Kennedy meadows mile 702

id like to thank chuck for getting my package to me at the last minute. it was good to see a familiar face after a long while. Otherwise i have intermittent internet, next update maybe in independence CA?

Tehachapi mile 558

Feeling great, have all my leg pains and blisters sorted out. Happy to have the hottest section of the desert out of the way, i was lucky to have cool weather passing through the mojave. Heres pictures, i will have justin update my blog when i get to kennedy meadows (start of high sierra) but dont expect picture updates for a while.

Agua Dulce mile 454

Staying at the Saufley's at Agua Dulce, after Wrightwood we went up into the San Gabriels and to the highest point of the trail so far, 9399 ft on Mt Baden-Powell, which had a spectacular view, into the desert and into the west, where smog covers the valley, this mountain range was a great one, few burned out areas due to a strict no fire policy, and had a good amount of water. The next section follows an aqueduct in the valley, which might be a good idea to hike at night. I have gained a bit under 5 lbs in the last section and plan to make it a few more while staying in town. I feel so fortunate to be doing this hike and am happy to meet all the people that make the trail the experience that it is.

May 11 mile 370 wrightwood, CA

Everything is going well here in southern california, a few people i know have gotten injured which is a sad thing but something that is expected for almost everyone, hopefully they will be able to get back on the trail. The San Gabriel mountain range has been my favorite so far, my only complaint is the lack of water, which came after a 20 mile 4500ft hike, which was one of the dryest stretches so far. I am going much too fast but its hard to stop for days in town when the trail is right there, im thinking i might take a small side vacation when i get to the sierras to allow some snow to melt before i head out. I am finally tanned and not needing of sunscreen, and my feet seem to have calloused to the point of no maintenance. Im having the best time and couldnt ask for anything more.

Hope everyone is well

www.walkforwild.org

Many sections of the trail i have found are in major disrepair, or not existent at all minus a ribbon on a tree or a cairn. Jeramy, & Serena, who thru hiked in 2008, i met and hiked with for 2 days, they have a website which links to donation for the PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association) which is the major organization for the trail, along with other wilderness organizations. Please feel free to check out their site. http://www.walkforwild.org/

Big Bear City mile 265

I got in with a group to do fuller ridge and it was very much blown out of proportion, there was a lot of continuous snow travel but the maximum slope was about 40 degrees, with the average being 10-20 degrees, the snow was soft and manageable, and if you did fall, you would simply slide into a tree at relatively low speed...anyways that is overwith, the trail after getting down san jancito was miserable though, the ground was extremely hot, and i ended up getting a lot of blisters after coming down, it was over 100 degrees in san gorgonio pass.

anyways, 8000ft descent, 7000 feet back up, and now its smooth sailing, the trail has been very mellow, temperature just right, and much more plentiful water. i feel very much in the swing of things. i have been averaging 20-25 miles a day, taking it relatively easy, by this figure i would arrive in the sierras early so im going to maximize my time in towns. anyways, heres pictures.