July 15, 2013
24 miles
Mile 1320
Deer jumping over Veggie began the awakening process. First out of camp is a bonus because the animals have yet to be scared off their nighttime occupation of the PCT. Thus I sent many a startled deer crashing into the undergrowth. Kept moving north, every footfall had the heel landing lower than the toe. A reflection of the climb.
Halfway caught up and we spoke of his life in Maine. How he was trapped and free at the same time. The roller coaster hike up was anti-climactic as there was no corresponding freefall. Just a flattening out. We continued the far-ranging conversation to mask our disappointment. Lunch, 14 miles, and an amazing spring coincided and we laid down in the dirt to savor all. A gun range provided background music.
Conglomerate boulder
The path after lunch, though beautiful, failed to inspire. Every once in a while I’m just unenthusiastic about hiking. Today was that day. But in the end the miles must still happen, regardless of a mental state. I popped in the headphones and started marching under orders. Keeping cadence to Taylor Swift singing about this mall or that mall, (Thank you Madison.) a grind returned to a hike as the miles twisted through volcanic chaos. Enthusiasm crept back in. Tired, waterless and grinning I stutter stepped into camp. Plopped down and then plopped back up for another hike down to the spring. A nomads life.
Meadow vista
Polished off the last of my food reserves at dinner. A lurking panic. No hiker has affection for a food-less existence. To hike without food in the vernacular is known as a VisionQuest. Mine would be a short one. Only 14 miles to Chester and a supermarket.
Mt. Lassen sandwich
Lassen getting closer
And closer still
Looked up for the weather forecast. Stars only spoke of a lovely morning. Cowboy camping it was. As my head hit the spare clothes bag I thought not of town food, but of a trail marker some 9 miles ahead. A marker that would exclaim halfway there, halfway from.
Steve Halteman
On the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking the PCT for the Kids of Escuela Verde
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Hey bro – just wanted to check in. Returned home safe from South America. 5 countries in one month worked out perfect. Mad-eye was an awesome traveler, you would be proud…I accomplished my goal of running the inca trail (well not all of it) and watching the sunrise over Machu pichu was epic. Matilda kicked our asses after about 500 games of spades, but we are planning our next trip to Ireland so I have a chance at the title… Good to catch up with your blogs and the halfway point goal is huge! Keep it up. Moms, Jen/don and j headed to OB for the weekend. Will go to doobs for a BBQ, wish you were here, but I believe you are where you should be. Look forward to tipping back a few when we do. Love Jill
That sounds like a fine plan. Because in all fairness you’ve heard everything about my hike so when I return I want details about South America and maybe some things I need to see down that way. Miss you, your brother
Hey Steve – great to follow your progress. Keep on truckin’! Looks like you are having the experience of a lifetime. Brad
Thanks Brad. Good to hear from you. How did the MG project turnout? Hope all is well in New Mexico. Your buddy Steve