PCT Prep- 2016 style

In just a few days, I fly out to start hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) again. In 2014, I hiked from Mexico to Castle Craigs, 1500 miles. That means I still have Washington and Oregon, some 1100 miles.  Here I go.

I can’t quite believe it either. Mentally, my head is still swirling with ideas for projects for my park in Montana.  (Guess I can't say "my park" anymore.)  The school field trip programs, interpretive talks, additions to the trail map I redid, and oh no it’s Wednesday my day to clean the bathrooms. Funny how when we work, there really isn’t any such thing as days off. The brain is still working on solutions to work problems. There are people that turn it off, but I’ve never figured that out. Once I get into something, I’m all in.

Which may be the best explanation for why I’m heading back to the PCT. As much as I’ve loved finding work I enjoy so much, I still can’t get the PCT out of my mind. I long to see this trail to the end. To see the places that inspired this hike in the first place- growing up with vacations with my parents to Crater Lake, Stehekin, Sisters. And even if I don’t finish, again, just giving myself the chance to try will be enough.

Will the experience of hiking the PCT be as joyful as it was in 2014, when it was the best thing I’d ever done, happiest I’d ever been? Certainly I was in a different place back then, burnt out. Am I a different person now, after two years of AmeriCorps?  How will it feel to do something so seemingly self-centered after finding such meaning in engaging in national service?  As AmeriCorps members, we'd joke about getting things done "for America!" even if it was really mundane like stocking toilet paper or picking up trash.  But that's what if felt like.

Leading a Wildflower Walk... for America!

Teaching a school field trip program... for America!

Will I have a different perspective traveling through on our public lands after working in Montana State Parks, organizing trail work projects and land improvement projects and engaging children with the natural world?  Will the PCT mean something different now?  What will it feel like doing something... for me!  Will I get something different out of hiking?

***

As crucial as the mental aspects are, I know you all really just want to know about planning the food and gear, right?  Well, there’s not much to say….

In 2014, I spent six month preparing. It was my first long distance hike. All that planning paid off.  Plus it was fun and I learned a lot. And wrote a lot.

This time around, 6 days getting ready seems like enough. Food prep took 3 days for 7 resupply boxes. Picked up backpacking staples at Trader Joe’s on my drive through Salt Lake City and Nature’s Oasis in Durango, Colorado.

Ingredients for stoveless dinners

At Still Water’s house, I dehydrated my two favorite meals- sushi rice with tiny shrimp and green curry vegetable. Ah what would I do if it weren't for Still Waters always opening her home to me, always supporting me when I need it? And she’s even got a garden this year. Thank you Still Waters!

Home-grown veggies from Still Water's garden

Dehydrating rice and curry veggies.  A stoveless, just add cold water favorite.

Getting my gear ready took a few days. For the past two years serving with AmeriCorps, I’ve been on the No New Gear Budget. Which means I pretty much have all the gear I had last time on the PCT and it has gotten even more use the past two years. A few extra patches, replacing worn cords and guyline, reinforcing stitching— hopefully all of this will give me another thousand miles.

The No New Gear budget is now officially over with three purchases (that I’ve had on my list for a year and a half!)- a new raincoat, the InReach (to replace my SPOT), and a custom-made hammock overcover— hopefully will keep me a bit drier.  No time for much testing. The PCT will be enough of a test.

Finally, shoes. In 2014, I got a stress fracture in my foot at mile 840 in the High Sierra. Have I figured out how to prevent another stress fracture? Do I know what shoes will give me the best chance at making it? Do I have plan for my feet?

Ummm… I still have a few days…

Review of what I did to prepare for the PCT: physical and mental prep and skills

This is the time of year when many of the 2015 hikers are preparing for their long-distance hikes.  Last year, I had a tough time prioritizing my preparations for the PCT.  It was my first long-distance hike, and I was trying to figure out what I needed to do to transition from a weekend backpacker to long-distance hiker.  So much is written about gear and resupply, and I remember I found less information on physical and mental preparations, learning skills, and how to get help.

Here,  I describe what I did to get ready physically and mentally, and how I learned skills, what worked for me, and what I’d do different.

Feeling overwhelmed on a PCT training hike.

Other people did significantly less planning than me and were equally happy with their choice.  It really depends on the type of person you are- I am a Planner.  This article is intended for other planners as well- if that’s not you but you already have significant backpacking experience then don’t worry you’ll be fine when you get out there.

1. Physical preparations

What I did before the PCT:
My goal was to get in the “best shape of my life” before I set out on the PCT.  I’d already built up my fitness by hiking every weekend for about four years, increasing my mileage over that time.  I began more serious physical prep about 6 months prior to the hike.  During the week, I woke up every morning at 5 AM, and I carried my weight-filled backpack around the neighborhood (or local trails) for 1.5 to 3 hours.

Tire chains simulated the weight of extra food in my pack for training hikes.

I also went on weekend trips so I’d know I’d be comfortable doing back to back 20 mile days and 3,000 foot climbs.  Finally I cross trained by practicing aerial dance which strengthens my core and muscles in different ways.  Two weeks before my hike, I tapered my activity to avoid injury and give my body some rest.

What worked:
Hauling my pack around in the dark, cold and rain turned out to be excellent mental training.  My training gave me excellent cardio and leg/back strength.

What I’d do different:
Focus more on training with a heavy pack.  Since I got into lightweight backpacking and only did weekend trips in the southeast, I wasn’t used to the weight of five days of food or carrying more than a liter or two of water.  Even though I did I calculate how heavy my pack would be that first day on the PCT (base weight + food + 6 L water), I only slowly built up to carrying more weight, and I never got to that full amount. 

I’ve wondered if I should have strengthened my feet more, but that problem didn’t manifest until 800 miles into my hike, so I doubt any more training would have prevented the stress fracture.

2. Learning skills

What I did before the PCT:
I wrote out a list of skills I though I would need for the PCT, and developed a plan to learn each of them in turn.  Because most of my backpacking had been in the southeast, the skills had to do with  the conditions I’d encounter on the PCT: snow skills including self arrest with an ice ax, hiking in the desert including carrying lots of water, and packing and carrying a bear canister with 6 days food.  I took a snow skills course with Stacy Boone of Step Outdoors, (read more about that here).  Stacy also included other key topics in the course including foot care, menu planning, and navigation.  Renee “Pathfinder” and I went on a trip to Arizona and Texas (including Guadalupe Mountain) where we practiced long water carries.  We also did a practice trip with our bear canisters.

Practicing self-arrest with an ice ax.  Photo by Stacy.

What worked:
I was so glad I took the time to learn these skills before going on the PCT.  Other people learn as they go, but I am the type of person that feels more safe and have a better time if I know I have the skills and training before I am in a situation.

The snow skills course with Stacy especially provided me with the skills and confidence to enter the High Sierra early, and see the beauty of the snow and experience the satisfaction and thrill of snow traverses.  I was so glad I had experience making kick steps, knew basics of how to read the snow from taking an avalanche awareness course, had discussed safety and decision making, and that I’d developed mental strategies to get over the passes.  Taking this snow course made my experience on the PCT much better (and safer), and Stacy is a positively awesome teacher.

I had a blast doing all my training courses and trips too.  I loved having an excuse to go on our Southwest tour, and I really enjoyed finding new skills to try, and having trips with a goal and purpose made them more challenging in a fun way.  It was also good mental preparation in pushing myself (like on my trip to Canyonlands) and in troubleshooting.  On the PCT, everything constantly changes, and it isn’t the specific skills that were needed so much as a generally being able to cope with being uncomfortable and being adaptable and flexible.

What I’d do different:
In retrospect, I might have learned enough of what I needed to know from more experienced hikers that I met and hiked with on the PCT, and from trial and error.  I hadn’t anticipated that I would find so many experienced backpackers out there who always seemed to show up just at the right time, and were happy to share their knowledge and were also very patient.  For example, MeToo taught me a lot about strategies to do the long water carries in the desert and how to plan for and find water.

In SoCal, MeToo describes a plan for the detour and where we will get water.

Matt "DoubleTap" Parker, who had experience in the Sierra, informally led a group of us over Forester Pass (highest point on the PCT).  He was a wealth of information and I know made it much safer for all of us.

DoubleTap gave a group of us help and encouragement over the snow.

Also, I was really fortunate to hike through the Sierra with Arizona who stuck with me especially through the descents down the passes.  In retrospect, I had no way of knowing I’d meet all these incredible people and I think I ended up being better prepared to learn from them because I had some background knowledge to build upon.  So, I wouldn’t have done any less preparation knowing what I know now.

I still felt scared coming down Glen Pass, but I knew what I needed to do to keep going.

3. Enlisting the help of support people and mentors
 
What I did before the PCT:
I talked with my resupply people (Still Waters and my parents) about expectations on how to communicate while I was on the trail and what it would be like to meet me on the trail.  I talked to them about how I'd be using my SPOT messenger.  I organized and labeled my gear and made up spreadsheets on how to send me resupply boxes and gave them a rough idea of how my timeline worked (more on that here). 

I also enlisted the help of support people.  I made up lists for them of phone numbers and other important information, and put this and my itinerary on a google doc.  I arranged for my friend Brenda to store my car in her garage, and Susan stored my other belongings.  Kellye and Janet took in my mail, and did things like make sure my car registration got renewed. 

I (informally) enlisted a handful of experienced backpacker to act as my mentors, and I identified specialized people to answer particular questions.  It was sort of like how when I was a PhD student, I choose committee members that I respected, looked up to, and trusted to help me in different areas.  For example, my friend JJ (and fellow Gossamer Gear Trail Ambassador) helped me with my gear and even subcontracted out to get the help of her friend Amanda to answer questions she didn’t know about the Sierra and desert.  Through Hammock Forums, I found Jim (PITA) who answered my countless email questions about bring a hammock on the PCT and about maps (more on that here).  I found other mentors to help me with food/ resupply planning, electronics, and my physical prep.

What worked:
All my support people were AWESOME!  I had no trouble with resupply boxes or logistics.  My resupply people seemed to enjoy being part of my journey too.

I was so glad I had mentors!  They were helpful because they knew my background and personality, and they were people that I looked up to so I valued their advice and perspective.  When I had the stress fracture or ran into trouble on the trail, they provided incredible support as well.  I got a lot of information about the PCT from blogs, Yogi’s book, facebook, and other websites, but my mentors could help me sort through the information and help me decide what would work for me.  They also helped me realize that I knew way more than I gave myself credit for, and the quality of their knowledge and advice was much higher than any other source.

What I’d do different:
I wish I could figure out how to show the people that helped me out just how much their support meant to me and how wonderful they are.  I cannot thank them enough and should figure out some way to repay them but I have no idea how I could possibly do this.

4. Mental preparation

What I did before the PCT:
I defined my goals and reasons for doing a long distance hike.  I wrote about this in my blog here.  I also read and reflected on my values and put my personal philosophy into words both on this blog and in writings that I will probably never publish.

I got a lot of experience being physically uncomfortable, which turned out to be good mental preparation.  I did trips where I was cold, wet, tired, and sore (like this one).

Getting experience being cold and wet, and still maintaining my positive outlook.

What worked:
I was glad I established my goals and examined my reasons for doing a long distance hike before I got on the trail.  Developing a regular writing practice put me in touch with my priorities.  When I was on the trail, I never wavered in knowing that I was on the right course for me.  My heart was always in it and I could maintain that awareness and appreciation.  There wasn't anywhere I’d rather be than in the trail.

It was great that I never had any expectation that I would be comfortable on the trail.  I already knew that wasn’t what backpacking is about, so that allowed me to maintain my positive outlook during my hike.

What I’d do different:
I wasn't mentally prepared for my injury that would take me off trail- I think that's why I kept hiking on the injury for 100 miles.  I knew how to hike with physical pain but I wasn’t prepared for getting off the trail and I wasn’t prepared for “failure” in not completing a thru hike.  It took me much longer to heal from the stress fracture mentally and to come to terms with my injury.  However, I don't know how I would have prepared for this.

Nothing had prepared me for the mental pain of having to get off the trail due to my injury.

In the end, I learned valuable lessons from my stress fracture, and when I got back on the trail and hiked another 550 miles, I learned so much about life and hiking, and when I look back on the whole thing, I wouldn't change my experience for anything else.

I also could have done more to ask other hikers about their backpacking philosophies and how those influenced their hike, and how they changed over the course of their thrus.  On the other hand, during my hike I was able to ask this of many of the hikers I met, and I feel like I have developed a better understanding through those personal interactions than I ever could have any other way.

Overall:
I really enjoyed preparing for my trip on the PCT.  I learned nearly as much before my hike as while I was on it.  Having the goal of hiking the PCT allowed me to work harder on many things I’d been wanting to do for a while, and was time very well spent.

If you want to read more about my preparations for the PCT, check out my PCT 2014 page where I have all the links to my posts about "Before the hike."

Good luck to the Class of 2015, and remember to enjoy the time before you hit the trail- it can be a wonderful and fulfilling time in its own right!

Apps for long distance backpacking

Wondering how to manage your finances, keep track of your resupply and gear, and do all the other life-maintenance stuff you have to do while you are out on the trail for months on end?  You can do all of this from your smartphone.

Here is a rundown of the apps that I found most useful on (and off) the PCT.   New apps are available all the time but this should provide ideas of the possible uses of a smartphone on a long trail.

Logistics and financial apps.

Navigation and PCT related apps.

Most hikers were good about this, but as a reminder- while on the trail, please be courteous to others who may be looking for a wilderness experience and step away from people if you need to use your phone.  Or wait til you get to town.

Catching up on blogging and email in town.

Logistics/ money
Several apps made it possible to manage my life while on the trail.  I paid my bills and accessed my bank accounts using my smartphone.  I also stored spreadsheets with information about my resupply boxes and gear (to make repairs and reordering easier).  

mSecure ($9.99)
Stores all your passwords, account information, and logins in one place, protected by a single password.  This was a huge breakthrough for me because otherwise I get lost trying to remember all of the different logins and various numbers.  Just can’t forget the single master password.

USPS Mobile (free)
Helpful for keeping track of resupply boxes.  Scan in the barcode/ QR code of your resupply packages, track your packages, and search for post offices.  I ordered pre-paid boxes to leave with my resupply person, so I stored the tracking numbers in this program and could see when they were delivered.  Can also search for PO locations.

Banking apps for your bank (free for Bank of America)
Apps for your bank are helpful for locating ATMs and for accessing your checking account.

Google Drive (free)
A cloud storage tool that allows you to store your files online so you can access and synchronize them via the web or on multiple devices like your computer or smartphone.  I’d previously written documents and worked collaboratively using Google Docs (like office so it has documents and spreadsheets) so it was easy for me to move all of my files here and which is why I use it the most.  However, dropbox and others are similar.  I cached important documents on my phone so I could access them even without a connection.  Files that were most helpful to have stored on my phone included:
    - Emergency contact numbers
    - Gear lists including weigh, size and style, and where I bought them in case I needed to order a replacement or get it repaired on the trail
    - Spare gear lists so I knew where my stuff was located at my parents’s house and how it was labeled to make it easier for them to send me anything
    - Manuals for electronics and other gear (in pdf's)
    - Resupply schedule/ distances between resupply stops created using Craig’s PCT planner
    - Food ideas and recipes for the trail for when I got to grocery stores and needed ideas on what to buy

Social Media
Posting my photos and doing a blog allowed me to share my hike with my friends, family, and blog readers and allowed me to feel connected with them. 

Facebook (free)
The ‘PCT Class of 2014’ page was a popular place for asking questions about everything PCT related, for getting rides and places to stay, lost gear, finding people, and trail updates.  Sure a lot of the information could be found on the postholer FAQ or PCTA website, but many find it easier to use to get a quick answer without having to scroll around when you have limited time and connections.

Instagram (free)
Fast, easy interface and a good alternative to facebook.  Many PCT bloggers share photos via instagram (search for #PCT or #PCT2014).  I didn’t use this while I was on the trail, but did use it when I had to get off the trail and it made it easy to keep up with other PCT hikers. 

Bloglovin (free)
Used this to follow blogs while on the trail.  At first, I followed blogs of PCT hikers that were ahead of me so I’d know what to expect and where to go on town stops.  Later, I’d use it to follow blogs of friends I met on the trial so I could find out where they were.  Much easier than going to everyone’s individual websites.  Another website that had many PCT blogs was the PCTA journalist, but I never figured out a good way to read it on my phone. 

Blogger (free)
This app is outdated and has limited functionality, but unfortunately it is the only thing I’ve found that works with my blog platform.  Do NOT do a blog on blogspot.  I’d already been using blogspot for years and didn’t want to switch to a new site, but in retrospect I almost wish I had because this was a pain in the neck and the formatting got messed up when I posted via my smartphone. I ended up typing up my blog posts in an email rather than using this app because it lost a few posts when I didn’t have service.   I used the Blogger app to add the photos to my blog posts once I’d sent them in via email. 

Photos 
Looking through my photos at the end of each day was a great way to reflect on my experiences on the trail.  I ended up sending my camera home and taking all my photos using my iphone.  It turned out to be too much of a bother to have to transfer my camera photos to my iphone where they could then be uploaded or posted on my blog.  I preferred the simplicity of a single device.

ProHDR ($1.99)
Takes consistently better photos than the regular iphone camera program especially in high contrast lighting.  It has a self timer feature.

VSCOcam (free)
Awesome photo editing app with lots of features.

MyPics ($2.99)
Backup your photos every time you are in town because you don’t want to loose your pictures.  I use Picasa web albums because it works with my blog.  Whenever I had wifi, I would upload all my photos into a new album, and then share this with my family and post a link on my blog.  Other people used facebook or instagram, and there are also things like flickr, but be sure to find something that is fast and has plenty of storage, and set it up before you leave.

PCT apps/ Navigation 
The PCT is well marked for the most part but I used my phone frequently for navigation.  Especially to check my mileage and see distances to water and campsites.  I still carried and used paper maps and a compass.   They really came in handy for the snow.  Sometimes the location given by these apps was WRONG (especially under tree cover) so they are not a substitute for traditional map and compass skills.

Where are we?!?!  MeToo and Blue Yonder use their phones for navigation.

PCTHYOH app (free)
One of my favorite apps.  Stores helpful PCT information in one location for easy access.  I used this frequently to look up the water report.  This is how I also go my weather reports- locations along the trail are already entered and the format is easy to read.  It also has pdfs of Halfmile’s maps, and has lots of helpful links.  The only trick was to remember to refresh this app while in towns or when cell service is available to get the latest updates.

Halfmile PCT (free)
My most frequently used app.  Simple design and interface, so less clutter than Guthooks.  Tells you your location (i.e. your mile on the PCT) or how far you are from the trail.  It also gives distances to various landmarks like water sources, campsites, and roads.  Highly recommended!

eTrails (free)
This was another favorite app for the PCT because it had natural history and historical information.  I liked to read it in town so I would know more about what I’d be seeing the next section.  It also had lots of information about side trails especially for peak bagging and it showed roads and water sources that were not in some of the others apps.  It seems to be more set up for section hikers because the mileages were by section and didn’t coincide with Halfmile’s miles which was the only thing I really disliked about this app.

Guthook’s Hiking Guides
I had these but didn’t end up using it as much as Halfmile or eTrails.  But other people preferred the interface.  I thought it took longer to pick up a location.  I would definitely use this again though because it was valuable to have multiple sources of information on campsites and watersources.  I also really liked that it provided a place for virtual "register" entries.  This allowed users to update information such as saying if the springs were still flowing- I used that often in NorCal and appreciated the extra information.

Gaia GPS
This app allows you to use your cell phone as a GPS and functions without cell service.  It requires that you download maps and tracks or waypoints prior to your hike.  I use this often on my backpacking trips at home and really like it, but only used it once on the PCT.   Guthooks and Halfmile are what I used on the PCT for navigation.  The only time I used it was when I was taking an obscure side trail back to the PCT after getting off the trail unexpectedly.  If you are just going to stick to the PCT, you don’t need it, but if you plan to do side trails, it’s very helpful if you can download the maps beforehand.  Note that it will drain your battery life quickly if you aren’t careful, so read up on how to use it to avoid this problem.

Other related information

Adventure Alan’s how to use the iphone as gps mapping device (excellent reference for how to save battery life)

Gadgets’ Gadget Guide on Postholer- on how to choose a smartphone

Halfmile’s cell phone report (where there is cell reception from ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile and where to get WiFi along the trail)


Disclaimer: I purchased all these apps with my own funds and these opinions are my own.

PCT prep: Last week before leaving

I can hardly believe that I fly out to San Diego tomorrow to start hiking the PCT.  This past week has been filled with last minute sewing, spring wildflower walks, and gear-obsessing, in addition to the Trail Dames backpacking trip.

Susan's house because PCT-prep central.  Renee and I repair gear, while Susan dehydrates meals.

My sewing took on a frantic pace, as if my PCT success depended on it.  I designed a new pair of tall gaiters because none of my five other tall gaiters are exactly right for the PCT.  So obviously I needed to make a new pair. 

Extra wide tall gaiters so they are sun-protective, breezy, and completely dorky.

There was an embarrassing amount of time spent deciding on the color schemes for my hiking outfit.  I will wear the same thing to hike in every day, so I want to like it.  My east-coast outfits didn't seem right for the PCT.  So I sewed a new gaiters and sun-protective wristies (a shorter version of my arm sleeves/ gaiters).  I debated endlessly about what fabric to use.  I didn’t want to be too “matchy” as if I were trying too hard, even though I totally am.  And I want to wear something bright that will make me feel happy but hopefully won’t make people think I’m too dorky.  Even though I am a bit of a dork.  Over the last year, wearing camo print has turned into somewhat of a joke, so I used glitter bright-green camo fabric for the bottoms of the gaiters.  Because how totally funny is glitter-camo!?!?   I could hardly believe it when I found the glitter camo fabric at the fabric store- isn't glitter on camo sort of counter-productive unless you are trying to "blend in" at a trapeze performance or something.  Haha!

Fashion photo shoot of the PCT So.Cal. "outfit"

You might notice that I decided to go with a long sleeved shirt, rather than my short sleeved shirt plus arm sleeves that I normally wear in the southeast.  I'd been debating about this previously, and ended up buying a new Railrider's shirt since I saw how Renee's kept her so cool on the southwest tour.  The arm sleeves were just too hot.  I am also starting in a skirt, but will put the railrider pants in my bounce box in case I want to switch.

Other last-minute gear changes have also saved me a few ounces.  Polycro ground cloth from Gossamer Gear instead of tyvek.  New tree straps from Dutchware (thank you Dutch!).  Lifeproof fre iphone case instead of an otterbox. Only one bandana, only one pair of underwear, only one set of gloves (unless you count the sun wristies).

Speaking of gear, a huge thank you to Randy of Dream Hammocks for replacing the continuous loops on my Darien UL hammock!  And thank you so much to Renee for hand carrying my hammock to the Dream Hammock World Headquarters (i.e. Randy’s basement workshop) while she was in Ohio so my hammock would have no chance of getting lost in the mail.  I’m so fortunate to have a hiking partner that understands, or at least accepts, my hammock-obsession.

The week wasn't just about gear and clothes.  I also attended one last "Nature Ramble" at the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia in Athens.  My friend Sandra from the lab and I have been going for the past year.  Once a week, botanists and nature enthusiasts walk around the trails through the woods learning about the natural history of our local forests.  It's wonderful being around the amazing people in the group- mostly retired- highly inquisitive and thoughtful- people I want to be like.  Going rambling always reminds me of the importance of being observant and treasuring the nature that is around you.  Joining the Ramblers has been one of the highlights of this past year, and I will miss them for sure. 

Looking at flowers with the Nature Ramblers.

For the last few months, I've been going on daily training hikes with my pack, hauling around tire chains in place of the weight of my food.  I just got done packing my food for Campo, so I'll say goodbye to these for now.  The next hiking I will do will be on the PCT.  I still can't believe it!

Last training hike with the tire chains.

Finally, I dropped off my car at my friend Brenda's house.   I met Brenda through Trail Dames and we've done a lot together with the group, and I was so thrilled when she said she would keep my car in her garage.  Thank you, Brenda!

Dropping my car off at Brenda's.

Renee, Susan and I fly out to San Diego tomorrow.  The next post will be from the trail...

PCT prep: Ups, downs, and on the ground

Less than a week until I start the PCT, and I'm on an emotional roller-coaster.  First the happy excitement and I can't believe this is really happening.  Then fear and anxiety-- I didn't expect to feel this, given how much I prepared.  But I keep freaking myself out and second guessing my gear decisions.  I'm scared about water, about heat, about cold.  I'm scared about what I will learn about myself. Already, I see myself more clearly and a few times I've broken down in tears.  But I also know this is all part of the process, and I'm more excited then ever to be experiencing all of this.

Right now I am in my hammock out on the Pine Mountain Trail in Georgia on the last shakedown trip.  Renee and I came out a day earlier than planned, and that was such a good call because I'm finally relaxed here in my hammock.   Not to say I haven't been enjoying these last few weeks of couch surfing- I've had a blast- but it feels like I'm "home" being out on the trail. 

One of the things I've been worrying about is my ground setup.  I'm hoping I'll be able to hang most nights, but I want to know I'll be ok if I can't.  So today I practiced pitching my tarp on the ground for the first time.

I also tried out a 6 oz klymit inflatable pad to see if it might be worth carrying- this was something JJ gave me and it was also recommended by SlowBro, who is also hiking the PCT this year in a hammock.  I'm reluctant to bring anything I'm not going to be using everyday, but it sure did make lying on the ground tolerable.  I know I'm thinking more about it now that I actually tried my Zlite alone on the ground- I can't imagine I'd get any sleep on it.

I am still undecided whether I will carry the klymit or put it in the bounce box.  Carrying it would seem like choosing to "pack my fears."   But there is so much uncertainty. Guess it'll depend on how often I can't find a hang site. 

Despite all the ups and downs, the thing that reassures me is that I know I'm challenging myself and already learning so much.  And the best is still yet to come!

PS This is the first blog post I've written on my iPhone! 

PCT prep: Presentation and Goodbyes

Last weekend, Renee (Pathfinder) and I did a presentation about getting started with backpacking, and planning for the PCT hike for Trail Dames.  Our goal was to inspire other women to take up hiking or backpacking, and provide advice and tips.  We told our stories about learning to backpack, how our backpacking evolved, and ultimately how we ended up setting out on our thru hikes.  There was some (minimal) talk of backpacking food and gear, but mainly we wanted to share the lessons we’ve learned- how once you tell everyone that you are going to do a thru hike that things will fall into place, that you really do need to ‘hike your own hike’ and how the trail community helps you out in so many ways.

Renee and I giving a talk for the Georgia Trail Dames.

At the presentation, there were women in the audience that I’ve been friends with since I first started with Trail Dames back in 2009, and there were women that I’d just met the week before for the Beginner Backpacking trip, and some women for whom this was their first TD event.

Preparing for the talk, I got to reflect about my last five years here in Georgia.  How lonely I felt moving to Georgia, not knowing anyone here, and feeling like I was in a foreign land.  The uncertainty I felt going on my first backpacking trip in 2009.  The warmth and friendships I found through hiking and sharing meals in the evening in camp.  The joy after my first solo backpacking trip in 2010.  The confidence I summoned leading my first hikes.  How excited I was when I hiked my first 20 mile day in 2011.  I could go on, but suffice to say that I feel like I am not the same person that I was back when I started this process.  And I am grateful for the women who have been part of this journey.

Hearing all the support for our PCT hike makes me feel like this journey is so much bigger than just me.  That I’m going out there to the PCT not only as an individual, but also as someone who got her start backpacking here in this community, and who grew so much through involvement and friendships that formed from the Dames.

Kellye, Salt, Sassafras, Still Waters, me and Melissa in 2011.

Earlier in the day, I also had a goodbye lunch with the women with my old backpacking crew that I met through Trail Dames- including Melissa who was the hike leader on my very first TD hike and who was so inspiring to me.  Kellye was also there- she has been one of my closest friends- got me started hammock hanging, was the co-leader for countless TD trips and events with me, and is now continuing to help me out by getting my mail while I’m on the PCT.  Still Waters was there too- I met her on my first TD backpacking trip, she's been a huge part of my life, and she is sending me my resupply boxes.  Plus Salt, who I've also shared many backpacking adventures.  It was also wonderful seeing you all, plus the other TD hike leaders and Board members at the presentation.  Women I’ve shared wonderful times with including Pam, Jules, Dennice, Amy, Leah, and Brenda (who is storing my car while I’m on the PCT- thank you, Brenda).  Huge thanks to you all for the sweet send-off!

Plan for blogging on the PCT

Despite everything that's going on with my Mom, I am still planning to leave to hike the PCT next week.  She is still getting more testing and my Dad is with her, and they are considering more treatment options.

Anyway, at this point, the PCT preparations are back in full swing.  I wanted to let you all know that I DO plan to keeping blogging from the PCT.  I will aim for a weekly post at least.  It might be delayed and they could vary in frequency, but I'll do my best to keep you all updated how things are going.

Training hike at Arabia Mountain, GA.

I've never blogged from the trail, so I'm nervous that my writing and grammar will suffer when I'm not able to spend a lot of time re-writing and editing my entries.  Maybe you will overlook this if I include lovely photos?

Photo that I shared on instagram from a rare snowy day in Georgia.

I will also try something new.  I'll be posting photos on instagram.  The link is also on the side bar of the blog.  I have already included photos from hikes that I haven't otherwise written about for the blog.  I have found it quick and easy to post these photos so that should help you all to stay updated this way.

First bloodroot of the year.

I will also be keeping a paper journal.  Perhaps I will type some of these up sometime and post them later, or mail them to a volunteer to type up and post.  (So old-fashioned, I know!)

Finally, I will try to respond to comments on the blog, but I may not have time.  Please know I will read them and your comments always help keep me motivated and feeling connected.  Keep them coming!

PCT planning: Not part of the plan

Dad just called me.  It’s about Mom’s recent cancer diagnosis.  They want to start her right away on radiation therapy for 6 weeks.  This comes as a shock.  We all thought the doctors said it was a benign form of cancer, that it wasn’t at risk of spreading, that the biopsies were promising.

Mom and I during the "southwest tour" last month.

My parents were planning on meeting me in So. Cal. in a few weeks on the PCT, and following me along the trail.  They were looking forward to meeting me in trail towns, and I was so excited to share in the adventure with them.  We’ve been talking about doing this for years, and have been planning this for months.  Cancer was not part of the plan.

Dad wants to delay treatment and just head out west to the PCT anyway.  He says if it were his cancer, he’d opt for 'no treatment' and take it as an opportunity to live life to the fullest (and “buy a motorcycle”).  But I can’t imagine Mom being comfortable not getting treatment right away- that’s how she is.  Plus, what if down the line things get worse- there’d be ‘what if’s’ and I couldn’t live with that if she put it off treatment to help me on the PCT.

I don’t know what’s going to happen, but all I want is for my mom to be healthy. 

I realize I don't normally blog about more personal stuff like this, but right now all the gear, resupply boxes and training seem completely trivial.  This is what's real.

UPDATE: Mom is figuring out her treatment options and will likely get treatment right away- thanks everyone for your good wishes.  I will start hiking the PCT as planned.

PCT training: Form and Feet

Recall that I’ve been concerned about injury prevention and my feet as I’ve been preparing to hike the PCT.  Thought I'd give you an update on how things are going.

Yay, feet!!!

Form
During my training hikes these past 6 months, an old overuse injury (“IT band syndrome”) reoccurred (see previous blog post here).  I saw a physical therapist a few years ago about this, but I thought that that was all behind me.  Back in February, I had some knee pain again during a backpacking trip where I carried a fire rake strapped to my pack in the snow (probably not the smartest thing I’ve done….).   This pain scared the heck out of me, but provided further motivation to work on improving my alignment and hiking technique.

I was really thrilled when Barefoot Jake offered to talk with me about my form and posture.  Jake is a backpacker and uses minimalist footwear, and has a background in coaching.  The advice he gave me that helped me the most was how to maintain awareness of my form and how to initiate movement.  The other part that was really helpful was hearing how everyone is different and how important it is to listen to your body and adjust accordingly.  On my hikes since then, I've been paying close attention to my alignment, especially on the downhills when I’m tired and more prone to getting sloppy.  I've also been careful to stretch, to not overdo it, and not carry large wooden-handled tools strapped to my pack to throw me off balance.  Happy to report that I haven't had any more knee pain.

Walking mindfully in the snow.  Photo by Stacy Boone.

On my trip to the southwest, I noticed that this attention to form helped me on the snow.  When I shifted my weight smoothly and deliberately (and maintained a ‘zen mindset’), I had fewer problems postholing in the snow.  Bonus!

So a big thanks to Barefoot Jake.  Check out his website with lots of informative articles on barefoot and minimalist hiking and don't hesitate to give him a shout if you have questions.

Feet
I've also been anticipating potential problems with my feet.  Blisters are often a problem for hikers in So. Cal on the PCT.  During our snow skills course, one of the things that Stacy stressed was the importance of taking care of our feet and regularly stopping to air them out, treat hot spots, and keep them moisturized.  I've never had big problem with blisters and I've never needed to put lotion or body glide on my feet before, so this is going to be new to me.

Checking my feet during a rest break.  They are looking happy so far and I'm trying to keep them that way.

I also have been transitioning to lightweight, zero-drop footware for the PCT.   Because of my big feet (I have to wear men’s shoes) and bunions, I’ve always had a horrible time finding shoes.  In the past 6 months, I tried dozens of shoes and went to countless shoe stores.  Finally, the local running store fit me with Altra Lone Peaks back in October.

Renee and I in our Altras.

I have never in my whole life loved shoes as much as these.  Well, maybe those knee-high black leather combat boots with the side zipper that I had in my punk rock high school days that made me feel like a bad-ass Riot Grrrl… but I digress… Anyway, I didn’t think it was possible to have shoes that I loved again.  Ones that gripped tight to sheer rocks like I found at Canyonlands National Park.  Ones that didn’t hurt my bunions or make my little toe feel cramped when I backpack.  When I walk in them, I experience the ground differently too.  I am reminded of this quote by Thich Nhat Hanh: "Walk as if you are kissing the ground with your feet."

During my snow skills course, I wore my Altras so I could test them for the Sierra.  It may sound strange to wear light, non-waterproof trail runners in the snow, but I found a way to keep my toes from going numb with cold in them.  I used a layering system, starting with thin smartwool socks, then rocky gortex socks, then warmer hiking socks, then plastic bags, and finally two pair of gaiters (dirty girls and gortex tall gaiters).  I'm happy I can use these same shoes and just send myself the gortex socks (and perhaps the gortex gaiters) when I enter the Sierra. 

Sock and gaiter layers system for snow.

The funny thing is that Renee (who is also hiking the PCT) got fit for the exact same shoes when she went to her running store in Ohio.  And she is just as thrilled with her shoes as I am.  The take-home message is this— if you are having trouble finding shoes- don’t give up hope even if it takes you years and years of looking.  And try going to your local running store if nothing else works.

Disclaimer: All the opinions expressed are my own and I paid for these shoes with my own money.

Canyonlands National Park

The final backpacking trip on the 'southwest tour' (before Renee and I head off to hike the Pacific Crest Trail)...

‘Mindblowing’ describes this 3-night backpacking trip to the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park, UT.  The views were over the top (literally) and the terrain and scenery were completely varied- a surprise around every corner.  We’d start our days leaping across desert creeks and then we’d climb up to dizzying heights and cling to the edges of cliffs, hearts pounding.  I didn't want to leave.

Ah what a view!

Flowing springs in the canyons were an unexpected delight.  Each canyon was different from the next- rich riparian Squaw Canyon, large Salt Creek lined with cottonwoods, potholes teeming with fairy shrimp on the way to Squaw Flat (so cool!!!).

Elephant Canyon

Squaw Canyon

Climbing over from one canyon to the next required ladders, boulder scrambles, and slopes I could not believe we would scale when I first looked at them.  It was scary and challenging… and I absolutely LOVED IT!

Going for it on the uphills.  Photo by Renee.

This part was fun/scary cause there were dropoffs on both sides.  Photo by Renee.

Many times we said to one another that we had to trust the NPS that this trail was passable.  We also had to remind ourselves to trust our own strength and our shoes- they turned out to have extra sticky soles that never failed to grip the rocks.

Renee walking on the side of a rock.

Bear canisters and wag bags 
And if the terrain wasn't enough of a thrill, new regulations required bear canisters for our campsite in the upper Salt Creek Canyon and human waste disposal bags for our two other campsites.  So we were carrying all the extra weight of bear cans and our poop as we clung to the edges of cliffs or squeezed through tights spots in the rocks.  Whenever a spot felt too difficult, we’d take off our packs and hand them over the ravine or down the inclines to one another- these trails were much, much easier without full packs and I *almost* envied the dayhikers— but not really because I loved spending so much time out there, plus I sure felt strong carrying that darn heavy pack and getting in an awesome core workout.

Look I’m carrying my own poop in this special bag!  Photo by Renee.

It may sound gross to pack out your own poop, but what’s really gross is finding other people’s poop and toilet paper in the backcountry— I see it all the time on the Appalachian Trail- yuck!  People there do not dig holes properly and they do not choose sites far enough away from campsites or the trail.  In arid environments like Canyonlands, decomposition happens very slowly, and campsites were often close to our water sources.  So I was really quite glad for these regulations- they kept the campsites and water clean. 

Lessons from the Red Layer
We quickly noticed that one of the rock layers was much easier to travel over than the other.   Geologists that we are… NOT…  we called the smooth, rounded layer that was easy to walk over the 'white layer' and the upper, more sheer vertical layer the ‘red layer.’ (We later found out at the visitor’s center that this Cedar Mesa sandstone was deposited during the Permian- the white layers are the nearshore dunes, while the red are the river and lake deposits that eroded from huge mountains.)

Grateful to be on the “nice, gentle" white rock layer.  I felt like I could soar across.  Photo by Renee.

At first, I got mad at the red layer because crossing it made the fear well up inside me.  The pass over to Peekaboo had one part that was the stuff of my nightmares- a narrow traverse with a steep drop-off.  When we got to that part, my gut reaction was that I wouldn’t go any further.  But Renee came back across it, and carried my pack over that part for me.  I followed her across and didn't slip and die, much to my relief.  Logically, it made no sense why I got so scared- that part was nowhere near as technically difficult as other sections that I’d sailed across.  It was that visual of the drop-off that I let get to me.  The red layer made me face my fears.

Pointing to my scary spot on the red layer- that horizontal traverse out past the green bushes.  Photo by Renee.

Later, Renee faced similar obstacles- she hates ladders, and steep steps/ uphills.  So she’d hand her pack to me, or I’d go first over those parts and help talk her through them.  Go teamwork!

That evening, looking at the map, I realized that there was an alternate route back to the trailhead, that I didn’t NEED to go over that steep drop-off spot again.  There was a choice- go over the red layer again vs. take the dirt road.  That’s when Renee and I reviewed what we’d learn from the red layer— crossing over the red layer made us grow as hikers; the red layer made us stay present and in the moment; we could see far and have better perspective from the red layer; it allowed us to appreciate the safety and ease of the white layer.  Of course, we went back over the red layer on our last day!  And it was FUN!

Playing at "stepping off the end of the world" on the red layer on the last day.  Photo by Renee.

A few things that I learned
I was thrilled with the scenery at Canyonlands, and also that the arid environment provided excellent opportunities to learn how to be adaptable in different and ever-changing environments.  It really hit home how "routine" my backpacking has become back in Georgia.  In contrast, I was challenged and constantly learning on this trip and that was really satisfying.  I'm looking forward to this continuing on the PCT.

Contending with the sand (and the dryness) was also a new thing for me.  Sand had to be dumped out of shoes on breaks, and at night it would take an entire wet one just to get the sand out from between toes (even with dirty girl gaiters).  Backpacking in the southeast, I hardly ever use any lotions and I'd repackaged my lotion into teeny tiny containers that seemed laughable out West- where I was lathering on the sunscreen every 2 hours (more than that and I’d burn), and slopping on the lotion to keep my hands and feet from cracking.  SO different from Georgia!

I’ve been carrying around the same small roll of duct tape in my kit for at least three years.  It was all gone by the end of this trip- patching holes in skin and gear.  Both packs got small holes where the sides of our backpacks scraped against rock.  Next time I might put a protective layer of duct tape on the wide part of the pack BEFORE I go, especially if they are large from carrying bear canisters and two days of POOP. :)

Why they make canyoneering packs that are tall and narrow.

Our route:
We got dropped off at the Elephant Hill trailhead, hiked out to EC3 (gorgeous site!) and set up camp, then did an out and back hike to Druid Arch in the afternoon.  Elephant Canyon had a lot of dayhikers.   On day 2, we hiked down Squaw Canyon (lovely riparian area) then up over to LC1 (another gorgeous site, and more wooded).  Then an afternoon out and back up Lost Canyon- this part of the park was more remote and beautiful and we only saw three other people.  On day 3, we climbed up and over to Peekaboo, and then into Salt Creek- doing an out and back further into the canyon- just one other group encountered and it was cool because they showed us some pictographs we’d have otherwise missed.  On the last day, we went out to Squaw Flat campground where my folks picked us up.  What an excellent trip- I only wish we'd have stayed out a few more nights!

Dad meets us at the trailhead with refreshments- he's really getting the hang of being a trail angel!

 Logistics:

-We made reservations for our campsites well in advance so we got our choice of campsites. 

-Secure your food at all times.  We saw where animals had gotten into someone’s unattended pack that had been stashed at a trail junction.  DON’T leave your food out!  We carried a bear canister (required for some areas)- you can borrow these from the ranger station.

-This time of year, early March, nights were cold/ below freezing- there was frost on tarps, ice on water (and on rock in a few places), and the bear canister was frozen shut in the morning (side note: does anyone else have this problem where the top of the bear can is frozen due to frost?)

-Water sources are seasonal and intermittent.  Check at the ranger station before you head out.  We lucked out and there was plenty of water in all the canyons.  Other times of year, you need to pack your own water and be especially careful to leave water for wildlife.  Water is precious in this area, so don't camp or pee near the water and certainly never wash in the water.

Check out Renee's trip report on her blog, Pathfinder on the PCT.