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Episode 50: Day 98-99

Day 98:

Saw a shooting star last night. And needless to say, this place is just as beautiful in the morning.

It’s hot today. Hiked the 7 miles downhill towards the town of Belden, followed by a 1 mile roadwalk to the RV Park that was holding my resupply box. I was in no rush to leave since it was blazing hot out there. During the break I enjoyed some ice cream, donuts, orange juice, and various other snacks.

Eventually, I decided to leave the comforts of an air conditioned building and get back to trail. I stuck my thumb out and was given a ride the 1 mile back to trail. Yay!

I hung out with Cheetah and Bridget at the trailhead, but then hiked out since I wanted to make some miles (they were going to camp there and hike out tomorrow).

Hiked until about 8:15pm, and set up camp.

13 Miles today (which is pretty good for a resupply day).

Sun’s out:

Dining room:

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Day 99:

I’m 38 miles and a hitch from Chester. And from Chester I need to take the bus to Red Bluff. And from Red Bluff I need to take the bus to Chico. I don’t know how I’m going to make it in time…

You may be wondering, “What’s the rush?” Well… this upcoming Sunday (August 14), is the Jewish holiday Tisha B’av, a day that commemorates several tragic events in Jewish history. It was important to me to be with a congregation for the holiday, and since Saturday is the Sabbath, I need to get to Chico before then.

I’m just going to have to push hard and hike through the night. I bought a 5-hour energy in town, and now seems like the right time to use it.

Story time:

It’s just after 11pm, it’s pitch black and I’m still hiking. Then my headlamp catches a pair of eyes, forward facing – it’s a predator. Emboldened by my recent bear encounter, I yell and wave my arms (in case he has good night vision), but he doesn’t even flinch – it’s not a bear. Now that I think about it, it’s too short to be a bear, it’s about waist high. I pick up some rocks and underhand throw them towards him, hoping to scare him off. It casually takes a few steps, still staring me down, and it’s moving silhouette gives me all the info I need. This thing has small pointy ears and walks like a cat – this my friends, is mountain lion. At this point, my thought is “If you’re not afraid of me, maybe I should be afraid of you…” So I slowly back away, still shining my light at him, and once I turn the corner, I hike fast. They say, if a mountain lion is stalking you, shine your light and yell at it every few minutes, just to let it know you know it’s there (mountain lions prefer surprise attacks). However, I was looking back every few seconds – I was legitimately freaking out.

WHAT NOW? I check my phone, I have cell service! But who do I call? The Parks Service can’t help me, and any family member would probably freak out more than me right now. I think I need to talk to someone who is not full of adrenaline. But it’s 2am on the east coast… So I open Facebook messenger, and I see my friend Zalmy is online. “Can I call you? I’m night hiking and I’m pretty sure I’m being stalked by a mountain lion.” Well isn’t that what friends are for? Even though we didn’t really come up with a solution, talking with Zalmy helped calmed me down. I hiked for maybe half a mile more, and set up camp. I’ll figure out how to get to Chico tomorrow, I can’t hike anymore tonight.

20 miles today.

1300 Miles:

Stressing over my timeline:

Sunset:

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Video:

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Bonus footage (only audio since it’s pitch black):

Episode 49: Day 96-97

Day 96:

The terrain was great this morning – a few climbs but mostly long smooth downhill stretches.

Had lunch at Middle Fork River, refilled water at Bear Creek, and then, THE CLIMB. Middle Fork is at 2900 ft above sea level, and I set up camp at Lookout Spring which is at 5800 ft, a gain of just about 3000 ft. I’m out of gas – goodnight.

19 miles today.

Channeling my inner Peter Pan:

Middle Fork River:

Great view:

On the way up:

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Day 97:

On this morning’s hike, shade wasn’t naturally provided so I used my semi-broken-quasi-functional umbrella.

Eventually entered an area with lots of tree cover. These trees were quite beautiful because they were almost completely covered with green moss – it was neat.

The scenery then changes to a more heavily wooded area of primarily pine trees. As I’m walking along, something moving up the hill catches my eye. It’s big, and it’s brown, and it’s furry, and it’s A BEAR. As is natural for any millennial, my first instinct is to pull out my phone and press record (if I’m gunna get mauled by a bear, may it at least end up on YouTube). I yelled and waved my arms and, initially, the bear was startled. He then proceeded to causally walk away, glancing back at me every so often. And that was that.

Do I claim to have intimidated a bear in the wild with nothing but my booming voice and powerful presence? Absolutely! But just between you and me, I’ll admit it’s likely that I was more annoying than intimidating to the bear. Either way, no one got eaten today – everybody wins.

You may be wondering why I engaged with the bear instead of minding my own business (which is a valid question). Here is my reasoning (which I admit, may be faulty). Although there is a good chance I could have snuck by without incident, I decided that it was better to let the bear know I knew he was there rather than walk by and give the impression that I didn’t see him, potentially (and maybe unlikely) giving the impression that I am a vulnerable (and delicious) target.

With that adrenaline pumping, I hiked fast, putting as much space as I could between me and my new acquaintance. HUMANS! I saw a tent set-up in the most beautiful spot (seriously, one of the most pristine on trail). I said hi and told my bear story. Cheetah and Bridget were happy to share the campsite with me and so I set up my tent (I was SO GLAD to not have to be alone tonight).

20 miles today.

Moss covered trees:

The woods:

The bear:

Need some help?:

Sun is going down:

Happy place:

This:

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Video:

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Ask your doctor if adrenaline is right for you:

Episode 48: Day 93-95

Day 93:

The early water source I was counting on was barely dripping, and Bubble Boy very generously gifted me some water. Eventually, we made it to a good water source where we met Professor Kindness and Dr. Spudd.

The hiking was challenging but enjoyable – I was in a great mood all day.

We contemplated pushing hard, but in the end we called it relatively early since the next water source was 4 miles away and we weren’t feeling up to that. I’m glad we did since it allowed for a lot of socializing with Rainbow and Bubble Boy – dinner together, great conversations, and some ukulele of course.

18 miles today.

For the LOLs:

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Day 94:

Had to say goodbye to my friends this morning since it’s Saturday, my day of rest.

Slept and read.

Later in the day, I was joined at camp by a guy named Tickle (aka Ribcage) who was on his annual multi-day wilderness hike before heading off to Burning Man. I couldn’t decide if the two were aligned or opposites. What do you think?

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Day 95:

Ideal hiking conditions. 75 degrees and sunny, with plenty of shade along the way.

Stopped for lunch at Whiskey Springs which was annoyingly far from the trail.

During dinner, a yellow jacket flew into my shorts and wasn’t happy with the accommodations and decided to sting me on the leg. Really really frustrating. I decided to redirect my frustration to crushing miles instead of crushing yellow jackets. I was this close to a full blown massacre.

I haven’t seen a human in a while… but at least I had my ukulele to keep me company.

21 miles today.

I feel like I’m maturing out here:

What a day:

Just where I want to be:

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Video:

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Bonus footage:

Episode 47: Day 91-92

Day 91:

There are a lot of yellow jackets flying around here, and I mean A LOT. And although they look more like bees, they are actually wasps. And they are a little too friendly, with no regard for personal space. They land anywhere where there is moisture to be had – including but not limited to: fingers, toes, and spoons that you are about to put in your mouth. It’s rude quite frankly.

I found it somewhat ironic that I have been listening to The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh (HIGHLY recommended, by the way), during this time, because I guarantee that I have never been more mindful of my every move than when I am trying to eat dinner while being swarmed by these yellow jackets – thanks for all the tips Thich!

At a water source I met Caveman, and soon after I met a German hiker, Rainbow.

Rainbow and I hiked together into Sierra City, where we were both going to resupply.

Bubble Boy is here! I haven’t seen him since VVR (Episode 36) and before that I hadn’t seen him since Mike’s Place (Episode 8). What a great reunion!

A local Church allowed hikers to camp in they yard, so a bunch of us set up there. I had some great conversations over dinner with Caveman, Mishap, and Bubble Boy.

18 miles today.

Better Beelieve it:

Walking into Sierra City:

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Day 92:

Lazy day hanging with the other hikers in town.

I had received new straps for my trekking poles, and while I was in the process of replacing them, I dropped an essential piece through the floorboards of the wooden porch of the general store – it was gone… duct tape to the rescue!

Later, I ate an entire box of donuts and took a nap. The afternoon sun beating on my back woke me up, and I decided to be productive and pack all my things.

Rainbow, Bubble Boy, and I decided to hike out together. BUT WAIT, first let’s make conversation with this guy with a pickup truck and casually mention that we would love a ride back to trail. Hook, line, and sinker.

The BIG climb out of Sierra City wasn’t going to let us get that far tonight, but hey, at least we got back on trail.

It’s really nice to hike with friends. We decided to camp at a beautiful spot – so beautiful in fact, that Bubble Boy and I cowboy camped, so we could enjoy the view unobstructed by a tent.

3 miles today.

Riding in style:

The climb out of town:

Enjoying this:

No tent, no problem:

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Video (Day 91):

Episode 46: Day 89-90

Day 89:

I was ready to go at 7:20am, but Flame and King Leonidas were sleeping in, so I hiked out solo.

It was pretty sunny, so I put up my umbrella. Unfortunately, it was also windy, and a huge gust flipped my umbrella and snapped a pole – duct tape to the rescue!

I raced to make it the ski lodge (less than a mile off trail) before it closed to get my free hiker beer, two ice cream sandwiches, and a Gatorade. Met a Japanese thru-hiker named Jazz Man.

Hiked until 8:30pm and set up camp.

20 miles today.

Break time:

Moss covered trees:

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Day 90:

Woke up with a headache. Can you get a hangover from one beer?

Had to be mindful of water consumption as there were a couple of dry stretches. Ate dinner at a water source but kept hiking after.

Played some ukulele as I watched the sunset and then went to sleep.

21 miles today.

Beautiful day:

You can’t control me!:

Long way down:

My bedroom:

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Video (Day 89):

Episode 45: Day 86-88

Day 86:

Pack is still heavy. Running on will power right now. Took a nap near a lake to recharge, but it didn’t do much. Not in the best headspace right now.

However, I must admit that climbing over Dicks Pass did lift my spirits… hehe.

Glad tomorrow is Saturday.

Dicks Pass:

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Day 87:

Much needed rest day. On the itinerary: sleep, eat, and read.

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Day 88:

Nice start at 7am. Downhill for a bit followed by two climbs. Took a short lunch break and kept on trucking.

I ran into Kari! She was the one at VVR who let me use the shower in the room she rented with her husband (Episode 36). This time, she was section hiking with some of her friends. Its hard to imagine what her last few weeks looked like, back in the city – going to work and all that jazz. I have been on trail this whole time.

Later, I met a Swedish couple, Flame and King Leonidis. At a water source I gifted them several packets of instant mashed potatoes. They were happy to gain the free food, and I was happy to lighten my load – everybody wins!

We camped together, with the campfire, ukulele, and great conversations – the whole shabang.

22 miles today.

Ridge walking:

In the winter, this is a black diamond ski slope:

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Video (Day 86):

Episode 44: Day 84-85

Day 84:

Absolutely no motivation to get back to trail today. Feeling anxious about my food (too little or too much), anxious about my gear (I keep breaking things) and anxious about my timeline (am I going to make it in time?).

Ahhhhh! I’m taking a mental health day – I’m taking a zero.

The most productive part of my day was the very frustrating 40 minutes I spent figuring out how to replace the tips of my trekking poles. The rest of the day I was eating in bed and watching television.

Before bed I played my ukulele which really helped lift my spirits. I needed that.

Tomorrow is a new day.

0 miles today.

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Day 85:

Woke up and packed my bag. Called a Trail Angel who was glad to give me a lift to the PCT at 11am. Thanks Mike!

Wow… my pack is stupid heavy. Hasn’t felt this heavy since day 1. I think the verdict is in – too much food. I may or may not be traumatized from running out of food in Yosemite.

Still not feeling strong today. Took a long break at a lake. A bunch of boy scouts showed up desperately looking for water, apparently they had run out. I offered to help, since they were using a manual pump and I had a gravity filter, but the troop leader wanted the boys to do it themselves – builds character or what not.

Pushed on a bit more and came to Aloha Lake. Pictures do not do this place justice. Gorgeous.

Hiked for another couple of miles and camped by a stream (tastes better than lake water).

Played ukulele, ate dinner, and went to sleep.

10 miles today.

Lake Break:

Aloha:

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Video:

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Bonus footage (unfortunately, I couldn’t figure out how to turn on the auto-tune):

Episode 43: Day 81-83

Day 81:

When I left camp at 8am, Blackout was still sleeping. I’m sure he’ll catch up.

I decided to do an experiment, and not take pictures today. I found it to be a more intimate experience. Instead of snapping a pic and moving on, I took the time to study the scenery I passed.

Blackout caught up with me at 5:30pm, while I was eating dinner. We hiked together, looking for a good water source to camp by.

Along the way, we saw a couple and their dog. When Blackout walked by, the dog didn’t seem to mind, but he went berserk when I approached – barking, growling, and blocking my path. Eventually, his humans got him under control and I was able to pass.

Blackout and I kept walking, and walking, and walking. We skipped some decent spots, but none of them had water. Eventually, it got really dark, and we gave up. We literally walked a few feet off trail and lied down (since the ground was uneven, we didn’t set up tents).

25 miles today!

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Day 82:

Sunshine woke me up. THIS IS BEAUTIFUL.

Didn’t realize it last night since it was pitch black, but we slept in a meadow, and it was absolutely gorgeous surprise to wake up to.

Since we were almost out, I decided to explore the area to see if I could collect some water. I found a small snowmelt stream over a ledge, and scrambled down to fill a 3 liter water bladder. Although I was successful, I have to admit, it was pretty reckless, and I’m glad I came out unscathed.

Was able to pack up and hike out quickly since I barely took anything out of my pack last night. Lesson learned – keep my bag as packed as possible.

Got so much trail magic at Carson Pass from the volunteers at the visitor center – oranges, apples, craisins, chips, and soda.

I met another thru-hiker, Tan Man, who had a friend joining him for this section, and he brought a dog! It was so great seeing the dog explore the trail – he was having such a blast. I think it would be awesome to hike with a dog.

My feet started to hurt in an unusual way, so I decided to stop for dinner after just 4 more miles. It’s only 8 miles to town, so I’m going to call it.

14 miles today.

Good Morning:

Pretty:

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Day 83:

Had a solid start this morning.

Met a lady in her 40’s along the way and we had a pretty deep talk about life, purpose, direction. I know that sounds like an unusual conversation to have with a person you just met, but the trail is a special place where people are open more often than not.

Met two Norwegian girls also looking to hitch to South Lake Tahoe. I decided to stick with them – for whatever reason, it’s easier to get a ride when you are with girls.

A young couple stopped for us and brought us into town. I dropped my stuff off at an inn, and picked up my resupply from the local outfitter.

Stopped by the grocery store and bought a ton of food to gorge on tonight.

Back to the inn for my weekly shower.

8 miles today.

Hiker Hair:

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Video (Day 82):

Episode 42: Day 78-80

Day 78:

Had a wonderful ukulele session this morning – such a worthwhile luxury item. Got my resupply box at Sonora Pass. I also sent home my bear canister and crampons – won’t be needing those anymore now that I’m out of Yosemite.

While I was eating lunch with two Polish hikers – Magic and Gregory – Superstar showed up! Hiked with her for the rest of the afternoon and set up camp by a creek.

14 Miles today

Smiles and Miles:

Rocky Road:

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Day 79:

Superstar hit the trail early, she planned on hiking 25 miles today… not I.

Fortunately, there was a lot of shade along the way, since it was way too windy to use my umbrella.

Right before a climb, I took a snack break with a German girl named Footprint, and at the top, I enjoyed the amazing view with two guys I met, PBJ and Spooks.

Now, to make it downhill and find a good camp spot. I camped near a water source, but it wasn’t pretty – mossy and muddy (but it’s okay, I’ve done worse).

17 Miles today.

Views:

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Day 80:

Rest day.

Napped, ate, and read – good times.

A young hiker named Blackout showed up late in the day looking for a camp spot. I invited him to join. After some good conversation, I hit the hay.

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Video (Day 79):

Episode 41: Day 76-77

Hiked out in the morning with Jammin and Superstar. After two big climbs and a WET river crossing we stopped for lunch. We met a group of girls going south who are flip flopping the trail.

Split up with Jammin’ and Superstar, hiked on, and pretty much ran out of gas as I approached Dorothy Lake.

I met a guy named Stitch who was hammock camping in a great spot. Before I even set up my tent, he gave me a Snickers bar – we became friends.

One of the most beautiful campsites ever.

16 miles on the day.

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Day 77:

BEAUTIFUL sun, lake, mountain combo in the morning. Split up with Stitch and hiked solo all day. Left the official boundaries of Yosemite National Park, and the change is definitely noticeable – still pretty, but not that pristine beauty that I had become accustomed to.

Fun fact – I hit the 1000 mile mark today. Yeah!!

Later, I came across several snow patches that were quite challenging. They were on a steep and rocky slope, which made slipping undesirable to say the least.

While I’m carefully hiking along, a helicopter flies close overhead – I didn’t think much of it. It then turns around and flies over me again – now that’s strange. After the fourth time I’m some combination of concerned and confused – what is going on?! Just then, I turn a corner, and I see a someone sitting in the middle of a snow patch, hugging her knees, with her head hanging low – this is not good. I immediately realize that the helicopter is Search and Rescue trying to help this hiker. I approach her and see that it’s a friend of mine I had hiked with. I also noticed that she was shivering uncontrollably. I drape my rain jacket over her shoulders, sit down, and start talking to her. Apparently the helicopter has been trying to land for over an hour, but hasn’t been able to because of the high winds. I decided to keep her company until they arrive – who knows, it might be another hour. An Israeli couple heading southbound passed us after making sure I had the situation under control. After some time, I see the guy walking back towards us, leading the Search and Rescue team up the trail – apparently they had to land a mile away!

As one paramedic checked on the hiker in need, the other (who happened to be the pilot) spoke to me and the Israeli hiker. I told the pilot that I was concerned when he flew so low over me, to which he responded “Yeah, I was trying not to land on you.” WOW.

The Search and Rescue guys helped the girl walk down the trail towards the helicopter while the Israeli hiker carried her pack. Once again, I was alone.

So remember when I said the trail was snowy, steep, and rocky? Well, as I was hiking across a snow patch, I lost my footing and went sliding straight down. Thankfully, I stopped safely (and honestly, it was kinda fun), and kept on hiking.

Eventually, I found a water source and set up camp. What a day.

Before bed, I read a majority of Search Inside Yourself by Chade-Meng Tan. It’s a phenomenal book on mindfullness. It’s written by a university educated Google engineer (with a great sense of humor), so it’s easily digestible for the pragmatist (and entertaining). If you know little to nothing about meditation, I recommend this book. If you are skeptical about meditation, I recommend this book. If you love meditation, but have a hard time sharing it with your skeptical friends, I recommend this book. Am I missing anyone?

16 miles today.

1000 Miles down!: