April 30: Trail Angel Mike's - Mile 144

Dear Thomas Family,
     Thank you for the kind card & birthday gift! It was very useful on our drive West and helped us start our hike out right.
     This morning, Karrie & I knew we were in for another hot day in the desert. But I was excited anyway, because first thing today we crossed our first county line & hiked through a large section of trail that my crew & I worked on last year. Our work is holding up pretty well! Some parts look even better, because wild flowers have sprouted up!
For lunch, we stopped in the shady oasis of Tule Spring. It was a nice break from the heat, but a lot of people were pressing on. Neither of us were too thrilled about the idea of facing the heat, but we followed the crowd, and hiked out anyway.
     A common phrase out here is "Hike Your Own Hike," in other words, everyone has a different way of of doing a trip like this. Hike your own way, and you'll have more fun. Karrie & I didn't even make it a mile away from the spring before the heat zapped us & we had to stop to seek shade. We slept for hours, happy to let the crowd pass us.
     We didn't get started again until the late afternoon We grabbed some water from a hiker cistern and dropped into Coyote Canyon, another spot where I had worked last year.
     We continued to mosey our way through the day and finally caught almost everyone at the last water cash. They all decided to hike even farther, but Karrie and I set our sights on the next campsite. Nestled between large smooth boulders we found some shelter from the wind, a high view and good people. We camped with Chili, Pepper, Kristin, Spice Rack (Brian), Tommy & Castle. Castle was an especially welcomed sight. Both she & Karrie hiked the AT in 2009 & had heard rumors that each other was on the PCT this year. Such a happy surprise!
     Love,
     Jake (& Karrie)

April 29: Warner Springs - Trail Angel Mike's, 18 mi

Dear Jen and Robbie-Poo,
     I miss you guys! How is your Spring in Atlanta? Hope everything is working out. Give Chip and Joy a hug from me, Rob!
     Jake and I just had everything a dirty hiker could ever want. And now that we're fresh and fed, all we want to do is hit the trail and add a new coat of dirt and sweat.
     Our ride back to the trail (by Little Brown) took the scenic route--passing by all of the first trail towns and water stops. We got to relive our first 100 miles in the fast lane. The beginning already feels like a long time ago--even the characters feel different.
     We set out from Warner Springs with 4 friends: Buster, Backup, Grit and Stride. Immediately, we found a flat meadow with friendly horses, some rope swings and a good amount of shade. Yep, I missed this.
     We climbed to the next Spring to get water and siesta. More folks piled in: Snapper, Chili & Pepper (a father-son crew who had also hiked the AT), Mr. RattleBee (Thomas), Speed Bump, Colors and Power Nap. Party at the water hole!
     By that evening, 22 hikers had caught us and we all camped at Trail Angel Mike's house. There wasn't much extra space. Scary to think there are still some 500 hikers even more densely packed just behind us. Maybe I should have gone SOBO? Onward!
     Lovelovelove, Karrie & Jake
     P.S. I love flowers.

April 2: Kick-Off (Zero Day)

    We decided to take another leisurely day at kick-off. Time to do some last minute fixes and put on some extra pounds.
     Every year this festival gets bigger. Last year, around 450 people attempted the PCT. This season 745 people registered! And every year the numbers are only bound to grow.
     This year is a great year to hike. Both for the lower hiker numbers and because a mild winter left us with little to no snow pack in places that are usually considered treacherous-ice-axe territory. That means that we are also experiencing record heat for this time of the year--another very real challenge.
     Kick-Off was a great break and it left us refreshed and even more enthused to keep on keepin' on. What an amazing hike this is going to be!

April 27: Kick-off! (Zero Day)

Top: Moondoggie, Little Dipper, Jake, Gidget and Randall  Lower: Lexi (dog) Alaina, and Andrew.

Gidget, Ridin' on E, & Family,
     Thank you so much for everything you did for us! Thank you for the rides, for all of the delicious meals, the showers, the laundry, the beds, the laughs, & the stories. We really appreciate how you welcomed us into your home.
     Kick off was a blast. The atmosphere was friendly & laid back. We enjoyed catching up with friends we hadn't seen in awhile & meeting a lot of new people. The talks taught us a good deal about what to expect from the trail this year in terms of water, snow, & detours. There were also some great movies (Jake & his trail crew were in the 2011 movie twice!) With all of the meals you made us & all of the food at kick off we may have actually gained weight!
     We're headed back to Warner Springs first thing tomorrow & all of the hype from this weekend has us antsy to get hiking.
     Thank you again for everything! We had a wonderful time staying with you!
Sincerely,
Jake & Karrie

April 26: San Felipe - Warner Springs, 18 mi

Flying high at Eagle Rock, just South of Warner Springs, CA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
     I know it's a day early, but this will be late by the time it gets to you anyway. I hope you had a great weekend of celebrating!
     Karrie & I celebrated by hiking 18 miles into town. It was rainy & cold, but a welcomed change of pace after all of the desert heat we've been through. About 5 miles before we arrived we walked through a large meadow & right past a heard of cows. They were huge compared to Wendy! We also saw "Eagle Rock," a significant landmark on the trail.
     Once in town we picked up our first package & hung out at the hiker friendly community center. They made us burgers, had a small store, & computers for us to use.
     Afterward, our friend Stride was kind enough to bring us along to a trail angel's home. Her name was Gidget, & she & her family treated us to an amazing spaghetti dinner as well as showers, laundry, and beds! It was a full day & an appreciated start to a weekend of recovery. We can't wait to see you on the 9th!
     Love,
     Jake & Karrie

April 25: Rodriguez Rd - San Felipe Hills, 20 mi

Reunited!  Jake poses with Pinky, a thru-hiker from 2011 who received Jake's trail magic at this same spot the year before.  She came to return the favor this year.

Patrick!
     Remember when we had that awesome trail magic party at Scissor's Crossing? Well, today the good karma was paid back at that same spot! When we arrived at the road we were greeted by Pinky & Dead Animal who offered us drinks, fresh fruit, & PIE!
     As we sat down & started talking I quickly learned that Pinky had stopped at our trail magic party last year & had come back to pay it forward! We had a great time telling stories about last year. She was the girl that passed out temporary tattoos & accepted the "gift" from that passing pick up!
     Pinky's trail magic was incredibly fortunate for us. This section is notoriously hot & today it was overcast. We had planned to hitch into Jullian for pie & some down time, but this gift kept us on trail. As a result we were able to hike 18 miles and made it up to the next water cash in the San Felipe hills.
-Jake (& Karrie)
     P.S. Our brushwork at Scissor's still looks great!

April 24: Pioneer Mall - Rodriguez Road, 19 mi

The sign by the water cistern at Rodriguez Road Crossing.

PELLET!
     Here come the trail names! Though Jake hasn't yet received a name, many-a-hiker are holding tight to their quirky titles. Last night we camped with Stride, Worry Wort (Double Dubs), Mr. Wizard, Weebe, Young Geezer, Clickie, Einstein, Old Spice, Sailor Jerry, Fetus and Beaver Cheeks. It was a fun bunch.
     Today we passed our first water caches. Water is starting to get scarce and the heat is only bound to get worse.
     At our last water stop on Rodriguez Road we ran into a bunch of hikers. "Like hobos round a waterhole" a lady hiker told us as she passed. She was right! Over 20 smelly hikers stopped to fill up and chat. Among them there were some 2012 PCTers--all hiking southbound to Kick-Off for a mini reunion. I quickly mentioned your name and they went biserk! Bubbles, Unload and many others wanted to know what you're up to and peppered me with questions. I can hardly wait to join your ranks. To Canada!
     Keep on Keepin on,
     Karrie (& Jake)

April 23: Cibbet's Flat - Pioneer Mail, 19 mi

Looking back at our early morning hike.

Dear Heather,

     Today was our most enjoyable day yet! After a refreshing swim & rest at Cibbet's Flat last night we were feeling ready for an early start. The first bit of trail we hiked was the section our crew worked on this exact week last year. It looks awesome! I'm proud to say all of our structures held up very well and have kept the trail looking prime.

     I was surprised to learn that the trail climbs out of the chapparel and into a forested area only 5 miles from Cibbet's. There was a nice cool breeze and plenty of shade; a welcomed change after the heat we've seen. We passed up the stop at Mt Laguana and took advantage of the great weather. As a result we were able to catch up with a lot of people that started the day before us. They are a lively bunch and we really enjoyed camping with them to tonight. We hope to stay near them and keep the good times rolling through Anza!

     Today felt a lot more like I anticipated hiking the PCT to feel like & was a huge boost to our spirits. I'm really excited about the next few days & starting to look forward to a delicious Jullian Pie!

   Wish you were here!

   -Jake (& Karrie)

April 22: Lake Morena - Cibbet's Flat, 13 mi

Jake enjoys the rope swing at the watering hole in Cibbet's Flat.

Dearest Dawn,

     Congratulations! I'm so excited for you and Jon and I am honored to stand beside you on your wedding day! Thank you for asking me!

      Your news lifted my spirits this morning. Which was great since we arrived at camp completely exhausted the night before. So exhausted, that we didn't have the energy to even cook ourselves a dinner.

      Today we started out with a pancake breakfast and a shower at the campground to ease ourselves in. We set our sights on Cibbet's Flats--a more moderate 13 mile trek. On our way, we passed under I-8 and completed our first two stream crossings successfully. The day was hot once again, but we got the chance to enjoy a large flowering meadow and a cold watering hole.  We miss you!

      Love,

      Karrie (& Jake)

April 21: Mexico Border - Lake Morena, 20 mi

Jake Baechle and Karrie Kressler (Little Dipper) stand by the monument marking the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail at the US/Mexico Border.  April 21, 2012.

Dear Mom and Dad Kressler,

     Today's the beginning! This morning we were taken to the Mexican border by our friend Allison. We whooped and hollered excitedly as we drove past hikers already making their way North. At the border our chatter was relentless!

     We met at least 10 hikers today. Everyone was friendly, but exhausted from the heat. We took an afternoon siesta to hide away from the sun and ran to the shade when we could find it.

     We chose to hike 20 miles to Lake Morena--a great spot to camp, but a HUGE day for our first day. And we did it(!), but along the way we saw a man get chased by bees and spook a rattler, we took a small detour, and we ended up hiking into the night. Despite all of that though, we are still incredibly excited to be out here. The views are epic, and the people are characters.

     We both miss you a lot! That you for being so supportive of us. We love you!  Karrie (& Jake)

US/Mexico Border

Jake poses by the one mile mark.  The mile markers aren't all like this.  This one was probably nabbed from Route 8, just down the road.

 

Welcome!