Despite feeling somewhat unsettled when reaching Seiad Valley, I did enjoy my rest at Wildwood RV Park particularly early on in the day when few hikers were around. Enjoyed a great breakfast at the cafe cooked and served by a one-woman dynamo, then basically just lounged all day. Evidently a fire had broken out in … Continue reading PCT: Seiad Valley to Shelter Cove
I was determined to make this year the year I headed back to take care of some unfinished business on the PCT, so early July found me making my way to Chester, California where I had ended my 2022 hike. I had exited at Chester after walking through the newly opened Dixie Fire burn scar … Continue reading PCT: Chester to Seiad Valley
Took the afternoon shuttle back to the trail and enjoyed the drivers entertaining and knowledgeable history lesson of the area. He pointed out remnants of early wagon trails that passed through this rugged and scenic area and a pile of rocks that story goes, is the grave of an early settler who perished on his … Continue reading PCT: Sonoma Pass to Chester
Back on the trail and more fantastic views yet again. Only a few days of hiking before another opportunity to stop in town, this time the touristy ski town of Mammoth Lakes. I had been hiking near Happy Hour for a few days and we both decided to hike down to town rather than take … Continue reading PCT: VVR to Sonoma Pass
Took a double zero in Bishop. A zero in hiker lingo is a day when no hiking on trail occurs. Town visits on a long hike entail showering, laundry, eating as much as possible, buying food for the next section, gear replacement or additions, and chatting with other hikers you haven’t seen in a while … Continue reading PCT: Kearsarge Pass to VVR
Loved the warm welcome at Kennedy Meadows but not much else. I spent the night at the free campground behind the General Store. The porta johns were a disgusting health hazard and I resorted to doing as I do on the trail. Mountains of trash everywhere, mediocre food and resupply. I think they were overwhelmed … Continue reading PCT: Kennedy Meadows to Kearsarge Pass & Bishop
The stay In Tehachapi was great. Delicious eats from Thaihachapi, good resupply and all around friendly small town. Reunited with fellow southerner, Dillon who I met in the early days. He now goes by the name Lobster which was self explanatory when you took a good look at his desert tan. Spent 2 nights and … Continue reading PCT: Tehachapi to Kennedy Meadows
I intended to just drop into Wrightwood to resupply then jump back on trail, but once in the hiker friendly town my plans changed. I was able to snag a nights stay in a tiny house called Acorn Cabin. It was adorable and Mandy, the owner and her lovely family were a delight. Mandy said … Continue reading PCT: Wrightwood to Tehachapi
Had hoped for a more restful zero day in Idyllwild but town chores kept me busy. Regret not getting to meet the town mayor who is a dog! My kind of politician! Kind trail angel, Jeanine drove me back to the Hamble Park trailhead for the 2.7 mile hike back up Devils Slide Trail to … Continue reading PCT: Idyllwild to Wrightwood
An early morning flight to San Diego meant little sleep along with a bad case of pre-hike nerves. I spent the evening at legendary San Diego trail angels, Scout and Frodo’s home along with 20 other hikers. We slept in big tents in their back garden and enjoyed their amazing hospitality and an excellent dinner … Continue reading PCT: Campo to Idyllwild