Day 93 - Chico

July 16

I had a lot of time to think and soul search the last few days and have decided that Belden is going to be my jumping off point. 

Missing Greg and Bodie is a given, but my body was telling me it was tired, sore and needs a rest. Plus I was getting very lonely. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the solitude. I was just getting a little too much of it. 

It's funny, in the mornings, even with a sore back, I would think maybe I could make it to the halfway point or maybe even the Oregon border. By noon I would realize that those thoughts were not realistic. 

I would have really liked to have talked to Greg to let him know my plans. With no cell service that just wasn't going to happen. I could have sent him a text message on the tracker, but knowing Greg the text messages would have been coming fast and furious and I needed to conserve battery just in case I needed the SOS. So Diane and Jennifer were the first to find out my plans.  Couldn't help but to tear up when I told them. I still plan on getting to Canada, it's just going to be in sections now. In fact, while hiking I kept trying to figure out what section(s) I could do before summer ends. 

Along with the back problems my right foot had been hurting a bit the last few days. I just thought my boots were too tight and would loosen them up. I noticed last night though while I was talking to Greg that my foot is pretty swollen. Even if I would continue on I think I would need another week off the get the body back in shape. 

 

Tonight I pulled everything out of my pack so Diane and Jennifer could see what I was carrying (and to finally get my dirty clothes out to wash). While putting it back together I realized stopping is going to be very hard. As much as I look forward to going home and being with my family I really just want to throw the pack back on and start hiking down the trail again. It's been my life for the last three months. A very important and rewarding part of my life. 

This has been an amazing journey. I've learned a lot about myself. What I am capable of, and not capable of. I've seen parts of this state that not many people have seen. Beauty beyond words. The barren mountains and deserts of Southern California. The drastic contours of the High Sierras. The silence. Mostly though I have seen a side of people (thru hikers, trail angels, complete strangers) that is even more beautiful than the landscapes. That has had the biggest impact on me. 

Thank you to all my family and friends, and Liz's family and friends, for the support you have given us along the way. And thank you Liz for getting me to go on this crazy adventure.  

Keep an eye on this blog. Who knows when there might be notes from the trail again. 

I don't think of the PCT as a obsession, but as a calling to experience and enjoy the simple pleasure of just being. 

Day 92 - Mile 1275.2 to 1284.3 - Mel

July 15

I'm going to Belden today!! I'm going to see Diane and Jennifer (sister and niece), eat some real food, go to Chico, get a shower and sleep in a real bed. Can you tell I'm excited?

Only nine miles to go, but I went from just under 6200' to 2300' in that nine miles. Even when nothing hurts and I haven't already walked 1200 miles downhill is hard on me. Fortunately the trail was nice, not rocky, and a lot of switchbacks. 

It was hot today too. The first part of hike was in the sun, but soon I was under the cover of trees. 

I made it to Belden around 12:30. Greg had sent a message that Jennifer and Diane wouldn't be getting there until 2:30. This gave me time to eat. I had a chicken sandwich with bacon, pepper jack cheese and ranch dressing on grilled sourdough. Washed that down with a couple of Sierra Nevadas. Life is good. 

Soon after I finished my lunch my ride showed up. I was so excited to see the two of them. Jennifer is now an official trail angel as she also gave two girls from London a ride into Chico and the nearest sporting goods store. 

Day 91 - Mile 1258.2 to 1275.2

July 14

We were camped near some dirt roads and a car went by some time during the night. That just freaks me out. I feel much better out in the middle of nowhere. 

Said goodbye to the G's, took my Ibuprofen and headed out.  

Lightened up my pack just a little last night when Twotone came into camp and said she was running low on food.  I gave her some of my snacks. 

I decided to take a coffee break today. Snack time was at a small stream so that I didn't have to carry the water to make a cup. It was a very pleasant stop. 

I did have to take more Ibuprofen soon after that. I feel like I'm eating the stuff like candy. It really helps with the hiking.  I can get in the miles in that I want, but when it wears off.......

I had wanted to camp about six miles from Belden because it's a big descent and I don't know what the trail is like. I ended up camping at Clear Creek though.  That way I didn't have to carry the extra water for dinner and breakfast, and fill up my Gatorade bottle for tomorrow's hike. The campsite I had been aiming for was another 2.5 miles away and waterless. With the extra weight I probably wouldn't have gotten there until 7:30 and I didn't think I'd feel like setting up camp and fixing dinner. 

Day 90 - Mile 1240.4 to 1258.2 - Mel

July 13

Hobbling more this morning. As usual slow getting going. 

It was down hill to the Middle Fork of the Feather River. There was a bridge over the river so I didn't have to worry about how I was goin to get across. 

I stopped on the north side of the bridge for a snack, but was too tired (and lazy-let's be honest) to walk down to the river to get water. I had enough to get to the next creek and my dirty socks could wait until then to get rinsed out. 

The uphill started here. The first three miles to Bear Creek weren't bad. I did stop here for water and lunch. Got my socks rinsed and soaked my feet. Also washed a layer of dirt off my legs. They'll be filthy again by the time I stop for the day. The rock that I sat down on to do all this had a water snake on it. I felt kind of bad that I took his spot. 

It was nice to get a little rest since the next seven miles were climbing. It wasn't a steep climb but it was steady and tiring. 

Once again I had a stopping place in mind and when I got there He G and She G (one of the Canadian couples was there). I was glad to camp with them since they will be getting off tomorrow to go to Quincy to rest and resupply. 

Day 89 - Mile 1221.4 to 1240.4

July 12

Slow getting out of camp today. What's new? My back is pretty sore though. Not quite as bad as when I was a couple days out of Tuolumne, but Ibuprofen is definitely my friend. 

It was overcast most of the day which makes for very comfortable hiking. My phone and tracker batteries are getting low and I really need to get them charged though. 

Pretty uneventful hiking. Mostly forest, some of it alive and some of it dead. 

My body is really begining to feel the miles. I'm also feeling tired. I was looking for the campsite where I ended up tonight. I was so afraid that someone would already be there and I would have to go on. I figured I'd just cry until they felt sorry for me. 

There were people already there, but it was my new Canadian friends. They made room for me. My tent was practically set up on one of theirs. I have been enjoying having company at night. 

Day 88 - Mile 1206.2 to 1221.4

July 11

I had the perfect spot for watching the sunrise this morning. I was on a ridge looking east. It was the sun on my tent that woke me up. I missed the sunrise but probably needed the sleep. 

My pack is too heavy. I should have left more food in Sierra City. But I also know I need to be getting more calories. It's so hard to figure out what is enough and what is too much. Even after three months. 

There were lots of beautiful lakes today. I think I stopped and took pictures of all of them. 

I found the perfect lunch spot. After I ate, I stretched out on a fallen tree with my head on my tent and feet on my backpack. Even fell asleep. It was wonderful. 

I was feeling a little lonely today. A few hikers passed me early in the day, but I was mostly on my own. The trail was nice and there were a lot of beautiful views. 

I didn't go as far as I had wanted to today when I came upon some campsites near water. There were no campsites listed at the next water sources. I decided to play it safe and stop for the night. Two Canadian couples that I had met at the trailhead at Sierra City were camped on the other side of the trail. 

Shortly after I got set up Colo and Highwater joined me. Both Highwater and I thought we had met before, but had no clue where. Before I went to bed I realized that he was the guy who pulled Liz and I over the snow bank at the top of Forester Pass. 

My lower back is starting to bother me on the right side.  Same pain as I felt on the left side after Donahue Pass. I think it was the weight of my pack and the rocks I had to walk on out of Sierra City (I was favoring my left side on the rocks even though my back had not been hurting for a couple of days) that caused the new backache. 

Onward to Belden - Greg

Melinda is pressing ahead, with continued good mileage since her last update, doing 15, 19 and 18 miles on Saturday, Sunday and Monday respectively. She is now just south of Bucks Lake on her way to Belden. She will be picked up in Belden by her niece Jennifer and sister Diane (Thanks!) who live in Chico, about an hour's drive away. She will take at least one Zero day with them in Chico before returning to the trail.

I think she hopes to make it to Belden sometime tomorrow (Wednesday).

There has been no cell coverage over the last 3 days, so information is minimal. It looks like the weather has been good and she's had company at her campsite most nights.

Last week, she couldn't charge her phone or tracking device because there was no sun for the solar charger.

This week, she is having trouble with the connection between the charging cable and the tracking device. It has been getting continuous use for 3 months now, and the connector may just be wearing out. Hopefully it can be fixed with a new cable. At any rate, until it's sorted out she may turn off tracking to conserve the battery for emergency use. If she does, that means no blue dots... I hate it when that happens. :-( I worry about her more than I should even when I can see her progress. When the dots disappear I'm basically a basket case. :-)

Day 87 - Mile 1195.4 to 1206.2 - Mel

July 10

Still woke up at 5:30 this morning and couldn't go back to sleep. Made coffee, watched the news and replanned resupplies. 

Had breakfast at the lodge and then packed up and headed to the Post Office to pick up my really heavy box. I should be able to get to Belden in five days, but it feels like I packed for ten. I do need to eat more....

The weather was not looking promising and some reports said there was a 50% chance of thunderstorms and showers. I decided to head on out though. Mainly because Herringtons was booked for tonight. 

It was a big climb today from 4500' to 7400'. Started out switchbacks in the trees and then went to a gradual climb up a rocky, treeless mountainside. I'm glad it was cloudy today.  

I didn't start on the trail until 1pm and only went a little over ten miles. I'm not alone tonight and I'm glad. 

Day 86 - Mile 1179.3 to 1195.2 - Mel

July 9

Got all zipped and cinched into my sleeping bag last night when the rain started. Couldn't get myself out to close the tent "door."  I've been leaving it open to help with my condensation issues. One of the problems of having a single walled tent. 

It was beautiful this morning and I was the last out of camp today. I figured that I couldn't make it to the Sierra City Post Office by their 2pm closing, so why rush. 

The rain didn't start until about noon. Once again it stopped as soon as I got my rain gear on. Including my very fashionable skirt. 

As walked through a lush forest in the drizzle, listening to the thunder overhead and eating a Snickers Bar I realized that life was very good. I like hiking with the thunder. It keeps me company. I don't like the lightning though. 

The rain got heavier as I neared highway 49. By the time I got into Sierra City, a mile and a half walk from the PCT, I was soaked. I got a burger at the General Store and the last room at the Herrington Motel. Another quarter mile down the road. I'm clean and dry tonight!

Mile 85 - Mile 1160.7 to 1179.3 - Mel

July 8

"Rain" and "hail" are two more four letter words. 

Woke up at my usual 6am, rolled over and the next thing I knew it was 6:30. It was the train whistle that woke me up. 

There was some sun and some clouds this morning. The hike was easy as the climbs are more gradual and not as high. Washed my socks at the first stream I came across. Turns out that was a mistake. 

As it neared noon the sky completely clouded over. Even a few claps of thunder.  

At noon I stopped at a spring to eat lunch and have a cup of coffee. As soon as I took my pack off I felt a few drops of rain. They didn't last and so I ate. As I started to drink my coffee it started raining. I got my rain jacket and pack cover on. Wasn't going to throw out my coffe so I drank it as I walked. It soon was hailing.

The hail only lasted 10 to 15 minutes, but the thunder was continuous. When it started to rain again I decided to try on my Tyvec skirt (I was too cheap to buy rain pants so I made a skirt out of Tyvec pants). As I was leaning on a tree and  trying to get one leg into my skirt I saw a flash of lightning that was followed immediately with thunder. Scared the you know what out if me!

I just kept walking quickly. Mainly to keep warm. After awhile I caught up with Pink Lady whom I had been leap frogging all day. We were both cold, wet and in search of a campsite. Finally found one next  to Mule Ear Creek. The sun even came out while we set up our tents. Foster and Morher joined our camp. It was nice not to camp alone. 

Oh, the Tyvec skirt worked. My shorts stayed dry and my upper legs warm. Also, the mistake in washing my socks earlier is that I now had two pair of wet socks and two pair of wet liners. 

Day 84 - Mile 1140.7 to 1160.7 - Mel

July 7

An even later start this morning. I blame it on checking in with Greg since I had service. He texted the tracker last night saying he showed I went a 1/2 mile off trail and he hadn't received any messages at 8:30 last night. Way past my usual stopping time. 

My encouraging husband told me that I would be mostly ridge walking today.   What he didn't know was the drop into a canyon before climbing to 8900 feet at Tinkers Knob before my ridge walk. The start of the climb was steep and I felt like I was on a stair master for about 50 yards. 

Ok, so I was a little below Tinkers Knob, but I did get over 8700 feet. 

The ridge led me to Sugar Bowl. A lot of walking through rock slides. Not slides that have covered the trail, but places where the trail has been built through an area where the hillside is nothing but broken granite. I have to go very slow through these areas since I slip, twist and trip easily. 

I caught up with the group I had camped with and had lunch with them. They made me feel like one of the gang.  Two of the men were involved with troop 330 in San Jose. One had been scout master and the other assistant scout master. 

It started to rain as I got closer to Sugar Bowl. All I had to do was put my rain gear to make it stop. It did start up again as I got close to highway 40. 

I stopped at the highway 80 rest stop for dinner. There were picnic tables, water, garbage cans and flush toilets. A virtual paradise!

Made it another three miles to Peter Grub Hut. I ended up setting up my tent. I have been enjoying sleeping outside in my tent and besides I felt old compared to the group that was already there. 

"You love the thunder"... maybe... - Greg

"You love the thunder and you love the rain
What you see revealed within the anger is worth the pain"
    - Jackson Browne

I got a call from Melinda at about 3:00 yesterday (Wednesday July 8) afternoon. She was walking the ridgline north of Fordyce Lake. I'm that shocked she had cell coverage, she really was in the middle of nowhere.

She had just weathered a very nasty squall, dropping a torrent of 1/4 inch to dime sized hail. The wind was blowing hard. She hadn't seen any lightning until just before she called but the thunder was nearly continuous. She said she was doing fine, but she was cold and I'm sure quite tired. If it was me, I would have been at least a little scared too but Melinda has a quiet confidence that I'm pretty sure I don't.

Jackson Browne was writing about relationships in the bit quoted above, but the same sentiment could apply more literally to the thru-hikers relationship with Mother Nature. I won't presume to know whether Melinda thinks what she saw yesterday was "worth the pain". But she certainly got a show. It seems that just when you begin to think you're on a pleasant walk in the woods, nature puts on a display to remind you who is boss in these wild places. These shows are often both awe-inspiring and frightening.

All those of us at home can do is watch the blue dots, chew our nails and say a prayer. I did plenty of all yesterday. I was quite relieved to get a text this morning and see the blue dots marching on.

In spite of the challenges she knocked out over 18 miles yesterday and over 20 the day before and another 20 the day before that.

There are more thunderstorms forecast for today, but not as intense as yesterday. She is almost certain to make the 16 miles to Highway 49 and Sierra City where a resupply box is waiting. I expect she will get a motel room for the night to dry out and charge up as she's likely to arrive after the 2:00 closing time at the post office.

Click here for an awesome first-hand account from the trail yesterday, about 200 miles north of where Melinda was.

Day 83 - Mile 1120.4 to 1140.7

July 6

I need Liz to get me moving in the morning! One of the many reasons I need her. I get up at the same time, but don't get on the trail too quickly. 

Beautiful day today. I made it to Barker Pass in pretty good time. Stopped there for a snack and ended up staying longer than I planned. There were picnic tables, cell service, a pit toilet and people to talk to. 

Great views of Lake Tahoe when I got further up the trail. Had lunch at the Granite Chief Wilderness boundary after climbing up many switchbacks. 

Hiked he backside of Alpine Ski area. It was the backside of the backside and it took forever. Or so it seemed. 

Lots of wild flowers today and there scent was strong. A very sweet scent with something pungent mixed in. I love the smell of dirt and pine needles, but this was a very pleasant change. 

The clouds starting moving in this evening. I had watched them over the lake most of the afternoon. I really wanted  to make it to a campsite in Squaw Valley and the weather held up for me. In fact no rain at all.

I made 20 miles today! Yay!!

Day 82 - Mile 1103.24 to 1120.4 - Mel

July 5

Woke up last night to what I thought was the sound of thunder. When it didn't stop I realized it must be the fireworks on Tahoe. 

It was slow going up Dick's Pass. One because I had cell service and tried to post to the blog. Then I figured I should check in at home after my stormy day yesterday. I also had to stop for all the magnificent views, the beautiful wildflowers, butterflies and birds. 

I had lunch at Middle Velma Lake. It gave me chance to dry out my tent. It didn't rain last night but I had a lot of condensation. 

Most of the afternoon was spent hiking through forest. I had one deer bound across the trail in front of me. 

Didn't see too many people today and started feeling kind of lonely. Then I remembered it was Sunday and realized God was walking with me. It made for a very peaceful hike. I actually took time to enjoy the beauty around me. 

Day 81 - Mile 1092.72 to 1103.24 -Mel

July 4

I got back on the trail today at Echo Lake. Debbie and Dan drove me up. I was a little nervous about leaving because thunder showers were in the forecast, but they're expected for the next week. 

Took it slow today. My back is feeling much better, but it's not totally back to normal. 

Thunder most of the day and a little rain. No lightening though and for that I am thankful. 

I find Aloha Lake just beautiful and can not pass it by without taking a picture. It's all the granite that I love. 

I decided to camp near Gilmore Lake and tackle Dick's Pass tomorrow. I'm more afraid of the downhill than I am of the uphill. I'm not too far from the lake and can hear the people that are camped there!  Hopefully they won't be up all night. 

Back on the trail - Greg

Melinda is back on the trail after a nice break of almost a week.

She got a late start on Saturday 7/4 and managed a little less than 11 miles before stopping for the night just short of Dick's pass.

Yesterday she kicked in the afterburners and knocked out 17 miles in great weather.

The forecast is calling for scattered thunderstorms (A 20-50% chance)  for most of this week (Mon - Friday). I hope they hold off.

Day 79 - Still Zeroing - Mel

July 2

After three great days in Tahoe with Greg I'm still off the trail.  My back was still bothering me so I went to an Urgent Care in Reno.  The doctor thought it was muscle spasms.  She prescribed injection of anti-inflammatories, a prescription for some and a little rest.  Greg's sister lives in Pollock Pines (less than an hour away from Echo Summit and where I plan on rejoining the PCT) so I am hanging out with her and hope to be back hiking in the next day or two.

I'm hoping that next summer I can talk Bodie and/or Liz into hiking Sonora Pass to Echo Pass with me.

I didn't say this before but I am so proud of Liz knowing when it was time get off the trail to take care of herself.  It's not a decision you make lightly.

Day 75 - Mile 1016.42 to 1018.3

June 28

Definitely no hurry today.  I had enough water to dry camp, but there was a stream just a short walk away.  Got to have a second cup of coffee after breakfast.

It was still cloudy and a couple of times I thought it might rain.  Laid in the tent for awhile just in case.  Around noon I decided to head down to the highway.  Who knows, there might be some trail magic there.

It didn't take me long to get down.  There was just a small dirt parking space with a couple of cars and a small monument.  This is where I was going to be spending the next four hours.  I took my pack off and wandered up the hill to look around.  And then trail magic.  A man came up the hill and asked if I wanted a ride to Bridgeport.  Hadn't been part of my plan, but it sounded more appealing than what I had planned.  I got in touch with Greg and we arranged our meeting spot.

Turns out Cuddles has hiked the PCT twice.  He and his wife were on their way to Mammoth.  When he stopped he saw my pack by the road and figured it belonged to a PCT hiker.  Then he saw me and the way I was walking and knew I belonged to the pack.

I got dropped off at Burger Barn where I enjoyed a BBQ  Bacon Cheeseburger.

Afterwards I wandered down the street a little ways to hang out with other hikers.  Mahalo and I sat on a bench waiting for Greg to show up.  We took Mahalo as far as highways 50 and 28.  He was heading to South Shore and we were going north.  It was a long drive up 395 as there had been a bad accident earlier.

A shower and real bed tonight.  Ahhhhh!!!

Day 74 - Mile 1005.4 to 1016.42 - Mel

June 27

I slept in to almost 7:30 this morning.  I felt guilty, but I am in no hurry.  I have until tomorrow around 4pm to get the 11 miles to Hwy 108.  I considered staying at Kennedy Canyon one more day to rest, but I don't know what the next pass is going to be like.  I'm at 8900 feet and the highest point is 10,800 feet.

So I slowly packed up and headed out.  My back is a little better, but not good.  Today's hike was on treeless mountain.  Lots of shale, but not big rocks to navigate around.  Gradual switchbacks which I was very happy about.  It's hard to believe that something so barren can be so beautiful. 

 

I did hit patches of snow, but the trail was always visible on the other side.  I had no Liz to send out first!  There were only two patches that made me nervous because they were on steep mountainside.  One slip and I would have been sliding down.  I stopped for a snack at the Emigrant Wilderness border (also the highest point today).  Zoolander was there (haven't seen him since the Mojave).  When I started eating I heard thunder to the east.  Then I saw the lightening.  Time to start moving.

 

Camped about a half mile from 108.  It's weird, but I felt more nervous camping this close to civilization than I did out in the middle of nowhere. 

Day 73 - Mile 999 to 1005.4 - Mel

June 26

Made 1000 miles today!  Can't  believe it.

The head net and mosquito wipes are now just part of the daily routine.  Can't wait to get away from these mosquitoes.

I didn't sleep well last night.  Don't know if it was the two cups of coffee I had once I got to camp, not being able to get comfortable because of my back or the excitement of seeing Greg in a few days.

Hiking today was fairly level.  Had a log creek crossing this morning.  I couldn't get myself across it either.  It was shorter than the last one I went across, but higher up.  I was just ready to take off my boots and wade, when I saw another log that was much more manageable, at least for me. I could use my poles.  If these poles survive the trip I am having them bronzed.  They have saved my butt on many occasions.

I only went 7 miles today and took it slow.  Ate lunch by a stream, which I could cross on a bridge, with some other hikers.  It's always nice to have someone to talk to.  Camped at Kennedy Canyon next to the last reliable water source until right before Hwy 108.  I arrived at 2:30pm.  Had the afternoon to set up camp, study the data book and journal. 

I was just getting ready to climb into my tent at 6:30pm (you can only sit in the dirt for so many hours) when Double Time and Half Time showed up.  This is the first night since I left Tuolumne that I have not been camping on my own.  It was so nice to have company.  Oso showed up a little later.