Next big climb

Me and Wizkid Forester pass 13200 feet above sea level .This ascent was more difficult than the summit climb on Whitney. Both days had  spine-tingling traverses . But snow obscured the Switchback trails  on the shoot , south-facing slope approaching Forester pass. It was a long slow wall hug straight up to that mountain pass.crampons and Ice axe the whole way. After the pass it was one long glissade down the other side our speed averaged six miles per hour on The Descent

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Endorphin and adrenaline

After climbing Whitney, I felt like I could do anything. Near the end of our hiking day, this stream Crossing was relatively easy and provided a boost as one more challenge is behind us. Less than 1 mile later we met our match. A stream that was so swollen by the days snow melt that we could not cross it safely . Our last failed attempt left us soaking wet as the sun went down. We pray for below-freezing temperatures to reduce the amount of runoff in the Stream to make the crossing easier in the morning. Another night camping on snow pack. And soaking wet boots mean solid blocks of ice to put on our feet in the morning. As soon as I wake up, I put my boots in the dry sack I use for my sleeping bag, I curl around them in the fetal position inside my sleeping bag until the ice melts enough to put them on my feet. The Crossing in the morning went much easier. the stream was still a raging torrent that nearly knocked me off my feet but the endorphins and the adrenaline make it all manageable and gives you the head of steam for the next big climb

Whitney Summit

Mount Whitney Summit tallest mountain in the lower 48 states 14,500 ft

We Camped at Guitar Lake and begin our Ascent Before Sunrise

I am proud of my accomplishment but I acknowledge that I could not have done it alone.

The positive energy from the group that welcomed me has filled me with new confidence

Happiness abounds in this Pleasant group of young people

I joined a herd

I fell down an icy slope. My confidence was the only thing shattered. I backtracked to the town of Lone Pine and purchased Mountaineering  boots, crampons, ice axe, thick trousers and Gators to protect my legs from the crampons and the inevitable Falls. On the mountains I could feel the advantage the new gear gave me, but my confidence did not come back until I joined a group.

Kennedy Meadow

Kennedy Meadow is like a birthday party for everyone. As you first approached the General Store everyone cheers you on to celebrate your arrival. Everyone in the trail Community is your family, and they are proud to see that you have made it this far. Next you pick up your packages. The next stage of your life, on this Trail will be very different and you will need a new set of toys.
Then you eat cake. At the Grumpy Bear Restaurant they serve pancakes that are the size of a large pizza. I was the first at the bar to finish my entire breakfast and I received a round of applause as though I just blew out candles on my birthday cake. The last seven hundred miles of desert seemed harsh at the time. But it was Child's Play compared  to the adult life that awaits us in the Sierra Wilderness Area.

Extended family

I met a young woman named Savannah on the summit of San Jacinto. Her family supports her Intrepid nature. On this blistering hot day in the desert they set up a hamburger stand on the trail. Mom served fresh fruit, and Dad tended the grill. Cold drinks for everyone.
The Israeli soldiers set up shade canopy using trekking poles and bed sheets. The hiking Community is the most inclusive group that I know . Some Trail Angels don't hike . They provide support for hikers in many various ways and enjoy being part of this linear community

400 miles

After four weeks, approximately 400 miles of hiking. Trail conditioned Thru- hikers all move at about the same brisk pace. If there are hikers a mile ahead of you or a mile behind , the only time you will cross paths is if one takes a break. If you coincidentally take breaks at the same time, you could  hike the whole day without seeing other hikers . Because of this many people can occupy the same Trail and still enjoy many hours of Solitude. Above is a picture of Me and My Shadow enjoying quiet milestones.
The trail also provides awesome opportunities to socialize.

Casa De Luna

Joe and Terrie Anderson have captured Both Worlds at Casa De Luna. Hikers from all over the world are welcome to socialize in the front of the house. During my stay I heard many languages spoken as hikers respectfully enjoyed their shared experience.
The expansive backyard was quiet refuge for weary Wanderers.

Mine was one of many tents in this wild life Sanctuary known as Manzanita Forest in the Andersons backyard. Thank you Joe and Terrie I had a fantastic time

Tracking Beacon

The majority of long-distance hikers that I have met ,carry some form of tracking device or emergency Beacon. Mine is called the spot connect .During the time that I have my device turned on , my support team back home can click on a shared web page to follow my progress and see my exact location on a map as it is updated every 10 minutes.
My friend Mark is a retired Logistics expert.
During my 2012 Appalachian Trail thru hike he called me on my cellular phone on several occasions to guide me back to the trail when he saw that I made a wrong turn. On Thursday May 18th of this year I left the desert town of Agua Dulce. I was 4 miles into the desert when I realized I had not packed enough water to get me to the next water source safely. I had no choice but to go back to Agua Dulce to fill my water jugs. But first I went into the bar and grill had a couple of beers and burgers with the other hikers. I knew that Mark would be the first one to realize that something was wrong. So after lunch I sent him an email explaining why I returned to Agua Dulce. He immediately replied I thought you had a problem with your gear  because I see you are at the hardware store. All the while I was in the Pub ,my pack and Beacon were on a bench outside of the hardware store where the water hose is to refill my jugs . Mark used his computer skills to Overlay my Geographic location with a map from Google Earth to see what building I was in.
One week later ,after resupplying in the town of Mojave California my beacon batteries were dead and I didn't realize until I was past the point of no return. In a remote area with no cell signal. I had no way to communicate to my loved ones that all was well. I moved as quickly as I could for 3 Days until I finally had Karen on the phone .she told me that Mark  advised her the day earlier to give me one more full day before calling the Rangers.
Later that day ,I stopped at Walker Pass Campground and met a trail angel named Chris a 74 year old retiree and Ultra Runner. Chris was at the campground providing food and beverages to assist the hikers. When I told him my situation he happily offered me a ride to the town of Ridgecrest 25 miles away where they have a super Walmart and Kmart. Now  I'm carrying enough batteries to keep my beacon working until I meet with Karen in Oregon for the solar eclipse in late August.
I am solo hiker, but I am never alone.

KOA Campground

Me and Haines at the KOA in Acton.
I carry paper maps and guide book pages for approximately 500-mile sections. Before I left home I prepared these resources in resupply boxes to be sent to me as needed by my wife Karen. On Tuesday May 16th I pitched my tent at the KOA Campground for a $15 charge. Wednesday morning  I hitchhiked into the town of Acton to pick up my resupply box at the post office. I got a ride from an older gentleman named Greg driving a white Ford Ranger pickup truck. Greg dropped me off at the post office just as it was opening the timing was perfect. Before I got out of the truck I asked Greg where I can get a good breakfast. He said the best place is Crazy Otto's but it's a long way from the KOA, then he offered to wait while I picked up my package and drive me to Crazy Otto's. When Greg dropped me at the restaurant I invited him to join me and offered to pay for his breakfast in hopes I could get a ride back to the KOA. He said he had already eaten but he'd be back in a half hour to pick me up to take me back to the KOA. Crazy Otto's was the best breakfast I've had in a month . Only one cook in the kitchen but he really knew what he was doing. On the way back to the KOA I offered Greg money for gas and he refused to take it. But when he stopped at the gas station to refuel I jumped out of the truck and swiped my credit card at the pump and started filling his tank. I wanted to fill it but he stopped me at $10.
Every single day on the trail I am overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers.
For some people when we are not competing with each other, we are still  in competition to be our personal best.