Started: 08:20 @ MM 933.9 Lyell Meadow Camp (Elevation 8,992ft)
Finished: 16:45 @ MM 948.5 Glen Aulin Camp (Elevation 7,890ft)
Miles: 14.6
Elevation Gain/Loss: +335/-1,441ft
Food: Oatmeal, Fruit Pie, Tortilla w/cheese & salami, Crackers, Kind Bar, Belvita, Mac’n’Cheese w/Tuna, Gummi Lifesavers, Banana, Protein Smoothie
Health & Hygiene: 0 Blisters, Days since last shower 3, Days since laundry 4
I was chuffed with myself for managing to get out of my tent marginally earlier than the previous few days. However, I still needed to do much better if I wanted to reach Canada anytime soon. As I ate my breakfast and drank my coffee, I watched the sun slowly creep along the meadow. Deer grazed idly nearby. I was feeling torn by the trail. So often I want to simply chill out,take my time and really enjoy these moments and the amazing scenery. However, the trail requires that you keep moving. To make it all the way to Canada before the weather window closes I have to keep up an average of more than 20 miles a day. The tough and slow conditions in the High Sierras have already put me behind schedule, but now that I’ve reached Yosemite I should be able to pick up the pace and get back on track … The question is do I want to?
I had an easy 7 mile hike along the Lyell River to ponder my predicament. The path was swarming with JMT and weekend hikers. The signs and smells of civilization were overwhelming and by the time I reached Toulumne Meadow I was genuinely dazed and confused by the chaos and crowds. I worked quickly to check through my stupid bear thing, resupply a few essential items, eat lunch and get the hell out of there as soon as possible. Although the speed at which I wanted to hike through the wilderness was up for debate, there was certainly no question about my desire to be detatched from the “real” world. I absolutely loved camping out in the woods, even with the bears!
I pressed onwards. Hiking across the grain of the land, there were numerous steep, energy sapping ascents and descents. The trail was rocky and progress was slow. I felt drained and tired. The Glen Aulin Camp was just a few miles ahead. It certainly wouldn’t make for a “big” day but I justified stopping early on the basis that I would be getting up really early tomorrow … Right?!?
ZENLIGHTENED VOYAGER 
Hi Hollywood! It’s Chances sister. I will meet you at Shelter Cove and you food and drink. I heard you’re really pounding out the miles right now. Keep going! 👊💪👯🦄
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Hi Kellie. Thank you for the kind offer. I’ll look and let you know when I expect to be there. Chance sent me your number so I’ll PM you. 🙂
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I could see loving the journey, the departure from the “real world.” And the sense of accomplishment. I couldn’t see doing that sort of mileage. But that’s me! I think your blog writing is excellent, you have a great, honest voice.
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Zenlightend,
Love the blog-great insights and pics.
A friend in town(Cascade Locks ) sent me this website, and I found your blog embedded within it. I live above the PCT in a cabin and have taken in hikers over the years. This year I am working on a pilot podcast that invites hikers like yourself to tell their story. Let me know if you would like to provide some input regarding said podcast. Also, you can camp at our cabin if you feel so inclined,
Send me an email at mattfitzoregon@gmail.com,
Look forward to meeting you,
Matt
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Warning: Tough Love Against Quitting Coming at Ya!
Okay there H’wood, every time you talk about quitting I want to drop in from a helicopter and pinch you. You are your own person. Got that. But what else would you be doing? Sitting around someone’s kitchen table, sipping coffee, talking about the thing you almost did? Hell, you haven’t had one blister yet.
Been reading these PCT journals for a while now. Yours is one of the best, don’t mind telling you. What I’ve noticed is that those who quit and/or even come back the next year often still do not finish (injuries and emergencies aside). That moment in their experience has frayed into a feeling of lost opportunity; like something important that should have been part of them has become a compromise. As my mother would have said, “they lost their mo!”
The ones that do finish in one hike-season have, at the end, a little joyful moment of longing. Classic “what’s it all about Alfie?” They miss life on the trail that allowed a precious disconnect: its layers peeled back to simplicity, friendship, beauty, truth. The refrain lingers. They are more than they were.
Try to reconnect with your posse for the comraderie. Try to remember what you started this journey for. Regroup. Own it!
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