Category: Hiking

How to Do Trail Magic Right
2015.09.01
Pacific Crest Trail, Sierra High Route
This is a post about trail angeling and trail magic on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and why perhaps it has become detrimental to the trail and trail culture.* Between 2013 and 2015, whether because of the “Wild” movie effect or due to an influx of Appalachian Trail (AT) hikers wanting more trail time or even triple crowns, the population of thru-hikers on the PCT doubled. The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), a governing body of sorts in charge of maintaining access to the trail, again issued permits arbitrarily and for free — several thousand of them. Between April 6 and May 1 this year, I camped out at mile 42 of the trail, doing backpack shake-outs at Mt. Laguna Sports and washing dishes at the Pine […]

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860 Miles by Thumb
2015.08.31
Pacific Crest Trail
I just got into Portland, Oregon after hitching from Lone Pine, California to Cascade Locks for the 9th annual PCT Days. Most of the ride was much less eventful than anticipated, and took me much less time than I budgeted for. It took 16 hours in 6 strangers’ cars, with an overnight in Bend at a friend’s house. And then I was there at Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks having a great time with fellow hikers. More on the wacky part of the hitch hike soon.

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Goeth Lake
2015.08.25
Latergram, Sierra High Route
One from Thursday, my last day on the Sierra High Route for a while (while I wait for the Rough Fire to fizzle out). I was in a rush and over-confident over this massive field of gigantic talus, and I took a serious fall. I bruised my left pinky finger and almost lost my water and spoon. I was so thankful it wasn’t worse; at the moment my legs went over my head I was certain I would at least get knocked unconscious as these boulders were on average 10 feet across and down. I need chiropractic but otherwise I’m fine. But let me say it again: this route is extremely difficult and super hairy at times. I’m happy to have only 30 miles left to complete, […]

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So embarrassing and very ironic
Hiking, Latergram, Pacific Crest Trail
2015 PCT hiker Splob left a book of John Muir’s writings in the Muir hut with this Public Service Announcement (PSA) in the back pages. I thought it’d get a little more mileage by sharing it here. LNT is great because it means that more of us, and our children’s children, can enjoy pristine areas of wilderness. It’s important when camping near pristine headwaters (or any water source) to keep your chemicals and biohazard waste out of it. Wash/poo well away from water’s edge over a dirt hole and bury it. It’s sad to see lakes and streams full of soap bubbles, much less the invisible sunscreen and Deet, and don’t get me started on white roses. 🐟 But Splob! Look What You Started! Update 2019: Splob’s […]

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Prayer Flags at Muir Hut
2015.08.22
Latergram, Pacific Crest Trail, Sierra High Route
Muir Pass hut, view of smoke from the Rough fire Wednesday night. Pray even harder for rain! Everything south of Muir Pass on the JMT/Pacific Crest Trail is pretty bad smoke-wise for hikers, with many of them abandoning their hikes. I stayed up there, looking at it this way: most inner city children have worse air quality 365 days a year with not nearly as beautiful or safe a scenery. Who would I be to complain? I had a lovely time, and for the first time in a while actually resented returning to town. Would have stayed an extra day but didn’t want anyone to worry. Aside: The Muir shelter was paid for by a forestry magnate, which is humorous to me given that Muir Pass is […]

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Heart-shaped Hole
2015.07.29
Latergram, Sierra High Route
During this descent [along Mill Creek down the Second Recess] the hiker can enjoy an unusual Sierra sight. Across the Second Recess and about one mile distant is a gigantic, heart-shaped hole in a steep cliff. So incongruous is this feature that the mind struggles to explain it. Perhaps it is a gouge left after a massive rockfall–no, it is too deep. Perhaps it is a cave–but, no, caves don’t occur in granite. All one can say is that it is a mysterious feature. ~ Steve Roper, THE SIERRA HIGH ROUTE: Traversing Timberline Country 💙 After staring at this ridge for a little while, I found the heart-shaped hole (center). It is definitely heart-shaped and it is definitely huge. Wish I had a telephoto lens to better […]

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