A Special Thanks To You

My kids wanted me to post a something special for those quiet, unsung, behind the scenes folks who help hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail.  As most of you know by now that my Daughter and Son-In-Law completed nearly 1500 miles of the PCT this past spring and summer.  This post is a tribute to those who help hikers by means of water, food, and shelter.  Following in no particular order is a pictorial of some of these folks they call...

TRAIL ANGELS

"We are so grateful for all you do for the hikers on the PCT and forever thankful for having the pleasure to have made your acquaintance"

THANK YOU ALL!

Legs & Powerhouse

All Good Things...

Must come to an end as the saying goes and unfortunately for our hikers Legs and Powerhouse, the saying comes earlier than anticipated and with much sadness.  The wildfires of Northern California were the first to detour the pair as they lost hundreds of miles of the PCT to the north.  Being forced off the trail the pair had to hitchhike west in hopes to move further up north and around the wildfires.

Catching a ride off the PCT 

***********

My last post found the hikers coming out of Yosemite Valley and on their way north.  Here are some shots as they made their way along the trail north to Tahoe.

Having to detour the trail in northen California, our hikers hitched a ride into Oregon where they took up the trail again heading north to Crater Lake.  Spot fires kept them moving north with some hikers being forced off the trail entirely.  Nearly 4 months and having hiked nearly 1500 miles of the PCT at Big Lake Oregon, and reports of fires ahead in the Breitenbush area, Amy and Allan are forced off the trail.  Below are some pics of the camp spot we met up with them at Big Lake in the Willamette National Forest about 50 south of the wildfires at Breitenbush and where it was decided to postpone any further attempts to continue the hike.

Fave pic of my granddot!  She's growing up soooo fast!


We're sad they had to end their trip soon, but very proud of what Amy and Allan have accomplished.  It's also nice to have them home!

The Sierra Nevada's

Shown above is a topical map of the Mt. Whitney area and the black circle represents where our hikers Legs, Powerhouse, and Treble are currently located.   The last Spot.com locator reading I received showed them on the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trail ascending Whitney at the 12,000 ft level.  Today they should reach the summit of Mt. Whitney at an elevation of approximately 14,498 ft above sea level.  I hope to have pics to share soon. 

****************************************

Their last stop and layover was in Kennedy Meadows California, population: 200, elevation: 6,427ft.  Here they took a couple days off from the trail to rest and let blistered feet heal.

Kennedy Meadows General Store...

Like back in the Old West Days (less the late model Fords, lol)

Horse and/or human troughs...

Ahhh yes, just like the Old West.

A hefty bear track on the trail reminds that we are in "Their" neck of the woods.

"Powerhouse" seems not be phased by the 600 + miles trekked.

Lookin' like a Aussie in the Outback with that stash!  Aye Mate!

Yet again, another one of those wonderful souls who provide a quenching drink for those thirsty hikers...

Mary, shown above with Amy, provides water at miles 616 and 631.

The PCT has taken them along the east slope of the Sierra mountain range with temps slightly milder than those of the Mojave and the foothills ascending into the Sierras shown here with virtually no shade or trees to shelter one from the sun. 

Small streams like this one helped to cool the body and quench the thirst.  As you can see, trees are now beginning to show.

A great spot is found to set up camp with plenty of fire wood, shelter from the wind, and a place to spend the night.

I hope to bring you more pictures soon of our hikers and the trail as they head further and further into the Sierra Nevada's.  700 + miles of trail behind them.  Here I'll leave you with a glimpse of the summit at Mt. Whitney and what they will be seeing soon.

14,498 ft.