BajaNomad

PCT 2022

advrider - 4-3-2022 at 09:54 PM

Many on here have offered help as I hike the PCT from Mexico to Canada. I hope to complete all 2653 miles. If people are interested I'll post updates when possible. Currently at mile 210, taking a day off! All posting will be done on my phone, so go easy on me!

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[Edited on 4-4-2022 by advrider]

BajaParrothead - 4-3-2022 at 09:57 PM

Give me a shout when you're close to Sierra/Plumas counties. I'll buy you a beer!

I'm a couple of miles from the PCT

John M - 4-4-2022 at 05:05 AM

I'm 20 miles before you cross the I-15 freeway in Cajon Pass - you are probably beyond that.

JM

[Edited on 4-4-2022 by John M]

John Harper - 4-4-2022 at 05:07 AM

When are you going to get to Horseshoe Meadows above Lone Pine?

I've got a short backpack/flyfishing trip on June 5-9 to the South Fork Lakes area. Will be in Horseshoe Meadows on June 5, I can bring up any supplies you might need. Or, give you a ride down into Lone Pine if you plan a short trail break. And, what is your trail name?

John

Bajaboy - 4-4-2022 at 05:52 AM

Great adventure for sure. I've run much of it over the years as well as brushed the trail. I always enjoyed meeting the through hikers near Mt. Laguna, etc.

John Harper - 4-4-2022 at 06:13 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John M  
I'm 20 miles before you cross the I-15 freeway in Cajon Pass - you are probably beyond that.

JM



He's not there yet. It's 347 miles from the border to Cajon Pass crossing.

Horseshoe Meadows is at Cottonwood Pass. About 720 miles. He may be near there when I'm at Horseshoe.

A guide to mileage on the PCT.

https://www.angelfire.com/trek/nz_usa/Miletable.html

John

[Edited on 4-4-2022 by John Harper]

advrider - 4-4-2022 at 06:33 AM

I'll keep you posted on the beer. Thanks John, ill see how our timing is. We are trying not to hit the Sierra's to soon so that might work. We are staying in LA Quinta and doing a resupply now, back on trail tomorrow.

The last section over San Jacinto mountains was a long and hard slog, one day was 11 hours to go 11 miles because of snow and ice.

Salt lick:
As you can see I'm a big guy and my shirt is usually crusted in salt as I hike. A couple of ladies at a camp ground said I looked like a salt lick and it stuck.

[Edited on 4-4-2022 by advrider]

pacificobob - 4-4-2022 at 06:46 AM

Best of luck with this grand adventure.

advrider - 4-4-2022 at 07:11 AM

Thanks for the well wishes! This is by far the hardest thing I've done, also the most amazing! It's a love hate relationship most days!:bounce::fire:

pjpvi - 4-4-2022 at 07:43 AM

Congrats on doing this! I hiked a 65 mile section with a friend who is doing the entire thing and quickly learned that thru-hiking is not my thing but have big respect for those that do it.

Salt Lick is a great trail name!

David K - 4-4-2022 at 08:05 AM

Way to go!!! :bounce::bounce::bounce::light::biggrin::cool:

JZ - 4-4-2022 at 08:09 AM

Incredible journey.

We hiked Whitney years ago. Met a guy at the lake off the trail. He was headed North. Blew my mind.

Good luck.


[Edited on 4-4-2022 by JZ]

AKgringo - 4-4-2022 at 08:09 AM

Get it while you can! About two years ago, a knee injury was added to the deteriorating hip joint on my left leg.

There is no way I could get in shape for a trek like that without at least two surgeries and a whole lot of conditioning. This is the first year since I was in my twenties that I did not go skiing!

Don Pisto - 4-4-2022 at 10:06 AM

we used to ride motorcycles on it thru Aqua Dulce...course that was over 50 years ago.....what an adventure have a great trip!:D

advrider - 4-4-2022 at 05:00 PM

Thanks everyone, I retired in November and this was on my list sense I was ten!

David K - 4-4-2022 at 05:01 PM

GREAT!!!

advrider - 4-4-2022 at 05:01 PM

Thanks everyone, I retired in November and this was on my bucket list sense I was ten!



[Edited on 4-5-2022 by advrider]

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[Edited on 4-5-2022 by advrider]

[Edited on 4-5-2022 by advrider]

advrider - 4-4-2022 at 05:17 PM

Anyone ever get word from fatboy after his Baja hike? I was following before I left but never saw anything saying he was OK?

AKgringo - 4-4-2022 at 05:37 PM

When you get to Donner Summit, you are about thirty miles from me. If you need to shower, and sleep in a real bed for a night or two, I will come and get you.

My ski area (Sugar Bowl) is right on the divide, with the Yuba River heading to the pacific, and the Truckee River headed east to dead end in Pyramid Lake.

Edit; I just saw your question about Fatboy. The U2U message I sent him quite a while ago is still marked "not read". I have no other information about how to contact him.


[Edited on 4-5-2022 by AKgringo]

bajatrailrider - 4-4-2022 at 07:30 PM

good Luck ADVrider

jwheel1970 - 4-4-2022 at 08:11 PM

Keep us updated on progress! Great job

advrider - 4-4-2022 at 08:22 PM

Ak, thanks. I'll probably give you a call. That's a hard section and I'll be ready to rest a little!

AKgringo - 4-4-2022 at 08:54 PM

Contact info sent...U2U

mtgoat666 - 4-5-2022 at 04:47 AM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
Anyone ever get word from fatboy after his Baja hike? I was following before I left but never saw anything saying he was OK?


Fatboy never checked in on this forum or his backcountrypost thread. I suspect fatboy is gone, figuratively or literally. We may never know…

advrider - 4-5-2022 at 06:22 AM

Wow, I hope someone can find out more, I hope it wasn't on his Baja hike? I have come to realize how serious running out of water can get on this hike more then ever. We have literally hiking water source to water source many days 20 plus miles even with people leaving water.

Thanks again for all of the well wishes..

advrider - 4-5-2022 at 08:55 AM

Headed back into the desert today at Cabazon. Going to be hot.

BajaBlanca - 4-6-2022 at 09:57 AM

Wow! good on you for fulfilling a lifelong dream!

advrider - 4-9-2022 at 03:12 PM

Day 24, Big bear lake for a few days of rest and a resupply.

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[Edited on 4-9-2022 by advrider]

advrider - 4-9-2022 at 03:41 PM

Big bear....

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advrider - 4-9-2022 at 03:43 PM

Big bear.... working with a new app to resize photos so I can post more. Sorry for any double posting!

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[Edited on 4-9-2022 by advrider]

Big Bear today the 9th

John M - 4-9-2022 at 05:12 PM

What day do you plan to leave BB?

Could meet at Mojave River Forks Dam - it's about 38 miles from Big Bear as I read the PCT trail mileage chart.

John M

[Edited on 4-10-2022 by John M]

advrider - 4-9-2022 at 05:54 PM

I think on Wednesday morning, ill check back when I know better.

TMW - 4-9-2022 at 07:05 PM

Take care of yourself and be careful. Good luck

advrider - 4-9-2022 at 08:31 PM

Thanks everyone, the words of encouragement mean more then you will ever know. The offers of help and support are a huge moral booster. A cold bottle of water had me in tears last week!
We were given a house with a pool and a truck to drive, transported both directions last week when we really needed it. This trip has restored my faith in people, we have been shown such kindness. Thanks one and all. I hope to meet as many of you on this trip as I can and many more in Baja.
Please do reach out to fatboy and see if there is any info. Thanks Gary (AKA) salt lick!

wilderone - 4-9-2022 at 11:53 PM

So happy for you - best of luck. Those are some giant pancakes! Stay in touch.

advrider - 4-10-2022 at 02:13 PM

Thanks everyone, that breakfast was amazing!

advrider - 4-16-2022 at 11:51 AM

Day 30 finds me at mile 323. Missed connecting with John, no service on previous day. Nailed my first 20 mile day yesterday and shooting for another today!

[Edited on 4-16-2022 by advrider]

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bajatrailrider - 4-16-2022 at 12:34 PM

Amazing trip Amigo stay safe

advrider - 4-16-2022 at 01:10 PM

I haven't needed one yet, I have a battery bank. I might get one for the Sierra's because I will be out longer before recharging?

AKgringo - 4-16-2022 at 01:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
I haven't needed one yet, I have a battery bank. I might get one for the Sierra's because I will be out longer before recharging?


There is a portable cook stove that will charge your battery! Granted, it is larger than I would like for back packing (2 lbs and the size of a quart jar) but you could boil water while charging your phone!

https://www.dillards.com/p/biolite-campstove-2-electricity-g...

advrider - 4-19-2022 at 05:39 PM

Day 34, two days off in Wrightwood.

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Mile 370, yesterday was a 6k foot climb in 18 miles. We are ready for some town food and rest.
This is by far the hardest thing I've ever done but amazing journey as well.

[Edited on 4-20-2022 by advrider]

advrider - 4-19-2022 at 05:56 PM

Such an amazing trail! A very nice church group from Guatemala took us in and fed us, what amazing people.

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Saturday the 23rd -

John M - 4-19-2022 at 07:37 PM

I'm going to be running on the PCT starting at Inspiration Point on Saturday - should start about 7:30 a.m. - we are heading west toward Baden Powell - paths might cross?

How much snow did you encounter on the PCT and on the Acorn Trail down to Wrightwood?

John M

[Edited on 4-20-2022 by John M]

advrider - 4-19-2022 at 07:39 PM

Just might, we are headed out on Thursday.

BajaBlanca - 4-20-2022 at 06:12 AM

Amazing journey! We wish you all the best in your adventure!

advrider - 4-20-2022 at 05:37 PM

A few more, PCT 2022..


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advrider - 4-28-2022 at 09:31 PM

Day 43, mile 450...

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BajaTed - 4-29-2022 at 06:29 AM

Walking into the light of a new day.
Good on you brother, live your adventure to the fullest.
Marmot's are your friend.

David K - 4-29-2022 at 08:17 AM

Thanks for the photos and updates!:light:

advrider - 4-29-2022 at 06:24 PM

Well said Ted! It's been an amazing adventure so far.

advrider - 5-5-2022 at 12:36 PM

Looks like I'm getting off trail to have my knee looked at. I pulled or tore something at about mile 475. Been resting in Tehachapi hoping that would do it, but after seven days I can barely walk on it.
I'll update when I know more and thanks for all of the support so far, hope to jump back on if the doctor clears me?;

[Edited on 5-5-2022 by advrider]

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StuckSucks - 5-5-2022 at 01:10 PM

Good luck to your knee -- hoping you can continue!

AKgringo - 5-5-2022 at 01:47 PM

Sorry to hear about your knee injury. Don't push it too far, the time to start healing is right now.

I had a similar injury right at the start of the Covid19 "stay at home" period, and the VA, and local medical providers refused to even check it out until the pandemic was over.

I did what I could to prevent further injury, and it got better, but it did not heal properly. I believe that favoring my knee put more stress on my hip, and now they both probably need surgical correction.

TMW - 5-5-2022 at 02:06 PM

Sorry about your knee. Don't push it if you don't have to. Better to let it heal.

Don Pisto - 5-5-2022 at 02:12 PM

prop yourself up on a Dog House bar stool and let that thing rest!

David K - 5-5-2022 at 03:53 PM

Get well!

advrider - 5-7-2022 at 11:25 AM

Made it home, hope to get an MRI next week and see where the chips fall? I really want to jump back on trial but I'm pretty sure something is torn in my left knee. I will see what the doc has to say and go from there. The first 475 miles were awesome, I've made some lifelong friends on this adventure!

Marty Mateo - 5-11-2022 at 08:03 AM

Sorry to hear you’re sidelined, hopefully a quick return to the trail . Thanks for documenting this and sharing

advrider - 5-11-2022 at 08:32 AM

Waiting on the MRI still but I know something is torn. Two weeks of waiting and the pain has only gotten worse. I still hope to maybe get back on trail this year, if not, I'll pick up where I left off next year.


Don't wait on your own adventure, go out and make it happen! Life is short...

elgatoloco - 5-11-2022 at 08:45 AM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
Waiting on the MRI still but I know something is torn. Two weeks of waiting and the pain has only gotten worse. I still hope to maybe get back on trail this year, if not, I'll pick up where I left off next year.


Don't wait on your own adventure, go out and make it happen! Life is short...


Hope you get well and recover so you can pick up the adventure and I can live vicariously thru you! :cool:

John Harper - 5-18-2022 at 08:56 AM

I'm going to be up at Horseshoe Meadows on June 5. If you are back on trail and need anything I can bring it up the hill to you, or even give you a lift down to Lone Pine.

John

Skipjack Joe - 5-18-2022 at 10:12 AM

If it's like my knee then you probably have damaged your meniscus. This is likely due to not strengthening it with exercises prior to starting the journey. But who knows. It may be a combination of carrying too much weight, age, and uneven ground. If this doesn't require surgery I would rest this knee for many weeks and build the strength up after it heals. Resuming the hike will damage the meniscus further and make the issue bigger. It will be interesting to see the results of the MRI.

advrider - 5-26-2022 at 11:33 PM

Update: thanks to everyone that followed along and offer help, comments and words of encouragement. After my week in Tehachapi trying to recover, I finally admitted to myself that the problem wasn't minor. After making the trip home and seeing the doctor I found that I have a compression fracture halfway across my left tibia, just below the knee.
So no more hiking this year or next to allow things to heel. I made it 452 miles to the town of Agua Dolce, so I will be picking up in 2024 to finish what I started!

[Edited on 5-27-2022 by advrider]

BajaParrothead - 5-27-2022 at 06:59 AM

Glad you found the problem and you're on the road to healing. The trail will always be there, so don't rush the recovery.

AKgringo - 5-27-2022 at 08:13 AM

Bones heal better than cartilage, or the ligaments and tendons that are attached to them, so it could have been worse. Good luck with the healing process!

bajatrailrider - 5-27-2022 at 01:02 PM

Bravo as to how far you got. Speedy recovery we wish you

David K - 5-28-2022 at 06:23 AM

Indeed... congratulations on doing all that you did and heal well my friend!

Skipjack Joe - 5-28-2022 at 08:15 AM

Here's to a speedy recovery and another go at it. Bones recover completely and therefore this is good news.

Fatboy - 9-6-2022 at 04:31 PM

Was reading this with "YEAH, GO! mindset and I got to the end and I was so sad.

Quite the adventure you had, I truly hope you can continue on it some day :(

advrider - 9-6-2022 at 09:00 PM

Thanks. I start April 1st (2023) at mile 455 where I left off. Hoping to knock out another 800-1000 miles for 2023. Keep me posted if you plan any more Baja stuff.

Fatboy - 9-6-2022 at 09:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
Thanks. I start April 1st (2023) at mile 455 where I left off. Hoping to knock out another 800-1000 miles for 2023. Keep me posted if you plan any more Baja stuff.


Hard to tell with our wacky weather last decade or so but isn't April a little early to start that far north?

AKgringo - 9-6-2022 at 10:44 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Fatboy  
Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
Thanks. I start April 1st (2023) at mile 455 where I left off. Hoping to knock out another 800-1000 miles for 2023. Keep me posted if you plan any more Baja stuff.


Hard to tell with our wacky weather last decade or so but isn't April a little early to start that far north?



The Pacific Crest Trail passes through Sugar Bowl Ski area on Donner Summit. In 2011 they still had enough snow left to open up for a 4th of July ski day! (I got the T-shirt to prove it!)

advrider - 9-7-2022 at 07:42 AM

I'm going to hike from Agua Dolce to Kennedy meadows South (about 250 miles) then head home for a month or so to wait out the weather. I want to knock out the rest of the desert before it gets hot. Not planning on the Sierra's until June, maybe July. I want to deal with as little snow as possible.
Being that I will now be a section hiker it takes some of the stress off of getting North before the fires start and dealing with snow on a heavy snow year.

John Harper - 9-7-2022 at 09:08 AM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
I'm going to hike from Agua Dolce to Kennedy meadows South (about 250 miles) then head home for a month or so to wait out the weather. I want to knock out the rest of the desert before it gets hot. Not planning on the Sierra's until June, maybe July. I want to deal with as little snow as possible.
Being that I will now be a section hiker it takes some of the stress off of getting North before the fires start and dealing with snow on a heavy snow year.


Section hiking seems the most practical and realistic way of tackling the PCT for most people.

John

advrider - 9-7-2022 at 10:56 AM

I agree John. I really wanted to do it in one shot but after trying to, I have come to the conclusion that doing sections is much more practical and enjoyable. To complete a thru hike, you have to put in a lot of miles and stay focused on the end goal. Section hikes make it much more enjoyable and realistic for most.