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Mount Adams (Day 47)
Picture borrowed from this site |
A lot of things have happened since I decided to attempt a FKT hike of the PCT.
1. I have been very busy with springtime school and music events.
2. Plans have been changed due to small trail closures and a couple resupply locations have been changed.
3. There has been a LOT of snow this winter on many sections of the trail... and it is still falling!
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Knife's Edge (Day 48)
Picture borrowed from this site |
It has been a very busy spring! While I had hoped to do a lot of training, I have been buried in work and haven't gotten out as much as I would like. That is not to say I haven't been training! During spring break I got a couple 15 mile hikes in on open afternoons but weather was not always helpful. It is still very snowy in the higher altitudes and I turned back from one hike rather than wandering aimlessly in the snow looking for a trail without any "proper" gear. I will try to ramp things up over the next couple months but much training will have to take place near home as I am juggling a lot of school and musical performances right now.
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Rainier near Dewey Lake (Day 49)
Picture borrowed from this site |
I found out that Ziggy and the Bear (a popular resupply point on the trail) is closed this year. There is also a section of trail closed near Fuller Ridge, just south of that resupply point. I will therefore be moving my resupply to Idyllwild. I originally was going to avoid that town to save time but will now look forward to buying some good food! I also have a gigantic food carry from Tuolumne Meadows to Belden... Will be resupplying earlier in Sierra city so I can carry more food.
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Mirror Lake (Day 50)
Picture borrowed from this site |
Finally, snow... this has been a record year for California precipitation, particularly in the high elevations! In many locations along the leg of the trail through the Sierra mountains there are still 60+ feet of snow covering the trail. The result: A much more difficult hike! I will be spending a lot more time walking on snow. But that will not likely be my biggest risk. I will also be passing through just as the extra snow melts in earnest so I will have to be very careful about high runoff in the streams.
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Kendall Catwalk (Day 51)
Picture borrowed from this site |
I will need more gear than I originally planned on, spikes for my feet and an ice axe or acceptable substitution. I will need more food in case I hike slower or need to turn around at some point. I will also have a bit more rope in case I have to cross a particularly scary stream without a partner.
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Glacier Lake (Day 52)
Picture borrowed from this site |
I am still going to shoot for my record but I am acknowledging that this is not an ideal year and am making lots of plans "just in case". If I can pull this off though, it will be a truly amazing feat!
With all of these complications and the lessening possibility of actually achieving an FKT, I am thinking a lot about what I want from the hike.
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Glacier Peak (Day 53)
Picture borrowed from this site |
1. I want to push myself farther than ever before. I am a meticulous individual who is usually well-prepared for what I put my mind to. What's wrong with being prepared? Nothing really. But I can't remember the last time I was truly unsure of how something would turn out. Usually, I have put in the proper amount of practice or other prep time (or not) and I have a good idea how things are going to happen. In fact, I rarely attempt anything without a plan that gives a very good chance of success. Well, my mantra during this hike is, "If you only do things that you are sure will work out, you will never achieve anything truly exceptional."
2. I want thinking time. Life is busy. I don't get to think much in the hectic whirlwind. I am feeling a little down about my teaching, which is super difficult and tiring. I miss music. I sometimes feel off balance about these things. I hope to come back from the trail having thought and prayed about these things a lot. I hope for a well thought out next step in my life and peace in that decision.
3. I want to talk with God. I have always loved nature! It feels like a gift for me when I see something beautiful. I feel small, special, and at peace. It is difficult in my busy life to even find time to throw up prayers to God... I almost never have time to listen. Well, there will be plenty of time on the trail. I am excited for that time because it is really imprtant for me to feel grounded in that part of my life.
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Mountains near Hart's Pass (Day 54)
Picture borrowed from this site |
As for fears...
1. Snakes: I will almost certainly see quite a few hot and grouchy rattlesnakes. I am scared of not noticing one until too late.
2. Cougars: Wolves and bears don't really worry me at all but those cats scare the crap out of me! I would love to see a cougar but definitely not up close!
3. Dangerous snow and stream crossings in the Sierra: I have little idea what to expect but hiking alone and coming to a situation one deems dangerous at all is very disconcerting! Being a detail-oriented guy, I am very aware that nobody has my back and that I had better make the right decision!
Those are my three biggest fears that are threats. I accept them as part of the hike. In fact, this hike would not be the crazy adventure it is without those dangers! I embrace the fear! I embrace the fatigue! I embrace the uncertainty! I am so excited to experience it! What I am more afraid of when I think about it is letting such things stop me from living an abundant life!
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Canadian Border (Day 55)
Picture borrowed from this site |
I am coming for you, PCT!
