June 26: Deer Creek Campsite - Mammoth Pass Trail, 2 mi

Mama and Papa Gooch!
     How are you guys?! I hope you're still enjoying Steamboat! Jake and I are having a blast hiking! The PCT goes right through Mammoth Ski Resort, out here in California. There's also a ski patrol couple, Wildflower and Nips hiking with us, and this is their home base. We're psyched to be rolling in today.
     Last November, fierce winds blew across much of the Sierras causing widespread damage. These winds were unusually strong and gusted to more than 180 mph, toppling thousands of trees. In fact, the Forest Service estimated that over 10,000 trees were blow down. Access to and from the PCT was significantly cut off, especially around the Mammoth, and Red's Meadow Area.
     After the snow melted this Spring (and there wasn't much of it, as you guys will recall from Steamboat's light Winter), the Forest and Park Service, saturated the Sierras with trail crews to begin clearing the trail. Many early hikers were slowed by the down trees. We had perfect timing! We cruised through recent crew work. We also got to see our friends Elise and Patrick, who were members of the crews clearing the trail. AND we got to Mammoth on their days off. Triple letter score, Bev!
     After over a week without a shower, we were fairly desperate to get to town. We hiked out at Mammoth Pass, a four mile long trail to road access, and the only access point from the PCT to town whilst the tree clearing continued. But it was well worth it.
     Mammoth is a nice little ski down dipped in a Swiss alpine motif. Have you two been here? The people are very friendly, the food is very good, and everything is very expensive.
     We camped at an RV Park. There we could get showers, do our laundry, and charge up our phones without having to pay over half a hundred more for some walls.
     We gorged ourselves on food, though. And while we already had lunch, our friend Patrick offered to treat us to a second, and we just couldn't say no! Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Elevenses, Luncheon... Even with a fine free meal at Hot Chick's BBQ, Jake was eating donuts in the checkout line at Vons only a short hour later.
     Our evening ended with pizza, ice cream and then pancakes--perhaps already starting in on tomorrow's breakfast. The hiker hunger is back!
     I've missed all of this since the AT--the active lifestyle, the deprivation followed swiftly by pure appreciation, the solitude, the cravings... It feels great to be back out here.
     I hope you're still finding fun and creative outlets in your free time. Keep on keepin' on, and thank you for all of your constant support!
     Love, Little Dipper and Jack-Y-Bean

June 25: Mono Pass Trailhead - Deer Creek Campsite, 21 mi

June 24: Mile 862 - Mono Pass Trailhead, 18 mi

Hey Biedenbach's!
     We were thinking of you guys during our lunch today. Let me start off by giving you some backstory...
     Before Karrie & I started hiking we spent a lot of time planning food for the trip. We knew we would need to pack foods that would keep well, & cheese was one item we had a lot of questions about. So during one of our grocery store runs we asked an employee to give us some recommendations.
     After about 45 minutes of conversing we had learned a lot about cheese. Most importantly we learned the harder the cheese the better it keeps. (We also learned that cheese is safe to eat even if gets oily or molds, as long as you scrape off the mold before eating it!) With all of that in mind we purchased a very firm cut of Aged Assiago cheese for a package that we would not receive for over a month. We packed it, shipped it, & crossed our fingers.
     Well, we received that package yesterday & today was the day we would find out if it was any good. I'm more than happy to report that the Assiago was absolutely stinky & delicious! The combination of pepperoni, aged cheese, & an epic view of the Sierra Mountains made today my favorite lunch of the trip. As I raved about our meal Karrie started singing the Biedenbach Basement Cheese song. I told her that all we needed was a baguette & some roasted red peppers & we we would have a lunch that Uncle Denny would be proud of!
     Other highlights from today included having our thru-hiker permits checked for the first time by a friendly Forest Service trail crew & hiking over Selden Pass. The view coming over the pass was one of the best yet & there's a photo of it in the front of this postcard.
     We hope you are enjoying the summer weather & can't wait to see you guys in October.
     Love, Jake & Karrie

June 23: Evolution Creek Campsite - Mile 862, 11 mi

Hey Ryan F!
     How's life treating you? I heard you were up in San Francisco working with Apple; that sounds awesome! I hope you're enjoying it! I've been meeting a lot of people from the bay area recently on the PCT & they make it sound like the place to be.
     Today Karrie & I woke up excited to get to the Muir Trail Ranch where we had a package of food waiting for us. Since our packs were light we were able to cruise 7 miles downhill to the spur trail in just 2 hours.
     When we arrived at the ranch an employee quickly found our bucket for us. (The Ranch is so far backcountry that all packages must be sent in buckets because they are ferried across a lake & then carried in by pack animals.) Since we had packed our bucket 2 months ago, opening it now seemed like opening a time capsule. Even though we only needed a few days of food, we had loaded it to the brim! I was very happy with my past self!
     We hung out at the Ranch for a bit, & while we waited for our cameras to charge we played with their dogs, checked out the hiker boxes, ate food, & talked with a friendly couple that was also rummaging through a bucket.
     When we realized just how much we had packed, we decided we had enough food to hike out to some near by hot springs. It was a bit difficult to find but when we finally made it we were greeted by a really cool couple from San Fran named Nick & Lindsay. Nick designs & installs edible landscaping & Lindsay teaches environmental Ed. We all had a great conversation during our soak.
     After a big lunch we were ready to hit the trail again. We took our time knowing that we had already accomplished our goals for today & eventually made it to camp another 4 miles up the trail. Another big meal & we called it a night. It feels so good to be full!
     I know I probably won't get the chance to meet up with you on this pass through Nor Cal, but I'm planning to be out here again next summer for a wedding so maybe we can hang out then? Give me a life update sometime man, I miss you!
      -Jake (& Karrie)

June 22: Big Pete's Campsite - Evolution Creek Campsite, 19 mi

June 21: Mile 814 - Big Pete's Meadow Campsite, 18 mi

Dear Katherine & Ryan,
     Today was the Summer Solstice--the official first day of Summer, and the longest day of the year. So what is the most logical thing to do when you have maximum sun exposure? MAXIMUM SKIN EXPOSURE. Yes, today was "Hike Naked Day." The day to lather up on sunscreen and gold bond, and turn in your dirty hiker rags for the suit you were born in. Perfect activity for the fam. ;)
     We didn't see anybody. What a disappointment. Although, we weren't contributing to the festivities of the day either...can you blame us? We're at high altitude, with zero clouds, and zillions of of mosquitoes. So, rather than promote a strong new generation of those blood suckers, Jake and I opted to keep our frocks on. Still, we kept a vigil eye out for those who may have chosen otherwise.
     But today was exciting in another way. We got to meet a super hero and his sidekick. Clark Kent, is from Minnesota, go figure. We caught him and his buddy right after Mather pass. I'm not sure exactly why he was named as such, but I have my guesses which I'll tell you later.
     We also met a trail crew building a ranger station that had been knocked down in last November's terrible wind storm. These days it seems like every tree that fell during that storm, fell across the trail, but that's probably just hiker paranoia.
     Jake and I are loving the Sierras. I really hope that you both, and Dylan can come out and here sometime soon. How are you guys? Are you properly filling your Summer with festivals? Looks like Roller Derby is treating you as it should, Katherine--like a total badass. How are the wee ones, Dylan and Molly doing? Tell them we send our love.
     Lots of love and missing of you,
     Karrie & Jake

June 20: Mile 800 - Mile 814, 14 mi

MOZZIE AND DESPERADO!
     Hello trail friends! Did you two folks have a good time out West recently? I wish we could have run into you since we were so close--same country and everything! Luckily, and I'm sure you've heard by now, I ran into a good friend of yours instead: FLOYD! It was such an awesome and surprising encounter, and it made my day.
     We met him just after Pinchot Pass. Jack-Y-Bean and I were a few miles down when we approached a band of hikers.
     The guy at the end of the line instantly made us feel like celebrities. "Did you hike the AT?" " What year?" "What's your trail name..?" Floyd introduced himself with an explosion if energy and giddiness! He quickly mentioned your names and said that he had been hiking with the two of you when you came to California. He even had Thanksgiving with you after your hike on the AT. I remember reading the blog post!
     He said he'd been watching out for me, and treated Jack-Y-Bean and I with fame. We snapped a snazzy picture, exchanged some digits, hugged like we hasn't seen each other in ages, and parted ways, still beaming.
Jake and I are both super psyched to be this far. This morning we crossed mile 800 and we're cruising right along. The Sierras have been an epic landscape to walk through, and I can't believe it's taken me this long to get out and really see California. Heck, you two got to it before me too!
     I hope that I'll get to see you in person again someday soon. Jack-Y-Bean and I flirt with the idea of heading over seas on occasion and you are definitely on our list of landmarks.
     Hugs and trail mix, Little Dipper & Jack-Y-Bean

June 19: Vidette Mdw Campsite - Mile 800, 14 mi

Alex and High Trails Crew!
     THANK YOU THANK YOU!! We had a fantastic time with you and you spoiled us perfectly. Cozy house, scrumptious meals, and Planet Earth to the crunch of Rock Road was hiker heaven. You went well out of your way to help us and you knew exactly what we'd be craving.
     We hope that all of your Summer plans after High Trails are awesome. That you may be employed when you want to be, and free and easy when you're not. Alex, you MUST hike the John Muir Trail. It's our favorite section of the PCT. We haven't seen water that blue, trees that big, or mountains so striking anywhere else. Go, my friend, just go!
     Today, like any other day in this fabulous section, we began by hiking over a pass. Unlike the AT, the trail takes you up the mountainside more gradually, and only to the lowest high point called a "pass" to get you over one set of peaks and into another gorgeous valley. We summited Glenwood Pass today with our friend Histo, and then rushed down into the valley to jump into Ray Lakes. The water was freezing and refreshing. No regrets. Then, we built a sand castle on the lake's beach for the fun of it. This year the Sierra's lack of snow, requires less technical skill and lends more time for things like this. Class of 2012, we have it easy.
     Our day ended at mile 800 and the largest suspension bridge on the trail. No unicorns, but if they exist they live in these here woods.
     Alex, I'm really glad we got the chance to meet up again. I hope we get to you host YOU when we cross paths in the future. Sometimes it feels like a small world, with only a few people, and they're all good.
Thanks again and keep on keepin' on, Karrie & Jake

June 18: Wallace Creek Campsite - Vidette Mdw Campsite, 16 mi

ANDY!
     How are you brother?! What are you doing in Oregon? I still don't know the story behind your new job. I hope you're digging it though.
     Karrie & I are slowly making it up the PCT toward Canada. Today started out a bit rough after our alarm didn't go off & we woke up with our tent coated with mosquitoes. We broke down camp in a furry killing handfuls of mosquitoes between each action.
     Once we finally escaped & regained our bearings the day started looking up. Today we were tackling the highest point on the PCT, Forester Pass. It sits on the border of Sequoia National Park & Kings Canyon National Park at an elevation of 13,200ft. Having climbed Mt. Whitney yesterday I had expected the views to be realitively the same, but this climb blew my mind.
     We spent most of the day above tree line with the trail criss-crossing crystal clear creeks & sky blue lakes. The landscape reminded me of Iceland, so I of course thought of you & started hearing Sigur Ros songs playing.
     This pass is usually pretty tretcherous for thru-hikers because the steep cliffs are covered in snow & ice, but this year has been so dry that we didn't hike over any snow on the way up & only about 50 yards of the trail had snow on the way down. The incredible sights continued on into Kings Canyon with water running everywhere. I took a ton of photos today because every sight seemed to oust the previous one. After meeting up with some friends & eating dinner, we made it back down below tree line & camped next to a large clear river.
     Today was my favorite day yet on trail. I can only hope the Sierras continue to be this epic.
If you're going to be working anywhere near the PCT we should definitely meet up! Text me your schedule for the season if you get a chance. I miss you man!
     Keep living the dream,
     Jake & Karrie

June 17: Crabtree Mdw - Wallace Creek Campsite: Mt. Whitney, 4 mi

Hey Pops! HAPPY FATHERS DAY!
     I hope you had a great day at the land and visiting with the family! I wish I could have been there, but I'm also really glad I was able to call you from the top of Mt Whitney!
     Karrie and I have been hyped up about climbing this mountain for weeks now, and after spending a couple days off in Lone Pine staring at it out of our window we were feeling more than ready to hike it. We left our camp around 5am and began to gradually climb. In a few short miles we were above tree line taking in the beauty of Guitar Lake. (I personally think it looks more like cello, but either way it is awesome!)
     We filled up our bottles with crystal clear, ice cold, Sierra water and prepared for the trail to get a little more vertical. We moved rather quickly since we were able to leave 80% of our gear at camp, but every once in a while we would have to catch stop to let our lungs catch up with altitude. As the sun came up the views continued to expanded further and further. In the last few miles you can sneak an occasional view of the other side through the saddles of other mountains. The 360 view from the top was incredible. Mountain Peaks extend outward to the North and South and to the East you can see the small town of Lone Pine followed by desert hills and Death Valley.
     Karrie and I ate lunch, enjoyed the views, and of course took tons of photos. We also got to see our friends H-Bomb, Baro, Jangles and Mouse, who we hadn't seen for over a month. What a good place for a reunion.
     To top the day off, as we were rolling into camp that evening we crossed a lone buck standing in a meadow. It was the first deer we've seen this trip and of course made me think of you.
     I miss you Pops!  Love, Jake, a.k.a. Jack-y-Bean

June 16: Cottonwood Pass - Crabtree Meadow, 17 mi,

June 15: Mulkey Trail Pass - Cottonwood Pass, 5 miles

Hi Family!
     How are you? I hope you're taking advantage of your Summer cabin as you read this letter. Someday I'll stick around PA during the warm months and tag along too!
     Here out West, Jake and I are alive and happy! This morning we finished packing and checked out of the hostel. It's amazing how attached we've become to Lone Pine. All of the businesses know us by sight and by smell, especially the grocery store.
     After a few days in town it can be hard to leave. Finding a hitch, leaving your daily (possibly hourly) shower, going back to dried goods, having to walk instead of laze are all really unappealing alternatives.
     At times too, you want to get back to it--like a kid might look forward to the first day of school. You know it's going to be tough, but you've almost forgotten with all the time that's passed. You want to see your friends. Plus, you've got some new gear to show off, and some newly washed killer calves.
     Still, we decided to take our time. First, we trucked to the library to print out our schedule of town stops to look forward to. Then we grabbed some sandwiches, some ice cream, some items from the grocery's discount rack and finally set ourselves up on the corner to get a ride.
     Our first hitching attempt failed after about an hour. The sun was hot, and our spirits were wilting. We thought about getting more ice cream. But then we got lucky.
     Perhaps intrigued by our magic tricks as we reviled our stuck out thumbs to drivers in new creative ways, the owner from the wood shop across the street decided to approach us. His name was Marty. We gabbed for over an hour. He also offered to let us sleep in his RV parked in the shop's driveway, if we couldn't get a hitch. "It's open! Just jump in." He said.
     Our light-hearted conversation with Marty lended to our carpooling appeal, and we hooked a car. Hans, a robust Swiss man, now living in SoCal, was up in the Whitney area enjoying the big hills on his weekend and picked us up. We thanked Marty, almost wanting to stay, he was so nice.
     So far, this has been a beautiful couple of months. And today I found that it's about being in the woods as much as getting out of them. I've had the chance to see both a detailed and unconventional look at our landscape, and many examples of why people are good--offering rare and precious security in our very uncertain lifestyle.
     Most of all, this experience makes me appreciate my family, which is why this postcard goes to you. I love you and I miss you very much, Karrie (& Jake)

June 14: 2nd Zero Day in Lone Pine

June 13: 1st Zero Day in Lone Pine

Hello Marsh Family!
     Oh I miss you all so! I hope your Summer plans are in full swing and that you're enjoying some time off. Come to the Sierras for vacation!
     This morning we woke up in Horseshoe Meadow Campground. Do you know it? It's in the Southern half of the Sierras, South of Mt. Whitney, and 24 miles West and 7000 ft up from Lone Pine.
     Yesterday, we ventured off the PCT down the Mulkey Trail, near Cottonwood Pass, to see if we might catch a ride to Lone Pine. We were eager to resupply our bear bins and our stomachs.
     Luckily, in the morning we caught a ride with a couple, Karen and Frank. They had just camped at Horseshoe for the night and were now off to being their ascent of Mt. Whitney. We chattered on for the whole ride, removed rocks from the road, and tried not to get dizzy as we descended. They drove us all the way into town, through the Alabama Hills--farther than they originally anticipated. The couple was already running late for Whitney, but figured, what's a few more miles in a car? We thanked them profusely.
     Lone Pine is compact, hiker friendly, and attractive, with small, one-of-a-kind stores. The people are adventurous and quirky, and the landscape is a mix of extremes. I imagine some of you have been here before to access Whitney from the East side. What did you think of it?
     Well, we loved it! Once in town we went nuts! We hit up the Post Office for packages, the Library for Internet, the Grocery (at least 5 times,) Alabama Hills Cafe, the Laundromat, and finally the Whitney Portal Hostel for some snooze. We made and ate guacamole, pizza, biscuits, and many other things we shouldn't have with our bargain goods from the grocer. And sleeping on our backs, since our stomachs were no longer an option, we called it an early night.
     The Hostel is still at their preseason rate, so maybe we'll grab a room for an extra day tomorrow!
     Dan, I heard you had plans to climb Whitney again soon? Is this true? We just entered the Sierras a few days ago, and I am truly grateful for every view and awed by the natural beauty. We are already making plans to hike the John Muir Trail too.
     Keep on Keeping' On!
     Love, Karrie (& Jake)

June 12: Campsite 728 - Mulkey Trail Pass, 16 mi

June 11: KM Campground - Campsite 728, 24 mi

Hi Aunt Pat and Uncle Bob!
     How are you? Hope you're staying cool in PA. Sounds like its scorching hot everywhere right now and it might be a good idea to stay North, or head North.
     Our trip is going well. Canada is still a long ways off, but we're chipping away at the miles steadily. Recently we've been battling bouts of homesickness and hunger. Home-cooked cravings work their way into our daily lives constantly--especially your sticky buns, Pat!
     It'll be good to be home when we're done, but luckily, we have a few great people playing the part of caregiver out here while we're away. Today was one of those good days.
     This morning, Jake and I woke to a view of wide open sage fields, a jagged mountain skyline, and in front of it all, a HEAPING helping of cinnamon French toast. HEAVEN!
    The night before, we were invited by our trail friend Wildflower to join her, her family, her best friend Sammi, Nips, Histo and Snausage for some fireside feasting. Wildflower's fam drove out from Santa Cruz to treat their daughter to some homestyle livin' and set up camp just a few miles down the road from the Kennedy Meadows General Store.
     For us, mere stray hiker trash, they became our borrowed family and it was hard to leave. And it's a good thing for us too because 8AM this morning was, no doubt, a good time to be lingering around. Delicious!
     When we finally got going, we entered into the Southern Sierras. Now, after over a month in desert, we have lots of blue water, green meadows, and purple mountains to look forward to. Old sequoia trees, bigger than any trees we'd ever seen are all of a sudden commonplace. It feels like home! Not that the Sierras look like Pennsylvania, but there are mountains, trees and water and in abundance! Thank goodness!
     I'll be missing you at the Kressler family reunion. I hope you all have fun and I send my love. Be sure to eat a little bit of everything and think of me!
     Lots of love, Karrie (& Jake)

June 10: Kennedy Meadows - KM Campground, 2.5 mi

Chris, Jill, Oliver and Mona!
     Good morning! How is the farm? Are the chicken tractor and hoop house working out for ya? I heard your chickens are laying a lot of eggs!
     Right now, Jake and I are at the Southern end of the Sierras Mountains. We're staying at Kennedy Meadows, a small town that shelters hikers before they take on those really big peaks. We're excited to see the Sierras, but we are also happy to have made it to this milestone.
     There is a General Store that provides showers, laundry, hot meals and stocks hikers' other food fancies. And there are good people all around like Tom who runs an Internet Cafe, Hiker RV Rest, and Outdoor Movie Theater all by donation.
     This morning Jake and I had a large pancake breakfast provided by the store. It was only a dollar more for eggs, but Jake and I were feeling thrifty (or perhaps stingy and silly) and opted to save our bucks, for now. Mmm. We had more M&M pancakes than a hiker can handle!
Still, we put our heads together and decided for a little extra money, to buy a dozen eggs, and a stick of butter to fill out the missing part of the meal.
     We planned to get back on the trail around noon, but after 6 eggs a piece (as omelets, one-eyed Egypitians, and over-easies) and a French-size helping of butter, we needn't hike to get our hearts racing. We both lethargically laid out our sleeping pads and passed out.
Team Eggs, as a few would begin calling us, luckily bounced back after only 5 hours. We sluggishly hiked out 2.5 miles to Kennedy Meadows Campground. I had the Cholesterol Sweats--a factious name, but a very real feeling.
     Our saving grace was a bit of cardio and trail magic. At the campground we met up with our friends Wildflower, Nips, Histo, and Snausage. Wildflower's parents had made the trip out from Santa Cruz to meet up with their daughter and friends and offer assistance in many forms, including chicken faijas and GIANT smores. They were incredibly welcoming and generous to all hikers.
     From the first chicken to the last, we're really well taken care of out here. I am consistently awed by the kind nature of the community that lines the trail and the beauty of our world.
     Wishing you and all other yolks ;) the best, Karrie and Jake

June 9: Manter Creek - Kennedy Meadows, 8 mi

Jenna!
     Congratulations on finishing another year of high school! A lot of people say Junior year is the toughest & I know it was for me! I hope all of your finals went well, along with the ACT you're taking.
     Today Karrie & I made it to a town called Kennedy Meadows. I have been counting down the miles to this place for the last 10 days. It is a huge landmark because if you make it here you've hiked 700 miles & over 25% of the trail. It also means that the Southern California section is over & we don't have to hike through the unforgiving desert anymore! (YAY! Water!) The next section of the trail runs through the Sierra Mountains, which is said to be the most beautiful section of the PCT. We're stoked.
     The "town" of Kennedy Meadows isn't much to look at, but it does have everything a hiker needs. There is a general store that holds packages, offers showers & laundry, & has a small grocery selection. Attached to the general store is a grill where hikers can satisfy their burger cravings; Karrie & I had 2! They also had their town potluck tonight, which was basically a homemade all you can eat buffet... I'm still recovering from all the food I ate.
     Aside from the general store there aren't any other businesses in the town. There is a really nice guy named Tom who has computers set up for hikers to use & an outdoor projector that he lets us play movies on. Tonight the hikers opted for the movie Dirty Dancing. Of course! My one opportunity to see a movie, they decide to watch Dirty Dancing! I've already seen this movie more times than I'd like to admit thanks to you & mom, but I watched it again anyway. The hiker crowd comments made it extra entertaining this time around!
     I can't wait to hear about all of your summer plans, like what colleges you're visiting, where you're working, & how many times a day you're going to ride in the paddle boat! Tell mom & dad we say "hello!" Can't wait to see you again!
     Love, Your brother & Karrie

June 8: Spanish Needle Creek - Manter Creek, 25 mi

Hi Dowling Family!
     I hope you are all enjoying the summer! I'm guessing Dan is taking advantage of the great weather and hitting the golf course often?
     Out here on the trail, there are days when Karrie is feeling great, but I'm feeling tired. There are other days when I'm ready to hike big miles, but Karrie wants to take a break. Every once in awhile this amazing thing happens and we have a day when we are both "on." Today was one of those days!
     We woke up early at the base of a mountain & climbed all morning. On our way up we passed a couple from Michigan going by the names Duck & Willin'. We were all excited about our Midwestern up bringing & after some conversing I learned that Willin' has a lot of family in Canton! I'm looking forward to talking with them more & maybe making some plans to meet up in Ohio.
     Karrie & I continued on & despite the hills we were cruising and feeling great. We took an enjoyable lunch at a stream about 12 miles into the day. Since we were feeling so well we set a mental goal for 20 miles by dinner.
     A few hours later we had achieved our goal & started cooking up a celebratory meal. As we ate, some of our friends passed us & said they were heading on to a creek another 5 miles down the trail. Our day had been filled with great mountain views & we now sat in the middle of a barren burn area. We decided it would be worth going 5 more miles to camp with our friends next to water. As we made it in we were definitely exhausted, but feeling content to be surround by good people and to have accomplished so many miles.
We can't wait to see you guys this fall! We're already talking about this year's Octoberfest!
     Love, Jake & Karrie

June 7: Highway 178 - Spanish Needle Creek

A picture's worth a thousand words.

June 6: Mile 633 - Highway 178, 18 mi

Hey Michelle!
    How have you been? Are you enjoying life in Nor Cal? What are you up to?
    It's been a while since I've given you a life update so you may not have heard that my girlfriend & I are attempting a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. The trip has been great, but lately our journey through the desert has been kicking our butts.
    Today we woke up feeling a bit more optimistic because we knew it would be one of our last days in the desert. We were also in better spirits because we were hiking around some great people; a couple named Lotus & Old Spice & a woman named Weeds. All 3 of them are coincidentally from NYC, & that made me think of you. (I'm a little late on making connections since you're living in SF!)
Anyway, our morning went pretty well, but once the heat set in, we started dragging. Karrie & I knew we would cross a major road in the afternoon & if we were desperate enough we could hitch 37 miles down it to a town. It wasn't a stop we planned on making so it would definitely set us back on time & money, but it was an appealing thought...
    As we neared the road I noticed a couple of tarps set up in a campground just off the trail. A sight like this can't help, but make you hope for a friendly crowd that will invite you over to share a meal. Just then, Karrie shouted from ahead, "Jake! Trail Magic!" Upon hearing these words I went from crawling to trot.
    We made our way down to the tarps to find out that a wonderful trail angel named Okie Girl had laid out an amazing spread of food. There were cookies, pop tarts, bagels, soda, beer, & chips; she was even working on preparing dinner for all of us! As we settled into the scene we realized some of our friends that we hadn't seen in months were also stopped here taking in the hospitality! It was like a huge reunion party.
    Karrie & I decided 18 miles was good enough for the day & set up our tent in the campground. We spent the rest of the evening eating a delicious meal of pasta, corn, & brats while catching up with friends.
    I miss you! Let's catch up soon!
Much love,
-Jake (& Karrie)

June 5: Mile 611 - Mile 633, 22 miles

Dear Mojave Desert,

Good Riddance!

     You are beautiful, but you are cruel. Your lack of water is uninviting, your bipolar weather is obnoxious, and don't even get me started on the sand! The way it crawls into my shoes & burns my feet is straight up offensive. To be frank, I totally understand why the PCTA is having the trail rerouted around you next year.

     That being said, tomorrow will be our last day together. Then Little Dipper & I will be moving on to bigger & better scenery. We will do our best to only remember the good times we had with you. Your lovely Joshua Trees, epic sunsets & all of the trail angels who made our experience bearable will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Love/hate,

Jack-y-Bean

June 4: KARRIE'S BIRTHDAY, Juniper Tree Campsite - Mile 611

Hi Grammy and Grandpa!!

     How are you? I hope your wrist is doing well, Gram. How's the business, Granpa? Mark told me you guys put Lucy up on the pole! I bet it looks great!

     I have good news! Jake and I are alive and well and are now over 600 miles into our hike! This puts us only 100 miles away from the Sierras and over 1/5 of the way to Canada. We're loving every step.

     Today, Jake and I celebrated my birthday. And since it was my day, I got the reins, no questions. First, we slept in! When we set off it was about 8AM, we gabbed like it was our job, and took the morning miles with ease.

     About an hour into our hike we ran into Weeds, a lady hiker from Brooklyn. She had just seen a black bear head for her backpack, and even though she scared it off, she was glad to see us pass by--mostly to tell the story.

     We hiked together for a while and took our first break, passing mile 600 soon after. Water has been scarce on the trail, but today we were greeted by a well flowing spring for lunch, and continued to cross streams until the end of the day.

     By then, my birthday was the talk of the woods, all because Jake mentioned my getting-on-in-years in one of the trail registers. I felt like a celebrity.

     We ran through a swath of burn area to find shelter in some low bushes from an approaching storm. The change in weather is going to be much appreciated.

     I love you guys so much and miss you both a lot. Jake and I are excited to see you again. Love, Karrie & Jake

P.S. Just think, 2600 miles for my 26th year!

June 3: Under the Juniper tree to Mile 590, 20 mi

Dear Peter Sagal & "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" Crew,
    My girlfriend, Karrie, & I would like to thank you for putting on such a great show every week. We have been fans of the show ever since we met while working on trails in Colorado. Living & working in the wilderness kept us cut off from the news. So once a week, while we were in town picking up groceries, I would download the Wait Wait Podcast. Then we would listen to it with the crew during the ride back out of town.
    More recently, Karrie & I have been hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. Today we were having a difficult time hiking through the desert heat. We were about 12 miles in & I was trying to find something to motivate us, but wasn't having much luck. Then I proposed playing some Wait Wait shows on my iPod. Karrie liked te idea & after rigging the phone to my pack & pressing play we were off!
    The humor of the show completely lifted our spirits for the rest of the evening! It was a huge help. As soon as we get to the next town I'll be downloading more & hopefully someday we'll make it out to Chicago for a live show!
     Thanks again, Jake & Karrie

June 2: Willow Springs Rd - Juniper Tree Campsite

Hi Jerilyn and David!

     How are you!? Thank you once again for hosting us on our way out here! We really appreciate everything you did and had a GREAT time. What a good way to start off this trip. And now we're flying!

     This morning we woke up in Tehachapi, CA. My friend Plugger from the AT had met up with us the day before and we all decided to get a room for the night. We adored the shut-eye. The heat of the Mojave Desert has been so unforgiving and has thrown us off of our sleep schedules quite a bit.

     By 7AM we were in full stride. Jake bought some breakfast sandwiches & Plugger & I had breakfast in bed. Ah, what a life!

     We all got ready for the day and Jake and I were back on the trail by noon. Because Plugger had a car, we were able to hide some water at the next road 8 miles away, to lighten our load. We also resupplied the water caches that were already there. I can hardly wait until there is water everywhere on this trail!

     We said our goodbyes and were ready to head for the shade of the nearest tree. But the weather was surprisingly cool. So, we started a unplanned leisurely hike across a windfarm.

     At the road where we had hid our water cache, we met a man named Ray Peeler from Lancaster, CA. He told us he was on a tour of the world from Lancaster to Tehachapi. He gave us a lot of good life advice. He even offered us a soda. Cool, fun dude.

     We hiked up the next hill where we had a great view of the full moon rising above the wind farm. It was still really windy, but we found a juniper bush to cowboy camped beneath. Maybe our friends coming out of town will catch us soon.

     We hope your move goes well! And we hope you both enjoyed your 1 year anniversary. We were thinking about ya. :)  Lots of love, Karrie & Jake

P.S. Remember those cheeses and sausages we bought at World Market of all places? Well, they are the best we've had out here yet--better than stuff that's only a day old. Mmm. We have one left, and we near worship it!

June 1: Tyler Horse Canyon - Willow Springs Rd, 17 mi

ADRIAN!!!

     How are you dear? How's Boston? Hows Mike? Oh my Love, I miss you!

     Do you remember a jolly man with a white beard named Plugger? He's a friend of mine from the AT, and we hiked Rickett's Glen with him two Summers ago..? Well, he gave me a call when he heard Jake and I were coming out to hike the PCT and wanted to meet up with us. And today was the day.

     This morning, Jake and I set our alarm for 4AM. It gets earlier everyday in the desert, and we were dreading it. Some choose to night-hike to escape the day's heat. So at 3AM, we woke to a slew of headlamped hikers tromping through our campsite, which was also one of the only water stops for 25 miles in each direction. They were pretty loud, and even though there were over twenty of us camped out, they didn't seem to notice. One guy even got lost on the top of the ridge and was yelling down into our ravine "HEY! HEY! AM I LOST?!" for over half an hour.

     Okay, so we're up at 3AM and out before 5AM. Maybe it was for the best. Remind me to thank them...later. We hiked quickly, racing the sun to town. Luckily, most of our climbing was done on the western side of hills, and so we were able to hold onto the shade as long as we could.

We got to the road only 5 minutes before Plugger rolled up in his car. What great timing! It was great to see my old friend again, and this was the first time he met Jake.

     He had driven over 4 hours to meet up with us and help us in town. He took us to the grocery, and out to BBQ--Red House BBQ is amazing, by the way, and if you ever find yourself in Tehachapi, CA, this needs to be one of your stops. For dessert, Jake whipped out a cake that he had stealthily bought at the grocery to celebrate my birthday early. It couldn't have been better. That night we all got a hotel room at the Ranch Motel and spent the evening catching up on stories and finally catching up on some well needed sleep.

I'm having such a great time out here, Love! I miss you and Mike. Hope I get to see you for the holidays when Jake and I come home!

     Lots of love, Karrie (& Jake)