THE PCT ADDICT

Withdrawal

2011-06-09T04:22:00.000-07:00

The PCT Addict, aka The Incredible Bulk, is having withdrawal symptoms. Being 3000 miles away from the PCT is hurting. Time will not heal this wound. Eventually I will return to California and the PCT for good. Until then, I will while my time away working and hiking the northeast trails, rocky as they be.

Severe thunderstorms are due to arrive this afternoon. This may be a repeat of last weeks tornadic activity in Mass. where three twisters touched down, killing four people. I love weather, but this is going to far.

I live on the top flow of a four story convered loft. It was a Joanne Fabrics mill years ago. I have setup an amateur radio station, complete with an antenna about ten feet high in the living room. I am sure Sharrel will make me take it down, but I am having fun for now.

Two attempts to summit Mt Monadnock failed. The first time was due to fear of an approaching thunderstorm (the mountain is the tallest in the area!) and the second was due to slippery rocks, fog and wind. Bottom line - I need to loose weight again, as I did in 2008, because I was too slow. Faster, and I would have summited the first time. I'll be spending my nights listening to the weight loss hypnosis audiobook. It really works.

Back to work...

Spoonful

2011-03-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

If you love blues, touched by hand of hard acid, rock, then I suggest you listen to Spoonful as performed by Cream on the Wheels of Fire album. It is 16 minutes and 46 seconds of some of the best blues ever recorded. Clapton, Bruce and Baker have never been able to repeat this performance. It is a fresh today as it was more than 40 years ago.

The Thing...

2011-03-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

So apparent about the east coast is the struggle between the natural world and humans. Nature seems to be trying to regain a foothold in the cities here, but it is not winning. It is not much different out west. I guess it's just the fact that there is much more space - more distance between cities in the west, and that seems to soften the damage done.

I look forward to spending time with my girl in the west. I look forward to spending time in the wildest places in New England. Mt Greylock. Mt Monadnock. Mt Washington. Mt Marcy. With her, and these places, I can recharge and renew my view of what is important, and what I can let slide, and just be in a place where nature rules and we are mere visitors.

Eastern Glow

2011-03-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7989777

No, not an east coast glow.

Thanks to Bryan K., I just watched a youtube video (link posted above) of Bryan and a friend summiting all of the 10,000 peaks in the San Jacinto range, in the winter, with lots of snow and ice and hoar frost and clear blue Southern California skies. What a trip. And the music they chose for the video is by The Album Leaf. The song is "Eastern Glow." A perfect song for a perfect hike. Thanks guys. But you just made me that much more homesick.

Here I Sit, Keyboard In Hand...

2011-03-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

in a quaint Massachusetts coffee shop. I'll have to bring Sharrell here when she visits. It's still winter here, though today's temperatures are in the 50s (everyone is so happy about that). I can't find a place to day hike because of deep snow or deep puddles. I will have to change some of my gear around to suit these conditions. Water, in its various forms of precipitation and state on the ground, was a non-issue on the PCT, and California in general. I see a second set of snow shoes in my immediate future. My old wooden shoes are somewhere in California.

I found that the AMC has local hikes and overnight backpack trips. I can't signup yet because my gear is in NY. I'll need to pick it up next weekend because I miss backpacking on snow. This means I'll probably need to purchase boots. Limmer is nearby, and highly recommended by Ned Tibbitts. But for now, I'll just get some mid-top Goretex shoes that can handle Kathoola spikes.

Work is busy. My learning curve is steep, since I am to replace a guy who is retiring. I'm learning processes I have never worked with. At this stage in my life, where learning is supposed to slow down, I'll need to eat lots of brain food to stay on top of my game. All in all, it is good to be back on the east coast after a 23 year absence (North Carolina being the last stop here). I can visit with my family and still travel to our Independence place for vacation. The best of both world? I'll see...

The iPhone Curse

2011-02-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

Complaints have soared about AT&T's slow data service and dropped calls. I have an iPhone and both the provider and the phone have caused me to expel plenty of explitives. It seems poor service is not just AT&T's claim to fame. Verizon now has the same problem.

I use a Verizon aircard at work. I was trying to send my boss a large email, three different times today with no success. I tried sending myself a one word text message and could not receive it. I just tried sending a two sentence message, and no go - sending message 1 of 1 is permanently burned into my screen. The aircard worked until today. What may be the problem?

Vermin (the iphone picked that spelling, not I, but it seems to fit the way I feel today about Verizon and Apple) released the damn iPhone today. Now Vermin will probably have just as many complaints about its service as does AT&T. Serves them right. The iPhone is an evil contraption.

Run As An Indian

2011-02-09T10:53:00.000-08:00

Tarahumara Indian, that is. They are the residents of the Copper Canyon, located in Mexico, a canyon larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon. The book, Born To Run, is about a race put on by Caballo Blanco, where he pits the best extreme runners in the world, the Tarahumara, against the best ultra-marathon runners of this day and age. The race is held on the steep, narrow, Copper Canyon trails, where heat and lack of water are your constant enemies. Oh, and coral snakes, too.

I recommend this book to all thru hikers. It contains valuable information about the Indian's diet, their footware, and why they love to run, all applicable to a thru hike. Read the book. You will not regret it.

White Album

2010-12-21T18:54:00.000-08:00

Fourty two years ago, my brother and I combined our money and bought the Beatles' White Album for Christmas. I must say that it was the highlight of our vacation. It is still my favorite Beatles record.

Now excuse me While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

Training in New Hampshire

2010-12-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

When I move to the east coast, I will have lost my nearby training hill in Palos Verdes. I hope I can find a hill near work or home base, wherever that will be. If I can't, I'll need to find a new way to stay in reasonable backpacking shape. I can't think of a way at this moment.

The Initiative

2010-11-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

This would be an amazing feat of endurance and mental strength if four consecutive thru hikes could be completed in one calendar year. I'm staying tuned.

http://www.theinitiativesite.com

Free Pacific Crest Trail Maps

2010-08-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

You want free PCT maps, then go to Halfmile's website, http://www.pctmap.net/ , and download the pdfs and print the sections you need. It covers most of the JMT too, except the portion the heads into the valley from Tuolumne. His maps are better than just about anything else that costs mucho bucks. And it is not full of errors, as are some of the super high priced map-based guides. Save yourself about $200 and spend the money instead on paper and ink. The maps are much more useful than the tiny maps found in the super high priced guides.

That is all... for now.

Summer Is Almost Gone

2010-08-31T09:50:00.000-07:00

With summer just about finished for 2010, a sense of fall is already in the air. The last few nights in southern California have been unusually cool, almost cold. I heard that some snow fell in the northwest last week. I hope the thrus still on the trail can reach Canada before the snow starts dumping.

I recently realized that I have not backpacked this year. I have been so busy with other chores and events, that the thought had not even crossed my mind. I do have something planned for the next September or October full moon.

Enjoy the last days of summer. But summer for me is just a state of mind. I enjoy being outdoors in any season, especially winter.

Summer Has Arrived

2010-07-16T11:17:00.000-07:00

The heat has been turned on, after a very cool spring and early summer in the LA basin. Temperatures that last couple of days here in Long Beach, CA, are in the 90s with east coast type humidity. And you know what, I enjoy hiking after work in these conditions. It seems that my muscles and tendons are relaxed and stretched and everything works well. I've hiked the last two days in the afternoon's blazing sun. There are very few hikers out when I am there, and I like the solitude after a hectic day of work. I can think, sing (it's a stretch calling my croaking singing) and just be myself in the "wilds" of Palos Verdes Reserve.

There were t-storms in the area yesterday, but none passed over Sharrel's place. I did photograph a beautiful sunset last night from Sharrel's porch. It was sticky last night, but not quite like the North Carolina stickiness I recall when I lived in Raleigh in the 1980s. Maybe I'll buy us a window air conditioner.

I hope a t-storm passes by today. I love any type of weather. The clear blue southern California skies, while very enjoyable, enabling non-stop outdoor fun, can be boring for a weather watcher.

Happenings...

2010-06-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a long time since I posted "beef" to this blog. So here is some of the latest news in my world.

My company is closing its Torrance wafer fab. I have been offered a position in the Massachusetts and I will probably take it. It is a chance to be close to my parents and sister, after a 30+ year absence from the area. Another plus is that I will be close to the Adirondacks and the Appalachian Trail. I haven't spent much time on the AT, but I spent lots of time in the Adirondacks in the 1970s, even during the winter, backpacking. I love the High Peaks region and the Northville - Lake Placid Trail.

Took a short vacation to the Owens Valley area during Memorial Day weekend. Stayed one night in Wrightwood at The Pines Motel and one night at The Williamson Cabin in Independence. The Pines is run down, but quiet. The Mt Williamson is real nice, but tiny. I took lots of photos in the Alabama Hills. I've posted a few to this blog and my facebook page.

That's it for now. Need to wrap up things here for the day at work, and then go for my evening training hike, since my achilles is not bothering me to much anymore.

The Owens Valley in California

2010-06-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

This is a photo, facing north, of the Owens Valley taken from the switchbacks leading to Horseshoe Meadows. Elevation is about 9000 feet above sea level. Sierra Nevada Mountains frame the valley to the left, or west, and the White Mountains frame the valley to the right, or east. The photo was taken on May 30, 2010. This is my one of my favorite playgrounds.

2010 ADZPCTKO

2010-04-27T07:59:00.001-07:00

Sharrel and I have been hosting a Swiss hiker, AnnA, for a couple of weeks. She stayed at Sharrel's Long Beach house, putting her resupply boxes together - all told, 25 boxes. She has already mailed off four. My job will be to mail the remaining boxes by a specific date, which she worked out, to ensure it arrives before she does. Typically, the boxes will be mailed to a post office, but some will be sent to trail angel homes and even businesses will hold boxes for hikers where a PO is not available. It is a lot of work to put together 10 boxes, let alone 25 boxes. I saw it first hand and I am not sure I would go to that trouble. I may buy my food along the way. She spent all but the last day in Long Beach, riding my bike every day to Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, the little Mexican grocery store, and Ralphs during the day while Sharrel and I were working, buying food and repackaging. She spent lots of time rerolling toilet paper. Sharrel's son, Rich, named her Charmin. She didn't like it at first. But I can say that as we dropped her off at the border, she seemed to be warming up to the name.

We drove to Lake Morena and the ADZPCTKO on 4/23/10. Camped in site 2, with Manyon (aka Meadow Ed) and several other ADZ staff, though we were not staff. Ed is a close friend, and mentor. I am looking forward to another trip into the Grand Canyon with him.

AnnA camped with her class of 2010. We attended some of the presentations together, such as the water and snow report, Dicentra's food talk, and the mountain lion talk. The UC Davis researcher did a fabulous job explaining mountain lion behaviour. Learned that a pet is lion bait on the trail.

Saw lots of hiking friends, and a few new ones. Manyon, Erwin, AsABat, Dicentra, Sierrashade, Peter Shaw (class of 2009), Switchback, Halfmile, Leapyear, Alien March, Big Foot, Kelty, Jackass, Joel, Patrick, Jackalope and Bear Bait. For the most part, Sharrel and I vegetated. We both work stressful jobs, and it was good to relax and watch others work their butts off for a change.

I did get the Leki guy to rebuild my poles, after trying to have this done for the last 2 years. They wouldn't collapse, and that made setting up my tarp difficult. They are like new now. Thanks, Leki.

The days were comfortable and the nights were cold, the coldest of the last 4 years. AnnA let us use her Hillenberg 2 person tent. It had very little headroom. Did not like it, and would have preferred to cowboy camp. Any time I spend outdoors is good time.

My achilles tendonitis was bothering me at the KO, which is surprising because it did not bother me the week before on two hikes with AnnA in Palos Verdes. I wanted to hike to Hauser Canyon. It wasn't to be. I hope this thing heals, or my hiking days are over. I just need to follow the doctors advice, and maybe enter into physical therapy.

We were up at 5:30 AM Sunday to take AnnA and Viewfinder (an AT thru hike veteran) to the border. It was bittersweet saying goodbye to AnnA. She had a tear in her eye, too. I look forward to being an integral part of her hike, mailing her resupplies and corresponding with her family in Switzerland.

We drove Manyon back to his home in Pasadena and another KO was over. This may be the last I attend until I find the time to actually thru hike myself.

I will post photos soon.

One of The Best

2010-04-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

SuperDave's 2005 PCT trail journal is one of the best I have read, and the one that got me through the last half of 2005 and inspired me to return to backpacking.

http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=93874

2009 Trail Journal

2010-04-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

In case anyone is interested, I wrote a trail journal last year for my shortened JMT hike. http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=9353

I am still struggling with achilles tendonitis. Unable to hike/train. Still haven't gone to doctor because my nurse SO and my last landlady/orthopedic nurse said all the doctor will tell me to do is rest, elevate, ice, n-saids. But it is not really improving, so I will go to the doctor while I can and before the medical system goes kaput! Sad, but it looks like I may miss out on backpacking this year.

Missing 2009 ADZPCTKO Post

2010-03-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

I saw today that the Kick Off webmaster pointed folks to my 2009 ADZPCTKO post. Well, that post no longer exists. I shut off my blog last year, after the KO, and lost all of the old posts. I am sorry I did that, because there was some good stuff in there. I won't make that mistake this year.

I am signed up for the KO as of today, along with my friend. I'll be bringing Anna, a Swiss hiker, to the KO along with 600 tortillas for Friday night dinner. Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

In the meantime, I may not be able to hike for a while. A "bone spur" on heel is making simple hiking painful. I found a local orthopedic Dr, and I'll make an appointment tomorrow. So, for training for this years PCT hikes, it will be slow walking or balls to the wall mountain biking in Palos Verdes.

Fire Recovery Becomes I Hate Getting Old

2010-03-03T18:37:00.000-08:00

Last year, when the Station fire was roaring to life, another fire, the Portuguese Bend fire, destroyed much of the vegetation of my favorite local LA hiking spot. Most of the trails have been closed since the fire for recovery. Well, today, I received good news. All trails have reopened in the Portuguese Bend Reserve. I was tiring of hiking the same trail - that is, when I can hike. I have a bone spur on back of heel. It has been there since last year, but it never bothered me. Now, every step is accompanied with pain. The pain is changing my gait which then causes knee pain in the knee I was strengthening after last year's surgery. Another hiking year ruined? Will see what Doc has to say. I may give up hiking and return to mountain biking.

Anyway, the green grass in the fire area beautifully contrasts against the burnt trees. Photo ops this weekend, between rain drops, if I can hike. But, if I can hike, I should hike with Monty from the border to Lake Morena. Will see after a test hike tomorrow.

Maybe the Who knew it all along... Hope I die before I get old.

Relief

2010-02-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

I'm driving to Rancho Barnyardo from Torrance to do a little business today. Then it is off to a Carlsbad resort to spend the next 4 days with a friend in the sun and surf and the mountains. Will show her my fav hiking trails in San Diego county and maybe even take her to the PCT monument in Campo. If time permits, maybe even a trip to the zoo. Going back to work Tuesday will be a real bummer.

Another Burn

2010-01-29T06:55:00.000-08:00

I decided to cut my hike short last night in Palos Verdes. I still made it a hard one, however. I climbed the ladder-like trail back to the trailhead, then dropped back down the main trail for a little more pain. I truly believe in "no pain, no gain." My lower back ached after climbing the ladder. Yeah, that is what I will call that steep climb. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes, I think, to climb the ladder. I need to bring my watch so I can time it and gauge progress.

Photo Contest

2010-01-24T09:56:00.000-08:00

I entered the photo displayed as the title to this blog in the Adorama iPhone-only photo contest. I entered a few more, but this one is the best. The judges are McNally, Kelby and Peterson, among other famous photographers. Can't wait to see how I do.

Dogs Living With Cats

2010-01-20T17:26:00.000-08:00

The most recent storm has certainly caused more mudslides and flooding, and a lot of pain for the people of LA. I tend to look on the lighter side, and I can't help but think of the Ghostbusters skit in the Mayor's office, where the Busting team said to the Mayor that the craziness was akin to "Real wrath-of-God type stuff. Fire and brimstone coming down from the sky! Rivers and seas boiling! Forty years of darkness! Earthquakes, volcanoes... The dead rising from the grave! Human sacrifice. Dogs and cats living together. Mass hysteria!"

Sure, this stuff is serious for Socal, but it is everyday weather for the remainder of the country.

Today's Burn

2010-01-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

On my hike today, a young woman caught and passed me. I told her she was the first hiker to pass me going downhill or uphill in some time. She laughed. On the hike back up the hill, we met again. She said she would probably beat me to the top because she was taking a shorter, but extremely steep route. I once started on this trail and bailed due the the steepness but more for the loose scree. I decided to hike with her, and as a result, developed a good burn. I had to stop and catch my breath a few times, and so did she. The footing was very loose, and I would never take this trail down hill. She arrived at the top and waited, not long I might add, for me. I waved to her and she waved back, and hiked back to her car. I sat on the stone bench overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This was one of my best hikes ever in Palos Verdes. I estimate the elevation gain to be 500 ft in less than a quarter mile. The trail I usually take, which ends at the top of this steep climb, is at least one mile long with the same gain. My knee is getting stronger and this trail will be put on my regular hike sked, thanks to the woman with the UCLA sweat shirt. I need a good burn once week.

PCT Related Books

2010-01-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

On the PCT-L, folks have been posting lists of PCT related books they know or have. Here is a complilation of what I have found through the contributors, and from what I have in my library, in no particular order. I have not verified the titles nor author(s).

““Along the Pacific Crest Trail” Bart Smith
“A Blistered Kind of Love” Angela and Duffy Ballard
“Pacific Crest Trail – A Hikers Companion” Karen Berger
“Pacific Crest Trail Hike Planning Guide” 1976, Chuck Long
“Journey: Being An Historical Adventure Through the Lands of the PCT” 1975, USFS
“Natural History of the Pacific Crest Trail System” 1936, Clinton C. Clarke
“The PCT Relays: First Exploration of the PCT from Mexico to Canada 1933-1934-1935-1936” Warren L. Rogers
“The High Adventure of Eric Ryback” Eric Ryback
"The Pacific Crest Trail Escape to the Wilderness” Ann & Myron Sutton
"The Trail North" Hawk Greenway
"A Pacific Crest Odyssey" David Green
"2500 - Mile Walk" Karl Ellingson
"Pacific Crest Trails" Joseph Hazard
"A Thru-Hiker's Heart" Ray Echol's
"Zero Days" Barbara Egbert
"Journey on the Crest" Cindy Ross
"The Pacific Crest Trailway" 1943, 1945 Clinton C Clarke
"The Pacific Crest Trail” William Gray
"Trekking Along: The Pacific Crest Trail Through Southern California” Hal Margolis
"The Pacific Crest Trail Volume 1: California" Thomas Winnett
"The Pacific Crest Trail Volume 2: Oregon & Washington" Jeff Schaffer
“Dancing With Marmots”
“The Cactus Eaters - How I Lost My Mind and Almost Found Myself on the PCT” Dan White
"Six Moon Trail – Canada to Mexico Along the Pacific Crest Trail” Tom Mashburn
"Soul, Sweat and Survival on the PCT" Bob Holtel

My Everest

2010-01-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

I have always been interested in mountaineering. I have read many books about expeditions to Mount Everest, K2, Denali, etc. When I was younger, and in excellent physical shape, I may even have had a chance to summit one or more of these majestic peaks. Alas, I am now too old and out of shape to even consider attemping one of these peaks. I would probably even have trouble reaching Everest base camp, a mere 17,500 feet above sea level. No, I will be satisfied with just reading about the adventureous few who test themselves.

But I still want that challenge. I have a need to prove to mself that I have the physical, and more importantly, the mental ability to complete the challenge. For me, at this stage of my life, the PCT will be my challenge, my measure. The goal is to thru hike, but I will gratefully accept completing the trail as a section hike.

Will see what happens with my job this year. Being laid off could be the perfect opportunity to take on this challenge.

I have resurrected my old iBook. It is a 1.2 GHz model. It is nice to see old things working again - wink, wink.

Some of My Photos

2010-01-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

I want to let everyone know that some of my photos reside at http://picasaweb.google.com/ki6asp .

Enjoy

Merry Christmas To All

2009-12-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

Santa, here is my short list.

I wish for lots of Sierra snow, to replenish the water supply and improve the health of the trees.
I wish to spend as much time as possible on a trail, any trail, in 2010, without knee problems.
I hope to have at least one of my photos published in a national publication.
I hope that I can do as much as I did last year to help Mystic create the 2009 PCT Class DVD.
I hope to be able to visit Casa de Luna, and oil wrestle Terri.
Ok, maybe not that last one.

Ho Ho Ho!

Closer to the Edge

2009-12-19T18:52:00.000-08:00

I am getting much closer to leaving the life I have known for so long, and move on to something new. Thru hiking. The Slabs. Not sure what it will be, but a change is in the air. Good thing, because I am ready for it. Timing is looking like summer to make the break. 2010 will be an exciting year.

Flower Photography

2009-12-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

I spent Saturday, 12/5/09, again at South Coast Botanic Garden with a friend. It was a cloudy day, and that, combined with using a new lens, I did not get the photos I hoped for. The depth of field was wrong for most of the photos. Or maybe it was just a case of not knowing how to use the lens.

I hiked today in Palos Verdes; the first hike since the Thanksgiving disaster. The sky was ominous. The storm is approaching the coast, and should arrive early Monday morning. This was my last chance to hike probably until Wednesday, because the trail is clay, and when it becomes wet it sticks like glue to my shoes. I end up looking like I have platfom hiking shoes after a few hundred feet of hiking, and it is very slippery. The knee felt good, and the blister is just about gone, thanks to Second Skin.

I need to evaluate a possible Christmas in the Grand Canyon hike. I guess I will have to start hiking with a full pack to determine if the knee is good. I will not attempt this trip if there is any doubt. I will not ruin the trip for everyone on my account. Maybe I should get a SPOT with the rescue insurance.

Republican or Democrat?

2009-12-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below.

She shouted to him, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.

"She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be a Republican."

"I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me."

The man smiled and responded, "You must be an Obama Democrat."

"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"

"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it's my fault."

I consider myself an independent. But the results are the same.

Thanksgiving Trip

2009-11-28T20:55:00.000-08:00

Found that book lashed to a tree at the first night's camp.

The second photo is Thanksgiving 2009 dawn from my sleeping bag, on the PCT, north of Hwy 74.

The first photo is a result of having to bushwack for about 1/4 mile through thick brush or chaparral. I don't recommend this to anyone.

Things For Which i Am Thankful - #5

2009-11-27T18:13:00.001-08:00

Hi folks. Back from backpacking trip, short as it was. I am really beat up. It hurts just to walk across the room. Legs are torn up from bushwacking. Knee is still bad. Had cramps in both legs. I never get cramps. Glad I brought that banana and Emergen-C. Burning Daylight is the best friend a hiker can have. A true gent, and strong as an ox.

I will be posting more things I am thankful for soon. But for now, I can tell you all that I am thankful for knowing and hiking with Ron, aka Burning Daylight, a member of the PCT Class of 2009.

And the abuse I put the Gossamer Gear pack through yesterday is legendary. I was sure it tore in several places forcing my way through nearly inpenetrable chaparral. Wish I can say the same about my legs (the shower was, well, painful - builds character). I can't find any tears in the silnylon. Well made stuff.

Things For Which I Am Thankful - On Hold

2009-11-24T21:13:00.000-08:00

No more time to finish the list, bed time. It wil have to wait until I return from the PCT. You all have a great Thanksgiving.

Things For Which I Am Thankful - No. 4

2009-11-24T21:01:00.001-08:00

Things For Which I Am Thankful - No. 4

2009-11-24T20:58:00.001-08:00

Fireman are heros. They put their life on the line every day. How can you put price on that. These guys should be paid and executive's salary. God bless them.

Things For Which I Am Thankful - No. 3

2009-11-24T20:52:00.000-08:00

Things For Which I Am Thankful - No. 3

2009-11-24T20:51:00.001-08:00

Things For Which I Am Thankful - No. 3

2009-11-24T20:49:00.000-08:00

Things For Which I Am Thankful - No. 3

2009-11-24T20:44:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for sunrises. Any sunrise I can greet at my age is a very good thing, even if cloudy. But some of the sunrises I have witnessed are indescribable. You would have to be there, or my photos can describe the feeling better than I can with words. So here are a few indescribably beautiful sunrises.

Sunrise - my favorite time of day.

Things For Which I Am Thankful - No. 2

2009-11-24T20:34:00.000-08:00

I am thankful that this past February's surgery kind of turned out well. I say kind of because it still hurts, on and off, and I had to cut short my July JMT trip with Shooting Star, leaving her alone on the JMT. That was not a good thing to do to someone, but I had no choice. I am hiking and backpacking again, but it is still a day to day thing. Nevertheless, I am glad I can still hike and backpack. I will be testing it again this week, north of Pines to Palms highway on the PCT for a 30 mile trip.

Things For Which I Am Thankful - No. 1

2009-11-24T20:22:00.000-08:00

Susan Alcorn suggested that I photograph 10 things I am thankful for when I posed the question on Facebook. So, I have gone through photos, and assembled a list, not in any order, of things I am thankful for.

The first thing I am thankful for is my music maker. It is a high-end stereo, and music played on CD, HDCD and FM tuner sounds very close to real for me, but I know it is not real. The last piece of the realism puzzle is to insert my Sota turntable after I verify that it still wprks (dropped it when moving- I hope the sapphire bearing is not cracked). Vinyl still sounds the best. What are the components? Musical Fidelity A3.5 integrated amp, Cary CD300-300 CD player, B&W Nautilus 804 speakers, Musical Fidelity X3 headphone amp with Sennheiser HD650 headphones for late night listening.

So Much To Do, So Little Time

2009-11-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

I feel like the Mad Hatter.

Going somewhere for Thanksgiving week, just not sure where. It could be Yosemite, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, or ??? Photo ops in Bristlecone Forest would be really nice, but I'll bet the gates are locked for the season.

One member of our party dropped out. So it is just Ed and I. I am starting to lean towards Yosemite again, simply for the photo ops, with probable snow. That would be very nice. And we could get a nice Thanksgiving meal at one of the resturants, unless we are in the backcountry. On Thanksgiving, I would prefer turkey over my usual backpack dinner of mashed potatoes and tuna. But, I'd be thankful for that meager meal, regardless.

I will have to start buying food tomorrow, so I need to make the decision of where we go tomorrow. I'll sleep on it.

So, as I get ready for bed, listening to Little Feat's Fat Man In A Bathtub, I hope all of you have a wonderful night, and an even better Wednesday.

The journey is the best part!

Hike with Friends

2009-11-15T09:20:00.000-08:00

I hiked yesterday with Len and Monty, PCT hikers. We hiked up Iron Mountain with very good pace. We used the standard route, which is supposed to be 6 miles round trip; however, my Gaia iPhone gps says it is a little over 5 miles.

I wish I could transfer the track to facebook or this blog. I'll have to work on it to find a way.

I will stay in Poway tonight. I have jury duty tomorrow. Better bring a book.

I finally contacted Mystic, concerning to Class of 2009 PCT DVD. I will call him today to find out how I can help this year.

This Weekend

2009-11-12T20:37:00.001-08:00

I need to return to Poway this weekend. I have my civic duty on Monday, jury duty.

I will use the opportunity to hike with some PCT friends at Iron Mountain on Saturday. I like that hike, and I love my PCT friends.

I watched the National Geographic show about the Appalachian Trail this week. It was well done, but I wish they would have spent more time with the hikers, depicting what it is like to long distance hike. Nevertheless, it was a wonderful show, and makes me anxious to see the PCT Class of 2009 as depicted by National Geographic. That show will probably be aired next year. Monty said they are still putting it together. Can't wait. It would be cool to have it aired the week of the kick off, the ADZPCTKO. For those that don't know what that acronym means - annual day zero Pacific Crest Trail kick off. A zero day is a day where a hiker does not hike. A zero is when I hiker usually resides in a town, doing town things such as taking a shower, buying supplies, mailing supplies, calling family and friends, or doing nothing at all and resting. I believe each hiker does one zero (or nero) per week. A nero is nearly a zero, but some hiking is accomplished.

My hike tonight was quick. Didn't go to the bottom. But I felt strong on the uphill. No shortness of breath and legs easily drove me uphill. Last weekend's Baden Powell hike has helped my endurance and strength.

I love music, as many of you who visit my facebook site can tell. I love Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks. It is the song for the week.

I bid you all adieu for now.

So I went for a hike...

2009-11-09T18:52:00.000-08:00

on the PCT from Vincent Gap to Mount Baden Powell, a 9399 foot mountain located in the Angeles National Forest on 11/7/09. This would be a 3.7 hike (or 4 miles, depending on which sign you believe) from Vincent Gap. This would be an overnighter, as I wanted to photograph the sunrise and sunset from one of the PCT's highest mountains in southern California. I wanted to hike from Islip Saddle, an 8 mile hike one way, but Highway 2 was closed at Vincent Gap due to Station Fire damage. So, I was to climb Baden Powell for the fourth time in one year, but from a new direction. This was to be a short, but steep hike, with 2800 to 3000 feet of elevation gain.

I was bringing my full Sierra gear set which includes my Mariposa Plus pack, MLD bivy, WM sleeping bag, Nightlite pad, and a MSR Pocket Rocket stove, a little food and six liters of water. As I was leaving my truck Saturday morning, I realized that in shorts and one long sleeve shirt it was cold with a northwest wind blowing at 9 AM. I put on the legs of my convertable pants and added another shirt. The climb started gradually, and I felt good despite the 6 liters of water I was carrying. The pack rode nicely with all that weight. I really love the Mariposa Plus. I passed a group of Asian hikers, twice. I usually see lots of Asian people on Baden Powell on Saturdays. Before I knew it, I was at the top, at roughy 11:30 AM. Not bad considering that I stopped frequently to shoot photos and eat a snack. I felt good, strong. The knee felt good. I am ready for another Grand Canyon plunge with Ed, Paul and Nano.

I realized at once on the top of Baden Powell that I had 5 hours to kill before sunset. So I first looked for a suitable camp site. I wanted to camp in the open at the top, but I considered the wind which would probably increase during the night. On the southwest flank I found a flat site with a good sitting log, somewhat protected from the wind. Just 10 feet from my sleeping bag was the long drop-off to Mine Gulch. I better not roll around in my sleep or i would resemble Homer Simpson tumbling down the ravine.

I ate a packet of tuna for lunch. I didn't have much of an appetite. I did drink about 2 liters of water with Emergen-C, my electrolyte of choice. I then hiked around snapping photos. I should have brough my D40. Instead, I brought the Canon PnS. I took good photos in the Sierra in June with the Canon, so I know its capabilities were up to this trip's task. Well, almost.

As the sun set, I could see the San Andreas fault, due to the growing shadows, to the north in the high desert. I hope it doesn't let go while I'm on the mountain. That is always a concern of mine hiking in this area. But, when my number is up, it's up and there is nothing I can do about it.

I shot lots of photos as the sun set. I used trees, Mt Burnham and all of the mountains to the west to frame the scene, and I think it worked. The sky turned an almost pure red with gold fringes as the sun sank below the horizon. I put the camera away and jumped into my sleeping bag. Wait. The wind was picking up. I decided to add my bivy to the mix for better wind protection. I slept well, despite the wind. The bivy and Mariposa Plus are the best backpacking gear I ever used.

Turns out I was alone on the summit that night. Funny. Saturday afternoon, a man hiking with the Asians asked if I was afraid to camp alone here, what wth animals around. I said no. It is safer than sleeping in town, where there are home invasions, etc. Sure, there is danger in the mountains, and one would be foolish to discount the danger in the mountains. But, I know of the dangers and I prepare for them. I don't hike in severe weather. You won't find me in a blizzard on Baden Powell. I always read the extended forecasts. I just don't understand why those hikers did not look at the long range forecast when they were caught on Mt Hood a couple of years ago. The storm the ensued lead to their deaths.

The moon was about half full. Waining? Not sure of the term. Anyway, I could see the lights from the towns in the high desert with the moon overhead. I did not think the camera would pick up the town lights, but it did. What a great shot, well, for me at least it is. I did not even have to sit up to take the shot.

I had to get up twice during the night to pee. The wind cut right through me. In the morning, the temperature was 35 degrees F. But the wind was gone. It was so quiet that I could almost hear my heart beat. Dawn is a special time for me. It is my favorite time of day. And to be able to witness the dawn from this most wonderful place, well, I thank God for allowing me the opportunity to witness this wonder. I took out the camera and shot away as the sun rose over 10,064 foot Mount San Antonio. I could see lights of the snow grooming tractor on the distant Mountain High West ki Resort working the man-made snow. And I could see the lights of hunters' vehicles winding their way along the forest service roads. I am glad to be on BP and the PCT. The hunters are lazy, and they don't like to hike far, let alone up a 9399 foot mountain.

I ate a TJ pop tart, made coffee and packed, and said goodbye for now to "my" mountain. After spending a night on her, I feel more connected with the Angeles Forest and her mountains. I cannot wait to return, possibly to Mount San Antonio or Mount San Jacinto to photograph the sunrise and sunset of all these great places.

The photos are in reverse order. The first is sunrise on 11/8/09. The second is my camp. Third is moon over high desert. Last is sunset on 11/7/09.

Tonight's Hike

2009-11-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

... was the first taken during standard time, and it was dark when I finished. I like that. Less people around, though there were quite a few mountain bikers, including my friend Mike, the biker advocate for the Palos Verdes Preserve. He won't hike in the closed section since he is a representative for the bikers. He called me a rebel when I walked up to him sitting in the dark on his truck's tailgate. And so I must be. But I am causing no harm.

I missed a golden opportunity to capture the sunset. The marine layer moved east to the coast, and was probably less than 100 feet above the deck. The sun was above the fog as I started the hike, and it slowly descended into the mist. The colors of the clouds were... well, you had to be there to see the purples and violets. Sundowner winds started blowing, but not too strongly to be of any concern, and it felt good cooling me down after the nearly 800 foot climb. I'll be sure to bring the camera tomorrow night, and a headlamp. I don't want a kamakaze bike ride plowing into me because I couldn't be seen.

Garden Photography

2009-11-01T20:10:00.001-08:00

Spent the midafternoon photographing at the South Coast Botanical Garden. This was the first time I have been there, and it is a nice, peaceful place. I can spend an entire day here photographing and reading. The shade under the large trees was nice and cool (it was hot today). The D40 is an easy camera to use, but I need to learn how to work the controls. Ken Rockwell's iPhone app will help.

I need to make Yosemite reservations for Thanksgiving. I hope I can get in at this late date. If not, I'll just go to Tuolumne and backpack into the valley.

Photos

2009-10-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

I have been shooting color transparancy film in my old Nikon N90. Finished some rolls yesterday while hiking in Palos Verdes. I'll send them to the developer Ken Rockwell recommends in north county San Diego because not only do they do a good job, but I will also get a cd with the images in digital format. That is important because I do not have a slide scanner.

I am going to charge the D40 battery today, and begin using that camera tonight or tomorrow. I may go to South Bay Botanical Garden and try that type of photography. I have a book from the library that explains the ins and outs of garden photography. Wish I had a tripod. In due time I will.

Now that the Angeles Forest is open from Islip Saddle (including highway 2), I am planning on hiking up to Baden Powell from Islip Saddle (my current favorite hike) and camp overnight on Baden Powell. Why? Because I want sunrise photos, my favorite kind of photo and it should be spectacular from 9399 feet. This will have to wait until next weekend. Actually, maybe I'll drive to Wrightwood tomorrow to verify that the road is open. I can take train photos in Cajon Pass instead of garden photos while I am in the area. I haven't shot at Cajon Pass since the early 1990s.

Trail Magic

2009-10-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, I helped Gabe and Nomap (in photo above) skip around the Station Fire closure. That was a shuttle from Agua Dulce to Cajon Pass via highways 14 and 138. They both have about 330 miles to the border, and should finish by Halloween. Now that would be a treat.

I wanted to hike a bit with them south of the I15, but I should have known better. In the first mile I was dropped. They are both so strong at this point, even with a pack laden with water and five days of food. It is a wonderful sight to behold., a 30 mpd pace. Something I aspire to if I get that lucky chance to thru hike. I'd even settle for a California only hike, or Oregon, or Washington. Not much water in this area. The little puddle i what is left over from last week's storm.

I have Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks off. I plan on spending time on a trail both weeks. Any trail will do.

My PV Hike on 10/2/09

2009-10-03T10:31:00.001-07:00

While starting this hike, I read an email on the iPhone which said this preserve is still closed, and will be indefinitely. Sheriff will be patrolling and handing out citations for hikers like me. Maybe I better start hiking at night.

I met Aaron on this hike. He is an artist and photographer. He had his top notch Canon full frame camera and we hiked down and back up the trail having fun talking photography, women, relationships, and life in general. He is a real nice guy and we are on facebook now.

These photos are dedicated to my friend, Rose, an artist herself. Hope these give you some inspiration.

Backpacking Stuff

2009-10-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

Two new backpacking items you should try...

I now have the iPhone app Gaia GPS. It works very well. My track of the hike a few nights ago, even with the phone in my pocket, was perfect.

I also finally tried Starbucks instant Italian Roast coffee. An excellent, very bold taste. Expensive at about a buck per 8 oz cup, but worth it for that morning get me up and going on the trail feeling.

That is all for this commercial segment.

Oh, and this just in... Leno just said that Starbucks instant coffee is for people that want the taste of Sanka, with the Starbucks price. Yuk yuk yuk :)

Photos of Palos Verdes Fire Damage

2009-10-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos taken this week with the iPhone camera while on a hike.

So, I Went for a Stealth Hike This Evening

2009-09-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

It was in the Palos Verdes Reserve. My favorite LA area training ground, only after the 16 mile round trip Islip Saddle to Baden Powell day hike. Anyway, roughly 50% of the PV trail has been affected by the fire. The photo is of the trail (Burma Road), which is really just a fire road. But the fire damage really isn't so bad, and the fire has opened up new vistas. The winter rains will create a beautiful spring bloom. I pray that winter rains do not create mudslides. Land movement in this area is a major problem even without denuded slopes. The trails will officially open October 1st. I'll have to stealth hike until then. That is good training for my up and coming thru hike. ;)

I've hiked 3 of the 4 days this week. I'll hike the next three days too. It feels good to push myself again. I need to do that more often than not. It keeps me on track for my food intake. When I don't eat correctly, I suffer on the trail. I am back on the wagon again, and that is a very good thing. Grand Canyon, I'm a comin'! I will be worthy of your majesty.

9/11/01 - We Remember, and We Will Avenge

2009-09-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

San Gabriel Fire

2009-09-08T17:06:00.000-07:00

Meadow Ed and I toured the Altadena and La Canada area near the Angeles Crest Highway Sunday afternoon. The fires have devastated the forest. It is in the areas we visited were devoid if any green vegetation. The fire apprached the backyards of the homes, but we did not see any houses that were lost. I will never see this area again with its lush green vegetation. I expect that it will take many years, with normal precipitation, to return to the former beauty. The 2010 hikers will have a hard time road walking. The trail will surely be closed for at least two years, based on past experience. This winter, with its expected El Nino rainsm will further compound the destruction of these mountains. I hope that the person or persons who caused this catastrophe are found and brought to justice.

Relief, They Made It!

2009-09-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

In stark contrast to the blog title photo, the Mount Wilson cam is now operational and the fire seems to have moved eastward. This is a different view, and I am not sure if this is a different cam or if it was rotated towards active fire. In any event, It seems Mount Wilson was spared to worst of the firestorm.

Disclamer: All photos I have posted of Mount Wilson are from the web based cam that UCLA operates on the mountain.

Smokey Dawn

2009-08-30T10:20:00.002-07:00

Castles in the Sky

2009-08-30T10:20:00.001-07:00

Purple Haze

2009-08-30T10:19:00.001-07:00

Sunrise With Virga

2009-08-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Station Fire

2009-08-29T08:12:00.001-07:00

http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~obs/towercam.htm

This link takes you to the Mount Wilson webcam. The Station Fire is heading for this comms hub, as the cam shows. This is a dangerous fire. It is spreading in three directions, and Calfire says one branch is heading for Altadena.

Peyote Dawn

2009-08-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

It's A New Dawn

2009-08-16T19:11:00.001-07:00

I am restarting my blog. It will still concentrate on backpacking and hiking. I will add more posts about music I like and photography. I am trying to relearn photography and can't wait to share what I have learned.

More to come real soon.