Hi again,
Nope, I haven't forgotten any of you! Dad made it back to Madras (home) thanks to his close cousin, Frankie. After a few days of rest for his knee (at Frankie's son's house), it was evident that he was not wanting to go out and hike 300+ more miles with the possibility of something serious possibly being wrong with his knee. So.... on Monday, Frankie drove dad back home so that his Dr. could take a good look (and x-rays) of his knee. Well, this took place on Thursday and on Friday, the doctor called and said that the xray didn't show any damage to bone, etc., and that it was possibly pulled muscle and/or tendons but that he wanted dad to make another appt. with a different dr. down in Bend on June 11th. Dad said that he would most likely not attend that appt. His words were "By that time, my knee will either have fallen off or it will be healed". Sounds just like dad... He did said that each day his knee feels a little better and he contributes that to just taking it easy and letting it heal. Said it was a little swollen, but that he thought it was getting better.
His plan is to take it easy all of next week, making it possible for him to attend one of our annual christian conventions at Walla Walla - lucky duck!! When he gets home from WW he'll take a serious look at "things" and make a decision regarding his next "move" forward. He isn't keen on "giving up" the hike at this point, especially if there isn't anything seriously wrong with his knee.
So, time will tell and hopefully, if all goes (heals) well, he'll be back on the trail putting one foot in front of the other.
Thanks again for following dad's blog and all your words of encouragement. They have meant more than you'll ever know. I will keep you posted as soon as there is NEW news!!
Stand by!! ~Kim
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Taking a Break...
Talked to dad tonight. He has decided to take a day or two (or three...) to allow more time for his knee to heal. Hopefully that will do the trick. He tried his pack on and walked a bit and it was a no go. His cousin, Frank's (and Dee) son came and picked him up today from Agua Dulce and brought him back to their house, which is about an hour away. He is relaxing and enjoying his time there with them and his super special cocker spaniel, Lucy. They offered to keep Lucy for him while he was on his journey. He was so happy to see her again, but she had some "forgiving" to do before she'd get too close. After all, he left her!! It wasn't too long and they were cuddling together...fast asleep in the chair.
I will keep you posted on "the next step"...
I will keep you posted on "the next step"...
Pictures!!
Here are more pictures of dad's journey. They start at the top with the most recent and then go back as you scroll down through them.
1st picture is the "view" of Agua Dulce as they were approaching it on Friday morning. They had camped about 3 miles out the night before.
The next picture is of Vasquez Rock, which is the site where some of the Star Wars episodes were filmed.
The next picture is of some rock formations along the trail.
The next 2 valley pictures were taken as they were com'en over yonder the mountain. One of them was taken looking back east where they had come from.
The beautiful picture of the purple flowers was amazing beauty in itself. It was growing out of a burned out bank that was a result of the bad California fires from last year.
The next pictures are of the area where they hiked - either of where they had come from or where they were going.
Picture of a river that they had to cross.
Picture of the trail along the mountain side in a distance.
1st picture is the "view" of Agua Dulce as they were approaching it on Friday morning. They had camped about 3 miles out the night before.
The next picture is of Vasquez Rock, which is the site where some of the Star Wars episodes were filmed.
The next picture is of some rock formations along the trail.
The next 2 valley pictures were taken as they were com'en over yonder the mountain. One of them was taken looking back east where they had come from.
The beautiful picture of the purple flowers was amazing beauty in itself. It was growing out of a burned out bank that was a result of the bad California fires from last year.
The next pictures are of the area where they hiked - either of where they had come from or where they were going.
Picture of a river that they had to cross.
Picture of the trail along the mountain side in a distance.
Friday, May 21, 2010
AGUA DULCE - MILE 455
Dad called tonight and sounded good. I will attach his email that details his week. He has done so well to communicate via calling and emailing from his phone! That takes patience. He also sent some pictures, which I will down load tomorrow, after I talk to him again so I can add descriptions to them. (He called me from his dark room - no lights - so couldn't read his notes to me about picture descriptions). He rode one of the bikes down the hill tonight for a bite of mexican food and realized real quick, when he was riding back that he uses way different muscles biking than he does hiking!! He could hardly make it back up the hill!!
The fact that he has lost 18 lbs is a bit worrisome .... he did say that he needs to get it figured out (his diet) or else "he won't be there when he gets there". I thought that was quite funny. He said, "I'll just be a shadow".
The trail angels where he is staying tonight and tomorrow night in Agua Dulce drove him into REI 24 miles r.t. to exchange his pack. The new one is a bit heavier, but has wider waist straps and better situates on his back when filled. The other one was rubbing and had thinner straps.
Here is dad's email and remember, pictures will be included tomorrow. Thanks again for sharing in dad's journey.
"Will try to get an update. Monday we were dropped off at the trail head at 10:15 am. Due
to fire closure we had to use an alternate trail. Made 15 miles that day.
Tuesday we hiked 21 miles. Had to do some road walk due to trail closure. It was very hot and
windy.
Wed was a very hard day with over 20 miles covered, only to find out we were in a restricted
area. We were advised we could be fined and imprisoned. Apparently the pcta assn had made a
mistake on the maps they had circulated to the hikers. Anyway we got it straighten out
and were allowed to pitch our tents.
Thursday 18 miles down very steep mtn side and the trail was not maintained due to the
closure. We stopped a couple miles outside of Agua Dulce for the night.
This morning (Friday) we came on into town to the Saufleys. They are trail angels and often have as many as 50 hikers here. They have tents, cots, shower facilities to accommodate all. Pretty amazing. (He had his very own room, complete with bed and is enjoying a bit of privacy for once).
To summarize I have been on the trail 30 days; have hiked 25 of them; have covered 455 trail
miles (plus 20 or so off trail). Figures out a little over 18 miles per day average. I have
lost about 18 lbs. I will have to correct that or I will be all gone pretty soon. I have
had a couple real hard days but am glad for the experience and the help of the holy
spirit. One has much time to reflect and meditate . The hymns have been special. I plan
to take a zero day tomorrow (Sat.) and see how the knee feels after a couple days rest. Its been
biting me on the long downhill sections."
The best to you all. Love DAD.
The fact that he has lost 18 lbs is a bit worrisome .... he did say that he needs to get it figured out (his diet) or else "he won't be there when he gets there". I thought that was quite funny. He said, "I'll just be a shadow".
The trail angels where he is staying tonight and tomorrow night in Agua Dulce drove him into REI 24 miles r.t. to exchange his pack. The new one is a bit heavier, but has wider waist straps and better situates on his back when filled. The other one was rubbing and had thinner straps.
Here is dad's email and remember, pictures will be included tomorrow. Thanks again for sharing in dad's journey.
"Will try to get an update. Monday we were dropped off at the trail head at 10:15 am. Due
to fire closure we had to use an alternate trail. Made 15 miles that day.
Tuesday we hiked 21 miles. Had to do some road walk due to trail closure. It was very hot and
windy.
Wed was a very hard day with over 20 miles covered, only to find out we were in a restricted
area. We were advised we could be fined and imprisoned.
mistake on the maps they had circulated to the hikers. Anyway we got it straighten out
and were allowed to pitch our tents.
Thursday 18 miles down very steep mtn side and the trail was not maintained due to the
closure. We stopped a couple miles outside of Agua Dulce for the night.
This morning (Friday) we came on into town to the Saufleys. They are trail angels and often have as many as 50 hikers here. They have tents, cots, shower facilities to accommodate all. Pretty amazing. (He had his very own room, complete with bed and is enjoying a bit of privacy for once).
To summarize I have been on the trail 30 days; have hiked 25 of them; have covered 455 trail
miles (plus 20 or so off trail). Figures out a little over 18 miles per day average. I have
lost about 18 lbs. I will have to correct that or I will be all gone pretty soon. I have
had a couple real hard days but am glad for the experience and the help of the holy
spirit. One has much time to reflect and meditate . The hymns have been special. I plan
to take a zero day tomorrow (Sat.) and see how the knee feels after a couple days rest. Its been
biting me on the long downhill sections."
The best to you all. Love DAD.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
SUNDAY, MAY 16TH - WRIGHTWOOD - MILE 370
Had another welcomed call from Dad this evening. He arrived in Brightwood around noon today after climbing, climbing and climbing some more. He didn't think he would ever quit climbing and his legs are TIRED. He's sharing a hotel room tonight with a real nice young fella he met either yesterday or today that seems quite motivated as well. The couple he ate with at McD's is still hiking with him also, so he's glad to have some "company" again. The gentlemen (from McD's) is a former park ranger for the Grand Canyon for 24 years, so has some excellent trail experience to share.
The first picture is of the mountains that he will have to navigate (detour) around since they are not passable because of snow. The second picture is of the LA basin in a distance - you can see the haze and fog
The 3rd picture is of the trail and possibly able to see Hwy 15 below...
I think I have the pics in this order, if not, you'll know which one goes with which description.
He was telling me today that the "angel" that had root beer floats waiting for the hikers a couple of days ago; after visiting with her, come to find out her parents live in Ferndale, WA (which is just north of where I live here in Bellingham). Small world.
He was reading his bible along side the trail and another hiker came upon him and inquired what he was reading, Dad replied "I'm reading my guidebook, it's the best one out there". He is keeping encouraged.
They have a ride scheduled for around 10:00 am tomorrow (Monday) to head back to the trail. It will be a long week and possibly that long before we hear from him again. Thanks for your comments, I read them to dad when he calls. He appreciates them ALOT!
Have a great week!
The first picture is of the mountains that he will have to navigate (detour) around since they are not passable because of snow. The second picture is of the LA basin in a distance - you can see the haze and fog
The 3rd picture is of the trail and possibly able to see Hwy 15 below...
I think I have the pics in this order, if not, you'll know which one goes with which description.
He was telling me today that the "angel" that had root beer floats waiting for the hikers a couple of days ago; after visiting with her, come to find out her parents live in Ferndale, WA (which is just north of where I live here in Bellingham). Small world.
He was reading his bible along side the trail and another hiker came upon him and inquired what he was reading, Dad replied "I'm reading my guidebook, it's the best one out there". He is keeping encouraged.
They have a ride scheduled for around 10:00 am tomorrow (Monday) to head back to the trail. It will be a long week and possibly that long before we hear from him again. Thanks for your comments, I read them to dad when he calls. He appreciates them ALOT!
Have a great week!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Saturday, May 15th - taking off bright and early heading toward Wrightwood.
Dad called last night and also emailed some pictures!! He's going to enjoy his rest in a bed again at the Best Western in Cajon Pass. Even got a soak in the hotel hot tub for a couple hours - yes, it does a body GOOD!
The orange jeep belongs to a man that uses it to shuttle people to and from the trail and town.
The pictures of the steep hillside/cliff is of the trail. If one were to make just one slight wrong step, they probably wouldn't be heard of again, he said. Be careful dad!
The two pictures of Big Bear Lake should go side-by-side, but of course, I can't figure out how to do that. They are beautiful!
The other pictures are of more of the trail - it just winds in and around there. He said hardly any part of the trail is just smooth. It goes up and down, around, etc.
The hazey picture is of Lake Silverwood. That is where he camped out Thursday night (my previous post).
The final picture has some humor - notice all the drink containers and they got them refilled more than once! Dad drank 3 cokes and had a 20-pc McNugget meal!! Guess you gotta get revived at McD's if you're gonna walk the PCT!!
Week in a nutshell:
Monday, 5/10 he left Big Bear around 8:15 am and went 23 miles. It was so cold on Tues am when he got out of his tent, he had to shake the frost (from him breathing inside the tent) out onto the ground before packing his tent up. Brrr
Tuesday he went 22 miles to a hot springs - pools made out of stone. Clothing was optional, but he was glad that those there with him were of the same mind as him and wore "something". Ha That 2 hour soak felt wonderful to the bones.
Wednesday he was in Grass Valley and it was really hot that day. Only hiked 13 miles and came up on a van along side of the trail that served the hikers root beer floats (prev. post) Yum!!
Thursday they hiked 15 miles to Silverwood Campground where he was able to shower and shave again. Whew!
Friday he hiked mostly by himself and arrived at Cajon Junction.
Dad said that he is beginning to understand what he didn't understand and that was just how he would be able to keep up or otherwise. He's found that he's going too fast and most of the people he started with are behind him. So he's going to adjust a bit and take needed breaks. He's been just going at "his pace", but those of you that know him, know that "his pace" is usually faster than everyone elses!!
He feels great and says that his legs usually tell him he's had enough after about 15-16 miles. Feet are great and he's still very motivated and enjoying his experience.
Until next time - walk on dad!
The orange jeep belongs to a man that uses it to shuttle people to and from the trail and town.
The pictures of the steep hillside/cliff is of the trail. If one were to make just one slight wrong step, they probably wouldn't be heard of again, he said. Be careful dad!
The two pictures of Big Bear Lake should go side-by-side, but of course, I can't figure out how to do that. They are beautiful!
The other pictures are of more of the trail - it just winds in and around there. He said hardly any part of the trail is just smooth. It goes up and down, around, etc.
The hazey picture is of Lake Silverwood. That is where he camped out Thursday night (my previous post).
The final picture has some humor - notice all the drink containers and they got them refilled more than once! Dad drank 3 cokes and had a 20-pc McNugget meal!! Guess you gotta get revived at McD's if you're gonna walk the PCT!!
Week in a nutshell:
Monday, 5/10 he left Big Bear around 8:15 am and went 23 miles. It was so cold on Tues am when he got out of his tent, he had to shake the frost (from him breathing inside the tent) out onto the ground before packing his tent up. Brrr
Tuesday he went 22 miles to a hot springs - pools made out of stone. Clothing was optional, but he was glad that those there with him were of the same mind as him and wore "something". Ha That 2 hour soak felt wonderful to the bones.
Wednesday he was in Grass Valley and it was really hot that day. Only hiked 13 miles and came up on a van along side of the trail that served the hikers root beer floats (prev. post) Yum!!
Thursday they hiked 15 miles to Silverwood Campground where he was able to shower and shave again. Whew!
Friday he hiked mostly by himself and arrived at Cajon Junction.
Dad said that he is beginning to understand what he didn't understand and that was just how he would be able to keep up or otherwise. He's found that he's going too fast and most of the people he started with are behind him. So he's going to adjust a bit and take needed breaks. He's been just going at "his pace", but those of you that know him, know that "his pace" is usually faster than everyone elses!!
He feels great and says that his legs usually tell him he's had enough after about 15-16 miles. Feet are great and he's still very motivated and enjoying his experience.
Until next time - walk on dad!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
HE'S ALMOST TO HWY I-15!!
Dad called tonight around 7:20 pm and he is approx. 14 miles from I-15. He sent up his tent by a stream near Sherwood Lake. Got a shower and was able to wash his shirt too! He's had a busy week; covered 24 miles on Monday 5/10 and also 24 miles on Tuesday. Yesterday (Wed) and today he only did around 14 each day. Said it was really hot, but it's going good. Came across another trail angel yesterday that had root bear floats ready for the hikers. The same "angel" that provided the root beer floats also ended up taking him clear into town (24 miles and back) to get some more hiking clothes and wouldn't accept even a penny! Those angels are amazing, they show up out of nowhere and are always a welcome site indeed. Dad hopes to be at Cajon Junction tomorrow and will send more pictures to share of his journey. He sounded good, but tired and was ready to call it a day. We'll add more hopefully tomorrow night or Sat. am. Thanks for tagging along this "journey" with him. I share all of your comments and encouragement with him as they come in.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Picture Descriptions...
When I uploaded this batch of pictures, they didn't upload normally for some reason and looked like a bunch of gibberish, so I wasn't able to determine where each picture was and add descriptions to each. Sorry. These 9 (I know there is 10, but one is a duplicate, sorry) pictures are from between Idyllwild and Big Bear and are beautiful territorial and scenic pictures. The pictures are of either where dad HAS walked the trail or where he WILL walk. The one of the snow pack was one of the first little snow packs he went through. He said they got wider and wider and deeper and deeper and (he says it got "scarier and scarier"). The mountain picture is looking back at Mt. San Jancinto after he had already walked it. Enjoy!
BIG BEAR (town, not the real thing!!) MILE 268
Dad called today (Sat) a little after 11 am. Was good to hear his voice again after having not since Tuesday. He is in Big Bear and arrived there last evening around 7:00. He is taking today and tomorrow off as his body needs a rest and he needs to restock his food supply too. He shared some more pictures that I will post with this. I will also include his email that he sent as well. Two days ago was the most grueling day so far and toughest day mentally, hiking up a river bed. Said his pack felt like it weighed 80 lbs.
One thing he hasn't done is lost his sense of humor, it's definitely still there. He washes his clothes in the river every couple days (if there is a river, that is) and while he's doing that, he wears his rain gear so he has something to wear!! He went to the grocery store there in Big Bear today and the clerk asked him if he had a card (one of those discount store cards, I imagine) and he said "no, I'm from out of town." She asked what he was doing in Big Bear and he told her he was walking the Pacific Crest Trail. The lady hollered over to another lady and said "this man is 72 years old and he's hiking the PCT." The other lady said, "are you a hiker, cuz I can't even smell ya." Guess there are some that come through there reeking of a pretty ripe "foul" oder. Anyone that knows dad, knows that it is rare for him to go past 1 day without shaving or showering. So this has been a little bit of an adjustment for him. There is no doubt that he will bath whenever and where ever it's possible!
He also came across some prisoners that were out working on work release cleaning up and maintaining part of the trail, I guess and he said "So, ya working on the trail?" They said "ya" and he said "why don't you make it flatter".
Today he was able to pick up a solar phone charger from Radio Shack in Big Bear and so he's hoping he'll be able to take more pictures and use his phone more when reception is available.
Ok, I'll include his email (the photos weren't downloading correctly, so I'll load them later, so watch for them:
"I am at Big Bear. Got in yesterday about 7 pm, have had good hard days of hiking, it was 98 degrees in palm springs when I came to I-10 freeway just west of palm springs, left that area and headed up into the mountains, really steep climb for the first 4 miles or so only hiked about 12 miles and came to the white river, where I took a bath in the river. The water was cold but it was so hot out, it felt good. Decided to stay there the rest of the day and cowboy camped that night. The next day was a long hard slog up steep mountains and rocky trail. Its really incredible the views you see from the area. Made about 18 miles that day. The next day was a very difficult hike up a river bed, the trail was not very well marked so spent time searching for it, everyone said it was a slow day for them also. Camped at a remote campsite that night, more climbing the next day. Got into the snow on the north side of the high mountains, was not really prepared to deal with that, but others had gone before and was able to kick in steps along the steep slopes. My legs and ankles are sore today from that. Got to about ten miles from Big Bear and there was a trail angel with chests full of fruit and other goodies. He said he would bring me into Big Bear to the Hostel where I was going to stay anyway so took him up on it. I've had a hot shower, shaved and had a good bed to sleep in. I had hoped to connect with someone for meeting tomorrow, but after numerious calls I finally got hold of Jeff Gilley, and he checked it out for me and the folks that live here in big bear are at convention. So i will have my little mtg here, there is much to encourage along the way, and have been thankfull for the wonderfull help of the spirit. It has been a great help to me. Out in the wilderness I have been surrounded with Gods handywork and it is indeed incredible. My plan is to go out from here and hike about a 20 mile section with a slack pak, not all the stuff, and then stay here another night, This is the first time for a zero day since starting and I think the body needs it. Our next rest place will be up the trail a couple hundred miles. My phone is not working well enough to do all I wanted on the trail, but will stay in touch as often as possible. My thoughts go to all I love and hope the best for each one. Untill later the best to you all", Love Dad
One thing he hasn't done is lost his sense of humor, it's definitely still there. He washes his clothes in the river every couple days (if there is a river, that is) and while he's doing that, he wears his rain gear so he has something to wear!! He went to the grocery store there in Big Bear today and the clerk asked him if he had a card (one of those discount store cards, I imagine) and he said "no, I'm from out of town." She asked what he was doing in Big Bear and he told her he was walking the Pacific Crest Trail. The lady hollered over to another lady and said "this man is 72 years old and he's hiking the PCT." The other lady said, "are you a hiker, cuz I can't even smell ya." Guess there are some that come through there reeking of a pretty ripe "foul" oder. Anyone that knows dad, knows that it is rare for him to go past 1 day without shaving or showering. So this has been a little bit of an adjustment for him. There is no doubt that he will bath whenever and where ever it's possible!
He also came across some prisoners that were out working on work release cleaning up and maintaining part of the trail, I guess and he said "So, ya working on the trail?" They said "ya" and he said "why don't you make it flatter".
Today he was able to pick up a solar phone charger from Radio Shack in Big Bear and so he's hoping he'll be able to take more pictures and use his phone more when reception is available.
Ok, I'll include his email (the photos weren't downloading correctly, so I'll load them later, so watch for them:
"I am at Big Bear. Got in yesterday about 7 pm, have had good hard days of hiking, it was 98 degrees in palm springs when I came to I-10 freeway just west of palm springs, left that area and headed up into the mountains, really steep climb for the first 4 miles or so only hiked about 12 miles and came to the white river, where I took a bath in the river. The water was cold but it was so hot out, it felt good. Decided to stay there the rest of the day and cowboy camped that night. The next day was a long hard slog up steep mountains and rocky trail. Its really incredible the views you see from the area. Made about 18 miles that day. The next day was a very difficult hike up a river bed, the trail was not very well marked so spent time searching for it, everyone said it was a slow day for them also. Camped at a remote campsite that night, more climbing the next day. Got into the snow on the north side of the high mountains, was not really prepared to deal with that, but others had gone before and was able to kick in steps along the steep slopes. My legs and ankles are sore today from that. Got to about ten miles from Big Bear and there was a trail angel with chests full of fruit and other goodies. He said he would bring me into Big Bear to the Hostel where I was going to stay anyway so took him up on it. I've had a hot shower, shaved and had a good bed to sleep in. I had hoped to connect with someone for meeting tomorrow, but after numerious calls I finally got hold of Jeff Gilley, and he checked it out for me and the folks that live here in big bear are at convention. So i will have my little mtg here, there is much to encourage along the way, and have been thankfull for the wonderfull help of the spirit. It has been a great help to me. Out in the wilderness I have been surrounded with Gods handywork and it is indeed incredible. My plan is to go out from here and hike about a 20 mile section with a slack pak, not all the stuff, and then stay here another night, This is the first time for a zero day since starting and I think the body needs it. Our next rest place will be up the trail a couple hundred miles. My phone is not working well enough to do all I wanted on the trail, but will stay in touch as often as possible. My thoughts go to all I love and hope the best for each one. Untill later the best to you all", Love Dad
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Mile Marker 210 - Glad to be down off the mountain!!
Dad called at about 7:20 pm tonight and had a little life left in his cell battery so gave me a quick update. They hiked 28 miles since yesterday noon and he said it was the most grueling so far and that he is very glad to be down off the mountain. It's very windy. They are about 15 miles southwest of Palm Springs and close to Banning. The fwy - Hwy 10 - is about 1/2 mile from where they are staying tonight. He had his tent set up and ready to crawl in as he's very tired. His feet are doing good but his legs are sore tonight as a result of coming down the mountain with a heavy pack jarring on them. Remember he's carrying extra food and water this jaunt as he won't be able to replenish until prob. Fri or Sat. when he hopes to be at or near Big Bear. That will probably be when I hear from him again. He's anxious to get to a computer to send another email because he said there is lots to share. We will also anxiously await that too! Sweet dreams under the stars dad!!
Monday, May 3, 2010
DAY 13 - THE 178 MILE MARK
Dad called around noon today and sounded good. He was in Idyllwild (just southwest of Palm Springs) and getting ready to hit the trail again. He had a good rest last night - yes, in a bed!! He expects to cross Hwy 10 in approx. 2-1/2 to 3 days and then will head towards Big Bear. He got stocked up with food this morning to last him around 5 days. They did have to do a detour around a portion of the trail that was deemed pretty treacherous (a matter of life or death, as he put it), so was glad to hear about that decision. He reassured me that he wasn't going to take any chances. We will look forward to hearing from him in probably 3-5 days. He did mention that some have quit the hike already for whatever reason, but that he continues to go at his own pace and ends up meeting everyone at camp in the evenings. All for this time!
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