When we last heard from our Hero, he had crossed into Canada and took his picture at the finish line! He came home and rested almost a full two weeks. He has a small section of the Pacific Crest Trail that he needs to finish to be an authentic "through" hiker, beginning at Echo Lake (near Lake Tahoe) at PCT mile 1094.5. He has until April 17th, 2011 to finish this portion, however if he didn't go now he'd have to travel through winter conditions. He chose to get on the trail this week.
His first plan was to get on the trail Tuesday, October 4th, but the weather worried him. Echo Lake had rain and snow Tuesday, Wednesday, and part of Thursday. Thursday morning Dave announced that we could leave for the trail that afternoon.
We began our trip to Lake Tahoe around 3:00 pm, Thursday, October 6th, and found a motel there around 10:00 pm. It was a long drive and we were both exhausted. The morning came way too soon. It was 37 degrees when we left the motel at 8:00 am. We grabbed some breakfast and when we got to Echo Lake it was already 57 degrees - perfect hiking weather! It was sunny with just a few clouds.
I hiked with Dave for about 2 miles. He had gotten used to running into other hikers on the trail, or hiking with them, and was not looking forward to being alone on this trek. Most, if not all, of the PCT hikers are past this point. It was tough leaving him. He is still sore, even with two weeks of rest. He has a nerve under his left clavicle that was bothering him in Washington, and it was there again today. The pack is just not sitting right on him now. Since he's lost weight, the pack has shifted. We tried adjusting it, but nothing seemed to help too much. I offered to take him back home, but he is determined to complete every step of the PCT.
Dave and I said our goodbyes and he headed off. As I hiked back my spirits were lifted because I kept running into hikers! 13 in all passed me in those two miles. While Dave is around Echo Lake, I'm sure he won't be alone for at least some of the time.
I had a long drive ahead of me, so I got in the car and began driving around 11:30, making my way back to Duarte. As I approached Monrovia, Dave's Spot came in. That was 6:46 pm. He got to his camp before I got home!
Tonight, Thursday October 7th, Dave is camping at Dick's Lake at PCT mile 1109.5. He made 15 miles today. He had originally thought he'd make 23 miles, but after looking at the elevation (over 2000 feet up), he decided to be smart, get slowly back into hiking, and stop where there was water. There is some water concern along this part of the trail, but with good planning, Dave should never run out of water. With the moisture that these mountains just got, he's in good shape water wise.
Although Dave was reluctant to get back on the trail, this is something he felt he had to do. Amanda and Dave O, Dave really appreciated your texts that you sent. I'm asking everyone, in the next couple of weeks, to send him a text or two. Nothing more than that. He won't always have phone signal, but when he does, the encouragement from the texts really helps. Since he's basically alone for this part of the trail, I know he'd love to hear from his family and friends. His number is 626-241-6407.
Trail Angel Jane
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