Sunday, August 24, 2014

Day 154, August 24th, 2014

Finally completed the Pacific Crest Trail!  Feel mostly tired but glad for the closure. 

Day 153, August 23rd, 2014

Last full day on the trail, last night camping out.  For once a nice day, did eighteen hard miles.  Only 14 miles to the lodge at Manning State Park, Canada. 

It will be a relief when over.  These last three weeks have been a hard slog.

The DSLR is far to heavy for this type of hike.  I think it really does come down to pack weight.  Under 35 pounds is golden, above, forget-about-it!

Day 152, August 22nd, 2014

Made 21 miles today.  Eager to finish, it's been cold and wet.  Will shoot for around 18 miles tomorrow and finish on Sunday in Canada.

Some of todays views attached.

Day 151, August 21st, 2014

Did 18 miles today.  Waiting for water to purify so I can take some Ibprofien.  Looks Luke a thunderstorm rolling in.  Fun wet night to look forward to.  Hopefully it will hold off to after dinner.

Day 150, August 20th, 2014

Not much to report.  Hiked 17 miles to this lovely bridge.  At least it gave me a campsite.  Otherwise was a nice day but all forest hiking, no good views.  I did get a couple of good pictures of a fine looking Grouse with the Canon.

Day 149, August 19th, 2014

Zero day in Stehekin!  Pricey but beautiful and a real bed and shower much needed.  Had a fine burger at the restaurant expertly prepared by Cool Ranch and El Capitan.  Man am I beat.

Weather report for next six days is 20% chance of rain everyday.

Oh, the water in the lake and river really is a beautiful Aqua.  Not a camera effect.

Day 149, Part 2

Funny the people showing up in Stehekin.  GoCoo, the middle age Japanese man in my Idyllwild video interviewing Toyo just got in.  Toyo is a day behind.  Looks like a bunch of folks from last year finishing up.

Apparently GoCoo means 59 in Japanese.  No idea.

Day 148, August 18th, 2014

Well it rained a little last night.  Just enough to wet the tent.  Then I had a deer screwing with me, stomping his hooves and tearing up the ground.  Believe it or not, they are after the salt in human urine.

Anyway, did 17 miserable miles today.  Made it to High Bridge Ranger Station an am waiting for the shuttle bus to Stehekin.

Day 148, Part 2

Day 148, Part 3

El Capitan and Cool Ranch.  Two of the coolest people I met last year.  Ran into them at the bus stop at High Bridge Ranger Station.  They are working in Stehekin for the season.  Cool, I am going to spend two nights here.

Day 147, August 17th, 2014

Well today was finally nice and the trail was maintained.  I did about 17 miles.  Of course now that I am in my tent for the night I here thunder to the east over the mountain.  The storm cloud has been trying to cross over into this valley.  I hope not.  Just about have everything dry.

Anyway should reach Stehekin tomorrow evening.

Here are some of today's views.  Most of day was holo.g in forest.  Don't it figure.

Day 146, August 16th, 2014

Weather maybe finally broke.  I cut today short at 12 miles and am camping down by the river trying to dry everything out.

Trail is completely unmaintained.  Trees down everywhere.  Attached is a picture of my camp and an example of the treefall obstacles covering the trail.  That is a medium size one.

Day 146, Part 2

Feet are in rough shape.  4 days soaking wet day and night.  Probably pushing trench foot at this point.  Just a few days to dry out.

Here are a few views from up top today and a shot of my disgusting feet.

Day 145, August 15th, 2014

Between the dangerous ice sheet crossing, washed out trail and maintained trail today had to be the most dangerous hiking day ever.  Here are some views.

Day 145, Part 2

Day 144, August 14th, 2014

More rain.freaking never stops out here.  Everything is pretty much wet or very damp.  Here are some of today views.

Day 144, Part 2

Day 144, Part 3

Baekos Creek.  Where I camped.

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