pathways of a wayfarer
Our last day began with a chilly morning in Lake Morena campground. We were all bracing for it -the mixed emotions, felt in our hearts and legs. Scout had joined our party a couple days before, adding his energy, singing, and charisma to the roadblocks. Our group of five walked the last twenty miles together.… Continue reading Mile 2630 to 2650
599...499...399... why are the miles coming off in hundreds? Each day goes by quicker than the one before. This section is amazing -possibly my favourite? The elevation is revealed in the flora: low cactuses and high pines. I love the midday heat and the evening reprieve. Looking out, the same blue sky we began under… Continue reading The final count down
As we approached the summit of Mount Baden-Powell, we were welcomed into the most energetic, joyful, and gracious group of forty inter generational hikers. They called themselves the 3H -happy, healthy, and hiking. Their smiles were contagious as we walked the final 100 ft up, and the fanfare at the top as each hiker took… Continue reading Happy, healthy hikers
And just like that, we are in our last section: the Southern California desert. The transition was immediate and impressive. Within probably 15 miles of Mt. Whitney we were heading down into drier, warmer, sandier lands. Kennedy Meadows South was a pretty significant milestone, marking the end of high Sierras and the start of the… Continue reading Desert-Landia
As all mountain ranges, the high Sierras are uniquely beautiful. With the forecast promising blue skies, and the creeks still flowing with the recent snowstorm, we headed out for our 300 mile section of higher altitudes, longer climbs, and fresh views. We took around 16 days to get from Sonora Pass to Kennedy Meadows South,… Continue reading We found Forester!
With a SOBO hike, the trick is making it through the Sierras before the winter storms roll in. As soon as the shoes hit the Canadian border in July, the clock starts ticking. Well, we got The Early Storm this year. We waited it out in South Lake Tahoe from the warmth and comforts of… Continue reading A Snowy Start to the Sierras
Northern California has continued to show us some amazing colours: the greens of sage, the yellow lighting before a storm, the purple shadows on the mountain sides. As we approached and then passed the halfway point, the miles are beginning to sink in; the realization that they are not unlimited has become a presence in… Continue reading
I was really looking forward to the Trinity Alps. We had heard from a Nobo that they were one of his favourite sections, and for some reason I was just pumped to get into them. Well, they were indeed beautiful. It felt like California: hot, dusty, dry, rocky. The trail was my favourite type: long,… Continue reading Trinity Alps and Castle Craggs
It would have been an over 70 mile road walk to get around the Etna fires (our fourth and fifth trail closures). Ug. What to do? While the boys opted to road-hammer it, Michelle and I decided to get creative with some rented cycles. I have always loved the cruiser, but don't own one. So… Continue reading Girls Weekend
And I can walk five hundred more. We are, in fact, making some progress, despite Oregon's continual surprises. We are taking a zero in Ashland, with the Californian border right around the corner -along with more forest fire and trail closures. But that is tomorrow's dilemma. Today, I have enjoyed waking up in a bed,… Continue reading I can walk five hundred miles
flowers and trees, skies and seas 