Family, Friends and Followers,
Donna and I will be getting back on the PCT in two days. We are excited to continue our journey north and are hoping to complete the remainder of the Southern California “desert section” to Kennedy Meadows. If all goes well, then we will continue north from Tuolumne Meadows in early July following our family vacation to Jackson Hole in June. We are skipping the Sierras because we have already hiked the trail between Kennedy Meadows and Tuolumne – most of this section being the John Muir Trail which we hiked together in 2013 and I hiked solo in 2005.
Last year (2018) we started on April 17 at the PCT Southern Terminus. Our goal was to thru hike the entire trail in one season but as Robert Burns wrote in his famous poem To a Mouse “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”.
We still want to hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail but we now consider ourselves section hikers and will try to complete as many miles as we can this season. Hopefully, our bodies will cooperate. We will continue hiking sections of the trail over the next several years until we complete the entire trail.
As some of you may remember, Donna had to leave the trail last year in Big Bear because of a torn meniscus in her right knee. A few days after we got home, she had arthroscopic surgery which did not seem to help. About two months later, she had stem cells injected. Big Success!
A couple days after Donna left the trail, I returned to Big Bear and continued hiking solo. But, as I wrote last year, it just didn’t feel right so I abandoned my hike just past Wrightwood because her two feet “were missing”. Our dream is for four feet to hike the trail (path). We will be starting our hike in a few days where I exited the trail last year.
Today we completed our final training hike in Crystal Cove State Park – here are a few photos:
I will continue to post blog updates when in town and WiFi is available. In addition, we will post to our Instagram accounts: Donna (Turleylove) and Todd (Trailwine).
We also want to give a big thanks to my sister (Melissa) and her husband (Dan) who will be taking care of our 9-month old Beagle (Beau). We couldn’t hike the PCT without your help – thanks so much. We love you guys.
Thanks for reading.
Love you two, wishing you well on the next journey
LikeLike
Thanks Steph – hope you and your family are doing well.
LikeLike
I am so glad to find you guys again! I was following along last year (67 and sidelined by osteoarthritis) and was sympathetic when Donna had to go off trail for repairs. SO glad to know that she (and both of you) are back out there! I have begun to investigate stem cell fat injection myself – good for Donna!
LikeLike
Thanks Briget – hope the stem cells work for you also!
LikeLike
Todd and Donna – great to hear you guys are still at it and going strong! Here’s hoping the trail gods continue to smile upon you! Peanut Butter
LikeLike
Hey PB – good to hear from you – We think about you often and wonder how you are doing – thanks for the well wishes
LikeLike
Continue the blog and pictures as we look forward to them. We will be cruising starting Wednesday just about the time you hit the trials. Be careful and have fun.
Love you guys.
LikeLike
Hi Guys – thanks for the support – have a great cruise!
LikeLike
So excited for you two!Cant wait to see your pictures and your posts! 💗💙
LikeLike
Thanks Carrie!
LikeLike
So excited to follow this next leg of the trail. I would love to learn more about the stem cell injections. Safe travels and when you get to Boise have fun with Blake and family.
LikeLike
Hi Val – thanks for the support – hope you and Dan are doing well and enjoying those precious grandkids – message Donna after our hike and she can share her stem cell experience
LikeLike
Good luck and safe travels! By the time you get to Kennedy Meadows, Beau will be a country dog! He is adjusting to life here perfectly. Have fun and take care of your old bones!
LikeLike
Thanks Melissa!
LikeLike
PS The flower bloom on the Crystal Cove Trail is stunning. I love Spring…my favorite season! Enjoy the flowers on the PCT!
LikeLike