Posts
Book One, Chapter Three: Shelter From the Storm in Big Bear
So Long Idy, Hello Big Bear Getting back on the trail from Idyllwild is always a bit of a challenge. There are at least three ways out of town that
Book One, Chapter Two: The Idyllwild Run
Day 12. Trail mile 169. Idyllwild. Leaving Warner A few days back, I got up at dawn and left my trail family behind at Warner Springs. Half of
Book One, Chapter One: The Same, Yet Totally Different
Despite it being the same trail in 2018 as 2017, the first 110 miles ended up being totally different. Part of that was by design because I
Comfort Items – Take an Ounce, Leave an Ounce
As I mentioned before, I'm at the final kitchen-sink phase of packing for the hike. The last few bits and extra things that might come in handy;
PCT Minus Ten – Last-Minute Planning
There's a few things that are a tip-off that shit's gotten real. It's kind of like seeing the first robins in Spring, or the first frost in Fall. Little drops in the bucket, little stones that start an avalanche, and before you know it, your life is changing. Final planning reaches a frenzy, and you're off.
LNT Principle Three: Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack out your trash, and this includes toilet paper! All of the Leave No Trace principles are geared around a common theme, preserving the Wildness of the outdoors. Depending on your world view, there's a number of good reasons for this. Mine are primarily selfish - I want things to stay nice, so that I can enjoy them later.
13 Pounds Between Me and the Elements – A PCT Thru-Hike Gear List
I have a few purchases left to make, but right now my gear list is pretty solid. Pack weight is at 13 pounds, and that includes a one-pound fudge
When Going Ultralight, Be Ultrawise With Your Choices
If you're a hiker, and you ever use the internet, you know there's a lot of discussion about reducing pack weight. One phrase I hear a lot is "how
Gear Review: ENGO blister prevention patch
After I wrote my foot care article, the kind folks at ENGO agreed to send me a sample pack of their blister prevention patches. Unlike bandaids,
Old Guy Music: Hiking Tunes from my PCT Jukebox
I don't listen to music while I hike, for a few practical reasons. I don't want to use the battery on my phone, I don't want to deal with sweaty