PCT New Years Eve 2015: Trail Magic
Trail magic is real! Never doubt the kindness of strangers. While I have spent time thru hiking and have felt the trail love, this New Years Weeks was pretty darn perfect! My friend, Shawnte, and I decided to spend five days along the PCT starting with new years eve day. From the get go our energy was perfectly paired, and our excitement equally matched. After hiking the Devils Post Pile area we arrived to the KOA just as the sun was setting. Having made reservations we were excited to spend the new years eve, eating shared meals and sipping some whiskey as the night turned into a new year.
When we arrived the attendant at the KOA was so surprised we actually showed up on a very cold and windy evening, she declared with a surprise in her voice, "The Rustics are here" Looking as surprised as we were. Shawnte and I smiled at one another knowing that from that moment forward we were THE RUSTICS! This is where the trail magic began, the KOA attendant felt badly that is was going to be a below freezing night, she told us we could stay in the dinning room until 10:00pm and use the kitchen to cook our meals. It was a great adventure as the two of us cooked and set a table perfect for the Rustic Royalty that we felt like. (smile) The dinning room was filled with art supplies, books and plenty of outlets to keep music going all night as we danced and sang.
The next day took us through the Vasquesz rocks area. I have seen the famous rock formation on many occasions as I have driven north on the 15 heading to Mammoth. To walk through this part of the California and through the rolling hills, making our way into the park was really incredible. Seeing the plant life and rock formation in all their grandeur was really breathtaking. Again, more trial magic at the visitor center. The ranger told us we could stay the night at the park and she walked us to her favorite spot and let us know she would inform the sheriff that we were there so they could keep an eye on us. (smile). We set up camp, enjoyed a campfire, ate another great dinner, then fell asleep under the shadows of the rocks.
The rest of our adventure took us through rolling hills covered in fresh grass with views that etched a still image in my mind. We walk through old Oak groves, Menzantia groves and saw giant cat prints.
This leg of our trip required water cashed that was frozen upon arrival, due to the cold nights. But the energy of the adventure never detoured us from wearing a smile. Some of my favorite RUSTICS moments: Singing on the trail, yoga in the evening, a perfectly paced hiking partner, shared meals, and all the surpizes we met along the way. People waving and taking the time to give us big props when we were walking through town. The kindness of everyone and the time taken to walk and see this land slowly and enjoy all its unnoticed beauty is unforgettable.
We are planning many more PCT adventures. Can't wait.
When we arrived the attendant at the KOA was so surprised we actually showed up on a very cold and windy evening, she declared with a surprise in her voice, "The Rustics are here" Looking as surprised as we were. Shawnte and I smiled at one another knowing that from that moment forward we were THE RUSTICS! This is where the trail magic began, the KOA attendant felt badly that is was going to be a below freezing night, she told us we could stay in the dinning room until 10:00pm and use the kitchen to cook our meals. It was a great adventure as the two of us cooked and set a table perfect for the Rustic Royalty that we felt like. (smile) The dinning room was filled with art supplies, books and plenty of outlets to keep music going all night as we danced and sang.
The next day took us through the Vasquesz rocks area. I have seen the famous rock formation on many occasions as I have driven north on the 15 heading to Mammoth. To walk through this part of the California and through the rolling hills, making our way into the park was really incredible. Seeing the plant life and rock formation in all their grandeur was really breathtaking. Again, more trial magic at the visitor center. The ranger told us we could stay the night at the park and she walked us to her favorite spot and let us know she would inform the sheriff that we were there so they could keep an eye on us. (smile). We set up camp, enjoyed a campfire, ate another great dinner, then fell asleep under the shadows of the rocks.
The rest of our adventure took us through rolling hills covered in fresh grass with views that etched a still image in my mind. We walk through old Oak groves, Menzantia groves and saw giant cat prints.
This leg of our trip required water cashed that was frozen upon arrival, due to the cold nights. But the energy of the adventure never detoured us from wearing a smile. Some of my favorite RUSTICS moments: Singing on the trail, yoga in the evening, a perfectly paced hiking partner, shared meals, and all the surpizes we met along the way. People waving and taking the time to give us big props when we were walking through town. The kindness of everyone and the time taken to walk and see this land slowly and enjoy all its unnoticed beauty is unforgettable.
We are planning many more PCT adventures. Can't wait.
The trip planning has officially begun! Yahoo
There is something so fun about planning an journey this epic. All the attention to detail, the excitement, the little discoveries, the spread sheets. Weighing everything and I mean everything. (laughing) I love the planning process!
I discovered this great site Craig's PCT Planner. What he has done is phenomenal! He has created a program that you can input your hours hiking per day. Then he has added a field that allows you to add addition time taken for each 1000feet of elevation gain. Its all mathematical and what you get is a detailed itinerary based on what you tell it. I love it. It really gives you a more realistic idea of what it takes to to get from Mexico to Canada. As of right now It will take me 5.5 months walking 15.5 miles per day. I know I can easily walk more than that, but something about leisure on the trail is always nice too.
Here is the link to my trip plan (although I know it will change and get adjusted) This is just a great place to start the planning.
The map to the right is tacked up on my wall so I can get a little excited daily. (that's what it is about you know) What I love about this map is that it lists all the resupply location and lets you know the following: mail drop, lodging, restaurant, grocery, market, library, outfitter, hardwear, trail angel, internet. All the essentials of course (laughing)
I discovered this great site Craig's PCT Planner. What he has done is phenomenal! He has created a program that you can input your hours hiking per day. Then he has added a field that allows you to add addition time taken for each 1000feet of elevation gain. Its all mathematical and what you get is a detailed itinerary based on what you tell it. I love it. It really gives you a more realistic idea of what it takes to to get from Mexico to Canada. As of right now It will take me 5.5 months walking 15.5 miles per day. I know I can easily walk more than that, but something about leisure on the trail is always nice too.
Here is the link to my trip plan (although I know it will change and get adjusted) This is just a great place to start the planning.
The map to the right is tacked up on my wall so I can get a little excited daily. (that's what it is about you know) What I love about this map is that it lists all the resupply location and lets you know the following: mail drop, lodging, restaurant, grocery, market, library, outfitter, hardwear, trail angel, internet. All the essentials of course (laughing)
Pacific Crest Trail: "Here We Come!"
Found
my PCT trail buddy! This is going to be one heck of an adventure! I
have had the PCT on my radar for some time. After completing the JMT
solo, August 2013, my sights have been set on the PCT. I was fine
soloing it. Then low and behold the universe sent me Saveria! She is one
amazing gal and I am excited to begin our planning.
More details as they happen. YEAH!
More details as they happen. YEAH!