day; sheeeees my little whiskaaaay girrrrrrl by somebody country. Craving of the day; to workout the rest of my body, then have a nice protein shake.

JWC on the PCT

Post Script; i should mention that my blog support team, well my support team in general will be taking a cruise for the next week and the next post will not be up until sometime around the 15th. I should also mention that i have been "convinced" to have a welcome home party on the 4th of October at the parentos house. If you're interested the exact time will be posted at a later date... later than the 15th, obviously.

Goat Rocks Wilderness

2008-09-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

Day 127, Mile 2290.3---One of the most beautiful days on the entire trail. The weather was spectacular, the views were amazing and everywhere. Once again i enjoyed hiking with the big group. Today we talked everything from politics to dogs. The climbs were plentiful to say the least but they passed fairly easily. Towards the end of the day we got great views of Mt. Rainier as we traversed the "knife edge". It was fairly tedious at times as the penalty for a mis-step was rather large. We got split into two groups for the night, but we should all make it into Packwood by tomorrow evening. Everyone is looking forward to Danger-Prone's birthday party and the shenanigans to follow. Yes i did just use the word shenanigans. It is getting late. Thought of the day; toast is bread, but bread is not toast. Song of the day; i do not recall. Cravings of the day; watermelon and 3 bagels right out of the oven. 1 plain toasted with peanut butter and honey, 1 onion toasted with cream cheese and lox, and 1 blueberry bagel toasted with butter.

JWC on the PCT

Sunshiny day

2008-09-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

Day 126, Mile 2265.1---Last night i woke up in a fit of heat, this is a good thing. I ended up using just my bag last night and it was more than sufficient. Tonight is definitely a little colder, but now i got options. The miles went by fairly quickly today. One of the benefits of hiking with 8 other people is the time and miles seem to pass easily. Hike with one person or two and switch off etc. Had some amazing views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier, as well as Mt. Saint Helens. Great scenery but you have to pay the price of climbing to see it. Got up to just under 6000ft today, going just over 7000 tomorrow and walking on Packwood Glacier. There was a spring directly on the trail(rare) today and the guidebook touted it as the best water on the entire trail. It was nice to not have to filter and just stick the bottle under the gushing little waterfall. I can't say that i can agree or disagree with the guidebook. The water was coming out of a pile of lava rocks and apparently all that filtering did the job as it was entirely tasteless. It wasn't just me, Landshark and Hoffa agreed. I have never had water that was just like well, liquid. Hard to explain, but i guess that means it was good? Well it wasn't bad. I found out some interesting news this evening from Landshark. He and Catepillar are taking a cruise back from Vancouver to LA (possibly LB harbor) on the 28th of September. I am definitely thinking about joining them. The price might even be cheaper then the two standby flights i would take to get home. Downside is i will probably be finished around the 24th-ish so i would need to find a place to hang out for 3 days. Also i am not sure i want to wait any longer then i absolutely have to to get home. I would arrive fat and tan though, that would be nice. Alright sleep is needed. Thought of the day; now that i have backpacked a fair amount i look forward to exploring other wilderness areas with friends and a dog. Song of the day; iiiii fownd my thriiiyillll onnnn blu! berrrry hiiiyiiil - by that one guy. Craving of the day; oddly enough i can't think of one, i have a pretty decent amount of food for this leg that's probably why.

JWC on the PCT

Trail, Town, Trail

2008-09-05T19:41:00.000-07:00

Day 125, Mile 2237.9---Last night i probably woke up about 10 times. It felt like any space not immediately around my body was freezing cold. Don't Panic made it in to camp last night after everyone was on their way to sleep. So today it was a group of six that made our way to road 23 and attempted a hitch to Trout Lake. The first car to stop only had room for one person and since i had a box the group voted i go first. I got my box and a hamburger and a huckleberry shake. I was just finishing my huckleberry cobbler a la mode when the rest of the folks showed up. I called my Mom while everyone else was eating but she was in the check-out line at Ross. So she asked me to call her back in 10min and said she would be waiting. Of course i then promptly went back to packing my bag, getting my sleeping bag in the dryer, and discussing the rest of our town stop; i completely forgot to call her back. I remembered as i was setting up my tent back on trail 3 hours later. I feel horrible, but hopefully she knows that these things just happen(because i am brain damaged) but that i am fine. Hopefully. I got my sleeping bag dry and the liner that i found. Its not as cold tonight at the lower elevation but i decided to try it out anyway. So far so good, i am toasty as i write this. Moonpie had the idea to pack out some hot dogs and beer and camp near the road if we could get a hitch back out. I found a name on a bulletin board of a guy who gives rides so we all got taken back. The guy was a choir director and knew of LB Poly and had judged us in one of our competitions. I say "us" as an alumni, because it was before my time. He said he was impressed. We then talked about the song Elijah Rock and how i sang it in the Tabernacle etc, it was nice to talk music even though i haven't sung in a long time. Sung? Anyway we met Danger Prone & Hawkeye and Clearwater back on trail and the now 9 of us roasted hot dogs and drank cheap tall boys of PBR, Hamm's, and Rainier - only the best. On the way to Goat Rocks Wilderness tomorrow and in about 65+ miles we will be in White's Pass. Danger Prone is having a birthday party in a town near by so i may join the group for that. So far Washington is wet, cold, and a whole lot of fun. Thought of the day; i miss Long Beach and Long Beach folks. Song of the day; roses really smell like booo booo-oooooo, by Outkast. Craving of the day; satisfied by the huckleberry milkshake and huckleberry cobbler, also i had the Bub Burger which had a burger patty with a ham steak on top and then grilled onions and the rest... soo good.

JWC on the PCT

Huckleberry Heaven Part Deux

2008-09-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

Day 124, Mile 2219.1---This is going to be short because my hands will only work that long. It was an awesome day for huckleberries. It was like i was in wonka-land or something, some tasted like cantaloupe, others guava. I had two that tasted like pink starburst. Every ones teeth were purple, we passed a day hiker with purple teeth as well. I almost got the trail name of Huckleberry today because of my enthusiasm for them and my constantly being pulled off trail in the hunt for the perfect berry. Got some trail magic today, enjoyed some actual S tarbursts with my lunch. Actually got to meet the people who did the cache as they came to restock. It was nice to be able to thank someone in person instead of being just another name written in a log. Same group as last night is all camped together. It was cold all day and it's really cold right now. My sleeping bag needs help, so tonight it's wool socks and a beanie, possibly a jacket. Headed into Trout Lake tomorrow for a food drop, possibly spending the night and getting a burger and a huckleberry shake. Actually i should clarify, possibly spending the night, definitely getting a burger and a huckleberry shake. Everyone is trying to get up early so i should get to sleep. Thought of the day; why does your nose run when you get cold? This is the bodies best solution, - to flood the face with mucus? Song of the day; Workout Tape i thinks it's called and Jesus Walks both by Kanye West, i don't know why my brain is on a Kanye kick. Craving of the day; grilled cheese and tomato soup, also the breakfast i had at Joy & Kens' house.

JWC on the PCT

Day 2 in WA; Day 2 of rain

2008-09-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Day 123, Mile 2197.5---This morning i awoke to a dry tent. Got a bit of a late start but that tends to happen when I've just been in town. It was nice to be able to pack up without worrying about things getting wet. Don't Panic found a silk sleeping bag liner laying on the ground next to our tents this morning. I decided to hold on to it just in case my sleeping bag is not back to its original temp performance. It is actually a good thing i did because when i took the sleeping bag out tonight i can tell it is not back to its original loft at all. Hopefully through use and maybe some sun time, if i ever get any, it will get right. Today the terrain was pretty up and down. Kind of par for Washington according to the elevation profile. It looks like it is common to go up 3000ft only to lose 3000ft and then go back up 1600ft all in one day. Not looking forward to that because my right foot is being problematic again. Hopefully it will heal soon, there is not much i can do for it. I stopped for dinner tonight and Hoffa came through followed by Landshark and Caterpillar. Landshark is the guy who tried to give me the trail name of "Black Angus", i don't remember if i wrote about that on a post or not. Also Moonpie showed up a few miles later where we are camped for the night. It's a pretty cold night tonite. It rained most of the afternoon and evening but it let up about 6:15 and hasn't rained since. When it cleared up the temperature really dropped. Cold enough that the line that forms at the bottom of my screen when it gets cold as of late, is now changing from black to blue. Its like a Coors can or something. Last thing, i bleached my h2o bladder during my zeroes. I think i used too much bleach because i rinsed it out a bunch of times but all day it tasted like i was drinking pool water. Alright it's getting real cold - gotta go. Thought of the day; less than 460 miles to go and counting. Song of the day; workout tape by Kanye West. Craving of the day; Japanese food at Kinokawa with my Mom and Dad.

JWC on the PCT

Welcome to Washington...it also rains here

2008-09-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

Day 122, Mile 2175.9---This morning i woke up early (early for town) and turned the dryer back on. It worked out (i think), but it took all morning for my bag to get dry. My Uncle Rob made me an excellent breakfast this morning, definitely a hiker portion. I packed up all my stuff and did a few last minute things. On the drive out to Cascade Locks i thought about how great this stop had been. So great in fact and in such a place and time on the trail that it would be hard to leave, and it was. My Aunt Andrea and my cousin Jeff met me at the Bridge of the Gods and walked across with me. They hiked with me about a mile and a quarter on the trail. Jeff brought me a Session(good beer) to enjoy on the trail before i took off. It was very good and so was having them hike with me as it made the transition back to the trail a bit easier. When i left them i had a good feeling that i only had 25ish days left and i could do it. For some reason that vacillated back and forth for me the rest of the day. Not that i thought i wasn't going to do it or that i would quit, but that good positive feeling about it came and went. When i stopped for dinner Don't Panic caught up to me. It was a cool reunion as i had not seen him since Ashland. We hiked the rest of the way together to where we are now. It rained on us pretty good as the sun started to set so i am a little damp inside my tent and i only have been on trail less then 12 hrs. I keep falling asleep. Goodnight. Thought of the day; have i learned all that the PCT can teach? Song of the day; when there's too much to do, don't let it bother you, just something something something something sing yourself a song, by the mice in Cinderella? Craving of the day; more of Aunt Andrea's rolls.

JWC on the PCT

Oregon Scenes

2008-09-01T21:46:00.001-07:00

I am a procrastinator

2008-08-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

Day 121, last zero---Spent most of the day sort of wasting time. I waited til the last possible time to wash my down sleeping bag. Consequently it is still wet despite many minutes in the dryer with 3 juggling bean bags, one baseball, and one bouncy ball to help break up the down clumps. I really hope it is back to normal loft by the time i need to leave tomorrow. I am not sure what i will do if it isn't, i guess just wait. I had wonderful chinese today at PF Changs. My aunt took my cousin Berti and her best friend for a little birthday celebration. My cousin turned 18 today, it made me feel old, but not too bad. Made a trip to REI after and i dropped more money, but picked up a primaloft filled jacket. It's synthetic so it keeps warmth even if it's wet. It is my down jacket replacement as i head into Washington. Packed some stuff up, but leaving basically a bunch to do in the morning. That being said i need to sleep. Thought of the day; i hope the next 25 days are as painless as possible ::knock on wood::. Song of the day; American Boy by Kanye West and some new girl that likes 5'7 boys (that's me). Craving of the day; nothing really.

JWC on the PCT

I...am...full

2008-08-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Day 120, a zero---This has to be short, i started it way too late. Had a get together at my Aunt Jane's house tonight. The food was delicious as usual, and as usual (hiking or not) i consumed far too much. I am sure i need it calorically speaking. But after round two of a dessert(a different dessert) i cramped up when laughing i was so full. It was great to see that side of the family too. Cousins are growing up and somehow that makes me feel older. Tomorrow it is back to business; cleaning, packing, planning, ugh. I knew it would be hard to leave here, but i am so close to the finish line. Even if it rained for the entire time(knock on wood) i think i would still make it. Alright i am not keeping count really but that was at least the second time i have woken up and there was another just in writing this sentence. Thought of the day; expand your comfort zone and then step outside it. Song of the day; yoooou take my breath awayyyy d-duh d-duh dmdm dmdm. Craving of the day; to have my regular pre-hike feet back.

JWC on the PCT

Hello Chartier's

2008-08-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

Day 119, a zero---Last night i slept great. This morning i had two breakfasts, also great. My cousin Berti drove me over to Clackamas shopping center to make an REI trip. Got everything i needed, nothing less, nothing more, i hope. This afternoon my Grandma drove over and picked me up. We spent a few hours talking about the trip and other topics until it was dinner time. We met up with most of the rest of my Dad's side of the family at a chinese restaurant. I haven't had chinese the entire trip so i was excited. My plate arrived and it was all the same color and all fried. I think i was a little too hungry when we ordered so i just said double my cousin John's order. It was good though and i ate pretty much the entire plate. It was great to see everyone and get to talk with them. Found out my cousin Jeff and possibly my Aunt Andrea are planning to walk across the Bridge of the Gods with me and hike some which is pretty cool. On the way home i rode with my Aunt Andrea. I held 1 dozen wonderful fluffy, moist, glorious rolls on my lap the entire ride. I was in love. Then it got better, the rolls had a cute friend; a freshly made peach tart with a raspberry sauce. It was fantastic. I had 2 rolls which limited my tart consumption but it was all sooo good. Aunt Andrea even brought organic butter for the rolls. Amazing! I showed my pictures from the last 2 weeks and we all talked and laughed. I have used these folks faces, this food, these rolls, as motivation for a very long time. Thank you family for taking the time in the very middle of the week to come and see me, i really appreciated it. Now i lay here once again in a nice soft bed. Time to close my eyes and make tonight into memories that will motivate me for the next 500+ miles to Canada. Thought of the day; challenge yourself to know yourself - thought both ways. Song of the day; duh dah duh sheees my little laayday, that's a hard one. Craving of the day; got everything i needed.

JWC on the PCT

Made it thru Oregon

2008-08-28T00:43:00.000-07:00

Day 118, Mile 2155.1---Cold night but good sleep. Sunny this morning and throughout the day. Took a trail out of the back of the campground(more like a single picnic table at the end of a poorly maintained dirt road) to Eagle Creek Trail. Dropped 2000ft in 2mi which is about as steep as it sounds. Both the guidebooks recommended this route as an alternative to the boring and un-scenic stretch of the PCT down to Cascade Locks. I think i made the right call, it was very easy walking and lots of waterfalls, one of which you could walk behind. I made it down to Cascade Locks a little slower then i had planned but still within the time window i had told my Aunt Terri. While i waited for her i split a pizza (i know) and had a couple beers with Iceman. They had Session, a beer that i haven't had since senior year of college. I loved it then and it is still as good now. I bet they have it on tap somewhere in Hood River. Alright i am getting off on a tangent. My Aunt Terri picked us up and dropped Iceman at the MAX station and took me back home. I tried to tame my hair and beard for about 45 minutes until i finally realized that was as good as it was going to get. My Uncle Rob BBQ'd some great hamburgers and chicken that was really good. I will get most of my errands done tomorrow hopefully and still leave time to fall asleep somewhere unintended. Speaking of sleep... Thought of the day; i don't know and i am falling asleep. Song of the day; sleeeepy. Craving of the day; a smoothie of some sort.

JWC on the PCT

Clutch went out on the J-train

2008-08-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Day 117, Mile 2136.9---Last night i couldn't really get to the right temperature for good sleep. It rained most of the night and when it wasn't coming down there was just a heavy mist in the air. Got a fair amount of condensation on my bag, but so far tonight it seems to be doing it's job. The first half of the day was spent in the cloud, the second half proved to be better. Actually got some sun in brief moments here and there. My right foot has been giving me a little trouble since the near hypothermic day. I think i must have pulled a muscle because it got too cold or something. Today it was the worst it has been but still manageable. I am not sure if it was that or something else but i could not get in gear today. I felt no power, no energy, no response in my legs. I don't know what the deal is but these next few days with food, family, and rest ought to work it out. I have just 14 or so miles to do tomorrow and i will finally be there. It cannot come soon enough. This afternoon I had the best huckleberries yet. There were about 5 bushes that all produced big dark berries in the same spot. The odd part was on either side were other huckleberries that just were not on their level. Icebag, Neil, Iceman, Super & Visor all ate from that same patch as well and agreed. The flavors were complex and the seeds when I bit into one tasted like the watermelon chapstick my high school sweetheart used to wear, weird. Alright it's getting pretty cold now, need to zip up. Thought of the day; the heart beats, the brain humms, and the butt toots along - yeah i don't know. Song of the day; iiii wish i haaddd jesse's girrrl, where can i find me a woman like that, like jesseee's girrrl duh duh duuh dah - by some envious singer. Craving of the day; Trader Joe's almond butter and Mrs. Hietmans' apple butter on a croissant.Post Script; i am aware that trains don't have clutches, but j-bus or j-car didn't sound right.

JWC on the PCT

Just happy to be here and going there

2008-08-26T18:25:00.000-07:00

Day 116, Mile 2115.8---Woke up dry for the first time in the last couple mornings. Would have slept through the night solid but there was a lot of other campers nearby and they were not really on a hiker schedule, or sober. But it was still good to be dry. On the way today i went by a pull-up bar thing at a trailhead. Managed 5 deadhang pull-ups with my pack on, 4 of which are on camera for proof. Good to know i haven't completely turned into a T-Rex. Made it to Timberline by 2:30 - OK sidebar as i am writing this i think i hear it starting to rain and to listen better i turn my headlamp off, what the hell? Anyway so I got to Timberline and went to get my package and the lady couldn't find it on the list. Called the parentos and my Mom mixed up the days and it would not be arriving until tomorrow. She felt really bad, but honestly for 2,107 miles something was bound to go a little awry somewhere. No biggie though, i had packed extra food for some reason, plus there was an amazing hiker box (spot where hikers discard extra food they don't need) and i got even more stuff from there. Actually i think i ended up with too much again. Saw Icebag on the steps to the lodge with his friend Neil who came out to hike with him. Neil was wearing an oxford blue button up with the sleeves rolled up neatly; a pack on his back and a camelback on his front. He looked ready, yet not. I told Icebag my story and he told me his and we figured out where we went astray. He was injured a bit, and Neil was green so to speak so we agreed I would probably meet them again sometime tomorrow on trail. Myself, Paranoia, The Belgian Waffles, and Hoffa all went to have pizza at The Blue Ox. I enter the bar and three different people say "are you Jesse? "- yes - Heyyyy Jesssayyy! What is this Cheers or something? One guy told me to call home. I figured the parentos were still worried about me not having enough to eat. They were. I made it clear that i would be just fine, and then my Dad offered that since there was some weather coming in maybe i would like to stay at the lodge. I declined with the intention of going 8 more miles to a cabin/hut right off trail with Hoffa and Paranoia. It was really good pizza and I easily finished half a large and a big green salad. With a full stomach we took off only to talk with at least 3 groups of folks on the way out. Everyone seems to like the idea of walking from border to border and want to know all the same things about it. I personally never get tired of talking to people about it and watching the various reactions to the same one liner etc. Walked and talked with Hoffa who is a pretty cool guy from what i can tell in 8 miles. We however did not make it to the shelter. By the time we got to the river we needed to cross in order to reach the shelter just 0.3mi beyond, it was very dark. So now we are just camped on the side of the river hoping that the rain decides to pass by in the night. All these nights of poor sleep are starting to rack up and i am beat. Looking forward to falling asleep in the middle of the day in cotton clothes on a couch while reading a magazine in the very near future. The day dreams of a thru-hiker. Thought of the day; what is it with the ladies and this beard? Song of the day; What Makes the Red Man Red - Peter Pan. Cravings of the day; a fruit salad, and breakfast foods for the most part.

JWC on the PCT

Huckleberry Heaven

2008-08-24T22:57:00.000-07:00

Day 115, Mile 2085.5ish---Last night i woke up about 4am to a wet sleeping bag and a cold body. Condensation, dew, whatever you want to call it - happened. So today i took about an hour and a half lunch break and put most everything in my pack out on the rocks in the sun. So currently i write from a dry sleeping bag in a dry tent, hope it's the same in the morning. I am camped in the forest as opposed to the deck of a cabin next to a lake, so it should be good. What's with the "L" in should, could, would? Anyway if you re wondering why Icebag hasn't been mentioned in the last few posts it's cause he is not with me. We got separated that first day on the way to Santiam Pass in the storm. Found out yesterday that there was a note for me written in the dirt from him saying to go to Big Lake Youth Camp to wait out the bad weather. Paranoia and some others were there and got treated to warm cabins and good camp food. Paranoia relayed this all to me yesterday and i realized the exact spot where i missed the note. There was another note to Sundown there from Hoffa, a birthday message for Beautiful, and i got them all and missed mine. But i guess finding your way to a nordic ski hut on your way to hypothermia is a better story, maybe. Today there was a lot of what i consider classic Oregon forest. It reminded me of the movie The Hunted with Benecio DelTorro and Tommy Lee Jones. You should see it if you haven't, i mean it's not like a cinematic masterpiece, but it's entertaining and based on some real facts. Underline some. Ran into some horseback riders from the Estacada area after lunch. They knew of all the places my family frequents there but didn't know any of my family outright. In the afternoon i came upon the title of this post. I had eaten a few here and there earlier and some thimble berries or saskitoons (sp?) as they are called in Canada. But in this one stretch of trail it was like every 10ft there was another huckleberry bush laden with ripe fruit. I think i may have had some wild blueberries too but at any rate i had so many my hand was stained purple. I was afraid i would come upon a group of hikers and get a trail name like Huckleberry Hand, or The Huckleberry Kid, or just Stains. Finished out the day hiking with Paranoia for about half an hour. We are camped above Timothy Lake in a nice spot. A mysterious black bar is forming on either side across the bottom of my pocketmail device screen. I am going to go before it connects and whatever happens when that happens, happens. Timberline tomorrow and then its all downhill after that - to sea level. Bearden's, Chartier's, Koester's I am on my way! Thought of the day; it's amazing where you can go when you just start walking. Songs of the day; Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast (yes i know all the words but i will spare you) and Afternoon Delight from Anchorman. Cravings of the day; frosted mini-wheats with blueberries and bananas, a slice of Turducken (although i have never had this before) and lastly this thing I'm going to call a "calorie loaf" that i had once at my Aunt Jane's' house. It is cheese and those little miniature hot dog type things (the name escapes me) wrapped in what i think was a croissant crust type thing. Like a giant pigs in a cheese blanket. Man i am doing a horrible job at describing this, but it tasted really really good.

JWC on the PCT

let the sun shine in

2008-08-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

Day 114, Mile 2053.1---Last night was a cold one. What wasn't wet already became wet as the tent dewed up really bad and then the wind blew it into the mesh tent body on one side. That is hard to visualize i realize but basically things got more wet. My sleeping bag lost most heating power and i spent the majority of the night sleeping on my stomach with my legs crossed and my hands tucked into my groin. The wind was still blowing in the morning but the sun was shining. During my lunch break i managed to dry out my sleeping bag mostly but that was it. I decided i would try and get a cabin at Olallie Lake Resort and dry everything out. I made it here and found out the place hasn't been open all year because of snow damage. There is only car camping around the lake so i found one cabin with a big deck and set up shop. Hopefully it's not a problem. Hopefully i can take a nice long break tomorrow mid-day and get the rest dried out. Saw my first view of Mt. Hood today and it got me excited for family. I have 2 more days left to Timberline and then 2 more to Cascade Locks. I can't wait to see all my Oregonian relatives and eat, talk, and laugh with them. 100+ miles and all that will be had. It will also mark my completion of 2 out of 3 states with Washington left to go. All exciting stuff, all of which i am looking forward to. That rain storm and previous mosquito hell was just the kick in the ass i needed. I'm ready for it all now. I should probably turn off my headlamp so as not to give away my locale here. Goodnight. Thought of the day; i do not recall. Song of the day; some Motown classics. Craving of the day; all the wonderful food i will be having at the familial gatherings in 4 days.

JWC on the PCT

Whoops, i did it again

2008-08-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

Day 113, Mile 2029.5 ---I have to make this short cause i gotta focus on not freezing to death and trying to sleep at the same time. Took awhile to get out of the cabin this morning but i forced myself back out into it. It was like being in a cloud all day, sometimes rain, sometimes strong winds, sometimes both. As you can see by the mileage i did not hitch back to Bend. I was at the trail head parking lot and there was a sign saying that the forest service recommends against this section because of wildfire danger. I was thinking OK here is another reason why i should go into Bend. Then all of the sudden i got this quiet confidence which is best as i can describe it. I am going to be cold and wet, but i am not going to die. I turned north and took off. The trash bag failed again and i am in a semi-wet sleeping bag, with semi-frozen feet, neither of which help one another. My head is warm and so is my torso, that's more then 50%, not too bad. Hopefully tomorrow is sunny and i can dry everything out. Otherwise its cold and wet til Timberline. Also found out i lost two tent stakes somehow. Its not detrimental to the set-up, but it is definitely not helpful. I am going to attempt sleep. Thought of the day; i want to add a condition to hell, i think it has a two way mirror with a viewing into heaven. Song of the day; some Beatles song that goes johnny, donny, tawny or loni something luuuuh-huv. Craving of the day; dark meat fried chicken and biscuits.

JWC on the PCT

Whoops...

2008-08-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

Day 112, Mile 2006.9---This morning it was hard to get out of bed, i could have used a couple more solid hours. But there was the incentive of the glorious breakfast that awaited me. After the wonderful and satisfying meal i got everything together and packed up. Both Ken and Joy drove us back to the trail to drop us off. I had a great 36hrs at their house and i am grateful that my Mom has continually set me up with such awesome people. It was hard to leave the warmth of their home both figuratively and literally speaking(writing). Got back on trail sometime around 10:30 only to find it basically in a cloud. It was raining and blowing so i put my rain jacket on and a trash bag covered my pack. As we walked, the hood on my rain jacket kept blowing down and covering just my left eye. It made me lose my depth perception and consequently my balance on the unstable rocky lava fields - kind of bothersome. We finally got into the forest but i noticed my pack seemed to be getting heavier, not good. It got heavier and heavier and Icebag passed me because i was walking so slow. Later as it still poured and blew like crazy i took off my pack to get some food and realized the trash bag wasn't all that effective. My pack was soaked, again, not good. So i decided to pick up the pace and try to get to Santiam Pass asap and hitch back to Bend. I imagined taking a trip with Ken to REI this evening and getting a pack cover and possibly some other rain stuff. Then coming home to another amazing dinner etc. But it didn't happen that way, at all. I should mention that i was wearing a rain jacket and shorts all day and with the rain and wind by the time i got to Santiam i was pretty cold. Then i started walking down the hwy and the windchill got me shivering pretty good. I stood in a good spot for about an hour and got nothing but colder. So many cars with a single driver and an empty car, it was painful. It was half way through this hour that i realized i was pretty screwed if i didn't get a hitch and this didn't let up. I didn't, and it didn't, and i was very screwed. I made my way back up the road and to the trail. I remembered a nordic ski sign that mentioned a shelter about a mile back south on the pct and then a mile east-ish on a nordic run. It was my only shot really to dry out or at least not go hypothermic. At one point i was trying to get my maps back into my pack and it took me about 3 minutes because the use of my hands was so limited. It took a long time and i almost gave up thinking it must have been burned down in the fire 5 years ago, but i found it. Good timing too because at this point i was shivering uncontrollably to some degree. Its a great little log cabin with a wood stove in the middle. Glass windows but no door, just a big wide opening with a blue tarp hanging. I went about making a fire and laying all my stuff out. As i had thought most everything was wet. My sleeping bag and down jacket both had one wet spot and dried pretty fast. Not sure what i am going to do tomorrow. It all needs to be dry before i leave but i would like it to stay dry, which it won't in another storm. Maybe I'll still try and hitch in tomorrow, i really don't know. Its cold and windy still and the tarp keeps flapping excessively. I am going to add one last log and then get some sleep as best i can before it burns out. Thought of the day; if there is a hell, i bet its not all fire and brimstone, i bet its cold and wet. Songs of the day; circle of life - lion king, and jump and jive and spin your whale you got to jump and jive and spin your whale - a song about dancing with fat girls by somebody back in the day. Craving of the day; laying on the couch at Joy and Kens' house watching the Olympics and eating ice cream with fruit on top.

JWC on the PCT

Trail Angels

2008-08-21T22:01:00.001-07:00

Jarell,Danyele,Prince &Roman

Anna "the blue house"

Esther (and Larry)

Julie (and Chuck)

Sam & Rachel

a taste of the good life

2008-08-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

Day 111, a zero---Woke up this morning and had an amazing breakfast made for us. At one point i was asked by Joy if i would like pancakes and eggs and ham or one or the other. Ken reminded me during my hesitation that there was lunch later, then dinner, and even breakfast tomorrow morning. What a novel concept, three real meals a day, i miss it. I spent most of the morning talking with Joy and Ken about all sorts of things past, present, and future, on and off the trail topics. It was nice to have time to stop and just converse. In the afternoon we made a shopping tour of Bend and a box pick-up in Sisters. Coming out of the Post Office i saw "the one" but didn't manage to say anything to her. I thought of a great line about 3 seconds after she passed and i was walking into oncoming traffic. I wanted to say," i will probably never see you again, but i hope i do." Too corny? maybe, but it was the truth anyway. Got my box unpacked and into my food sack. Also my mom included a copy of the "things i need to learn and accomplish" list i made 5 years ago. There are some items i can check off now like "earn a college degree". The best part about it is it will give me more thought fodder for the trail. We had a wonderful dinner where i stuffed myself thoroughly and enjoyed 2 servings of ice cream later. Talked to my parents for about an hour and a half which was nice. Everything is good on the homefront which is good. Watched some Olympic games and got some internet time even later. And now its later later, too late. Back on the trail in the morning, but not before a nice breakfast :). Thought of the day; i am looking forward to purchasing a pair of shoes for the sole purpose of doing a little yogging here and there and not 25 miles a day. pardon the pun. Song of the day; loooove is kinda crazy with a something something boy liiike yooou-oo... and then you STOP and something something - your guess is as good as mine. better probably. Craving of the day; none today.

JWC on the PCT

timing is everything

2008-08-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Day 110, Mile 1988.5---Last night was loud, bright, and wet. Unusual things for my nights on the PCT thus far. I managed to stay relatively dry in my tent throughout the night, and things only got damp in the morning as i packed up. The mosquitoes were not as bad by mid-day. It was real nice to take off the sauna suit and not get eaten alive as i walked. For the majority of the day the clouds kept their distance and seemed fairly un-threatening. That changed by 3:30ish and we were basically chased by a thunderstorm or two for the last few hours of the day. We saw a lot of people on the trail today and i can see why. The Three Sisters Wilderness Area was very beautiful and full of running water, big mountains, and open meadows. All these things people seem to enjoy a lot. Earlier in the day i had broached the idea of possibly hitching in on hwy 242 this evening 17 miles ahead of schedule. Icebag and i deliberated a couple different times throughout the day and finally decided it was a good idea. The thunderstorms for me were a big incentive to get in with a roof over my head. Walking on lava fields for the next 5+ miles with thunder and lightning didn't sound all that appealing. I may not be the adventurous guy i sometimes think and others think i am. Although Icebag and i are getting kind of tired of one another we decided a zero couldn't be a bad thing for either one of us. So we waited on hwy 242 and got nothing. There were three other hikers there who had just gotten back from Sisters . They told us this guy had just offered them a ride so we caught up with him and sure enough he would take us. It was just in the nick as the rain really started coming down. The guy (Terry) was on business and said he was actually going all the way into Bend. Although our boxes are in Sisters, my mom set us up to stay with family friends the Krumdiecks in Bend. We ended up hanging out with Terry for a while and we got to eat at the Deschutes Brewing Company. They are famous on the trail for creating Mirror Pond ale i liked a couple of their others as well. It was great conversation and a great meal. Probably another one of the best burgers of my life, and the beer was amazing too. After we finished even as late as it was, Ken (Mr. Krumdieck) picked us up and brought us home. And home is where i am now, so comfortable, so nice, so appreciated. Once again i should take advantage of this bed, a bed, and sleep. Joy(Mrs. Krumdieck) mentioned what we might be having for breakfast in the morning and i am already hungry, or maybe just excited, both. Thought of the day; i wonder if there isn't a pill that you could take to repel mosquitoes because the pharma corporations have too much vested in medications for diseases like malaria and dysentery. Song of the day; not really a song just - leyyft, leyyft, leyft right leyft - and repeat.

JWC on the PCT

Que terrible'

2008-08-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

Day 109, Mile 1966.3---I awoke this morning at around 6:30 to do my daily business. The mosquitoes gave me no privacy, and made the whole experience quite uncomfortable. They did not quit until around 11;30 when i came to a burned out area. I had my dri-clime jacket with my head net tucked in, and also pants on. The only thing exposed was my hands and occasionally my neck as the net shifted. I got about 10 bites on each hand. They got my right pinky finger 3 times, and i even got a stigmata bite as i referred to it after one bit me in the middle of my right palm and left a blood spot when it died. Around 11:30 was also when i came to the trail junction that goes to Elk Lake Resort. Alright i gotta cut this short i am really tired. Had an amazing burger and sweet potato fries. Left to go back on trail only to decide the thunderstorms were too much. Then met Icebag on the way back off trail and decided to go ahead and leave. I felt wimpy to have not been able to leave on my own. Got about 8 miles out before the time and storms forced us to stop and set up camp. Here i am now with all my stuff in my tent, using my pack as a pillow. Every 20 minutes or so another storm rolls in and then rolls out. I hope it is nice in the morning. Goodnight. Thought of the day; it could be worse - such a dumb saying, it applies anywhere and everywhere. Song of the day; something something some, something something some, onnnnn the feeeeeylds of baaaaahley - Phil Collins? Sting? Craving of the day; a burger i had for lunch today called Da Kine, i wanted another for dinner. 1/4lb patty with swiss cheese, grilled onions, grilled pineapple, peppered bacon, lettuce, and teriyaki glaze on a ciabatta bread, and with sweet potato fries of course.

JWC on the PCT

today sucketh the mosteth

2008-08-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

Day 108, Mile 1946.8---Let's start from the beginning.This morning we packed up and left the hut. I was actually the last one to leave and for some reason i thought of going back to the tram, riding down, and quitting the trail. As i walked i tried to place why i was thinking of quitting. I decided i felt pretty guilty that in the last 2 days i have skipped (in one form or another) approximately 40 miles. When i called my Dad from Shelter Cove and said i had arrived, he said "man your smokin buddy!". The last time he said that was when i told him i had arrived in Etna after 100mi in 72 hrs - which i actually walked. It didn't feel good to hear that again and know it wasn't accurate at all this time. I have this belief that if i can't do something right or to my standards, i shouldn't do it at all. Although i am a self proclaimed reformed purist, the guilt was too strong. Willamette Pass was hosting a 100k (63mi) race today(hence the ayce pasta last night) and the course went along the PCT for a bit. I came upon a lady sitting at a trail junction directing racers at a confusing intersection. I talked with her for a bit and she asked how long i was hiking for and where to. I responded that i was headed to Canada and probably around 5 months as it has already been 3 and a half. "Ohhh my, well you look so fresh!" she said. Grrreat my guilty conscience lamented; probably because you just skipped 40 miles and had all you can eat pasta last night which you took up on a tram ride and ate indoors in a hut with solar lighting and a beer to wash it all down. So of course i confessed it all to her. She didn't seem that concerned for my thru-hiker soul. I walked on, stepping aside as racers passed every once in awhile, usually in two's or three's. Some of them commented on my hike, or my trip, and how amazing it was as they went by. I thought; are you kidding me? you folks are running 63 miles today, that is amazing. This post is going to go on forever. Soon i started seeing signs like "gypsies ahead" and "the Twins 1/2 mile ahead". It turned out to be an aid station for the racers, complete with hyper helpers, and a belly dancer. I was offered all of the same stuff the racers got. I had a piece of watermelon, a couple grapes, a slice of banana, and a PB&J tortilla wrap thing. All of it tasted awesome, it made me wish i was in the race so i could have it all again at the finish. In fact i thought about dropping my pack and running with them, make up the 40 miles, and then quit the trail. Quitting was in my head all day. The mosquitoes upped the ante in the afternoon. Deet was applied again and again, at one point my legs were on fire hip to toe with a burning itch. It got so bad i had to put my jacket on and tuck my head net into the collar. That is not comfortable, especially when its 80something and very humid. Then it started to rain. Not hard at all, but just enough to get those other 50000000 skeeters up and moving. I think this afternoon was my lowest point on the entire trail. I am not sure i hit rock bottom, but it felt hard enough. The rain let up, but the mosquitoes did not. I picked a spot to camp around 7:30 and set up my tent with the fly in case it started up again. As i cooked dinner a thunderstorm started up about 16 miles away (i did that counting between lightning and thunder thing). I couldn't get my dinner to cool down fast enough to eat as the storm rolled in. I felt fairly vulnerable being camped next to a small lake, eating with a metal spork out of a metal pot, next to a tall tree, the mosquitoes pelting me all the while. I threw out some of my dinner and managed to get myself and everything in the tent just as the big drops started to fall. So here i sit, in this sauna. In the time it has taken me to write this colossal post the storm has passed, the mosquitoes buzz around the tent awaiting my return, and it sounds like something has found the rest of my dinner. Why am i doing this again? I hope it becomes clear in the morning. I want to finish, i don't want to quit. I just wish the Canadian border was just 20 miles away instead of 700ish. Alright that's it, thanks for hanging in there - if you did. Thought of the day; i just want out, WAIT i don't mean that, life is good, I'm fine. Song of the day; same as yesterday actually. Craving of the day; to be at home eating homemade burgers, shakes, and fries.

JWC on the PCT

alternative lifestyle

2008-08-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

Day 107, Mile 1919ish---Last night when we got into camp there were a lot of notes from other hikers on the trailhead message board. Most of them mentioned an "alternate route that has more water and is shorter". We looked it up this morning in the guidebook and it is actually recommended over the original PCT route by the authors. So in keeping with the theme of this section we decided to take the alternate route. It was really flat and fairly boring, but there was more water, and it was shorter. We made it to Shelter Cove by 3:45ish. There we met another hiker who i have seen on and off since the desert sections. Her name was formerly Miss Potato Head, she is now known as Pothead. We all got our re-supply boxes, packed up and headed to Willamette Pass ski area. One of the guidebooks said pizza and beer could be had Fri-Sun, we were in luck. It also said that if one was so inclined you could take the tram to the top and meet the PCT about a mile later on a connecting trail. About 2 miles after that there was a ski hut you could spend the night in. So we decided to put them all together. We went and got the all you can eat pasta option and a to go box, a couple beers, and bought tram tickets. By 8 o'clock we were eating a pasta dinner and drinking bottled beer in this ski hut 75yds off trail. I do plan to get back to my old ways of hitting every single mile i can, but Oregon is fairly boring without some sort of extracurriculars. At times i feel guilty, at others i could care less. "Hike your own hike" is what it boils down to. I have to sleep now. Thought of the day; everybody in the world wants 2 things; to be comfortable, and to be loved. Song of the day; u lowwwwd sixteen tons and waaduhya get, another day older and deeeper in debt, saint peterrr dont youu caaall me cause i cant goooo, i ohhhhh my sohhhl to the company stowwww - some deep voiced guy with a mind that's weak, but a back that's strong and one fist of iron and the other is steel. Said aahyem soooweeeooohw! eeeohh anxious, love it when ur talkin dirty, meet me at 1130, said aahyem sooooweeeoohweeeohhh anxious - i have no clue. Craving of the day; fresh baked bread and some apples and cheese.

JWC on the PCT

Back on track

2008-08-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Day 106, Mile 1882.9---After 6 miles on the side trail we hit the PCT this morning at mile 1864.0. We had discussed alternative routes in the morning as we packed up which included renting horses, or trying to still get to the hot springs. I decided i just wanted to get on the PCT and go north as usual. The terrain was fairly flat today with some moderate climbs here and there. We crossed the high point of the Oregon/Washington section today at a whopping 7,560 ft. It was a saddle surrounded by trees with no view at all. Figuratively speaking i would not call it a "high point". One interesting thing about that area was that there were a ton of monarch butterflies going southbound. We had seen a similar vein of monarchs coming past the crater rim at one point. Must be some sort of migratory channel. There were two water sources the entire day. The first was a creek; flowing well, with nice cold water. The second was a fairly stagnant pond with warm milky tasting water. There was also a ton of mosquitoes at the pond. As i pumped away with my filter sucking up the water, they attacked, sucking up my blood. I pumped faster and then i thought all this vigorous movement is just increasing my blood pressure and probably making it easier for them. I only got about a liter before i couldn't take it anymore. Turns out the water tastes terrible anyway and there is only a few more miles in the morning to better water, so no prob. One last interesting thing today was these tiny huckleberry-like plants. They put an aroma in the air that smelled like rainbow sherbet, amazingly good. It made me want a sherbet float of some sort. Working out my schedule to get to Cascade Locks on the night of the 28th. I think i might try and take a zero in Bend. We saw only 3 other people all day. One section hiker at the nasty water source, and then two true southbounders at camp. The southbounders said there are some good sushi places in Bend. Since i missed that in Ashland, and i need to take at least one zero to make the 28th, it sounds like a plan. Wow, just saw a shooting star. I am going to lay here and wait for another one and fall asleep in the process. Thought of the day; be conscious of your energy use, no not the green movement, i mean your actual energy that you produce and use. Song of the day; All my life by KC and JoJo - i was relaying the story to Icebag of how Lucy and i danced to that after i requested it from the DJ in 8th grade and i thought i was so cool for doing that, wow baaaack in the day. Craving of the day; the ice cream i had at the Heitmans that i churned myself, and all types of quality and not so quality Chinese food.

JWC on the PCT

all roads lead to rome

2008-08-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

Day 105, Mile ?---The morning was great. Breakfast buffet, charged my camera battery right next to the table, got new shoes. It was really really cool to see my Aunt Terri and my Mom. I hadn't seen family(blood related) since July 1st. It was good to know that in roughly 15 days i would be seeing more familiar faces. They drove us up to the crater rim and we said our goodbyes. Then the skip-hike-hitch-hike day began. We got dropped off roughly 4 miles north of where we got off trail. This to the purists would be a major transgression. I myself am a reformed purist and Icebag was never one to begin with. Also we were coming up on a long waterless stretch so this would ease the pain. I am realizing now that this is going to be long and complicated but i will do my best. Our original plan was to take an alternate route after the rim through Diamond Lake that would add 5 miles but give us water and dinner at the resort so we could carry less food and water. About an hour after we left we ran into SlickB headed south bound. He said he had spent the last 4 days at a hot springs with naked hippy chicks and it was "priceless". He also said he left us a cache and directions at highway 138 on how to get there ourselves. Although the naked hippy chicks left, he would hitch back there this evening with beer and wine and food and we should join him. Last but not least there was an alternate route called the Umpqua trail that connected the hot springs with the PCT some 28 miles later; it was full of water sources the whole way. Sounded like a wonderful idea. It would actually add 8 miles to our journey so the 4 we skipped would be made up completely. Alright so now jump forward 3 hours, its 5oclock and somehow we still have 8.5 miles to go just to get to hwy 138, then hitch to the hot springs. We decide if there is any hope of making the hotsprings we need to hitch off the road leaving Crater Lake n.p. and paralleling the trail at that time. So we bushwhack east, hit the road and start walking north along the tiny shoulder, sticking our thumbs out along the way. After many cars passed us we finally got picked up by 3 brothers, their sister, and a sister-in-law. They were headed to Diamond Lake back to a family reunion. They were very nice and even smushed in the back seat so we could ride in the middle captain chairs, it was good. The sister appeared to be holding her nose the entire ride, i apologize for both Icebag and myself, but thanks alot for picking us up. So we went to Diamond Lake(also on hwy 138) via said hitch, got dinner and then tried to figure out how to get to the hot springs. A guy at the front desk of the lodge gave us basic directions and we headed back out to 138 to hitch. We tried until the sun went down and cars were starting to avoid us like we might be deer walking out on to the road or something. Just as we were getting our packs on to go, two cute girls pulled over going the opposite way and said they were headed to Medford. We said we were trying to go back the other way but thanks for being the only people to stop in the last half hour. As they took off we both looked at each other and said, why didn't we go to Medford? SlickB would have gone to Medford. So, we never got a hitch and we are back to our original plan on a side trail out of Diamond Lk that meets back up with the PCT in 7 miles. I think we are somehow a day ahead of schedule now, but I'm not sure, at all. I think we just skipped 17ish miles on the day, but I'm not sure, at all. I think i am going to try and make up these miles somehow since the hot springs fell through and now all we did was really skip for skippings sake, not good. But what i do know is its late and i need to sleep. Thought of the day; too many plans and you don't have one. Song of the day; cooooool cleeaaar waterrrrrrrr - somebody i might should probably know. Craving of the day; i was offered grapes by Aunt Terri to pack out and i didn't. I should have.

JWC on the PCT

ask and ye shall receive

2008-08-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

Day 104, Mile 1830.4---First of all, SUCCESS! I walked 22 miles today without taking a break to get to Crater Lake as early as possible. I made it in around 245 and called my Dad to find out the deal with Rob and Terri. The Post Office was 4 or more trail/road miles so i went to the nearest phone at the Mazama Village store. My Dad couldn't get ahold of them for me but a minute after i hung up with him i saw my Aunt Terri's car come into the parking lot. The person in the passenger seat looked like a woman waving at me like my Mom waves when she is excited - both hands going. It WAS my Mom! Pretty awesome feeling i have to say. Not that Uncle Rob wouldn't have been awesome to have too, but there is nothing like that feeling of contentment when you see your Mother after a long absence of this kind. That was a long sentence. Anyway so like i had hoped, wished, and prayed, it all worked out. Not to mention that my Aunt Terri had packed fruit and french bread in a cooler which i immediately got into. Like having two moms come to see me, awesome. Well not like, cause they are both moms but - nevermind, it was just good, great, grand, wonderful. Right now i am laying in a bed and the longer i type the less time i have to enjoy it in sleep. If you ever want to really appreciate your bed just sleep on the floor with a Thermarest or something for 5 nights, it will be awesome on that 6th night. Tomorrow we get my boxes because although my mother was at the post office when it was open they would not give them to her. She even showed her ID that matched exactly the return addresses on the boxes, as well as my last name, obviously. But she was denied. So breakfast and charging batteries tomorrow, then getting new shoes and food from my other box, then back on the trail. Thought of the day; i had a really good one, but food and family and i cannot recall. Song of the day; same, sorry. Craving of the day; a decent salad.

JWC on the PCT

no reception, no exception

2008-08-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

Day 103, Mile 1808ish---Today was a flashback from the Sierra's, except boring. Flashback because today we entered the Sky Lakes Wilderness which should be renamed Giant Bloodsucker Wilderness. I got eaten alive today before i finally put on DEET, and that lasted most of the day. The combination of bugs, a flat forested trail, and feeling bad about tomorrow, made today fairly shitty. I asked Icebag for his phone this morning so that i could try and get a text or call out during the day. At one point i had 4 bars out of 7 and got nada. My only hope is either my aunt and uncle decide not to come out or one of the texts made it through somehow; both unlikely i think. I had the image of my Uncle Rob and Aunt Terri waiting outside the Post Office for me for half the day tomorrow in my head for all of the day today. I am going to hope, wish, and pray that it all works out. I actually found out today from Icebag that the Post Office closes at 3pm so i won't even be able to get my boxes tomorrow. The main problem is getting my charger out of my bounce box and charging my camera batteries. I actually think i might bounce it ahead to Sisters and head in there with Icebag for a possible zero. I don't know what i am doing at all actually. It seems to work out for the best out here, I'm banking on that this time. I just want to be at Cascade Locks with family, like yesterday. Well this has been a lovely post. On a good note, i ate a wild huckleberry today that tasted like a blueberry and a guava mixed. Meteor shower tonight, i doubt i could keep my eyes open for it; maybe i will wake up in the middle of the night and catch one. Thought of the day; selfishness, not money, is the root of all evil. Song of the day; waaa waaa waaaaa wa wa she's got me lookin like im dumb, shudah known, shudah left that girl alone - i think it goes something like that and by who i have no clue. Craving of the day; eggs benedict of sorts- take a 8inch onion sub sandwich roll (like the one i had at Hero Sandwhich in Ashland) cut it in half and lightly toast it. Next layer on shrimp cut in half lengthwise and sauteed in roasted garlic and butter with a little salt. Next layer very thinly sliced fresh Bosc pear rings (can be cooked slightly in hot pan with butter). Next layer is 3 sunnyside eggs on each roll. Add desired amount of Hollandaise sauce to the top. Also craved a couple freshly peeled carrots with a bowl of ranch dressing.

JWC on the PCT

sans title

2008-08-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

Day 102, Mile 1780.5---Today was un-exciting to say the least. Last night the raccoons kept me up for a while so i didn't make it on trail until about 7:50. We stopped for lunch at a shelter made by the Oregon National Guard. I made Mountainhouse macaroni and cheese with a pouch of smoked salmon added. It was ok. A girl showed up soon after i arrived and her pack looked like it weighed at least 50lbs. There was more stuff tied or clipped or pocketed on the outside than i had ever seen before on a single pack. She was doing a section from Ashland to Crater Lake. She caught up with us at the end of the day while we cooked dinner and now we are all camped together just past a stream. Walked on a lot of lava today which doesn't make the best tread though my feet didn't seem to mind. Did not make my 30 today, which definitely means i am not going to make it to Crater Lake before noon day after tomorrow. My Uncle Rob and Aunt Terri might be meeting me there but it was not set in stone when i left Ashland. I am hoping i can get a signal on Icebag's phone sometime tomorrow so i can call and let them know i will be late. Alright that's about it, like i said in the first sentence, un-exciting. Thought of the day; do not let any negatives in your past reflect on the inherently positive outlook of your future. Song of the day; wiith eeemaaginaaayshunnnn iyel get there, by Harry Connick Jr. Craving of the day; frybread - it was served with every meal at this restaurant in Whitefish, Montana. Its like a deep fried dinner roll, soo lovely.

JWC on the PCT

Sam & Rachel; trail angels extrordinaire

2008-08-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

Day 101, Mile 1756ish---As you can read i am still alive. Soon after dark the girls came up the road. We ended up deciding to camp back near the Pilot Rock trailhead despite the possible late night return of Jesse. After hauling the cooler and all our stuff down to a meadow, only to decide it was too rocky, we finally set up camp about 100ft from the cars in the woods next to the trail. These girls Sam and Rachel were amazing. They brought sandwiches, chips and salsa, plenty of beer, and even ice cream. Not just any ice cream, banana and ginger, the two flavors me and Icebag had mentioned when talking with them earlier. Both Icebag and i were not sure what we did to deserve all of this. After dinner and dessert by candle lantern light we talked a while and then Rachel got out her guitar. It was late and as she played Sam and Icebag fell asleep. She was very good, and i was trying very hard to stay awake, but it was so relaxing. She started singing a bit, and in a jewel-esque timbre sung "close yourr sleeepy eyes", that was all it took, i was down for the count. In the morning they had blueberries and bananas for us. It was just incredible. We packed up and headed to the car. Jesse had arrived sometime in the night; his car was tarped and suitcases, coolers, and car seats were spread out on the road. He came around the corner dragging a tree branch. All cleaned up and seemingly sober he was a lot more benign this morning. Kind of made me feel dumb for ever worrying in the first place. He told his story to the girls and Rachel said she thought she knew where his key was. She offered to run down the trail and retrieve it and then they would give him a jump. We said our goodbyes before she left and headed for the trail. But not before Jesse insisted we take 2 Redbulls each for the "road". That rounded out my breakfast of 1 bottle of Blue moon, 1 Redbull, 3 handfuls of blueberries and 2 odwalla bars. Anyway, today was fairly easy walking, even with a late start we made 20 by 4:15ish. Stopped in at Hyatt Lake resort and split a pizza and breadsticks. It was good, problem is i still have yet to put a dent in the ration for this leg, and i don't like carrying the extra weight. I might try to cook a dinner for lunch tomorrow, that might help. Hoping to do over 30 tomorrow, we shall see. Thought of the day; Oregon is awesome. Song of the day; go to youtube and search "french idol beatbox" or "french beatbox", that's what was in my head for the last half of the day. Craving of the day; better jerky than i have and a cold Gatorade.

Post Script; Sam or Rachel if you are reading this it would be great if you could e-mail Icebag with your contact info and thanks again.

JWC on the PCT

hmm...........this could be interesting

2008-08-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

Day 100, Mile 1731.2---Alright so i would like to be writing from inside my tent right now per usual but i am not. And it is not night time, and i am not in my lovely sleeping bag. I am just 5ish miles outside Ashland. Wait, let me start from the beginning which is definitely worth mentioning. We had another great half day at the resort that is Chuck and Julie's home. We got eggs benedict cooked for us, more internet time, more TV time, more food time, more good times. I am really glad i got the opportunity to meet them and stay at their great place. I know Icebag and Don't Panic did not want to leave, they drug their feet as long as possible. Icebag and myself got dropped off at the trail around 4:20ish and Don't Panic was headed back to the hostel for another night. We hiked less then 2.5 miles and came upon two girls having a picnic of sorts. We talked for a while and one of the girls said she was interested in doing the PCT next year. Long story short we decided to not do our miles, and they decided to go get beer and meet us up the trail about 2 miles to camp. We walked the two miles and came to Pilot rock trailhead. As we looked for camping spots a guy came down the trail and told us how amazing it is up at the top. It was quickly apparent that he was on something. He told us a story about college kids taking everything he had along with his car keys ::gesturing to the parked sequoia:: and then told us it was all good cause he found diamonds ::showing us handfuls of broken safety glass::. Then he got on a motorcycle that was parked there as well, apparently his too, and started it up. He told me he could get me a job in Huntington Beach when i get home and gave us his card, his name was Jesse. It all didn't really add up, he was from Minnesota, he had a place in HB, two vehicles worth about 50k combined parked at a trailhead in Oregon, and according to him he had been there a week. He told us to use anything we could find in the car and go camp halfway up Pilot Rock trail at a really good spot. At this point i am wondering where the bodies are. Then he says there is a fire dance in the plaza in Ashland tonight, if he happens to come back for the car he would like to take us to it and then bring us back. After he left we looked through the car. It seems he is who he says he is, the majority of the tickets in the car have the same name anyway. So after some deliberation we decided not to further our part in this guys life story and exited stage right. Dirt road right to be exact. We are hoping to catch the girls on the road below and go camp further down the road which actually meets back up with the trail. I know i might be skipping a mile or two but i would rather skip 3 and live to hike the rest. So, all of that to say, here we are sitting on the side of some dirt road hoping to see the ladies before Jesse. Man this post sounds like i am the one on drugs, but its all true, unfortunately. Wish me luck... although by the time you read this the ending will already be written. Thought of the day; i am learning to be opportunistic and go with the flow out here -but the current situation is not all that encouraging at the moment. Song of the day; none. Craving of the day; another bowl of granola with blueberries on top and then some banana gellato.

JWC on the PCT

jumping jeffery to jumping jesse

2008-08-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

Day 99, a wonderful zero---Last nights sleep wasn't the best, but it was still in a bed. Had a great breakfast at Munchies in downtown Ashland this morning. Afterwards i called my Moms' friend Julie, and she picked us up from the hostel about an hour later. Oh and jumping jeffery gave us our money back for tonight after a brief discussion of the magical powers of fermenting grains and drinking the juice. Anyway, we rode in style to Julie's home in her husbands Yukon Denali; black on black - baaawlin. When we arrived it was a beautiful estate on 16 acres, it felt like we were pulling into a resort. We got the grand tour and i was consistently impressed and in awe at how cool this place is. Icebag and Don't Panic got set up in basically their own apartment with a big screen plasma, and wi-fi with a laptop. I got a guest bedroom in the house which is equally amazing with my own sunken tub shower combo attached. Julie had everything we could want or need available to us. We swam in the pool and lounged in the afternoon, went shopping for a resupply and had a filet mignon dinner...yeah its like that. I met Julie's husband Chuck earlier this evening and found out the man is into most things i have ever considered cool. He has a custom 66' fastback mustang, a gun collection, and has trained and trains in jeet kune do with some of the the most recognizable names in the world of martial arts. It was great to sit and talk with someone on this trip who knew about things i am into. Believe it or not guns, muscle cars, and UFC are not popular topics of convo among other pct thru-hikers. Shocking i know. Just a great day and night, and i am very appreciative that my Mother set this up for me. Tomorrow it is back to the trail, leaving a place like this will be hard. But i can take solace in the fact that it won't be long before i am surrounded by a bunch of folks i am related to in one way or another and that i have been walking towards for a long while. Alright my writing is going from bad to worse as i fall asleep. Thought of the day; helping people to help themselves is often better then just helping people. Song of the day; iiii gawt frinnnnnds in lowww playces, where the something and something and something chayses my fears awayyyyy, and it'll be okayyyy, Garth Brooks?. Craving of the day; i was too busy eating to crave anything.

JWC on the PCT

Welcome to Oregon, it's raining

2008-08-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

Day 98, Mile 1726.6---Last night i fell asleep gazing at the stars. Later i awoke to clouds and wind. This morning i woke up to rain drops. It lasted only about 25 minutes, but it was enough to get us up and moving to pack up quickly. By the time we had taken shelter under a tree and eaten breakfast (granola bars and cache soda's at 6:30am) the rain had all but stopped. The rest of the morning not a single drop fell on us as the storm moved north and we hiked due east towards Ashland. After a hitch and a bus ride we arrived in Ashland, the shang-ri-lah of the trail. More things available here then most anywhere else along the trail. I was so caught up in it all that i completely screwed up. I was supposed to call mí madre before anything else to check in and to see about a place to stay. I instead checked myself into a hostel along with Icebag and Don't Panic, went shopping for a fuel canister, ate a sandwich and some ice cream, and then called home. I soon found out that i did in fact have a wonderful place to stay that she lined up for me at her friends house. I felt horrible, i should have known better, i should have remembered. It felt like my first big screw-up of the trip. Anyway, i think we might try and get one nights worth of our money back, and it seems that it will work out either way, i just still feel bad. After that i went to drink my sorrows away(not really) at the Irish Pub with the guys. Later we went to eat sushi and after being asked if we had reservations(bad sign) we were shocked by the prices and left to find other cuisine. Indian food was the answer and it was very good. Ice cream was had after that; a lot of ice cream/gellato for me. We sat in the ice cream shop for a couple hours and during that time i had 2 cones and 1 cup to make a total of 4 servings for the day. The banana gelatto was insanely good and it kept me coming back. We are now back at the hostel which is sweltering hot. This place is run by "jumping jeffrey" a "ghostly, comedic, soft-shoe dancer, with secret powers". Look him up http://www.jumpingjeffery.net/ - i am not making this up. Plans for tomorrow include laundry, re-supply, cheap sushi somewhere, and a move to the digs my mom set up for me (us). Thought of the day; i think my Dad has been right all along when he says Oregon girls are the prettiest. There are so many cute girls here in Ashland i feel like my standards must be out of whack or something - could be trail goggles. Song of the day; oh i wiiish they all could beeee californyaaaa girrrls, by brian wilson. Also Thriller by Michael (what the hell is wrong with him but damn he was good way back when) Jackson. Craving of the day; about 5 loaves of this onion bread my sandwich was on, i might go back tomorrow and see if i can work a deal somehow some way.

JWC on the PCT

Lunch in Oregon

2008-08-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

Day 97, Mile 1714.9I ---made it through California!! It was a great feeling today to straddle the border between the two states and know that for the most part i had walked here. We had a big day today and still had time to spare at the end. The day was mostly uneventful until the end. Around 6:45ish we came upon a cache set up by former thru-hikers. It had soda in one cooler, and beer in the other. We decided that we had walked far enough at this point and would like to take full advantage of the freshly stocked cache. A guy named Sundown whom we met in the "hiker pen" came up shortly after we had arrived. He said he intended to go on and get closer to Ashland so he could get in and out in one day. When he found out there was beer his plans changed, and after a few more he decided just to camp nearby as we did. Saw another bear today. Well sort of, more like i saw a blur of back fur as it threw itself down the side of a mountain in its attempt to flee the dangerous hikers. That makes number 6, and as far as i can tell that is one of the highest numbers of sightings on the trail. It is kind of strange to be in Oregon finally. I actually wanted to quit most of the morning and i don't know why. I think my body is just tired actually, so another good nights sleep like last night and i will be back to normal I'm sure. Oh yeah and the cankles are no more. Hallelujah. Thought of the day; i think i am going to go way outside my comfort zone when i utilize my travel benefits, and after my first destination of Dubai, I am just going to go to the airport and pick a destination off the departing flights screen and then go. Song of the day; baaaack in the dayyy when i was a kid I'm not a kid anymorrr, but somedays i sit and wish i was a kid again - by someone who used to be a kid... back in the day. Craving of the day; rolls and fruit salad

JWC on the PCT

Out of the state of jefferson

2008-08-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

Day 96, Mile 1687.0---Packed up this morning in the hiker pen and cleaned up a bit. Got back on trail by 8:20ish. We stopped more then once to eat blackberries on the way. I had one this morning that was the best blackberry i have ever tasted in my entire life; it made me not want to leave. The 4500ft climb proved not to be as terrible as i had thought. It was actually my stomach that made it a little difficult. Actually i should be more accurate; it was the oatmeal i found in the hiker box this morning now inside my stomach that was causing the trouble. Maybe it was old or had molded or something but it made my stomach blow up like a balloon. Anyway that eventually subsided 3/4 of the way through the climb so it was all good. The rest of the day was spent hiking, talking, and eating as usual. Tomorrow we hit the border. It's strange to know there is less than 1,000 miles of trail left. At 20 miles a day that's less than 50 days to go, and i plan to do it faster. I would like to blab on about things, but i am exhausted. It is amazing what 2.5 days off trail does. Your body says finally i am finished, and then nooope you're back at it. That's what ibuprofen and sleep are for, and i already have one accomplished. Goodnight. Thought of the day; i really like that i am a godfather, it is cool to be "Uncle Jesse". Song of the day; i got my miiiind set on you, iii got my miiiiind set onnn you - George somebody. Craving of the day; high quality fresh food, i am getting tired of americana cafe/ greasy spoon type places and giant portions (although i crave this as well most of the time)

JWC on the PCT

Food + fun + relaxing = a zero

2008-08-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

Day 95, another zero---This morning i woke up about 6am and all i could think about was breakfast at the Cafe. Around 7:45 myself, Icebag, and Don't panic finally made it in to eat. Afterwards we packed up all of our stuff and then proceeded to watch the 1st Batman movie. By the end of that we were starting to think about lunch. We decided to go have a swim in the creek and figure out when exactly we would leave. I picked and ate blackberries for about half an hour and swam an sunned for another hour or more. Pretty soon we realized we wouldn't be hiking out til 5ish after lunch had digested. Lunch was really good, and by the time the plates were cleared we had basically arrived at the conclusion that we wouldn't be leaving today. But tomorrow we are out for sure. I already spent way too much money in the last 2 days, plus i would like to get to Ashland for some sushi. After that the plan is still to try and fly through Oregon. Alright it is late, oh one last thing - the cankles are back. Back with a vengeance, they are huge right now, the right worse than the left for some reason. Apparently my body just loves to retain water if i am not hiking 20+ miles a day. Hopefully at the end of this trip i am not stuck with these elephantitis looking lower legs for the rest of my life, or possibly cankle stretch marks. I am sure by mid-day tomorrow they should be back in fighting(hiking really) shape...i hope. Also, i want to wish a Happy Birthday to Mr. Chris Booker. Welcome to 24 sir, I've been here for a little bit, its cool i guess. Thought of the day; activity is paramount to longevity when it comes to the constantly aging human body. Song of the day; taaaaake me toooo the riiiiver, draaaawwwp me in the waaaaater, by the singing bass on the wall mount. Craving of the day; none really.

JWC on the PCT

Skip, Skip,Skip to my lou

2008-08-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

Day 94, a zero and a skip---Last night was almost a hike ender and also the best nights sleep i have had in awhile. I chose a top bunk at the Hiker Hut, i awoke shortly after going to sleep with half my body heading over into the abyss. I reminded myself how humans sleep off the ground in most circumstances and in some cases 6ft or more, the rest of the night was without incident. I had dreams i was sleeping on a mattress and i was, so it was good. Anyway this morning i got a mini breakfast at the hiker hut out of the communal fridge, and then a second at Bobs Ranch House. Afterwards we negotiated a ride to Seiad Vally with some Brazilians working for an NGO based in Etna. I had one hour to pack my boxes, buy a resupply, get my pack re-organized, and then walk the mile back from the Hiker Hut to CCTG(the ngo). I was 20 minutes late but luckily they were about 25 minutes late. It was an interesting ride with myself, Slick B, Don't Panic, and Icebag all crammed into the back seat of a mini-van. There were 4 Brazilian girls and one Brazilian guy who drove us in the van as well. At one point with the girls talking in Portuguese and Brazilian music playing i felt i was in a shared ride or group taxi in Rio. The landscape was so distinctly American west though that i quickly came back to reality. Unfortunately they only could get us as far as a mile outside Klamath River before time issues forced them to turn around. We then walked to a store picking blackberries along the way and got a hitch out of there 15 more miles to Seiad Valley. That is where i am now. I am lying in the middle of an RV park with a small cheap white picket fence around me and hay on the ground; a" hiker pen" of sorts. If you didn't know, Seiad is home of the Pancake Challenge; 5 - 1lb pancakes in 2 hrs and it's free. I chose to order just 2 of the "regular" pancakes. They were at least 12inches across and pretty hefty, i barely ate half. Also we got fresh blackberry shakes. When i say fresh i mean we walked out next to the cafe, picked about a cup each and then they made our shakes for us. It was great. Just finished off the night watching Running Man on our TV in the pen here with a screen about the size of the pancakes. Movie's from the 80's astound me at times. What has changed so much that a movie like this was acceptable back then, but now i watch it and find it completely ridiculous if even mildly entertaining. OK, this is a ridiculously long and less then mildly entertaining post i am sure. Hiking out tomorrow morning after a breakfast at the cafe, sans pancakes. 4,800 ft in elevation in 8 miles here i come; on the way to the Oregon border and Ashland. Not too long now and i will be with family again, Oregonian familia - I'm on my way! Thought of the day; i need to go to Brazil in the near future. Song of the day; don't recall. Craving of the day; a really good doughnut.

JWC on the PCT

It's Etna Daaaaawling

2008-08-02T23:48:00.000-07:00

Day 93, Mile 1606.5---I got on trail this morning by 5:55. I tried to wait as long as i could before "breakfast", but i didn't last that long at all. I did manage however to stretch that bar over the entire 13ish miles. I arrived at the road around 11:30 and after finally starting to walk down the road into Etna i got a hitch. I was lucky actually, Will and Julia got one right away 30 minutes earlier, and i waited maybe 20 minutes, but others waited over 3 hours i heard later. Got into town and went straight to the grocery store. I got a pack of English muffins, 1 peach, 1 banana, a SoBe elixir, and a thing of "cooked pork". It was in one of those warming things you know how smaller stores have the various meats already done, like "cooked pork" for instance. I made and ate 5 sandwiches and they were delicious. Made the Post Office with time to spare and picked up my boxes. Checked into the Hiker Hut after that and had Internet time, showered, and got laundry going. I think i may have pushed a little too far and gone into some catabolisis from the last few days. In the shower my shoulders and arms got tired and had a sort of lactic burn just while i was washing my hair. Also i checked the scale and i am don to 146ish, yay. I got some calories back in though and i have more headed my way tomorrow as well. Later i headed to the old fashioned soda fountain for some ice cream and back to the store for some yogurt, another peach, and a banana. Etna is a small place to put it mildly. But that's how i like it seeing as i am walking or biking everywhere i go. Met up with Icebag, Don't Panic and Slick B in front of the drug store and we decided to hit up the Etna Brewery for dinner. It was pretty good food but i didn't get dessert(everything was chocolate) which was disappointing. I think i will have pie with my breakfast at Bobs Ranch House restaurant tomorrow morning to make up for it. As far as heading north goes i am still not quite sure. New fires, same closure. Trying to figure out where and how and when after breakfast tomorrow. Alright it is too late to still have my eyes open. Thought of the day; if i fell off this cliff right here and got an open head wound with a skull fracture on the right side of my head ,which functions would be impaired? Like if i tried to save myself and went to drink water and then couldn't swallow would i still have a gag reflex or would i survive the fall, and then they find me dead having drowned on the side of a talus field? Song of the day; Made it thruuu the wilderness yaaah i made it thruuu the night...i think those are some of the words to Madonna's "Like a Virgin". Craving of the day; protein and doughnuts.

JWC on the PCT

Tired, hungry, sore, but on time

2008-08-02T23:37:00.000-07:00

Day 92, Mile 1592.3ish---Another loooong day. Today was a bit tougher than yesterday. Lots of ups and downs, usually steep both ways. Walked most of the day by myself and i got to use that time to think about what is next for me. One thing i realized is that i constantly think - man when am i going to start "real life". Wife, career, family, house, etc. and not necessarily in that order. But today i decided whenever, wherever, however, it will all come around and into place. I need to stop thinking - what am i going to do with my life? And start thinking - what am i going to do with tomorrow? Actually tomorrow i am going to starve until i get into town, that's what I'm going to do. I cut it way too close on the rations even with doing this leg fast. Luckily Julia and Will had extra food and gave me a "Mealpack" fruit and nut bar that's 400 calories. I am going to have to make it last 14 miles roughly, but it shouldn't be too bad. Anyway one last thing that i have been meaning to write about since probably early July is my coordination. I feel like all i can do is walk/hike now. I don't think i could throw a ball, a punch, or serve a tennis ball right now. I threw a rock today at a tree just to test myself. It basically went directly into the ground a foot in front of me, pitiful. When i get home i am going to have to re-learn anything that doesn't involve walking 20+ miles a day with weight on my back; that would be most everything. Anyway so i am on time for Etna, now i just have to hope for a hitch as soon as i get to the road. There was a sign on the trail today that said there is another fire closure starting at Etna. Hopefully i can figure it all out before Saturday afternoon so i can get out of dodge before i have to pay for another night. As is the pattern the last few nights I'm falling off a cliff to sleep every 2 min. So I've got to knock out. Thought of the day; when i get home i am having a big yard sale to sell as much of my stuff as i can then use that money to travel Song of the day;I don't practice santaria iyye ain't got no crystal ball, but if i had a million dollars then I'd, I'd spend it aaaalll - somebody. Craving of the day; a salad i had at Esther's - mixed greens, strawberries, craisins, walnuts, blue cheese crumbles with a rasberry vinegarette. Also fried chicken and biscuits would be nice.

JWC on the PCT

The longest Day

2008-08-02T23:29:00.000-07:00

Day 91, Mile 1561.7---Managed to drag myself on trail by 7:10 this morning. Did not sleep that great last night, but it was enough. Apparently we got all the climbing out of the way yesterday because today was real flat. Basically stuck to the ridge lines all day. Somehow the 30 i planned on turned into a 35ish. Longest distance i have walked in one day so far on this trip. I am pretty beat so i apologize for the quality of this post. Met up with Will and Julia late in the day (7:30) and we hiked the last few miles together. We are camped near a meadow which is nice enough but all the spots are right on trail. Although i walked a long time today nothing really worth noting happened. I thought about food, family, Dr. Phil, and dogs, a pretty average day for me in my own head. Alright i am rambling, i need to rest my body. Thought of the day; this one is weird and came out of nowhere but it is what it is - i wonder if "the phrase that pays" is ever the phrase that pays. Song of the day; i do not recall. Cravings of the day; breakfast - Uncle Tracy's pancakes and fresh fruit. Lunch - turkey/avocado with sprouts, cucumber, and tomato on squaw bread from the Secret Spot in HB. Dinner - an inch thick slice of prime rib, assorted sauteed vegetables, a fresh loaf of french bread right out of the oven with a roasted garlic butter spread to put on it, for dessert my Mothers banana bread with caramelized bananas drizzled on top over a dollop of Vanilla Bean ice cream.

JWC on the PCT

Off to the races

2008-08-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

Day 90, Mile 1526.5ish---I expected to sleep in this morning but it never quite happens like that. But, we managed to get out of the campground rent free this morning which was nice. I took a poorly executed coin-operated shower and then made my way back to the market for another breakfast burrito. My meal this time around was a burrito, a liter of Gatorade, a peach, a nectarine, and a box and a quarter of Nilla wafers. It was a glorious breakfast. Later Julia picked about a quart of blackberries from behind the store and i got some of those as well. Managed to handle all my business and get back on the trail around noon-ish. We had a hell of a climb out of Castella. Right now we are somewhere around 6600ft and Castella was at 2180ft. It was a smokey day today, so much that you could look directly at the sun. So that combined with the heat made the climb fairly challenging. Upon arrival to our campsite for the night we made an unfortunate realization. The guidebook informed us that the Post Office is not open on the weekends in Etna. Will and Julia have a food box, and i have maps and Superfeet insoles at the Etna PO. We decided rather then be stuck in Etna all weekend we will try and make it there in 3 days from here. We also have to account for the 15 mile hitch into town so we are shooting for 2ish on Friday afternoon. 80 miles in 2.5ish days, here's hoping. The worst that can happen is we are stuck in Etna spending money all weekend. Last thing, i met BillyGoat(same guy from recent LAtimes article) today. He is an interesting man; engaging and intense, but fairly easy to talk to. He was on his last day before going into town. He started July 1st and hiked south from Seiad Valley to Castella, then turned north, hit his start and turned south again. He did it without ever going into town and carried 2 packs; carried one for a while then when he got tired he took it off and walked back to get the 2nd. Definitely his own brand of hiking, but when you've done as many miles as he has on the PCT you have to start switching it up i guess. I'm dozing hard, got to go. Thought of the day; this trip is teaching me things daily, and helping me change things about myself i wasn't fond of, and that's exciting. Song of the day; Evreeeeebuddy's workin forrr the weeeeekend - i have no idea. Craving of the day; the peaches, nectarines, and blackberries i had today cut up on a big bowl of Rice-Krispies with cold 2% milk. Also once again in need of a Blenders in the Grass "the banana" smoothie.

JWC on the PCT

Poison Oak - the corridor of fear

2008-07-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

Day 89, Mile 1506.5---This is going to have to be short. I made it into Castella by 7:30. I did 28ish miles today and just put away two bags of chips, an egg-sausage burrito, a banana, 2.5 beers, half a bag of nilla wafers, 1 liter of Gatorade and some of Will and Julia's leftovers. Highlights of today included two bear sightings, and with the winds working, a great view of Mt. Shasta. The trail was lined with poison oak for the majority of the day, as it was for half the day yesterday as well. I will be surprised if i do not get the rash. I just wish poison oak had some sort of stinging nettles so you know when you got... got. This wait 3-4 days to find out things is really just diabolical. Anyway the plan from here is to do some shopping tomorrow for the next leg and then take off. I was scheduled to arrive tomorrow, so this should jump me a half day ahead. I hope to get in a day early to Etna as well, i just have to do all 25's. Alright this post is lacking in all area's and my eyes are barely open. Goodnight. Thought of the day; i miss my Zoë dog. Songs of the day; woke up this morning with - taaaayk it eeeeezay, taaaayk it eeeeezay, don't let the sound of yer own wheeels drive you craaaayzay. This afternoon it was, let meee see you 1-2 step. Both by somebody different, neither of which i know. Craving of the day; take a ripe peach slice, and a slice of mango, sprinkle raw sugar on one side of each. Then with a creme brulee torch melt the sugar and then press the two sides together. Serve over a small single scoop of high quality vanilla ice cream. I think it would work.

JWC on the PCT

They call me the Beastmaster

2008-07-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

Day 88, Mile 1478.5---So last night was a little rough. At around 3am whatever it was came back again. And then again sometime between 4am and dawn. Our second time around Will put on a stellar performance; throwing things, banging on tree's, grunting, and telling it "i am getting out of my tent now and i am really really angry!" also "i was having a dream, you woke me up as i was checking into a resort damnit!" By the third time both me and Will barely got up to an elbow and sort of let out a half hearted "bearrr...just...go". I said in the beginning of this post - whatever it was, because i could not find a single solid bear track anywhere this morning. Maybe it was just a really persistent deer who was unafraid of dogs, humans, and cavemen(Will's grunting). Anyway the rest of the day went well. Saw three deer, two of which were startled by me but then when i started talking to them, they just went about their business and did not run away. I got some decent pictures of the doe, and a video of the young buck. In between these mammalian encounters i got so bored i started going through the alphabet and matching countries to the appropriate letter. Then cities, then animals; anyone know a country or animal that starts with X? Met up with Julia and Will again towards the end of the day and we are now camped in the Ah-Di-Na campground. It is the site of an old resort of some kind and there are all types of fruit tree's throughout. The right time of year this place would be like a shang-gri-la to me. We ate some very green apples that stuck to my throat as i tried to swallow. Found a few early blackberries that were just good enough to make me really look forward to Oregon blackberry season. I think i am going to hit it right on time but we shall see. Another 25 tomorrow should put us within 5 miles of Castella and Ammirati's mini market. Ammirati's is said to have the "best selection of beer anywhere on the trail" as well as made to order burrito's and sandwiches. Our plan is to be eating a burrito and drinking a beer by 9am day after tomorrow. Ok, i am going to close out this phone book of a post now. Thought of the day; You may hate me for this, but i feel like i am going to need a vacation at the end of this trek. Song of the day; i got feet that move that groove, i got feet that move that groove, sooo i keep keep keep keep on walkin'- by Jazz 1 class of 02' - originally by someone else. Cravings of the day; Isla Vista fare - Silvergreens' western chicken sandwich, Free Birds' steak quesadilla, Blenders' the banana, Woodstocks' garlic bird pizza, and some quality beer from Isla Vista market.

JWC on the PCT

Over-grown; Under-statement

2008-07-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

Day 87, Mile 1453.0---Morning started with a phone call home to see how my Dad's Whitney trip went. Spent too long on the phone with the parents and started imagining where they were in the house, their soft surroundings, and the food that was in the fridge. Got on trail around 9:20 and shortly thereafter i was accosted by the paparazzi. This woman took pictures of me as i crossed the dam, then when i got close she asked me to stop for a picture. Then she demanded not asked me to take off my sunglasses so that "we can see your face" and then snapped another one. It was quite strange but par for the course out here. At what i thought was going to be the end of my day i met up with Will and Julia. They planned on going about 3 miles more to camp near water so i joined them. Along the way we saw some decent size bear tracks on the trail. We got to the creek and small campsite just before 9. I ate and we hung our food, problem was i forgot about the bag of jerky and trail mix i keep in my pack for snack breaks. WOW that was ironic, as i was typing that sentence i kept thinking i was hearing something walk around and then i realized that something was about 10ft from my tent/head. I yelled "GET OUTTA HERE! but it only retreated to behind a tree and then circled over to where Will and Julia are(were) sleeping. I could see the eyes but that's it, but by it's movement it appeared to be a bear. Will started hollering too and then i started in with a series of growls and barks. We talked and nervously made semi good jokes that come off better when you're in these types of situations. Then we decided to hang the rest of everything that could possibly smell good to a bear. I found a nice split stick and banged it on every thing and did about 4 different barks hoping it would think we got a frickin dog sled team with us. Although it also occurred to me that it might say wait a second ,is that only a couple of Cocker Spaniels? I can kick the shit out of those. That would not be the desired effect. We got it all up in the tree without being attacked in the interim anyway. Except i still forgot to put in my chapstick i just realized, hmm ...that is unfortunate to say the least. I think i will put it in the foot of my sleeping bag to mask the odor with the stronger stench of my feet. Alright as much as i would like to just write all night and keep vigil i should probably try and get some sleep. Thought of the day; i want to know every different theological account of dinosaurs. Song of the day; arrrr we really haaappy with thihis lonely game we plaayy, laaawst in the maaasscuraaade. Craving of the day; camp(BBSR) food, specifically corn dogs, hot dogs, potato chips with ranch, a beautiful handcrafted salad with ranch, watermelon and cantaloupe and grapes.post script; i wanted to thank everyone who has been commenting on my blog, i have heard that it can be very trying at times. Maybe i should write google and explain how these comments are my fuel, and i highly value them, so they should handle their business and fix the problem. Uh, i hear something - gotta go.

JWC on the PCT

Looking to the future

2008-07-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

Day 86, Mile 1423.6

Today was nothing short of boring and nothing taller than monotonous. Walked from 8 to 5:20ish and covered some pretty good mileage. More powder dirt, lava rocks, and hotness. The goal was to get to Burney Falls State Park before the store closed so i could pick up my re-supply box; mission accomplished. I got my package from the store along with an ice cold Gatorade and made my way to the hike/bike campsites. I was surprised to find no other hikers here. I had both sites to myself so i spread out and made dinner. Actually before that i opened my box to find out what constituted 11lbs worth of food for 4 days. My Mother was nice enough to send me extra food that i could eat right away so i had a feast of sorts. Dinner consisted of 1 apple, 2 clementines, instant mash potatoes with jerky for the first half of the pot, and cheetos for the second. While i ate i looked at what is coming up next. According to my schedule it is 9 days to Etna from here by way of Castella. Etna to Seiad Valley is 3 days. So in about 2 weeks i am going to be crossing the Oregon border. The only bothersome part about the next 2 weeks is that according to the maps those first 9 days are spent going pretty much due west, even southwest at times. Also the first 4 days out of here the trail is, "crawling with poison oak" and "in the past has been poorly maintained to the point of resulting closures". Super. All i know is if i get poison oak walking due south-west, i am going to be pissed. But i probably won't, so i probably won't. Definitely looking forward to Etna and the turn northward again that follows. Also Seiad Valley has a world famous pancake eating challenge that while i will not participate in, i hear the pancakes are very good and come with the best blackberry shake on the trail. That sentence was horrible, i think i should sleep now. Thought of the day; Happy Birthday Grandmother!!. Song of the day; Miss Mary Mack mack, all dressed in black black, with silver buttons buttons all down her back back...you know the rest about how she was broke, and she wanted to see the patriotic elephants jump an apparently very tall fence etc. Craving of the day; have a cold drink at a swim up bar, and Banana Lumpia (Jarell you lucky bastard).

JWC on the PCT

Clean to filthy in half a day

2008-07-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

Day 85, Mile 1398.7---This morning i had not been up more than 10 minutes and breakfast was served. I totaled 4 slices of cantaloupe, one serving of scrambled eggs, 5 slices of French toast, 5 pieces of bacon, and two glasses of freshly squeezed grapefruit/orange juice. I had 3 of the slices of French toast with homemade apple butter; the combination made me want to stay there forever. I had some more chores to do this morning after breakfast and consequently i missed the first ride out to the trailhead. The next ride didn't leave for awhile and in the meantime i got some extra computer time. I managed to talk to some of my former BBSR staff-mates which was really nice. Having spent the last 5 summers of my life at that place i definitely miss it from time to time. Hope the rest of their camp sessions go well. Myself, Julia, and Will were the only hikers left and got taken back to the trail by Georgi Heitman herself. She packed us little french toast and jam sandwiches that were amazing, in fact, i ate mine in the driveway before we even left. We made it back on trail sometime shortly after 11. The three of us took in the Subway Caves (a lava tube) and 22 miles of trail before the sun went down. Along the way we talked about everything from WWII, to food sustainability, to community design, to future travel plans. It made the miles fly by, and i barely noticed that the talcum powder-esque dirt we were walking on was covering me head to toe. It was fairly hot up on what is called the Hat Creek Rim, and no natural water for 30+ miles. This is the fastest i have ever gone from clean to busted, and actually its up there on the "as dirty as i have ever been" list. It was not a good feeling to get into my freshly laundered thermals with this dirty ass body and then slide into my already in need of a wash sleeping bag. Anyway that's where i am now and its time to sleep. Oh yeah, i wanted to congratulate my Dad on summiting the highest peak in the lower 48; i hope it went well and smooth both up and down. Thought of the day; we should be more conscious in general of the path our food takes to our table - without becoming fanatical of course. Song of the day; Where Have Youuu Bennn My Blue Eyed Sonnnn by James Taylor i believe. Craving of the day; a nice fresh salad with lots of grape tomatoes on it, also the crepe breakfast my Mother made in Mammoth ,but for dinner tonight.

JWC on the PCT

I am getting spoiled rotten

2008-07-27T22:50:00.000-07:00

Day 84, Mile 1377.7---Today i awoke to find that i was still alive. Despite waking up a few times during the night thinking there might be, there was no bear. I hiked the 8 miles to Old Station and i found along the way that i had just enough water to get me all the way here without having to stop and fill up. Picked up my package at the PO and soon after got a ride to the house of the Heitman's. They are the local trail angels, and their place is sweet, awesome, amazing, good. I ate through half of my resupply box throughout the afternoon, but it was OK cause the parentos over did it a little. Got another shower (2nd day in a row...whaaaaat) and washed my clothes, also read an article on BillyGoat and the PCT. We had a communal dinner in the works and everybody pitched in to some degree. I churned the homemade ice cream. It was the most work my arms have seen on the trail, i hope i am sore tomorrow. Dinner was fantastic and very filling. The ice cream i labored over was delicious. It was made with half a liter of Squirt, half a liter of Green Tea Ginger Ale, and two cans of sweetened condensed milk. I had no idea that would turn into ice cream in the maker, but it did, and it was good. After dinner i went into the kitchen to help wash dishes. Turns out that they are very green around here and they re-use their ziplock bags. So my job was to wash out the ziplock bags with soap and hot water and then hang them out to dry. Have you ever tried washing Sloppy Joe grease out of a gallon ziplock bag? Don't try, it doesn't go well. By the time i was finished (as good as they were gonna get anyway) my hands were both pruned and moisturized with grease. They smell good though. Anyway the rest of the night folks played music and talked. I called mí madre and ended up getting an update on Max. Turns out he is back at the parents house. Trail life wasn't for him; he has got bandaged feet and an antibiotics schedule now. I am sure he will be back in good form soon in their care, and with Leo(their other dog) taunting him daily. Alright its late, i gotta hit the sack so i can wake up in time for french toast... yeah its sooo tough out here. Thought of the day; its a small world on a big planet. Song of the day; sittin on the dawk uh the bayyyy wahatchin the tiihehide rolllll awayyyay - somebody. Craving of the day; Rice Krispy treats with either a layer through the middle of fresh mango, or chopped up bits of dried(the good kind from Costco) or fresh maybe cut up and folded into the mix before its put in the pan to set.

JWC on the PCT

Good beginning,great middle,questionable ending

2008-07-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

Day 83, Mile 1369.4---Woke up this morning around 6:15 and decided to go back to sleep for a little while. Woke up at 7:45 and realized it was longer than a little while. Even with a late start the terrain allowed me to get to Drakesbad Guest Ranch by 12; the lunch bell rang just as i arrived. I was greeted by Rosemary and Moonshine a newlywed couple whom i last saw on the backside of Forrester Pass. They were on their way out but informed me i should stay for lunch, dinner, and breakfast, cause it was that good. I then met Ed who owns the place and he told me i could get a free shower at the pool house before lunch. It was a fantastic place to stop to say the least. I was clean, full from a glorious AYCE lunch for only $6.50 +tax, and back on the trail by 3:05. The lunch propelled me along for the next 15 miles. I did not stay clean for very long though. About 10 miles in, the mosquito's got bad and i had to DEET up much to my chagrin. I planned on camping at Badger Flats where 2 of the 3 sources have said there would be water. There was not. So i continued on and around 8 o'clock as i was videoing myself talking about the lack of camping locales and lack of water when a large bear caught my attention. Luckily it chose to run away from me, i prefer it that way. Not 5 minutes later i ran into Moonshine and Rosemary setting up camp right at a junction for lack of a better spot. I decided to camp here as well since they too had little water left, no decent place to camp, and a bear in the general vicinity. "Don't panic "showed up about 30 minutes after me and made the same choice. I decided not to hang my food seeing as both other parties are sleeping with their food, and i am within 50ft of them. So for the first time since the desert i am sleeping with my food, and on a night in which i just saw a bear. Hence the questionable ending. Once again i am counting on Don't panic as a lure of sorts, although he is a lot closer to my tent tonight. I am going to try and get some sleep now, so i am well rested when i have to get up and fight 400lbs of fur, teeth, and claws sometime during the night. Last but not least i want to wish my Aunt Janie and Miss Kristen church a Happy Birthday, depending on how the fight goes i may have half a bear skin rug for your b-day gifts. Thought of the day; the phrase "more power to him/her" is over-used out here, and it is really just another way of saying "with all due respect" it just happens to come after the insult rather than before generally. For example, "i mean she is really fat to be out here on the trail, but i mean if she can do it then- more power to her". I guess there is a "polite" way to do everything. Song of the day; i can't remember it. Craving of the day; fruit salad and a meat of some variety.

JWC on the PCT

Old school meets new school

2008-07-25T00:04:00.000-07:00

Day 82, Mile 1344.8 -100.2 by car---Today worked out much better than i planned, or imagined. Did the 3.1 miles this morning in just under an hour. Waited around for Chuck and Tigger past ten. A woman named Frodo who thru hiked last year and is now a trail angel in San Diego was up in Old Station taking over for another trail angel while she is on vacation. Yeah i know, its complicated and it's like they have a network or something. Anyway she was bringing some bikes out to a couple who wanted to do a ride around the fire. She had room on her way back into Quincy so me and a couple (Will and Julia) got a ride while the others waited for Chuck and Tigger. Turned out to be a good move because when i got into Quincy Chuck and Tigger were just getting there around 11 with a load who skipped from Sierra City to Chester and they had yet to go out to Quincy-La porte road. After i did my resupply shopping i was in front of the Safeway and got approached by a guy asking if anyone needed to go to Chester as he was heading that way. He said he could fit 3 so i ran(walked briskly) across the parking lot and got Will and Julia. I thought, this is great, first i don't have to wait for Chuck and Tigger and now i don't have to wait for the 1:15 bus, and it got better. This guy Taro was his name thru-hiked in 95' and so being a hiker himself he knew what we needed. I got a burger and fries and a strawberry-banana shake from the Pine Shake Shack. Took Will and Julia to the market, and got me to a payphone to call mí madre. All that and he had us back on trail by 3:15. He and his dog Pocket walked in about 1.5 miles with us as well before turning back. Just a great guy and a wonderful serendipitous thing. Two rides from two former thru-hikers, got some tips and some reassurances. Oregon looks as though it will go by fast. They both confirmed that i could make up some time through Oregon doing 25-30 mile days and it shouldn't be too taxing. That is of course if the rain stays away. I am camped tonight next to the north fork of the Feather River. A couple, "Ridgewalker "and "Accent," and also "Don't panic "are camped here as well; Julia & Will are just up the hill. We all cooked closer to our tents then i usually like, so as an added precaution i hung my food off the bridge over the water. I am realizing now it is probably not the best idea. If a bear decides to attempt a retrieval from the bridge it could snap the line and there goes all my food, toiletries, and kitchen (pot,stove,fuel etc.) into the river. Yeah, that would be bad. Well "Don't panics "food is right next to him and he is cowboying so maybe that will keep a potential bears' interest. Alright i am up way too late and wrote way too much. Thought of the day; the kindness of strangers makes you feel as though they are not strangers at all. Song of the day; oh something don't know what you've got til its gawn...they paved paradise and put up a paaaarking lot - by you guessed it, i have no clue. Craving of the day; the burger, fries, and shake i had times 2, possibly 3.

JWC on the PCT

I thought i was slower than this

2008-07-24T23:49:00.000-07:00

Day 81, Mile 1232.7---First off it occurred to me today as i walked that i had only thanked folks from the blog and facebook for my Happy Birthday wishes. I would also like to thank those of you who sent me cards, they are very much appreciated, thank you. Today was fairly ordinary to say the most. The only thing that happened that hasn't really happened before is i got rained on in spots and after i set up camp. But it was a light drizzle mostly and it blew over quickly each time. The only repercussion is that i have the fly on the tent for the first time in quite a while and it makes it too warm to sleep well most of the time. When i got into the tent it looked like it had completely blown over but i am in the trees so i cannot see the horizon for anything incoming. Better safe than sorry i guess. Made a few more miles than i planned to but the place i intended to camp turned out to be right on a dirt road. So now i only have 3.1 miles to Quincy-La Porte road tomorrow morning. Maybe i will sleep in if i can manage it. I am not sure how Chuck and Tigger are planning to get everybody though. When we made the plan there was 5 of us, but before i left there were 4 others that had joined in. I doubt we can fit 9 hikers plus 9 packs in the minivan, but i am sure they will try. Being only 3 miles out is good though cause I'll be in the first load if they have to take two trips. Man, this is boring stuff. Sorry there is nothing exciting to write about, I'll try and work on that. One last tantalizing piece of info, my shoe surgery was a success, but now the left one is rubbing a little. Looks like it too may now be going under the knife. Thought of the day; i wonder what my music teacher from high school Mr. D'Spain is doing these days. Songs of the day; when i woke up this morning it was - girrererl would you love me if i was down, and out, would you stiiiill have loooove fo meeeeee, by 50cent i believe. This evening as i ate dinner and saw a few rainbows it was Somewhere over the Rainbow the version with the ukelele by that one famous Hawaiian singer... Don Ho? Cravings of the day; pretty much everything i ate off trail from South Lake Tahoe to the Bousquet's, especially the dessert from the AYCE buffet, the tri-tip sandwich lunch at the Bousquet's, and that spread we had at the blue house(Anna's spot) especially the cheese-burgers on toasted ciabatta and then the watermelon mint salad thing that Anna made.

JWC on the PCT-

Another half day

2008-07-24T23:39:00.000-07:00

Day 80, Mile 1208.5ish---This morning i tried to sleep in, but my hunger got me up by 6:50. I had the other two bagels and bologna and cheese, plus an apple and an orange for breakfast number one. By 8 everybody else was up and ready to go and we all went out to breakfast. I had a short stack of banana pancakes for breakfast number two. Although i must say they were nowhere near the level of the Firesign Cafe banana pancakes. After our meal i went and used the payphone to call the parentos to explain the plan for getting around the fire. We finalized it at breakfast and it is as follows.: Chuck Norris and Tigger will meet us at Quincy-Laporte road (southern boundary of fire closure) on Monday morning at 10. It is only 38 miles from Sierra City so i didn't have to leave til after noon today. The rest of the group is leaving even later then that, but they all have light packs and hike faster than me. I will prob do a 22 or so tomorrow so that i only have a few miles to do Monday morning and i can get there a little early just to be safe. I am camped up on a small ridge in a eerie little stand of trees. A lot of weird little sounds here and there going on in the darkness right now. I am going to try and turn off my ears and go to sleep with the quickness. Thought of the day; did not have one. Song of the day; black old sun won't you come and wash the rain away...yeah i am pretty sure the lyrics don't go like that at all, and of course i do not know who it is by. Craving of the day; this drink made out of cantaloupe and sugar and ice that one of the booths always had at Poly's multi-cultural fair.

JWC on the PCT

Weakness leads to goodness

2008-07-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

Day 79, Mile 1197.6---Today was so-so at best until the end. It was my right shoe mainly that lent to the so-so-ness. In the store when i tried them on they were the best shoes i have tried on so far on the trail. But yesterday the pain started, and i just hoped it would go away. The shoe rubs under my ankle on the outside protrudence on what feels like a nerve or something. Every step that wasn't just right felt like i was walking on a broken ankle. I took 2 IB's at noon and it helped til about 3ish and then the pain was back. Every time a plane went over i wished i was on it, a boat on the reservoir i wished i was on it, anywhere but on the trail with this busted ankle feeling. So by the end of the day i had decided that a) i needed to alter/fix my right shoe, b) i needed new AAA batteries, c) i needed a cold drink, d) i needed to find out about the fire closures, and this all means i needed to get into town. I got into Sierra City around 6:30ish. There were already a bunch of hikers sitting in front of the general store. All of them i already knew except one. I got most of the stuff i needed and decided to spend the night at a local campground with Chuck Norris and Tigger and the rest of the hikers. I enjoyed 3 bologna and cheese on a bagel sandwiches, a peach, and two Full Sail pale ales for dinner. Later we all decided to go down to the local bar for a while. Aaaand we just got kicked out of the bar 20 minutes ago, because a 19 year old hiker decided to tell the bar owner that he was actually 19. Great evening though for a mediocre day. Now everyone is sitting around and talking trail talk - timing, finish dates, fire business etc. Looks as if i will have to leave mid-day tomorrow otherwise i will get to Quincy too early and the bus to Chester only runs on weekdays. That's confusing i realize, I'll explain more tomorrow. Thought of the day; physical pain is temporary, otherwise we wouldn't need a word for it. Song of the day; Candy Girl by Michael Jackson, Do Re Mi by Harry Connick Jr. Craving of the day; a large cold drink, a nice chair, and good stimulating conversation.

JWC on the PCT

Adios Bousquets

2008-07-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

Day 78, Mile 1174.7---This morning i was treated to another wonderful breakfast prepared by Esther, it was so very tasty. The majority of the morning was spent getting all my stuff packed and boxed and ready to go. Larry and Esther drove me first to the PO and then to the trail, got going about 12:15. Once again it was hard to leave. At least at the last two stops i had the next one to look forward to just a day and a half away. This time i won't see family or friends until the Oregon/Washington border. I was about 5 miles in when i wished i could just go on auto-pilot for the next month or so. I know this doesn't sound very much in the spirit of adventure but so far the best times on the trail have been meeting family and friends along the way. The Bousquet household falls squarely in that category of "best times". I had a great time there, and i couldn't have asked for a better place to spend my birthday. The rest of the day went well up until it got dark. I turned on my headlamp and the "high" setting output was weaker then the normal "low" output. I changed the batteries at the Bousquet's, and noticed it looked weaker but i attributed this to the fact that i was testing it in the day time and therefore it just appeared weaker. I have been using the high setting for this whole blog post and i can barely see the screen(i usually use it on low). It's also a little bit disconcerting just cause its my only light source. It sucks right now because i am camped too close to a road and someone has their car parked near with the radio blasting. Hopefully its not some whacko, i can illuminate the attack with about one lumen at best. It just got dimmer, grrreat, yeah so lets say 1/2 that then. Alright i am going to attempt sleep. Thought of the day; you have to leave one place to arrive at another. Songs of the day; Changes by Tupac, and the one that goes each morning i waaayke up, beforrrr i pudawn my makeup, i saaayy a little prare forrr youuuu, by someone. Craving of the day; more cantaloupe and watermelon.Post Script; Esther gave me about a dozen cookies to take on the trail and i had zero left by 6ish.

JWC on the PCT

On to my 25th year

2008-07-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Day 77, a zero---Today i had eggs Benedict for breakfast. Today i went kayaking in Stampede Reservoir. Today i had tri-tip and honey roasted turkey sandwiches for lunch. Today i met a few people and told them of my travels. Today i had a wonderful spaghetti dinner. Today i had a banana split blizzard and was sung to by the Bousquet clan at DQ. Today i turned 24 years old at 702pm. Today was great. I became aware of the fact that starting today, i have one year left before i lose my flying privileges. I should explain; my Mom is a retired United Airlines flight attendant, and as such i get to fly at a reduced rate wherever United flies the friendly skies. So i started thinking, i really can't afford to not take advantage of this. Maybe i will put off growing up just a little while longer. Then again i think a job would be a nice step towards adulthood. I know what you'll say, oooh Jesse don't grow up! well i live in Long Beach, not Never-land, sorry. Alright i think this is getting out of blog territory and into journal territory. So, I definitely appreciate all the b-day wishes i received both on my blog and Facebook. It was great to check throughout the day and receive more and more. Got me geared up for the next 1,300 miles give or take. Take actually, i figured out my route around the fire north of here today and i will be missing approximately 100 miles of trail. Not too happy about that, but not much i can do about it either. Alright this has been a long and confusing post for me(prob cause i fell asleep twice), so good luck reading it. Thought of the day; time knows, time goes, it stands still, it flies, take time, make time, break time, the time is now. Song of the day; sung by Larry and Esther's granddaughters this evening - i liike to moooove it, moooove it, i liike to mooove it, mooove it, i like to......MOOOOVE IT! - from the movie Madagascar. Craving of the day; nothing, that means it was a good day.

JWC on the PCT

Donner party of 13, your table is ready

2008-07-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

Day 76, Mile 1155.8---Had a hard time getting out of bed this morning again, i think all these days off are making me soft. But that is not stopping me from zero-ing again tomorrow. Today went very well. Got into the Truckee area around 12:30ish and got picked up by Larry and Esther soon after. Had a free hiker beer at the Donner Ski Ranch while i waited, it was cheap but refreshing. Came back to the Bousquet's abode and had tri-tip sandwiches and fruit salad for lunch, it doesn't get much more down my alley than that. Later we went into Reno and i got a new pair of shoes(NB 992), new sleeping pad(same), and a replacement filter cartridge(obviously the same, its a replacement). We had dinner at Claim Jumper where i polished off a full order of "chicken and biscuits" and a large appetizer salad, it was real good. I got on the internet upon my return and read the newest batch of comments. Also saw that my Mother and Father chose to put up some pictures of a sort of before and after, or rather a before and so-far. Not a big fan of either Jesse the chubs or Jesse the starving miner look. I also read that my Mom thinks folks should know more about the people i am visiting or there connection to me. So real quick- Jarell i met in 7th grade, we have been friends ever since, the closest thing i have or will have to a brother. Anna is a former roommate from UCSB my senior year who currently lives in Tahoe City and is working for Americorps. The Bousquet's, particularly Esther, used to take care of me when i was little and my parents were working. So there you go, that should explain enough. I have to go to sleep in this wonderful bed now. Thought of the day; tomorrow i turn 24, it's like a once in a lifetime thing. Song of the day; whyyyyy doooo fooools faaaalll in luuuuhuuuvvvv - somebody. Craving of the day; nuh-fin i am good.

JWC on the PCT

Departure from the blue house

2008-07-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Day 75, Mile 1143.5---Woke up this morning and had a hard time convincing myself i needed to get out of bed. I eventually did and within an hour or so i was ready to go. Anna and i had breakfast once again at the Firesign Cafe. Once again it was a wonderful meal. Anna drove me to the trail head and then walked about a mile with me. We said our goodbyes and i fell into my pace soon after. There were so many more ways to get back into Tahoe City after Barker Pass. It was very tempting to go back i must say. The hospitality i received, and the easy-going nature of Anna and company at the blue house made it a superb time off trail. I met up with a guy i hadn't seen since Kennedy Meadows along the trail a couple miles after leaving Anna. His name is Mr. Clean (he oil wrestled Mrs. Anderson - long story) and we walked and talked about various trail things, mostly gear. While we sat taking a break a girl comes along the trail southbound and asks us if we have seen a loud group of kids. We told her we thought we might have heard them but not seen them. She asked how to get to 5 Lakes, and then took off, but not towards the lakes. She came back about 8 minutes later still in search of kids, or lakes, or possibly a new job. She said she was a camp counselor and had one of the kids meds that he may or may not need; hopefully not. Anyway got into camp at Squaw Creek in good time. Last water for 15.5 miles is here, haven't had to carry this much since before Kennedy Meadows. It's windy up here and cold but the upside is no mosquito's. Plan on getting to Hwy 80 by 12 or so tomorrow and then call the Bousquet's to get me. Already looking forward to another hot shower, and a meal of food. Thought of the day; fruit is one of the few things that is just ready to eat as is; its so perfect. Song of the day; theeerrrr waaaas ahh bawber and wiiife, aaaand sheee was beeeeyuuuutiiifullll - Sweeney Todd he was a barber on Fleet street. Craving of the day; some more of this watermelon mint salad thing Anna made for last nights bbq dinner.

JWC on the PCT

Pictures From the Sierras

2008-07-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

Good food, good day

2008-07-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

Day 74, a zero---This is going to be short cause once again i am writing the following morning and i need to get back on trail soon. It was a great day, very relaxing and not as smoky around Tahoe. We went to the Fire Sign Cafe for breakfast and it was so amazing that i am going back there again this morning. They knew what they were doing with food. After we ran errands , i got to do most of the rest of my laundry. The night was once again very cool, with great food and people. We had a real smorgasbord(sp?) on the grill which included pizza, tofu, chicken, burgers, ciabatta bread, corn, portabello's, asparagus - and that was just on the grill. It was all very well executed food, definitely one of the reasons it is going to be hard to leave this place. Off to Truckee to see the Bousquets now, i haven't seen them since high school summer road trips. I promise to put more thought and time into the coming posts. Thought of the day; food can transform your surroundings. Song of the day; aaa yyyynt noooo sunshiiiine when she's gaaawnnnn by somebody i should remember considering its on the i-pod. Craving of the day; another Fire Sign Cafe breakfast.

JWC on the PCT

Fast walker, fast talker

2008-07-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

Day 73, Mile 1126.5---Started walking around 7:30 and by 12:45 i was at Barker Pass. I utilized the i-pod for a while and listened to Kat Williams' stand-up "the pimp chronicles". Unfortunately i only made it half way through before the battery ran out, but that half was damn funny. I planned to meet Anna somewhere on Barker Pass road so i started walking down towards Hwy 89 after a snack break. I didn't have to walk far at all and there she was with two other girls all with at least one arm waving out the car windows. She had a sandwich and some fruit and Kerns nectar juice waiting in the car for me, perfect. The rest of the day went to hanging out at the house talking and catching up. I got to enjoy an amazing pasta dinner cooked by Christine (Anna's roommate). I had considered going out to eat but i am really not sure i would have found something as good anywhere else. Also enjoyed a pecan pie made by Anna which was delicious. I didn't know i liked pecan pie but it is official, i do. After dinner we went to a friend of a friends house for a "keg-er". I wasn't sure if i was ready for all that, but it turned out to be a small group of folks and we played games and talked way past hiker midnight. The keg was a really good beer , Longboard Ale if i remember correctly. The game was called celebrities, it was very simple with not a lot of moving parts and a lot of fun. Stayed up real late and crashed hard in a great bed, as such I'm writing this the following morning. Time to go do a little laundry and eat a giant breakfast. Thought of the day; almost half way there... wierd. Song of the day; dmx-" flesh of my flesh, blood of my blooooooood." Craving of the day; the breakfast i am about to have today i was craving yesterday, and i'm not even sure what it is yet, but it will be good.

JWC on the PCT

A pack of forest fire lites please

2008-07-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

Day 72, Mile 1110ish---This morning went fairly well for me. I managed to get laundry going, get internet access, get a pre-breakfast from the hotel, and un-pack some of my bag before 9. We all went to Heidi's for breakfast after that. The restaurant was recommended to me by a fellow pct-er, although now i recall that he never actually said it was good, but you would think that's implied. So yeah the food was mediocre, but it was food and i was hungry. Jarell picked up the tab and said Happy Birthday ahead of time which was cool. I got back on the trail by 1:30ish. I once again turned the wrong way, i hope this isn't a pattern considering i'll be getting on and off the trail two more times in the coming week. When i said goodbye to Jarell, Danyele, and the boys it wasn't as hard as Mammoth, but difficult nonetheless. I like being "Uncle Jesse", and i really look forward to seeing them all again in October. The smoke was the worst i have seen it on the trail today. I don't know if it was that, or the buffet, or just being mostly uphill but i didn't quite make the mileage i had planned on. I wanted to have a 10 mile day tomorrow on trail and now i have about 16.5. I think it is mostly downhill and if i get up earlier i should be there by 2ish. One thing that did help move me though was Jarell and Danyele gifted me with a video i-pod. I got to listen to some Dave Chappelle stand-up. If you haven't seen it you need to go rent Dave Chapelles "Killing them softly". Its one of my favorites and i have listened to it at least 20 times since it came out and it still makes me laugh. I plan to mail the i-pod back soon, but for now I'm enjoying it. Alright i am falling asleep. Thought of the day; i can't tell you how much i enjoy reading the comments left on my blog, thank you, and keep them coming. Song of the day; iim still ennnn laaawvvve wit uuu boooy, bedepi know ya know ya love or something - by Sean Paul. Craving of the day; fresh fruit with water "____ con agua" like i had in Costa Rica.

JWC on the PCT

Worth the wait

2008-07-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

Day 71, Mile 1094.5---With the proper motivation Icebag and i did the 10 miles to echo lake in great time. We both got milkshakes on arrival and later i got a sandwich and an apple. All of which was exactly right, although i did feel beyond full when i finished the sandwich and apple and liter of water. Called home and got to recap everything within the limits of my dads lunch hour and the conference call style with the parentos. Spent the rest of the day waiting for Jarell to come up the mountain. I actually enjoyed myself in waiting and the particular group of hikers present was the reason i think. Well, and the fact that i was just sitting and didn't have any pressing matters at all definitely helped. Oh, and the free beers from a fellow Long Beachan. I met him today . He was a section hiker and was spending a day or two at Echo Lake before returning to the best city i know. Jarell and family arrived around 5:30 and Danyele said i looked like i was off the A&E show "Intervention". We cruised around south Lake Tahoe and finally found a room at the holiday inn express. The all-you-can-eat buffet soon followed at Harrah's. It was a grrrreat buffet. I didn't eat as much as i thought i could, or would, but i definitely got what i needed. Later that night Jarell and i decided to walk around and let all that food settle. We went back to Harrahs and Harveys , got a beer and walked the casinos. The cougars were on the loose, and not the type i expect to see on this trip. It was interesting to be thrust back into "civilization" especially into the casino type atmosphere. There was also a celebrity/pro athlete golf tournament hosted at Harrahs so we stood and watched people watch other people who they deem to be more watchable then others. Charles Barkley chugged Patron after pouring shots for people at the edge of the stage. Me and Jarell were wearing matching shirts from his gym that said "commit to get fit!" so we got a fair amount of looks too. Although i don't know that i look fit, possibly for a female runway model, calves are staying strong and that's about it. Looking forward to tomorrows breakfast already, not looking forward to leaving Jarell, Danyele, and the boys so soon. Thought of the day; i don't know - all memory was erased in my second helping of bread pudding and caramelized banana's on soft serve vanilla. Song of the day; i can't remember either but it was by The Game i think. Craving of the day; by the end of the night none whatsoever.

JWC on the PCT

Pleasant day

2008-07-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

Day 70, Mile 1084.0---After doing a 25 and a 24 back to back the 2 "19's" have seemed like a breeze in comparison. Today went just as fast as yesterday, but with a break in the middle , i made sure i didn't get into camp too early again. Had a small hiccup today when i convinced myself i didn't know where i was going. After that 20 minute delay i got back on track and i made it to Carson Pass by 2:30ish. There was a small little gift shop sort of thing there and they had a PCT register and free water for thru-hikers. The whole thing is entirely run by volunteers and one of them offered me a diet lemon Coke. Anyone who knows me knows i don't do soda too often and definitely not a brown or diet one. But that was the best tasting diet lemon Coke i have ever had, actually now that i think about it, its the only one i have ever had. Well it was good. Tried to send some pocketmails on the payphone but it wouldn't work. For some reason the smaller company payphones don't seem to be compatible or something. Anyway i got offered a chair in the shade and ended up staying til about 4. While i was there another hiker i met just before Tuolumne Ieadows named Icebag came through. He got the same treatment, and so he sat and stayed for awhile as well. We took off at the same time and both ended up camping here at Showers Lake. We talked about milkshakes at Echo Lake, going into the military, working for the government and fellow hikers and their stories. Seems like an alright guy but i doubt i will be hiking with him much after this as he does pretty big mileage daily. Nice to say complete sentences out loud for the first time in a few days though. Talked to my Mom on the phone at Carson Pass and found out Jarell is definitely coming tomorrow which is great. I had been trying to keep my hopes low in case he couldn't make it. I think i will still get there before him as i only have 10 miles and it's mostly downhill tomorrow. But they have a sandwich deli and milkshakes (according to one guide book) at the spot where i will wait for them, so I'll be just fine. I plan to eat a little and then drink as much water as possible to stretch my stomach out for the buffet. I am going to try and get some extra sleep tonight so i can stay up past hiker midnight tomorrow. I'm going to get on that now. Thought of the day; forgetting to remember is like remembering to forget - actually i can't remember what the thought of the day was so i just made that up, you know what , just forget it. Song of the day; predominantly the PCT song, i am not kidding, i really hope i can pick up something else in town tomorrow. Cravings of the day; baby back ribs, Chinese spare ribs, beef ribs, all kinds. Also a decent sandwich and vanilla milkshake - trying to be practical so as to get it realized sooner then later.

JWC on the PCT------------------------------

Kind of boring actually

2008-07-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

Day 69, Mile 1065.1---First off, i think I've been brain washed by "Gatorade Man". All day the PCT song was not just stuck in my head, it was taking over my head. I would be in mid-thought and it would just start in out of nowhere. Even when i was thinking about writing these very words it was pushing its way into the forefront. I guess 2/3rds of a half gallon of butter pecan with a speaker right next to my head and I could be the Manchurian Candidate. Anyway today was so-so. It was an easy enough day mileage wise, both in the level of difficulty and the time it took. In fact i got into camp way too early. I tried to drag things out but i still think i am going to be asleep before the sun goes down. Not a bad thing out here i guess. That is of course if i can get out of my tent to pee first. I have been in here for about 40 minutes and what started as 3 or 4 mosquitoes bouncing off the mesh has turned into at least 50. Hopefully as it gets cooler they will find something else to annoy. I was thinking about this the other day - would using mosquitoes in soldier interrogations violate the Geneva Convention or whatever that falls under? Just have a sealed room with an intercom set up and let in about 200 mosquitoes, i know i would talk. There goes my chances at working for "the company". Mooooving on. I have been meaning to mention in the past few posts that my shoes are falling apart. While in Mammoth my parents tried to convince me to get a new pair but i wanted to get more mileage out of these. Probably should have listened, because now there is a complete separation of shoe and sole on the inside of the toe box on my right shoe. The good thing about it is the hole is big enough that most times when rocks get in they fall back out soon enough. I was planning on around 500 miles per pair, but it looks like these will be through at 390ish. I got a little lonely today. I am definitely looking forward to visiting with friends in the coming week. Alright the numbers have dwindled, I'm gonna make a mad dash - well until i have to stop at the tree and pee - but a mad dash there and back for sure. Thought of the day; people say they "have a case of the Monday's", but i would make the argument that it should be a "case of the Tuesdays". I mean Monday is the beginning, Wednesday is the middle, Thursday is good because its the day before Friday which is spectacular because it precedes the weekend. But Tuesday, Tuesday is only the reminder that you just started the work week yesterday ...ugh. Song of the day, besides the PCT song; You got a friend in me, from Toy Story, and a mish mash of James Brown songs i made into one. Craving of the day; cold glass of apple juice, those cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches from my elementary school teachers lunch-ins, some Chinese dish with duck as the main ingredient.

JWC on the PCT

Wildflurs Erywur

2008-07-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Day 68, Mile 1046.1---Not too much to say about today. The grades were not that hard for the most part, and the highest climb between data points was only 800ft if i am remembering correctly. As the title suggests, one thing that consistently caught my attention were the wildflowers. They were everywhere and plentiful, in some places solid fields of them. Most common was probably the yellow Mule Eared Daisy and the purple Lupin (Go Lakers). I only saw two other people today while i was hiking and both were going in the opposite direction. When i set up camp i saw one guy i had been leap frogging with 2 days ago go by. Then i see this guy who looks as though he is ill-prepared. Turned out to be Tatoo Joe, and Scott Williams was about 5 minutes behind him. I introduced myself and talked briefly with both of them. If you recall i wrote about meeting Tatoo Joe at the Andersons a while back. He and Scott left the Mexico border on June 8th, and here they are catching up to me less then a month later. That's 1046+ miles in 29 days, shiiit that's crazy. I assume they have some sort of support team that picks them up at every hwy crossing etc, but i don't really know. I asked both of them if they were on track to beat the record, and they both said so far so good. I wonder if right before they get to the border they start running, and which one actually crosses first for the record? Anyway this evening i built my first fire just for myself so far on the trip. It was nice to have, and gave me something to do while i waited for my dinner to finish cooking. Problem with fires is they always keep you up later then you'd like, and it did. 19 miles tomorrow, another 23ish the next day, and then I'll only have roughly 6 miles into echo lake on Thursday. Thought of the day; dirt is an excellent sun screen. Song of the day; one line out of the PCT song - " iiiim headed forrrr the borderrr and iii'l sooon be therrrrr" - all day i couldn't shake it. Craving of the day; cut up watermelon out of the fridge, frozen grapes, and lemon-lime Gatorade mixed with ice(iced?) tea. Yeah it was kind of hot and muggy today.

JWC on the PCT

Abracadabra

2008-07-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

Day 67, Mile 1022.4---Today i was back to being the lone ranger and it was good. I made great mileage in good time. I could go on about the beautiful landscape etc, but today's theme was trail magic. It started after my lunch break, the sometimes slowest part of my day. I was feeling as though i might be the only person for miles around when around the corner comes two hikers southbounding. The guy asked where i was coming from, and i never know how to reply. Do i say Mexico, or just the last major stop, or where i slept last night. I decided on Mexico, it was a good choice. He said oh a thru-hiker then, would you like an apple or banana? Trail magic. I saved the banana the rest of the day until after dinner for dessert, it was delicious. So that got my spirits up and i continued on to Sonora Pass. When i arrived it was unclear as to where the trail continued on the other side of hwy 108. So i looked around for a minute and then saw a guy parked on the side of the hwy in a van with the PCT logo on the door. I thought wow, it's on trail support or something. Turned out to be Gatorade Man, who is support for NimbleWill Nomad a fellow thru-hiker. He told me where the trail picked up again and then offered me some Gatorade and ice cream; of course i accepted. He then proceeded to amble out of his seat and make his way to the back of the van. He said you'll have to have your own spoon, pulled out a half gallon of butter pecan, "we'll split it." As we ate he says, we ought to do this proper, I'll turn on the PCT song by Walkin' Jim. So there we sat, on the back bumper of the old man's van, eating ice cream, and listening to a song about the PCT - on the PCT, on repeat. Trail magic. After downing a Gatorade I thanked him for everything; he thanked me for allowing him to share in part of my trip. As i walked away he shouted a line from the song - "let the wind blow all your cares away." So far so good. My only care now is getting to that Ceasar's buffet a.s.a.p. Thought of the day; we are all people, we are all in this together. (actually my Dad's thought imparted to me) Song of the day; iiiyel flyy awayy fly away ohh gloreeee iiiyel fly away in the mornin, something something hallehloooyah by and by iiiyel fly away - from O'Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. Craving of the day; a dark meat turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sharp cheddar, and ranch on a toasted french roll. Also the entire Thursday menu at BBSR on a grilled cheese lunch day.Post Script; to be completely accurate we "split" the half gallon 65 for me 35 for him... approximately.

JWC on the PCT

Good day for me, bad day for Max

2008-07-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

Day 66, Mile 997.2---Today we got a bit of a late start as we tried in vain to keep our feet dry just minutes into our day. Although the past few days have been rough for me, i am glad to say i no longer feel burned out; i hit the trail with a positive and familiar mindset once again. After a strenuous climb, drop, and climb again we ran into Squatch. He is the guy responsible for the 3 documentaries chronicling the PCT titled "Walk", "Still Walking", and "Even More Walking". He shot some footage of Max and of Gina and Kraig talking about Max. He also informed us that after Wilma Lake in about 2.5 miles the terrain got a lot more hiker friendly, but the mosquitos were bad. Squatch was right on both accounts. It flattened out considerably and it was easier to make good time and mileage. Problem was Max wasn't so inclined; his left front foot is swollen 2-3 times its regular size. He immediately falls asleep at every break, and by the end of the day he would just lay down in the middle of the trail! . This trail is hard on us as it is, and coming in 10-15lbs overweight did not help his chances. Kraig and Gina are going to take a unplanned on-trail zero tomorrow to give him some time to recuperate. Squatch should have been more emphatic about the mosquitos. At one point i was forced to throw down my pack and slather myself in DEET in the middle of a meadow as i was being bombarded. They were so thick i could see, and then was walking through the squadrons as they waited to attack. The noise was hardly bearable. In the swarms they all yelled at me (pinch your nose and read aloud) Whyyyeee? Whyyeeee? Whyeeee? Because weeee CaaAAAn! CaaAAn! CaaAAAn! The DEET mostly worked after the 2nd application; though it only kept them from landing and biting, they continued to yell and bounce of my head and face. We camped early(mileage wise) on the edge of Dorothy Lake. I took Max's pack for the last 2 miles hoping we could go farther and hit 1,000 today but this is a nice spot nontheless. Tomorrow if the terrain stays like this, and being by myself, i will try and do 25ish miles. If i keep adding a few miles here and there i can get to Echo Lake early and spend more time with Jarell and his family. I am really looking forward to seeing how much Roman has grown up since i last saw him. I did not get a confirmation email from Jarell before i left Tuolumne Meadows however, so i hope i am not getting too far ahead of myself. One last thing, i woke up at 3am this morning to find my sleeping bag even more soaked. It was a little chilly but not as bad as i thought. It only took two 15 minute layouts in the sun today during breaks and its back to normal. At mile 23 tomorrow my body will appreciate the good sleep im sure. Good sleep, sounds like a plan. Thought of the day; i don't know, just as i was trying to remember it some crazy deer(s) just knocked over my backpack and then almost ran over my tent. I hope i don't wake up to a pack harness soaked in deer saliva, they better not chew up my socks either. Hmm, maybe good sleep is unfortunately not in the plan. Song of the day; the ants go marching... you know how it goes. Craving of the day; some good carne asada, corn cake from Fl Torito, and a fruit salad comprised of just melons.Post Script; if you happened to be reading this while at work, and you still pinched your nose and read the mosquito cry aloud - you will be talked about in the lunch room, but i give you props.

JWC on the PCT

July 4th; a rough day to be away

2008-07-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

Day 65, Mile 980.2---Today was a killer day, and I'm glad it is behind me. We climbed and dropped more then 1000ft twice, some with gradients of 7.3 and -9.1. Not real fun. I woke up this morning with dew soaking my sleeping bag. It was overcast most of the day so i didn't get a chance to dry it out well. Its still a little damp as i lay in it now but hopefully my body heat will help, and it will work, otherwise it is going to be a cold night. Today was also a rough day for Max. He fell off two different logs trying to cross streams in the morning; one of which i had to pull him back up onto the log by his pack harness. He seemed appreciative afterwards. One thing he does while we walk is constantly stop and look back to check on everyone. Every time it reminds me of the scene in "No Country for Old Men" where Lewelyn is watching the pitbull limp away in his binoculars and it turns, looks, and then continues on. Speaking of dogs, i am regretfully missing the Long Beach police K-9 demonstration tonight. I think this is the 2nd year in a row i have missed the k-9 show and fireworks at Vets stadium. As i walked today i thought about how much i enjoy the whole experience even after so many years. Although you won't be reading this until well after, i highly recommend the whole sha-bangabang, so go next year. Man, my sleeping bag is not drying at all really, this could suck. Anyway Happy fourth of July to everyone. Thought of the day; all i thought about was the craving of the day. Songs of the day; heeey western yooonyun man seeend a telegram to myy bay-bay, seeend a telegram seeend a telegram whooooa send a telegraaam to myyy bay-bay- by somebody, and iiiyem prowd to beee an american wherr at least i know ahm freeee- by somebody, last name green maybe? Craving of the day; first it was pork sha-shu-bow, i do not think that is the proper spelling so good luck looking that up. Second it was the meal i missed before the family headed to the fireworks as i imagined it; bbq chicken with bbq sauce from scratch, teriyaki glazed flank steak, potato salad, regular salad with ranch, fruit salad, long beach rolls, and maybe a shrimp cocktail as well. For dessert it was my mothers' strawberry shortcake with vanilla ice cream. Whew, it hurts, it hurts real baaad.

JWC on the PCT------------------------------

I dislike 8 day rations

2008-07-10T00:10:00.000-07:00

Day 64, Mile 962.5--- I am on day 3 of ten and i am already dirty and stanky, hiking with a heavy pack today didn't make it any better. It was fairly hot today and we had two big climbs. The country is beautiful per usual but i do feel like i am getting a little burned out on the trail. Two more days and i will have walked over 1,000 miles of the PCT. I do not plan on quitting don't get me wrong, its just starting to all kind of run together. One new thing is hiking along with Max. He is a very capable dog and surprised me a few times today with his athleticism. Today was his longest hiking day yet, and although his feet have yet to warm to the idea he seems to be having a good time. He is not a very good watchdog though. We had more then a few deer come into camp tonight to within 8 feet of where we were sitting by the fire and eating; Max slept through it all. My camera happened to be in my bag and the deer were consistently between me and the bag so i couldn't get a video or picture. I have been in Yosemite for 2 days now, 2.5 more days and i will be out. Although its a great place, like i said I'm getting a little burned out. I am really just looking forward to seeing Jarell and family, and eating at the Cesar's all-you-can-eat buffet in 7 days. One of the good things about backpacking is the longer you go, the more you eat, the lighter your pack gets. I am definitely wanting to eat more and have a lighter pack so it's a win-win i guess. Alright i got nothing else, oh, except to wish Erica good luck in the delivery of your baby girl, hope she came today. Good luck is kind of dumb to say, how about i wish for good health for you and your baby, yeah sounds better. Thought of the day; what is the physiological happenings behind the feeling of having a lump in your throat when you are trying to keep from crying, i mean what is the body doing that for, what is the benefit if any? Song of the day; by Phil Collins or Sting i can't figure out which, but it's the song that has that constant bass line running through it and P-diddy did a remake of it after Biggie got shot...you know the one I'm talking about? Craving of the day; Royal Buffet Chinese food i think it's called - off Atlantic between the 405 and Wardlow, and an all expense paid trip to Vegas - the antithesis of the trail.

JWC on the PCT

Back in the Saddle

2008-07-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

Day 63, Mile 942.7__ Today went by fast. Donahue Pass was the only reason i still have my ice axe with me and it turned out to be a breeze. It should be smooth sailing from here on out and unfortunately i will have my ice axe strapped to my pack all the way to south Lake Tahoe regardless. After Donahue Pass in the morning it was a really easy day, with all downhill grades to my destination of Tuolumne Meadows PO/store. When i arrived i noticed a big dog with a pack on and realized Kraig and Gina were here as well with Max. Bought an 8 day ration at the store, and for the money i really won't be eating that great. Had a good dinner though, i had a pre-made salad and corn on the cob to add to my dinner. Its getting late so I'm out. Thought of the day; i dunno I'm falling asleep again, i need to get back on my rhythm. Song of the day; In The Still of the Night by BoysIIMen. Craving of the day; grapes.

JWC on the PCT

A rough re-entry

2008-07-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

Day 62, Mile 922.8 - This morning i took my last shower for a while and packed up. Said so long to the awesome condo, and comfy bed. I forgot to mention previously that the Snowcreek condo my dad rented out just happened to be owned by a family from Long Beach. I knew it felt right, just like home. Anyway i had breakfast with my parents and then we all rode the shuttle up to Reds meadow. They walked with me all the way to the trail and then we said our goodbye's. It was a tough one for me, i couldn't really say anything cause i was choked up. I managed a "love you" after i had started down the trail. I am going to miss those folks. After that i hadn't gone 10 minutes and i made a wrong turn. I realized about half way down the other trail, that it was only headed to Rainbow Falls. Instead of just turning around i ended up talking with a woman along the way and rationalizing my current course. I decided that maybe my parents would be there as they were talking about going there when i left. I wanted to thank them for everything they did for me this weekend, and i hoped i could get it out if i got a round 2. They weren't there though and i turned around knowing i should have just gone back as soon as i realized my mistake originally. The rest of the day seemed lonely. I met a girl named "wildchild" when i finally got back on track. I walked with her for a while but i needed to make more miles then she did so i lost her eventually. Kraig and Gina are ahead of me by 2 days, so i got to get used to hiking alone again. Alright this is the third time I've woke up now, i didn't get enough sleep the last few days and after today's mistake i didn't stop hiking til 830 and i am still 2 miles short of my goal and its late. The Yogi book says this was a bad bear area in 2006, i hope they leave me alone, cause i need this sleep. Thought of the day; God is love. Song of the day; don't remember. Craving of the day; good granola with mango and blueberries on it.

JWC on the PCT

A good day

2008-07-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

Day 61, a zero--Today i once again enjoyed my Mothers cooking, and my Fathers as well. Breakfast was amazing, dinner was the same, and i snacked the rest of the day away. Managed to add some pictures to the blog today, ran some errands, and planned the next couple weeks of the trip. Throughout the day it felt like i was on alloted time. This stop has been the best of the trip, and the extreme comfort is hard to abandon to return to the trail. I have stayed up way too late tonight, just trying to make it last. I am not one of those hikers who condemns society, urbania, and touts the freedoms and truths of life on the trail that they believe cannot be found elsewhere. I like civilization as much as the wilderness, for me they both bring something to the table. So when i have had so much of one recently and so little of the other its hard not to seek a balance, to stay a while longer. But if i hope to reach my goal of walking across the Canadian border in a timely fashion, i must go. I also have people to see, which helps motivate me along my ortherly path. Is northerly a word? Anyway I've made the day last til 1:45am now, so i should get to sleep. Thought of the day; i wonder what it's like for Dana Perino at family gatherings? Song of the day; the melody from a song "Learning how to live with change"by my Dads friend Dan Walker. Craving of the day; more time here with my parents, a bed, and all the fruit i can eat.

JWC on the PCT

A proper zero

2008-07-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

Day 60, a zero--Woke up this morning at 5:19am, managed to stay in bed til about 6:20 then wrote the blog post for yesterday. Had a great breakfast this morning, the waffles didn't turn out quite like i had planned(i beat the crap out of the batter) but everything else was good. Spent some of the day just hanging out, and when the Internet was working i was posting blogs. Interesting to be doing it myself, spell checking and everything. In fact i found out i am a habitual mis-speller of sandwich, mosquito, and protein. Tried to get some pictures up but only one from Guitar Lake made it before the connection went down for like the 5th time and i gave up. Ate a lot of good food today, just need more sleep to make the recovery complete. In the afternoon my Dad and i went on a hike which was pretty cool. He wanted to get a "workout" at altitude because he plans to summit Whitney in July. Had dinner with Kraig and Gina and my parents at a nice place, the food didn't taste as great as it looked but it was good enough. We left Max in the condo and he continued to prove himself as he refrained from annihilating anything while we were out. I forgot to mention earlier that my parents came up with Max so he could get on the trail with Kraig and Gina. Only problem is he was on a high powered food and without 20 miles a day Max became obese since Kraig has been gone. So they will definitely have to take it easy when they get back on trail tomorrow and see how Max gets along. Watched a movie and had fruit and popcorn tonight which was nice. But it happened to make it a late night again so i gotta enjoy this bed right now and knock out. But before i do, i want to wish my godson Roman a happy 1st birthday, you only turn one once, live it up buddy. Thought for the day; I am proud to be born(almost) and raised in Long Beach. Song of the day; none that i can remember. Cravings of the day; nope, allll good.

JWC on the PCT

Celebrate--good times

2008-07-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

Day 59, Mile 906.6--Welcome back to society, well, mammoth anyway. We hiked only til about 9:55 and we were already at Reds Meadow. I originally told my Dad it would be a half day for us and to expect us around noon. He planned on meeting us up there and looking around a bit etc.(anyone who knows my Dad knows what I'm talking about). Anyway the short version is we caught a shuttle bus down to the Mammoth Mtn ski area and met them there. I was very glad to see my parents and Kraig was glad to see Max(the dog my parents were watching). After a joyous and a little over the top energetic exchange between everybody, dog included, we made our way back to the condo. A cinnamon pull apart bread was waiting for us in the car, the last piece was eaten as we pulled into the driveway 15 minutes later. We sat around for a bit telling some stories and then the showers commenced. Kraig, Gina, and Max got dropped off at the campground after, and i went about making myself presentable again. One clipper attachment later and most hairs on my head and face matched in length. My Mom took a picture of me before i got in the shower, i looked like i was at the weigh-in for a bantam or fly weight fight, so small, so bad. The parentos and I then went shopping for groceries which was rough at times with so many people. Its a little bit of a sensory overload, not to mention the forced air immediately dried out my eyes and everything got blurry, which was odd. My Dad would suggest things to eat and i would just say "yes", because i wanted it all. We had a glorious dinner, and i stopped eating not when i got full(i didn't) but when it seemed logical to stop for fear of later intestinal distress. After we celebrated my Dads birthday(happy birthday Dad) and then watched my pictures and videos on the TV from the Saufleys to here. Some of the sierra pictures came out pretty good i will get them up here soon. We were up til 1230ish and i tried to write this then but i crashed. So i am writing this the following morning because i woke up at 6:20 after i "slept in". It was amazing to sleep in a bed, i don't think i moved the whole night. This whole place is comfortable actually. I am really grateful to my parents to provide all of this for me, i am sure it wasn't cheap, but i appreciate it very much. I am currently starving though, so i am going to go make a sweet breakfast(one i have been looking forward to for a while). Thought of the day; i am one lucky guy. Song of the day; this Robin Thicke song i cant remember the name but its hilarious. Craving of the day; none... what a good feeling.

JWC on the PCT

Almost there....

2008-06-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Day 58, Mile 900.8
Mammoth is finally here. Just 6 more miles give or take tomorrow and i will be seeing the parentos for the first time in 50 days. I am looking forward to it to say the least. Today was a long one, but well executed in terms of enough breaks, and getting into camp at a decent hour. Did Silver pass in the morning at 10,900ft and then worked our way up and down eventually stopping at 9,090ft for the night alongside Deer Creek. The mosquitoes were vicious at times today and at one point did not seem to be respecting the d-to-the double-e-t. I am not looking forward to having to put that chemical on my body for the next 1,000 or so miles. I got two or three big bites on my bald spot, I can only imagine how nice of a target that must look like for aerial attacks. Anyway the day went by fast enough, i had heart pains today here and there which was weird. I attributed it to the fact that I've been eating hardly any protein and def not any fresh fruit or vegetables - vitamins just don't cut it from what i can tell. When i get into mammoth tomorrow i am going to eat as many different fruits as are available to me and then take a shower. Maybe i will put some before and after shots up here, so you can see my transformation from homeless man to vagabond to 6th year college student. I plan to take two zero's in mammoth and then get back on trail on the 1st, looking forward to both. Oh i almost forgot, today we came across 3 JMT-ers south-bounding (been a lot of them in this stretch) and one was Asian, one was African American, and the third was Latino. A triumphant day for diversity in the back country, a good thing, wish i saw more of it. Thought of the day; i don't know im falling asleep as i type. Songs of the day; Macho Man by the village people, and Santa Claus is coming to town by umm Christmas carols unlimited. Cravings of the day; this morning it was a pear/apple/carrot/celery juice from like a Ronco juicer. In the afternoon it was apple pie with just apples no filling - a la mode.
JWC on the PCT

VVR-- Vermillion Valley Resort

2008-06-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

Day 57, Mile 880ish
This morning we made the 1.4 mile walk down to the lakeside to be picked up by the "ferry" to take us to VVR. The "ferry" was more like a small pontoon boat, but it worked. It picks up for VVR at 945 and drops you back off at 445, so we had most of the day there. As soon as we arrived we sat down to breakfast. I had a greasy breakfast burrito which hit the spot. We handled various logistical business, picked up a food drop, and hung around on some picnic tables. They were going to charge me $2/min for using the phone to send blog posts via my pocket-mail so i decided to wait til Mammoth in 1.5 days, and i just sent a 5 sec telegram (you know this already). The news was on the TV, Fox News to be exact. I was amazed at the amount of bullshit being broadcast as fast as possible. At one point one of the hosts talking about a girl found murdered and the investigation ensuing said something to the effect of;"in all likelihood wouldn't it possibly suggest then, the FACT that...." After great lines like that i was treated to speculation as to Obama's position on hip-hop and the artists choice of lyrics and or song themes therein. All i know is you won't see a report on McCain's position on country music or slow rock...so wtf. Anyway the food was ok and gave me some much needed calories. I haven't looked in a mirror in 11 days and i was surprised at what i saw in the bathroom mirror. My beard is doing this weird curl thing only on the right side of my chin, my bald spot is buying up new dome real estate, and i am very skinny. I got on their scale and if it is correct, i have lost 24 pounds so far. Not enjoying that. Wow it is getting really cold and my fingers are starting to ache. Going to curl up now. Thought of the day; arrogance has a place somewhere, it knows that for sure. Song of the day; just pick a random song from Ludacris' album "chicken and beer" i had a bunch of them going through my head today. Craving of the day; a quality vanilla milkshake and my moms banana bread(seems to be a popular one for me)
JWC on the PCT

Yaw! Fish Yaw!

2008-06-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Day 56, Mile 877.2
I am beat. Tired and dirty, but not hungry. By the time i get to Mammoth i will have not showered in 17 days. I know ladies, get in line. Anyway on to better things - i did not starve tonight. Yesterday i think i hit my hiking wall per se as evidenced in the blah post but today was a new day. Around noon we came on a set of lakes on our way to another pass. I happened to see a few trout and we decided i should try fishing for real this time. They were nice size fish, but not at all interested in my particular fly. Then we noticed that just in this one shallow area there were probably upwards of 50 trout. So we decided to go back to the old Indian ways - fish herding. I had thought of using our mosquito nets on the way up to Whitney and now we put this plan into action. Kraig got alongside a narrow channel with his net, and i got in the water with a trekking pole and my "new" walking stick and commenced the herding. It worked on the first try. 5 more times at different angles and different channels and we had 6 fish. Kraig cleaned them and i packed them in snow in a plastic bag inside my bear canister. When we got to camp they were basically frozen solid. Boiled them, took the skin and bones off and out and added them to Kraig and Gina's dehydrated chili. Extra water added and we had ourselves a trout and bean stew of sorts. It was really really good. We pushed 23 miles today so we will be able to spend all of tomorrow at VVR handling business and taking on some calories. Get to sleep in tomorrow because the ferry to VVR picks up at 945 and we are only 1.4 miles from the dock. But i wont get any if i don't put this thing down, and its midnight - not "hiker midnight" actually 12am. Thought of the day; i wonder if my godson Roman is walking yet. Songs of the day; this morning when i woke up it was, knock knock knocking on heavens doooor. After we caught the fish and were climbing to the pass it was, i wiiill surviiive hey hey do doo dodooo dooodleoo dooodledoo etc. Craving of the day; my moms cooking.
JWC on the PCT