High Sierra Topix

Thought everyone might enjoy this trip report of 3 ladies hiking cross-country from Badwater to Whitney:

http://asthetrailturns.wordpress.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One of them posted a series of photos which gives a good idea of what they encountered:

http://instagram.com/carrotquinn" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There was a book I read awhile back called "Salt to Summit" which described this journey. I really enjoyed it, and the guys route was really interesting. Check it out.

I followed the blogs of two of these hikers (Not A Chance & Carrot) this last summer - - - they are amazing hikers and very good writers. I am not surprised that they were able to accomplish this type of trip.

Carrot's accounts of both 2013 and 2014 are great reading.

Carrot posted the first part of her L2H trip report. If you haven't read her essays before, you might find her a very good writer:

http://carrotquinn.com/2014/10/20/lowes ... he-reaper/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I just finished up her 2013 and 2014 PCT logs and her second lowest to highest report. I find her writing a bit addictive. Thanks Hobbes. Now I have a week's worth of work to catch up on

Although I find the thru-hike culture interesting, it does cement the fact that this will NOT be on my to do list. I can't believe the crap she eats. No wonder she feels bad so often.

Invariably, most PCT hikers who make it all the way to Canada consider the (high) Sierra [Cottonwood to Tuolumne] and the northern Cascades as the highlights of their 3-4 month long trek. (Interestingly, many also really enjoy the desert section.)

Since we're blessed being able to enjoy the best section of the PCT, why bother trudging through the rest of the trail if it's no different than the Bataan death march? I mean, I get disenchanted whenever I'm on sections of the PCT between Cottonwood & Tyndall. However, sometimes it's a necessary drag to quickly get to the Miter, Whitney and Wallace watersheds. I can only imagine the boredom and 'forced march' aspect of hiking through the woods in hot weather (NorCal/Oregon) with no views or chance to once more be above tree line.

That being said, I'm now intrigued on perhaps doing a fastpack through section A, which is 110 miles from the border to Warner springs. Rather than just jogging throughout spring while waiting/wishing for June, why not put in an early training hike at the PCT kick-off (ie the last weekend of April)?

Since I never have enough time, a quick, 3 night/4 day hike could work. There is only one climb out over 3.5k before San Jacinto, so 20-25 miles/day would be doable. No matter, it would be a good way to get outside before the Sierra open. Section A elevation profile:

http://bearcant.org/elevation.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

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For those who haven't yet read the L2H account(s), here are the links again:

http://carrotquinn.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://asthetrailturns.wordpress.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

totally agree. Given my aversion to trails, I'd consider the desert section, perhaps mid-winter and re-direct to Palm Springs. If I were in Oregon or Washington, I'd be fishing, not death-marching.

Next episode posted:

http://carrotquinn.com/2014/11/01/lowes ... -goldfish/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The sun is a bright strong animal, pure in that special desert way, an undiluted 100 proof ultraviolet wonderlight that will vaporize every living thing. This, this is the sun they warned us about at the Furnace Creek Visitor Center. I am wilting, sweating from every pore but after fifteen minutes we rise, and continue on our way, north along another rutted jeep track. The earth spreads itself out flat and warm and we expand to fill it until Jess and Chance are small figures in the distance and we are each of us alone in this heat, with ourselves, and our hopes and dreams and fears.

Hobbes wrote:Invariably, most PCT hikers who make it all the way to Canada consider the (high) Sierra [Cottonwood to Tuolumne] and the northern Cascades as the highlights of their 3-4 month long trek. (Interestingly, many also really enjoy the desert section.)

say whaaaa? don't tell that to the North Cascades!! My favorite trails anywhere