The End....The Beginning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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