PCT info and Daily Updates

More info on PCT

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Crest_T

Info on automatic email updates:
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He is in Oregon so internet is scarce on the Crest...

  Way back when...

Ashland, Oregon

July 27
Ashland, OR
I slept in till about 8am then did the 4 or so miles to the highway where I got a hitch from a lady in a blue bug. I wasn't expecting her to pull over, as a lady in a blue bug would usually speed up at the sight of me, but she said she could tell I was a hiker and not a bum! I do look pretty homeless. I filled my craving for doughnuts and had a coffee, then wandered around and ended up getting a pizza. Since I was pushing it the last couple days my body got pretty sore, so I am ready for a zero and some rest. I also plan on eating a bunch before I get going in Oregon. There aren't many good stores to buy from in Oregon along the PCT, so I have to buy a bunch of food here and send it to places on trail. A lot of people do that all the time, but it's a first for me so it might take a while to organize. So, it's not all R&R in Ashland. Off to a local brew pub and some sort of good dinner. 

Close to Ashland

          Trail magic!!! 

July 26
I was about 25 miles from Ashland when I woke up and I decided I might as well just go in tomorrow. So, I had an easy day with a sleep in, a long siesta, and draining my I pod listening to music. The walk was great and slow today. I didn't push it at all and barely broke a sweat because the weather was a little cloudy with thunder coming from Mt Shasta area. Shasta looked like it was huge again, besides that, it was covered in a storm. That image in itself was pretty cool to look at though. Saw a few day hikers and I'm sure some people passed me while I was siestaing. I'm about 3 miles out so I can mozy on into town for breakfast followed by a zero! 

Welcome To Oregon, Mile 1727

July 25
I'm in Oregon!!!
I grew up in California but never realized how big it is. Well, I got going and couldn't find water at the first couple springs. Then, it was about 10:30am and I still hadn't found water. I passed 4 water sources that were dry, then I saw where water should be on the map. I had to bushwhack and lost a good hour or two because the water came out so slowly. I was really in the mood for a big day, so bummer on the time waster. At least I was in shade and the water was cold. I got going after that and more stuff was hard to find. There were some southbound hikers that couldn't find water also. It was a dry and hot day with water that was hard to find. Then I got to Oregon where I celebrated with a good dinner. I walked from border to border in California. Pretty nifty. I'll sleep well tonight. But the time I lost made it so I'm still 26 miles out of Ashland. It might be a close call if I go in to town, or not. I am ramping up and ready for the berries and beer in Oregon. I have had some big days, 35,29,33 miles the last 3 days, and I am ready to walk hard and eat hard in Oregon!!! I am going to eat triple decker peanut butter Nutella berry sammiches until I can eat them no longer. Also, there is an on trail AYCE at Crater Lake!!!

Seiad Valley

Now those are some flapjacks!
July 24
Seiad Valley, CA
There was something in the camp last night. Moses said most likely pig or coyote. I got going early and heard the same noise a bear was recently making pulling apart a deadfall tree. I shouted, "Hey bear!" to let him know I was there. He ran off, so I just heard a bear, didn't see it. It was all downhill then through some PO along a creek. Then... 6 mile road walk. All PCTers complain about roads. Once we hit pavement, there's something we're not used to and it makes everything that's on the lower body hurt. Also, it's probably the most dangerous thing on the PCT, maybe second to being in a car. Well, we got to Seiad Valley and it was eating time. Godfather and Texas Grit decided to go for the pancake challenge [eat 5 pancakes and free]. I just did an amazing burger and great onion rings. It hit the spot. But they had 5 massive pancakes, and by massive I mean 3 times the size of normal Denny's pancakes. I would have struggled to get one down. It did not look fun. I got a well needed shower, laundry, and a good rest, then decided to do the climb out of town on the fuel of the burger. It got me up the hill feeling good. So, my not feeling well before was, I believe, cryptosoridum. I spelled that wrong. But I got it because I don't treat my water. The diseases you do have to watch out are from humans. So, I am very careful that I don't take water from an area that might have human feces around. If so, I would bleach or boil the water if I had to drink it. Those diseases can knock ya out. Here is what crypto whatever did to me. I would have felt kinda nauseous for 2 days, maybe three, but my medication worked great. All 'movements' were fine. My medication for the problem made it so I'm not nauseous, and I was still able to enjoy enough food. Also, I have heard giardia stories. It isn't that bad. I carry a pill, Flagyl, that knocks the issues out. No Chlorine or Florine, or whatever poison, would be in my water though. I like the thought of that. Well, enough of that. I'm camped on a ridge and there was a little sprinkle for the end of the climb. It's kinda nice since it was blazing hot today. Great day and I most likely will be taking a vacation in Oregon for a bit, starting tomorrow. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptosporidiosis

Marble Mountains

The Marble Mountains. There was a bigger white Marble Mountain and a smaller black Marble Mountain.

July 22
I didn't sleep too well last night because I got some sort of bug. It's not bad, I just feel sick sometimes, but it was really bad last night. Just feeling sick. That's it. Early morning I heard some noise and thought that it sounded like bear. There was a bear tearing into a deadfall tree. It was ripping into it making a lot of noise. I yelled out, "Hey Mr. Bear!" but he didn't hear me. I had a good look and went on my way. Uphill, I met Moses and was informed that the restaurant at Seiad Valley closes at 2pm, so we all pushed it pretty hard today to make sure we get there tomorrow. The walking was great for a big day, too. There was a lot of cloud coverage because of a thunderstorm that might hit. Great for hiking big miles though. The Marble Mountains were on the menu for today. Very cool couple miles. Pushed till about 8pm, ended up doing about 34ish miles today, and felt good the whole time. The bug went away after the morning routine. Great day!!! Seiad Valley tomorrow. The restaurant is supposed to be one of the best. 

Hwy 3, Scott Mountain Summit to Carter Meadows Summit

There are lakes all over the place here. 
July 21

Got another great and filling breakfast from Mom this morning and I was on my way with nothing on my back. I had 20 miles from Highway 3 to 93 where Ma was meeting me. There was plenty of water on the way, so all I brought was a water bottle in my hand and a power bar in my pocket. I didn't even really need the water bottle since there was plenty of water. I made my way up the hill and it started to level out, so I started to jog. I passed some section hikers and about 10 miles in, I started to feel like I'd be hungry soon so I picked up the pace. With about 1 mile left, I ran into Eli and Gabby whom I met the first day on the border and haven't seen them since mile 100. It was nice seeing them. We strolled up to the car where Ma gave us soda and snacks. We did some reminiscing and saying who we've met, then Mom and I drove off to our campsite [Klamath NF Hidden Horse Campground]. I made good time today with no pack on. 20 miles and I did it in about 6 hours. I left at 9ish and got there around 3. I had a beer and a great dinner. It's sad, though, as this is the last of the days of my getting spoiled, for now. Tomorrow, it's a full pack up the hill. At least I'll have a full belly. 

   Hidden Horse Campground

Sign at Scott Mountain Summit

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5110482.pdf