I’ve been trying to decide of there’s an appropriate metaphor for hiking the PCT. Maybe a baseball game? Announcer Joe: A haggard-looking Smokebeard takes the mound for the top of the ninth inning. After all this work, his clothes are falling off his frame, and boy, look at that five o’clock shadow! You have to…
Category: ThruHike
PCT121 – 2001 – the Sisters
Leaving Shelter Cove Last night I left Shelter Cove Resort after finally getting my UPS package. I made a pretty good pace uphill to the lake, despite having 7 days of food in my pack. Due to a mix-up, I ended up with 28 snack bars, almost a pound of macadamia nuts, a bag of…
PCT113 – 1872 – Out of Ashland into the Ash Land
Note: without good network access these posts get harder and harder to stay current with. I can’t write every night, and going by notes and memory is tricky. When I am in town, my time is often taken up with errands, laundry, and meals. I don’t have the luxury of time. Sorry if these posts…
PCT musings – 10 signs you’re in NorCal
One day, July somehow happened. The fourth calendar month I’ve been out here. I looked around and realized this was new trail. If, like me, you feel like you’re lost or on the wrong trail, don’t worry, you might just be in NorCal. Here’s a handy checklist to see if you are: 1 No snow…
PCT83 – 1284 – coasting into Belden Town
Frying on the way out of Sierra City As those of you who follow my Instagram account (@edthesmokebeard) know, I am convinced that the 3000 ft, 8 mile climb out of Sierra City was put there on purpose by an angry god. Most hikers at least partially believe in Trail Jesus, the being or power…