July 30: Braatens, Belden - Chester, 21 mi detour

Hi Uncle Ken & Aunt Rox!
     Karrie & I have so much to thank you for! First, a long overdue thank you for the Calendar & Farmer's Almanac! Also, thank you for sending us your SPOT, & now a huge thank you for your donation to our hike! You guys have been looking out for us so much & we truly appreciate it.
     Yesterday as Karrie & I made our way down the trail to a town called Belden, we saw a fire burning on the next mountain. We soon learned there was a forest fire on the PCT & that the trail was closed. This was disappointing not only because we would have to road detour around this section, but also because we would be missing the official mid-way marker at mile 1325.
     Road walks can be rather miserable because they are hot, unshaded, & generally less scenic, but today ended up being great! It started off with a delicious breakfast at the local cafe with our friends Swiss Army, Lunch Box, & Caveman Express. From there Caveman, Karrie, & I started down the road, which we quickly learned was lined with Blackberry bushes! A trail lined with free food is basically a hiker's dream come true, so we stopped often.
     We were soon caught by our trail angel friend Becca who was out on a bike ride. She offered to keep us company on our hike & show us which way to go when the road forked near the Belden dam. The company was great, & just about the time she turned back another great friend of ours, named Gut Feeling, caught us. The 4 of us had a blast talking & hiking side by side up the untraveled dirt road.
     The detour eventually took us by Butt Valley Reservoir which despite its terrible name, was actually quite beautiful. (We also had fun taking pictures with the sign!) Once past the reservoir we made our way into a town called Chester to celebrate our completion of the first half of the PCT! The 4 of us went to an awesome 50's style diner & feasted on milkshakes, burgers, & bottomless fries. (A thru-hiker never passes on a chance to eat unlimited quantities of food.)
     Even though we didn't get to see the mid-way marker, today ended up being one of my favorite days of this adventure.
     Thank you again for all of your generosity! We can't wait to see you guys at Kyle & Kelly's wedding! Karrie is excited to meet you!
     Love, Jake & Karrie

Thank You!

     Thank you for all of the support we've received over the past few weeks!
     People came out of the woodwork--even complete strangers have stepped up to help out Jake and myself. We are on this trail to have an awesome experience. We've had some tough obstacles, but we have great drive, and we've had a lot of good people surrounding us.
     WE'RE GOING TO MAKE IT! We will! We love every step, and are becoming better people for every one we take. Thank you, thank you for encouraging us in your own way.
     Jake and I are working on posting some updates! We appreciate all of those following us, so we'll give you something to follow!
     Keep on keepin on, and keep in touch!
     Love, Karrie

July 29: Clear Creek Campsite - Braatens, Belden, 10 mi

Heya Stephers!
     This morning Jake and I got up early and booked it to Belden. It's always exciting to get to town (even if its only a single building, which Belden evidently is) AND we were stoked to get your package!
     On our way down, we spotted plumes of smoke rising from the opposite slope, beyond town, and where the PCT takes on the next hill. Then we heard the helicopters. A fire, started near or on the PCT, had set flame to over 20 acres of wood, and was still growing (a day later it was up to 300+ acres, and as I write you this it's 5000+). But that's another story!
     We made it into Belden and retreated to the Braatens to collect our bearings and YOUR BOX! The Braatens are Trail Angels, and some of the best. They own a split house (half for hikers, half for them) just a mile outside of town. They'll pick you up, let you shower, give you fresh veggies from their garden, let you borrow their hip 70s clothes while you wash yours and much more. We had access to a kitchen stocked with food, and beds! It was like having a home again. Sometimes it's just nice to have a place to put your stuff, even if it's only a backpack full of gear that only makes sense to you.
     They gave us our box from you and we tore it open anxiously! You sent us OUR first postcard on the trail! Thank you! Local PA food too! Did someone tell you how perfect that would be? The Popcorn Budda was divine--so good. I wish I could buy stock in the company. Jake waited a LONG half day to devour his jelly beans. Nearly too good to resist!
     For the day, we rested, ate well, hung out with our friends (Gut Feeling, Caveman Express, HeeHaw, Swiss Army, and Lunch Box) and looked lovingly at the items you sent us. The trail may throw fire in our path, but we've for good friends like you and the strength to make it!
     Hugs and Trail Mix,
     Karrie (Dipper)

July 28: Campsite Mile 1256 - Clear Creek Campsite, 23 mi

DYLAN!!
     How are you, bud? We miss you! Jake and I are having a great time hiking in California. Do you know where that is?
     Today, while we were walking, we had fun talking about our favorite movies. We don't get to watch movies very often out here. So we tried something else...
     I have seen the movie Aladdin so many times, I have the whole thing MEMORIZED, from start to finish! So, I recited the whole movie (and I even sang all the songs) for my friends. Everyone really like it and said it was like watching the movie. It was a fun way to make the day fly by.
     Do you think you could tell the story of Cars from memory? I'd love to hear it when I get home.
     School is starting soon, are you getting excited? I love you and miss you, and can't wait to see you!
     LOVELOVELOVE, Aunty Karrie

Later that day, Jake told us about Cool Runnings. "Fine, stay here on the island. We're going to Canada!"

July 26: Spring Mile 1205 - Duck Soup Pond, 27 mi

Hello Star Family!
     I hope your Summer is going splendidly! Have you made your trip up to Cooperstown, yet? Thank you for having me last time! It was so wonderful to relax and play with you. Now I'm hooked!
     You guys got me addicted to puzzles and games. Now I buy thrifty board games by the dozen, and fawn over folks Boggle and Cribbage Sets. I even play when there's no one to play with!
And so, to the family who masters every game they play, and plays them everyday, I present: PCTopoly!
     Jack-Y-Bean (Jake), GutFeeling and I enjoyed creating the latest version of Monopoly with a hiker twist. Our game has every hiker racing to get to Canada. Money is replaced with food items, with $1 Snickers bars all the way up to the $500 Moutainhouse. You go to town instead of jail, utilities include essentials like TP and fuel. Hotels are replaced with tents. And with four tents on a space you get an outhouse!
     We spent an afternoon coming up with chance cards like, Tailgate Trail magic! Collect 5 Ramen" or " Surprise giardia. Go to town" and throwing around ideas to link pack weight to the number of dice each person can roll. We have lofty plans of creating this version to present to the PCT's lightweight and innovative gear challenge at next year's reunion kick-off, for fun. I hope we win, or at the very least get to play a couple rounds! ;)
     I'm having a great time out here, and hiking North fast! To Canada!
Hope all is well!
     Love, Little Dipper (Karrie)

July 24: Peter Grubb Hut - Mile 1187, 24 mi

July 23: Middle Fork American River Headwaters - Middle Fork AmericanRiver Peter Grubb Hut, 21 mi

Hi Grandpa & Grandma!
     I hope you've both been enjoying your summer! I've heard the Ohio weather has been even nicer than usual this year.
     Karrie & I had a very dynamic day today. We woke up to a short thunderstorm this morning followed by light rain off & on all day. Since it was only our 3rd rain experience so far on the whole hike we didn't mind it much.
     Even with the clouds we had great views of Northern California. We crossed over 2 ski mountains & hiked along a ridge for 9 miles. Along the way we saw a lot of cool volcanic rock formations.
     Around dinner time we hiked underneath Interstate 80! This was an exciting landmark for both Karrie & me seeing how it passes by both of our homes on the other side of the country. There is a rest area near this part of the highway, so we took advantage of their sinks & outlets. We called home, cooked dinner, & talked with I-80 travelers. (One kind truck driver even gave us some food! Possibly because he thought we were homeless... but hopefully not.)
     After dinner we hiked another 3 miles to the Peter Grub Sierra Club Hut to sleep. Unlike the Appalachian Trail, the PCT generally doesn't have shelters for hikers to utilize so this was a special occasion.
     We entered through the winter door on the second story by climbing up a giant wooden ladder. Inside we found a large space where hikers could sleep. On the first floor there was a wood stove & a big kitchen table. There was also a variety of magazines & journals scattered about the place. I came across one that was a collection of letters Peter Grub had sent his Grandfather in the late 1930's. In them he talked about various hiking, climbing, & skiing adventures.
     I enjoyed reading them & of course felt moved to send you two a postcard about my adventure today. Maybe someday 75 years from now someone will read our collection of postcards & feel moved to write their grandparents as well!
     Karrie & I can't wait to see you & the rest of the Dowling family in October!
     Love, Jake

July 22: Richardson Lake - Middle Fork American River Headwaters, 21 mi

YETI!
     How's school?! Are you still in Louisville? Have you passed along the bicycle polo team to Kentucky, or any other progressive athletics?
     I'm writing you in the middle of another one of my extensive athletics, out on the PCT! My boyfriend Jake and I are almost halfway done with our trek. I can eat like a killer whale, I've got calves as hard as bricks, and my clothes will never be clean again. It's awesome.
     But...today we met a nice man, with a crazy wish. He told us he hadn't had a rainy day on the trail yet, and was honestly, looking forward to his first.
     We, on the other hand, have had two too many. The first was in our first week. We woke up to a windy, chilling rain and exhausted ourselves hiking hard to heat up our internal motors. The second time, we hiked timidly through ruins of an arsen fire that in the mist resembled a post-apocalyptic zombie zone.
I appreciate variety. But rain?
     Yeti, we remember rain in Maine. It only takes a day for it to get old, and cold. Wet socks, pruney skin, Never dry and always damp. We don't want to go back there, do we?
     Today was beautiful--hot even. We climbed a few ski mountains, and had sick views all the way through. We made good miles, and felt healthy.
     Then in the middle of the night, it hit. We were camped near the top of a ridge. Rain was spattering our belongings inside and thunder was vibrating the ground up through our toes. We bunched up our sleeping mats for extra insulation, and squatted in lightning position until we both had severe Elvis leg. To pass the time, in-between deafening strikes, we talked about other times we were caught in storms, and survived--trying to stay positive and distracted.
     Finally, we heard the storm pass, and Jake and I looked at each other to confirm: This is not a dream. We are still alive!
     At least, in the end, we have someone to blame, AND the flowers that I love so much got a little bit of rain. ;)
     I miss you Yeti! When are we getting together next?
     Lots of love, Dipper

July 21: Dick's Lake - Richardson Lake, 11 mi

Dear Plugger,
     How are you, my good friend? Jake and I are thinking about you a lot out here. Hoping that your leg is healing just fine. We also reminisce about our Tehachapi stay quite often. Ahhh...Red House BBQ...Finger lickin' good! The timing worked out so perfectly! It had been too long since I saw you last, and having you there improved our town time tenfold.
     Now it's been a few more months, and Jake and I are more than twice as far down the trail! I don't think we told you, but Jake just recovered from a bout with salmonella that brought our hiking to a halt for a solid week around mile 1100. Not even halfway, Jake malnurished, and me losing my drive, we wondered if we could finish.
     BUT TODAY MARKS OUR 3 MONTH ANNIVERSARY OF BEGINNING THE TRAIL! Two more months to go and we're back on trail with new passion!
We rejoined the PCT at mid morning. It felt so great to be reunited with the trail! It's like an old friend now.
     We took it easy, and hiked 11 miles to Lake Richardson for dinner. A sweet girl named Gut Feeling and the two of us decided to hop into the warm water, but despite the welcoming temperature it was super mucky. Jake lost a camp shoe and came out dirtier than he went in. I know he wishes our first day back on trail could have been easier.
     But we'll be fine! I still can't get over that we've been out here for three months. It feels normal. The trail is beautiful, and the views may not come easy, but they'll just keep coming. I'm so excited about all we'll see in Oregon next.
     Stay young, stay fun.
     We miss you! Dipper & Jack-Y-Bean

July 20: Back on Trail!

Thanks to Trail Angel Sara from South Lake Tahoe, Jake and I are healthy and back on the trail! We spent the last three nights with her, her dog Jackie-boo and a slew of other hikers. We're so glad we get a second chance to make it to Canada! ONWARD!

July 14-20: Recovering from Salmonella Poisoning

     Six days ago I woke up 17 miles from Echo Lake with a fever. Karrie & I had plenty of food so we knew waiting it out for a little while wouldn't stop us from making it to the next town. But as the day went on I wasn't getting any better. In between bouts of sleep, & Karrie's care-giving, we considered our options.
     1) Take a few Ibuprofen and start hiking back toward Echo Lake and hope someone with a boat could give us a ride before we made it all the way back.
     2) Wait for it to pass and hope I feel so much better we can just keep hiking like this never happened.
     3) We had reception. We could call for a medi-vac airlift.
     Option 3 would virtually end our hike financially & logistically, option 2 didn't seem to be working, and option 1 wasn't sounding too appealing to me. Around 3pm Karrie and I decided it was time to make a decision.  We noticed as the day wore on that a number of hikers had passed by near our campsite. We were tucked away, but close enough we could overhear an occasional conversation.  Karrie noticed that a group of three woman who stopped to sun themselves close to our camp were wearing daypacks.
     Day hikers meant there was a much shorter route to our current location than the 17 miles we hiked in!   Day hikers were our best ticket out of here.  Karrie went to the shore to pay them a visit and find out where they hiked in from. While she was gone I prayed and prayed that she would come back and tell me it was only 3 miles. Then I could just pop a few pain killers and drag myself out of here...
     Karrie returned with vitamin water and 2 Tylenol. Apparently the 3 women she had spoken with had hiked in 5.5 miles and had offered to carry my gear out for me if I was up for the hike; they also had given her the Tylenol and drink. I knew this was the best option we were ever going to be given so I told Karrie I was good enough to give it a shot and to thank these amazing ladies. Helen, Jolie, and Liz packed up our camp and divvied up my gear & by the time they were done I was feeling the best I had all day. Since I rarely take any medicine the Tylenol & caffeine were as good as morphine to me!
     We hiked slowly and some parts were easier than others for me, but we made it out! By the time we got to the car I was feeling pretty rough, but we still had so much to do. Correction, Karrie, had SO much to do. She found me some medicine at CVS, looked up the hours of the Urgent Care, and booked us hotel, all while I sat in the car feeling weak & pathetic.
     I spent much of the next 48 hrs in the bathroom & was really worried that I had somehow contracted Giardia. In between bathroom visits & sleep I managed to ride the bus to the urgent care & see a doctor. Upon hearing my symptoms he immediately asked what I had to eat the day before I came down with the fever. When I said Grilled Chicken, he nodded & told me I probably had Salmonella Poisoning. The thought hadn't crossed my mind until he told me it was a possibility, but the symptoms made sense.
     Karrie & I spent 3 nights in hotels while I was feeling particularly miserable. The cost was starting to hurt us financially though, so we started asking around to see if anyone was feeling generous enough to host us for a few days. We were lucky enough to be put in touch with an incredible trail angel named Sara. She picked us up in town & welcomed us into her home. Karrie, me, & 5 other hikers spent the next 3 days living with her & her German Shepard Jackie-Boo.
     As I finally started feeling better I began slowly eating "normal" foods again & walking around town. Today (a week later) I'm finally ready to hit the trail again!
     This experience has been exhausting physically, emotionally, & financially for both Karrie & myself. Because of our situation we decided to add a "donate" button to our blog. We're hoping we still have the budget to make it to Canada, but it's going to be tight. Any contribution you feel generous enough to offer will go directly toward feeding us.
     We are now a week behind schedule & will need to make up for lost time in the months to come. We feel exceedingly greatful for the opportunity to finish this hike. We already feel that the hike has changed our lives & helped us grow as people & we believe it will continue to do so over these last 1500 miles. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts & prayers.
     We love you all,
     Jake & Karrie

July 12: Echo Lake Resort - 2 Miles Passed, 2 mi

Dear Grady Family,
     This morning Karrie & I found ourselves in the town of South Lake Tahoe with a huge "to-do" list. Our goal was to get back on the trail at some point today, but first we needed to sew some clothes, mail our bear bins home, & pick up some more fuel from the hardware store.
     During my visit to the post office I ran into Old Spice who told me him & his girlfriend Lotus were getting off trail. The two of them have been great company on the trail so I was really bummed to learn what had transpired, but in retrospect I am also just glad I had the chance to see him & talk with him one last time before he caught his flight back to NYC.
     Before we had completely finished our list of chores we had a fellow hiker (who was in town letting his ankle heal) offer us a ride back to the trail. It was too good to pass up, so we took the ride back up to Echo Lake Resort where we figured we could still get a few things done at the general store before hiking.
     Back up at the lake we saw a lot of familiar faces, some coming into town & some leaving. (Weebee, Tangent, Holstein, Jawbone, Yoga, Gourmet, etc.)
     As we waited for our electronics to charge we met a gentleman named Michael. After having a great conversation with him, he invited us over to his family's BBQ. It was a large gathering &      Michael introduced us to everyone; including his wife Kathy! Their names of course made me think of you guys! This Mike & Kathy were also wonderful & incredibly nice. They fed us tons of food: chicken, corn, baked beans, watermelon, apricot cobbler, fresh veggies, & cookies, & then they told us to take some with us! We traded information & they sent us off with good wishes & prayers of safety & success. We had a great time & the whole event reminded me & Karrie of our family get-togethers.
     We hiked along side Echo Lake as the sun set. The cabins here are only accessible by trail or boat & have a great rustic look. We only made it a few miles in before we set up camp for the night feeling well fed & happy with the productiveness of our day. We're keeping our fingers crossed that it doesn't storm tonight & we can put in some solid miles tomorrow.
     Can't wait to see you guys in October!
     Love, Jake & Karrie
P.S. Tell Ryan congrats on his great races! I can't wait to hear more about them next time we get together!

July 6: 23 mi

Hey Chris!
     It was great to catch up with you the other day! I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your summer fishing & working outside at the new golf course.
     Well I told you I'd send you a postcard about an exciting day & today was about as exciting as they can be! When we woke up our campsite was swarming with mosquitoes so we decided to quickly pack up & hike a couple of miles down to Wilmer Lake to make breakfast. Karrie & I are usually talk while we hike, but in the mornings we try to be quiet incase we walk by people who are trying to sleep. As we rounded a switchback, Karrie stopped & pointed. I assumed she was pointing out a tent so I would continue being quiet, but as I scanned the trees I quickly saw that she was pointing out a huge black bear! This is this first bear of the trip & at only 50 yards away it was the closest I've ever been to one. In my excitement I let out quiet gasp, but that was all it took. The bear realized we were there & took off running in the opposite direction! I have never seen a living thing move so fast in my life. It tore through the woods leaving a thick cloud of dust behind it. So wild!
     After making it down to the lake & eating some granola we started hiking again. The mosquitos started getting really bad so we picked up our pace. The trail was flat so we really cruised. We made it 12 miles before lunch & stopped to eat at Lake Dorothy. It was amazingly blue & we wet our feet in water as we ate.
     Soon after lunch we began our climb up to Dorothy Pass. This pass marks the end of Yosemite National Park. We have spent the last 3 weeks in 3 different National Parks. We briefly celebrated the milestone but were antsy to get hiking again because had an even bigger one coming up... MILE 1,000!
     There isn't anything at mile 1,000, just a small bridge & the number laid out with sticks, but it is really exciting to make it this far. Thru-hikers often sing the song, "I would walk 500 miles, & I would walk 500 more..." for fun & irony at this point too! Haha
     By 4pm we had hiked 20 miles for the day & made dinner near a stream. Since it was still early we decided to hike another 3 miles. On the way we came across our friends Ninja & Freestyle. Freestyle offered us some hot chocolate & told us about his hike across New Zealand. At the end of the day we set up camp on the side of a mountain with a beautiful view. Should be an excellent spot to see the sunrise tomorrow.
     I can't wait to see you in October man! If it's warm enough still we can do some fishing, & no matter what the weather there will definitely be some card playing!
Keep being awesome,
-Jake & Karrie

July 4: Glen Alum - Meadow Mile 968, 22 mi

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

July 3: Tuolumne Meadows - Glen Alum, 6 mi

Travis!
     Today I, Little Dipper, broke my spoon. And sadly, it didn't happen in an admirable way--under a mound of peanut butter or a scoop of ice-cream. No. Rather, I ungraciously broke my spoon while gently stirring my morning oatmeal.
     But it seems fitting that I should have a little spoon; Little Dipper has a little dipper! Plus it's ultralight!
     This trip is going swell! We just got into Yosemite a few days ago, and it's gorgeous! I wish we had some harnesses and shoes to take advantage of this rock climbing capital! Ho hum.
     Hope you're enjoying tramping around France! Send some word when you get back across the pond.
     A bientot! DipperDooWaa

July 2: Yosemite Valley, 0 mi

Hey Jeremy!
     How's the training going brother? Karrie & I are both stoked about your qualifying for Vegas! Wish we could make it out there to cheer you on, but we'll be finishing up the trail in September. You know we'll be there in spirit though!
     I was thinking of you today when Karrie & I took a quick bus ride down to Yosemite Valley. The PCT goes through some beautiful parts of the park, but misses the most well known section where you can see Half Dome, El Capitain, & the falls. Since we weren't sure when we would ever be back in Yosemite, we decided to ride down to see it all. It was awesome; a bit touristy, but definitely worth seeing.
     When you told me you hiked up Half Dome over the summer, I had no idea how huge of a feat that was! It sounds like quite the adventure! You'll have to tell me about it again sometime now that i have a little better perspective. I guess the Park Service recently started limiting the number of hikers on Half Dome to 300 people a day due to high traffic. A few thu-hikers were able to make the list & climb it as a side trip.
     I was stoked to learn a lot about one of my personal heroes, John Muir, at the visitor center. The Yosemite, Sequoia, & Kings Canyon National Parks basically exist because of his efforts! Crazy. I can only dream of changing the world on that scale.
     So what are your plans after you turn heads at the race in Vegas? We should make some plans to meet up again sometime soon!
     I miss you man!
     -Jake
P.S. Tell Annie we say "Hi!"

July 1: Campsite Mile 920 near Thousand Island Lake - Tuolumne Meadows, 23 mi

Good morning Bruce and Linda!
     Today Jake and I hiked to Yosemite! The terrain was a little rough at first, (what are the Sierras without a few passes, right?), but the last stretch was long and flat. As we came down from Donahue Pass, we followed a shallow meandering river all the way into Tuolumne Meadows, complete with a few grazing deer and a blue bird blue sky.
     Dawn told me that this is where your cross-country bike trip began, Bruce. Good choice! I hadn't been here before today, and had no idea what made it the ideal location for a park, but I was eager to find out. We passed dozens of weekend backpackers--folks with big backpacks, brightly colored clothes, surrounded by clouds that smell like soap. All of these people can't be wrong!
     Then it started to unfold. Gray jutting rocks, the size of buildings began to emerge, towering over large plentiful meadows. Large sequoias--bigger than most trees I've seen, are normal here.
     We are heading to Yosemite Valley tomorrow to get a peak at Half Dome, El Capitain, and Bridal Veil Falls, but for tonight, this ice-cream sandwich, ahem... These two ice-cream sandwiches (they're called "It's-it's" from San Francisco. Have you heard of them?), and a good night's rest will do just fine.
     I hope everything is well back home! I really need to hear Lethan tell your story again soon. It'll be an enjoyable and easy way to come back to this place before I make the trek again myself.
     Lots of love to you and the family, Karrie