It’s been about seven weeks since I reached Kennedy Meadows (mile 702) and left the trail. A few weeks later Donna and I enjoyed a family vacation to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with our children and grandchildren. We had a great time and had the opportunity to whitewater raft, fly fish, rock climb on the via ferrata, view wildlife and enjoy the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
But I digress … back to the PCT.
My original plan was to return to the trail in early July following our family vacation. I delayed my return, however, for several weeks because of the late season snow melt and resulting challenging and sometimes dangerous stream and river crossings. In 2017, the previous heavy snow year, two female PCT hikers drowned attempting to cross swollen Sierra rivers. The latest reports seem to indicate that water levels are improving so I’m planning on getting back on the trail in a few days.
When Donna and I started our PCT adventure at the Mexico border in April 2018, our hope was that we would be able to thru-hike the trail in one season. Obviously that did not work out – initially because of Donna’s knee problem. But, even without the knee issue, it was a lofty ambition. Since there is only about a six-month window to complete the entire 2650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, northbound thru-hikers can’t dawdle – they have to get their miles in otherwise they won’t make it to the Canadian border before the snow comes. I have a huge amount of respect for all the thru-hikers on the trail – it’s a difficult challenge and a great accomplishment if you can complete the entire trail in a season!
Since I am now a section-hiker, I have the advantage of completing the trail over several years. I can wait for the snow to melt. I can hop off the trail for a family vacation. I also have the luxury of skipping parts of the trail that I have already completed. Since I have hiked the John Muir Trail twice (the PCT essentially travels along the JMT through the Sierra Nevada), I will continue my hike north at Tuolumne Meadows (Yosemite). For the record, the only part of the PCT that I haven’t hiked between Kennedy Meadows (mile 702, where I finished seven weeks ago) and Tuolumne Meadows (mile 942) is a short six mile segment between Rock Creek (mile 760) and Crabtree Meadow (mile 766). I’ll make it a point to complete this section later this fall or next year.
Regarding Donna’s knee – it is not doing well and she is very frustrated. She continues to have pain and walk with a limp. She can’t hike or get any type of significant exercise. She saw a doctor at UCLA who is doing a trial study on a new procedure called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE). This procedure was originally developed in Japan and the initial results are very promising. It’s a minimally invasive image-guided treatment that reduces the blood flow that feeds the inflammation in the knee. Donna’s not eligible for the study but we are hopeful that she’ll be approved for treatment outside the study. Although Donna won’t be hiking with me during this section hike, her spirit will be with me. I don’t think I could do this with out her support and encouragement.
For the gear nerds and once counters out there (like me), I’ve made a few changes to my gear and therefore updated my gear list. My base weight is definitely heavier than I want at 18+ pounds – I would prefer it to be under 13 pounds. Base weight is everything in a hiker’s pack except consumables like food, water and fuel. The additional weight is primarily due to the addition of a bear canister, additional electronics and the addition of the stove that Donna was carrying. I’ll be able to send the bear canister home after I’m out of Yosemite – luckily that’s only 75 miles after I start. The additional electronics are a Garmin device and a second battery pack to recharge the Garmin device. The Garmin device is called an inReach Explorer which is a hand held satellite communication device that allows two-way communication (I’ll be able to send and receive texts from Donna & family), has GPS tracking capabilities so that friends and family will be able to see where I am in real time and has an SOS button in the unlikely event of an emergency. It also is linked to my iPhone via a Bluetooth connection. The Garmin device has other functions that I probably won’t use very often like navigation, a compass and the ability to give weather forecasts for my GPS position.
For those interested, I’ve added a “Where’s Todd?” in the menu above. If you click on it, it will show you where I am as well as where I’ve been. Check it out – it will start tracking me on July 22.
My goal is to hike from Tuolumne Meadows to Ashland, Oregon. That’s about 780 miles and will take 6-7 weeks. I’m planning on resupplying every 4-5 days so will be sending out eight resupply boxes (Kennedy Meadows North, Sierra City, Belden, Drakesbad Guest Ranch, Burney Falls State Park, Dunsmuir, Etna and Seiad Valley). Donna will meet me in South Lake Tahoe about ten days into the hike. She’ll bring a resupply also. Hopefully I’ll meet her again further north. Here are all my resupply packages ready to be mailed out.
That’s all for now. It helps to get messages and comments from all you guys, so don’t be shy – let me know if you have any questions.
Hey Todd I’m looking forward to you being back on the road again congratulations.
And the new garment thing looks really impressive I’m interested to see how well it works for you keep me posted on the new tech. I love the idea of you being more in touch This is going to be a much prettier portion of the trip. Care on. I sympathize with Donna’s knees I am get into the same sort of problems.
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Hi Tom – thanks for your support – always good to hear from you while I’m on the trail – would love to get together and catch when I return in September – maybe we can get together for an afternoon of Bruin football?
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Sounds great lets make it happen
Tom
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Hey Tom – check the UCLA schedule for maybe late Sept or Oct and let me know what works for you
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Wish Donna’s knee was healed so she could hike with you. Gary and I are enroute to Iowa to do one day of RAGBRAI on Tuesday. We will then spend a week in Colorado hiking, biking and golfing before we return to Texas. Be safe in your hike
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Hi Linda – you guys have fun- sounds like a great week!
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Nice to see you are on the trail again. So sorry Donnas knee isn’t getting better. Thanks so much for your blog. I really enjoy reading it.
Best Wishes on your next section hike.
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Hi Bob – good to hear from you and thanks for the support – Karen’s spirit will be along for the hike!
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Todd, you are a true inspiration!! Glad you are able to get back on the trail, really enjoy your posts! Good luck and stay safe! I feel Donna’s pain, I have the same knee problem so I’ll hike with you in spirit!!
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Thanks Jerri! Donna says hi!
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Todd, You continue to amaze me. This is fascinating to me, as I am not a hiker and know nothing about it. I love the family pictures. I can’t believe how grown up all the kids are. Have a wonderful time and I look forward to your posts.
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Hi Carrie – thanks for your support! Yep, the kids are all grown up and the grandkids are growing up also!
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Hey Todd. Thanks for the update. Our best to Donna. Love the vacation pics. Great family picture!
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Hey Mark – hope you and Dede are doing well – thanks for following – let’s try to get together in the Fall – maybe we can find another concert?
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Hi Todd,
Enjoyed your updates and pictures. Prayers for safe travels.
Darrell
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Hey Darrell – thanks for following – we’ll have to get together for dinner when I return and catch-up
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Sounds good to me. Stay safe.
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Best of luck, Todd! I know that Donna will be with you each step!
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Thanks Peg!
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Great info. I will share with dad next time I see him. He is still struggling with his iPad and can’t seem to navigate the email. I will keep him informed and show him the pics. I have called him just about each evening to give him the progress you have made that I have seen on you Garmin. You are moving right along! Pops says hello! Call him when are able. Enjoy and BE SAFE! Love, Mimi
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Thanks Mimi – I’m going to try and call Dad in the morning
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Oh I am so totally using that “Where’s Todd” button. Can’t wait for more reports from the trails! Marc and I will be in Copperopolis, CA towards the end of January. Maybe we’ll “where’s Todd” it and come find you!
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Hi Bizzy – I had to check the map for Copperopolis – never heard of it – what’s there – skiing? – but yes, come find us or we can meet somewhere!
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Hi Todd,
Great pictures and psyched to get the updates. My brother lives in Copperopolis CA which looks to be just west of Kennedy Meadows North, let me know if you need anything. I wish I could get out there and hike, support, cheer you on, but timing is tough.
Hi to Donna.
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Hi Marc – just asked Bizzy what was in Copperopolis – ahh yes, your brother – should have figured that out – thanks for following – hope to post some great phots as I hike north!
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Hi Todd. Jody and Kathy here. Last look at the map and you are about 8600 feet. Should be considerable cooler. Notice on the way you pasted a few lakes and creeks. I am sure the scenery is beautiful. Send some new pictures when you get a chance. We look forward to them. Kathy was asking this morning regarding a new blog. Probably not a lot of cell reception up there. Safe travels
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Hi Guys – thanks for following – yes I can only upload photos and post the blog when I am in town and have WiFi – I’ll try to list some nice photos of what I’m seeing!
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