There is an evolution of pain. Calves to hamstrings to knees to feet. Today was 25.4 miles. We lost most of the elevation we gained. The trail was easier, might I suggest fun? Until the last 6 miles which were a lot like walking across sharp rocks up and down hill. It was cooler today, which was a blessing (Thanks Uncle Rob for the weather). I switched from my smart feet insoles to my regular insoles and it was night and day. I have blisters, I'll live. We've ended up right by a 500 gallon water cache with a wind break and flattened camping spot. I may have finally figured my solar charger out as well. Things are coming together. However, when I stop I still walk like a tin man. Every morning I wake up excited about the day, every afternoon thinking how much it sucks. The blog support helps.
Update on Caleb: He is alive. I haven't burned his tent. He has mentioned Alaska over 10 times, Washington almost as much, but he keeps telling people he is from New Mexico. he just asked me if I think we are overeating. Is that possible?
-Brandon
how are the chuck mauldins coming? i bet they're AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteBrandon, I work with your mom at Madison High School. I'm Steve Yost's brother. I only found out yesterday that you're on the PCT which just kills me since I saw you about a week or so ago when you dropped by your mom's class. I did the PCT 20 years ago and I would have loved to have talked to you about it before you left.
ReplyDeleteLet me tell that I feel your pain. The Scissors Crossing area laid a hurting on me, too. The truth of it is, which you guys have already discovered, the desert is just tough to handle physically and the constant blowing sand wears you down mentally, as well. Hang in there! Eventually it will all be but a memory and you'll leave the hell furnace and go to heaven, i.e., the high Sierras (just keep repeating to yourself as you walk, "Kennedy Meadows, Kennedy Meadows, . . ."). I know it doesn't seem like it now, but later on some of your strongest, best memories will come from surviving these first 600 miles.
Caleb, I agree with you about the mild irritation that the trail name thing produces. I think that's more of an AT tradition, anyway. Just skip it if it bothers you. I succumbed to peer pressure and took one on the AT, but was glad to leave it behind on the PCT. It always felt awkward to me, too.
Guys, I've got you locked in on my browser bookmarks now and I'll be reading this blog religiously from now to the end. I can't tell you how excited I am for you. Even if circumstances force you off the trail earlier than you may have planned, you'll always be glad you attempted this. Hopefully as you read this, your morale is high, but if it's not for some reason, just hang in there. The depths you endure in the first month will be more than compensated by the highs you'll experience later.
ps. Brandon, I'll get your list of mail drops from your mom and try to send y'all something on down the trail.
pps. Just a request--I know for most of your readers it won't mean much, but I'd love it if you'd throw in a few place names when you do your blog updates. I can picture your situation better that way.
My comment - Greg Yost, Caleb Church, and Brandon Blevins are my heroes.
ReplyDeleteI like the mountain man beards that are beginning to take shape ;)
ReplyDeleteHey Sweetie, Well how was your day? Many snakes? I took Spencer to the airport this morning. It is weird not being able to pick up the phone and call when I want too. You know how I like to have my way. Both of you gone at the same time. Bonnie Jo has to deal with me talking more to her! I miss you.
ReplyDeleteHang in there with the walking.
Love you,
Mom
The snake picture is creepy! Love the beard!
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you!
Love,
Mom
I know it is easy to say and hard to do, but enjoy the scenery. I have never walked as much as you have, but I always walk to enjoy the scenery and the forests. The excerise thing for me is just a good side benefit.
ReplyDeleteGood luck
dad
Sounds like you guys are making pretty good progress. watching for any hint of zombie infection. the first sign i think will be lack of a post
ReplyDeletegod murdock, the zombie infection would miss them, as they are so isolated. unless the infected come from the government facilities located in the surrounding areas up the trail. in any case, i dont think theyre prepared...
ReplyDeleteFalse Micheal, I am always prepared for the zombie apocalypse.
ReplyDeleteGreg, thanks for your encouragement. I cant believe you did this over 20 years ago. It almost feels like cheating now with all the new advancements in gear and communication since then.
DTBB, yes I am very proud of brandon's beard. I still have a couple months to go before i am in uncharted territory.
Greg - this is Brandon - we will start offering updates of where we are at. We are at Warner Springs right now. I'll send captains so Miranda can post with the photos. Wrightwood, Agua Dulce, and Tehachapi (we think) are the next stops for us that aren't immediate.
ReplyDeleteMichael - hiking can do nothing but prepare you for the zombie apocolypse
Caleb, I doubt it was that much different 20 years ago. The only thing I really envy you are the water caches that apparently some folks are leaving now. I never had any of those and wish I had. Oh, yeah, I also wish I'd had the cool LED headlamps. I read so many books with a flashlight in my mouth--what a pain.
ReplyDeleteBrandon, look for something from me in Agua Dulce.