We are sitting in motel room and relaxing a bit so I figured I would post a short synopsis of our hike so far.
You can read my daily journal or Hannah’s daily journal to see the details of the the hike and how each day treated us.
Thus far the trip has been really good. Coming from the U.P. it has been a big adjustment period and a steep learning curve. The desert has been harsh but the landscape is phenomenally beautiful. Rumor is it has been cold down here, almost 15 degrees below in the month of May, and the heat has still been a huge challenge. We try, unsuccessfully most times, to get up withe sun and hike until around 11am when the heat becomes too oppressive and then rest until it cools down around 4pm. It really limits our hiking days and is a little frustrating for me. Finding shade most days is a impossible challenge. There are rarely plants that grow over my waist and none of them seem to offer any respite from suns endless barrage; plus every plant is covered in spines or thorns making the place feel angry and uninviting.
Water is another constant challenge. I would have never imagined that you could travel thirty miles without seeing even a hint of water. Back home you would pass two or three lakes and rivers in that distance; here you might not pass a dry creekbed. It leaves us carrying up to a gallon and a half of water in some areas which can add twelve pounds to our packs and takes a toll on our bodies.
But the trail isn’t always down on desert floor. We have spent plenty of time up in the mountains that punctuate this vast landscape. The peaks are often snow covered and offer a nice break from the heat. The snow brings other challenges as it obscures the trail and clings to some of the steeper slopes making climbing difficult. The trail isn’t so well marked and is often lost under feet of the white stuff forcing us to pull out our maps and just wing it. The mountain sides are generally flanked by forests of huge pines or twisted live oaks. It is nice to get back into the trees and makes the landscape seem a little less foreign.
We have seen tons of areas effected by fires and even had to do a terribly hot and boring fifty mile road walk around a section of trail destroyed in a huge blaze last fall. We have seen tons of wildlife on the trail. Mostly just the countless hordes of lizards and horney toads but also foxes, coyotes and snaked. About a half dozen rattlesnakes have scared the daylights out of us as we walked along including one I missed stepping on by a matter of an inch.
It has been really cool to see something so alien to us. Field of yucca and groves of Joshua trees are something you just don’t see back home and the U.P. doesn’t really offer the opportunity to climb up to 10,000 feet. Cacti and manzanita are a big change of pace from white pine and sugar maple. The desert has been a constant series of challenges but it has also surprised and delighted us. I have developed a love hate relationship with this landscape.
There are only about 140 miles of hiking until we leave the desert behind and climb into the rugged wilderness of the Sierra Nevada. I can’t say I am sad to leave this place.
Both Hannah and my journals are pretty much up to date so if you interested in reading about the daily details of our hike you can check them out. The journals get updated almost every night from our phones. We have posted a few pictures from our phones but haven’t gotten any of the good pictures on the site yet.
After the next few days our cell service might be a little sketchy so the updates might be more sporadic. But they might not. You’ll just have to check. But if we haven’t posted anything for a few days don’t worry, we’re still safe and the updates will come as soon as possible.
Please leave us comments, either here or on our journals. We love hearing from people and it helps us feel a little less disconnected out here. It really brightens our days to hear from anyone who is reading along.
3 Responses
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Michelle Freeman Says:
I’m following! I like hiking vicariously through you guys. I’m also glad the trip’s going well.
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Geoffrey Webb Says:
Hello Matt and Hannah–Hope you are well. I have been reading your journals–keep up the pace and continue with a good head on your shoulders. Just remember that the worse day on the PCT is still better than the best day at work
I am slowly section-hiking the PCT in CA, so maybe our paths will cross. All the best to you guys!Geoff
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Anya Gleizer Says:
Matt an’ Hannah! You guys are amazing. With Will on the road (well not road but river) as well I have so much to read up on to keep up with you guys. Its so frustrating to be in front of a comp screen when you guys are braving deserts mountains and burger joints! I graduated highschool yesterday! I agree with the dude above, even if its hot as balls you are living the ultimate vagabond dream. I went to utah in the summer and it was not very pleasant – felt like a cake, baking, most of the time. You guys really accomplish everything you set your mind to! Wow, i miss you alot
peace
