Type Two Collective

The Sierra Nevada mountains. My last ride down from the cottonwood pass trailhead said it correct “there is something in the water out here, people always come back”. Maybe it’s the views or maybe it’s the lessons you hold. You are unforgiving but provide the greatest reward.

The past two weeks with .pacific.crest.tale have been transformative. The Sierra created a team that can’t be broken. We climbed your tallest peak. Unwaveringly, we also backtracked 21 miles in 12 hours battling snow and weather when I needed to get out due to illness. Thank you, for teaching me to strive big, trust, and accept support. Thank you for providing life long friends.

So what’s next? Well, I am going home to Bend, OR to rest, get meds for a respiratory infection, gain back some weight, and spend time with my dogs. But that isn’t the end of the story, cause I’ll be back in two weeks. The next time will be personal. Also, .pacific.crest.tale, we will catch you.

43 days and 703 miles. Finally made it to Kennedy Meadows South and completed the desert section of the Pacific Crest Trail. I was naive to the challenge of this trail but glad I pushed on. Now it's time to take a day or two off, re-group, re-gear and take on the next challenge.

We are nearing the end of the 700 mile desert section of the PCT. Crazy to think that 5 weeks ago we were naive to how hard this would be… just a hike right? Feeling battle hardened, we overcame high winds and long water carries between Tehachapi and Walker Pass. Higher elevations brought the trees back into our lives making for great desert naps and quiet campsites.

We also saw our first glimpse of the snowy peaks in the high Sierra. The excitement is building for a new landscape and a potential special experience in one of our country’s greatest wilderness areas. 2.5 days left and we will be in Kennedy Meadows.

Lastly, we welcome our newest trail family member, Sonic. He was won at a Denny’s.

150 miles in 6 days. This last section, leaving the Angeles National Forest was difficult. Feet hurting we made it to Tehachapi and the start of the Sierra Mountains. I didn’t get many photos this time because it took all my energy to get through. So n the bright side, the flowers were poppin! Only 130 miles of the desert left! Kennedy Meadows in 7 days and then entering the high Sierra.

500 miles this week! I will make it to Tehachapi by Sunday meaning only ~140 miles to Kennedy Meadows!

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Good vibes in the Angeles National Forest on the PCT.

The contrast of the past 3 days was comical. We had the high of submitting Baden-Powell in winter conditions. Attempted the PCT ridge traverse route off the mountain only to bail after 8 hours of battling snow. A chill road walk the following day turned into 25 miles of hiking and nearly having to decide between sleeping in a shipping container or a privy due to weather. Thanks to the heroics of .pacific.crest.tale and the kindness of some firefighters we did end up making it off trail. The power of positive people making sh*t situations fun.

We picked up the pace, hiking 100 miles in five days. Brutal, at times, rewarding absolutely. This stretch was bookended by snow starting in big bear where it is was 18 degrees, thanks for keeping me warm. We hiked 20 miles in thigh deep snow to only wake up the next morning with frozen shoes and socks.

Luckily we dropped in elevation fast, getting to explore deep creek canyon, soaking in hot springs and hitting the three hundred mile mark.

We finished section C of the PCT at the Cajon pass McDonalds where I consumed about 3,000 calories 🤮. Which was followed by 6000 feet of climbing to Wrightwood, the last 6 miles of which were completed in slushy snow, sometimes only causing us to travel .7 miles in one hour.

This journey to cover miles though has developed friendships and a trail family that continues to support each other, even at low moments.

Week 3 felt like our first test. We knew conditions were not going to be ideal walking up a river for 10 miles followed by an off trail ridge climb. Yet these tough opportunities also created space to get to know our hiking bubble. Cowboy camping and hostel stays were the highlight of week 3.

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When the trail family all had the same idea. We fill up the city bus. Time for resupply!

This is the view from the house of a trail angel on the PCT. We stayed here for one night but it will be an experience I’ll remember for the rest of my life. His hospitality means everything, not only for his pure kindness, and a great experience, but because there’s not much water we could get to in that area.

For anyone who doesn’t know a “trail angel” is a kind soul, usually a stranger, willing to help and support hikers on their journey. They go out of their way to make sure we are ok and have what we need. They might drive you places, feed you and let you stay with them. In a lot of towns and on social media, there will be groups of trail angels. It’s like having a network of parents.

Thank you to this particular angel and all the ones that support us.

Hey friends! A little over 3 days until I stat my long walk! I will be posting more frequently while I am on trail and I look forward to connecting with all of my fellow hikers! For now I have a new blog post helping to outline some goals for myself. Check the link in my bio!