I left the PCT at Cajon Pass on Friday 4/24 to join a group of friends for a climbing trip in Red Rock Canyon in Nevada, just 3 hours up the I-15. It was great to see my Boston people again, and give my feet a rest from the mileage.

It was quite a shock to leave the quiet, secluded and beautiful wilderness of the PCT, and enter …las vegas. Yikes.

Cragging day at Willow Springs:

On the way to a limestone crag in nearby St George UT:

Climbing at Red Rock Canyon:

On Wednesday we took a day trip to Zion National Park. Most people hiked the Narrows river walk (which is absolutely incredible); I had already done that hike, so Nathan and I did the touristy Angels Landing hike. LOTS of exposure!

We finished out the week at Red Rock:

Saturday night we had a last civilized meal at Chipotle, & Mcflurries. After dropping people off at the airport, I headed back to CA and the PCT.

-Jon “Recon”

This was a short week, since I jumped off the trail on Friday morning to go on a rock climbing trip (that I had planned before the PCT).

The mileage flew by, as I was racing a thunderstorm all day Tuesday, traveled with a very engaging fellow thru-hiker on Wednesday, and was extra-motivated on Thursday by the upcoming town food!

Day 15: Monday 4/20/2015, 10.7mi/17.2km

 

Day 16: Tuesday 4/21/2015, 22.2mi/35.7km

 

Day 17: Wednesday 4/22/2015, 18.5mi/29.8km

The snake and I surprised each other…it coiled up and rattled, and I jumped like 5 feet backward and shreiked “Snake!”

 

Day 18: Thursday 4/23/2015, 15.5mi/24.9km

I’ll be in Red Rock Canyon in Nevada for a week, be back on the trail on Sunday! (5/3/2015)

-Jon “Recon”

Another week, another 150 miles! I’m getting into a rhythm on the PCT – breakfast, hike, 2nd breakfast, hike, lunch, hike, setup camp, dinner, sleep. Repeat!
I also took a few breaks in towns – a half day in Warner Springs, a zero day in Idyllwild, and a half day in Big Bear Lake. Towns can be kinda spendy, so I try to limit my time there (even with so much delicious local ice cream).

Day 7:  Sunday 4/12/2015, 19.5mi/31.4mi

 

Day 8: Monday 4/13/2015, 22.7mi/36.5km

 

Day 9: Tuesday 4/14/2015, 0mi/0km (ZERO)

 

Day 10:  Wednesday 4/15/2015, 21.7mi/34.9km

 

Day 11: Thursday 4/16/2015, 19.6mi/31.5km

 

Day 12: Friday 4/17/2015, 21.5mi/34.6km

 

Day 13: Saturday 4/18/2015, 20.7mi/33.3km

 

Day 14: Sunday 4/19/2015, 9.9mi/15.9km

I’m staying at a hostel in Big Bear Lake tonight, and gonna hit the trail for a half day tomorrow, after a pancake buffet of course! Only 67 miles and 3.5 days to Cajon Pass…

Its been a fun* first week on the trail!

(*Fun = physical challenge, meeting many great people, camping miles from    anyone, desert heat, surprise midnight ice storms, eating 3 meals before noon, and walking until you hurt. Your definition of fun may vary.)

Now, some details. The PCT is generally a smooth trail with only gradual inclines, made possible by more switchbacks than you can shake a stick at. So, very enjoyable walking, and you can look at the scenery instead of your feet & next steps. Here are some photos to illustrate!

 
Day 1: Monday 4/6/2015, 17.8mi/28.6km

Day 2: Tuesday 4/7/2015, 19.3mi/31.0km

Day 3: Wednesday 4/8/2015, 18.8mi/30.3km

Day 4: Thursday 4/9/2015, 21.1mi/34.0km

Day 5: Friday 4/10/2015, 21.0mi/33.8km

Day 6: Saturday 4/11/2015, 11.5mi/18.5km

While photos are good at summarizing the good stuff, they don’t convey that it happens against the backdrop of a sufferfest. Think walking a marathon  every day, while carefully rationing your food and water. And not walking too far/fast, or else your body breaks down faster than it can heal itself.
But its an amazing place, lots of super awesome people ( both hikers and locals), and its been 100% sunny 7 days straight. I didn’t think that kind of weather was even possible.
Till next week– happy trails!

I spent the morning doing some final packing, tweaking of gear, and eating waaay too much (2 lumberjack slams!)

Here is all my gear and food laid out-

And after some finesse and sweet- talking, it all went into my pack!

For those interested, here is a link to my gear list:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3Q6yC8veFqwTDNTOVRyWW1HY18tRl9OSDBid2dvTDVMdXNv/edit?usp=docslist_api

I’m probably bringing too much, but only time will tell what can be eliminated.
Can’t wait!

I decided to create a place where friends and family can follow my shenanigans on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). I plan to start on Monday, April 6th, and finish the 2,650-mile trail at the end of August! I hope to have regular updates, occasionally some pictures, and a site that ‘really whips the llama’s ass’.

-Moose