Tag Archives: Steve Halteman

Zhujiajiao

(July 10, 2015) The canal town charmed. It’s narrow stone alleys delivered commerce to buildings long architecturally forgotten. Period men in conical hats propelled their boat oars with a nifty hand twist. Atmosphere drizzled. The locals had long ago tuned into all this. All was on our offer. All at half price. In the fish nibble foot massage tanks two fish died after consuming toxic detritus under my toenail.

Foot Massage

Foot Massage

Enough, for me anyway. “Come on Fly.”

“Where we going?”

“Left.”

I picked a pathway heading away from the canals. With strides tourism snapped back at the end of its leash. Life returned unprettily. Building techniques declined. Chickens. Laundry. “Daddy what are we looking for?”

“I don’t know.”

“Then how we are we going to find it?”

“I’ve been trying to figure that out for a long time.”

A pause. Quiet. Then she reached for my hand. I took hers. And we kept going.

"Where are we going, Daddy?"

“Where are we going, Daddy?”

Six Weeks in China

(July 10, 2015) A six week trip to China. Without itinerary or destination. Companioned by my 12-year-old daughter variously known as Fumiko or Fly. A few stories and photos from the journey to family and friends. The idea being not to get rusty in the written word department. As I am in the midst of writing a book to be called “The Death Q” which chronicles a 750 mile hike/trail I hope to open up near Death Valley. So I’d jot down a few short stories about China and call it a day.

Till my friend Cirina Catania caught wind of my plans. Cirina has faith in the beauty of the Internet. She proselytizes powerfully. This website “Stories from Steve” is essentially her creation. Without it my PCT through hike in 2013 would be undocumented and well into the process of memory deep fade. Her idea was to post my China dispatches here on “Stories from Steve.” I couldn’t find any harm in that. So here they are. I hope there is entertainment in at least a few of them.

Wrap Up and a Call for Action

Steve moves up and over a pass on his 2013 hike from Mexico to Canada via the PCT

Steve moves up and over a pass on his 2013 hike from Mexico to Canada via the PCT


Well it’s been a week since I finished the trail. I’m back in civilization kind of. Celebrated my 50th in Vancouver as envisioned. And not. Orbit was there as were a bunch of others that were unexpected. They turned the evening/morning unpredictable and outrageously fun. I couldn’t have asked for better.

Orbit is now back in New York. The boys are still plugging away on the trail. And I find myself in Seattle getting ready to catch up with an old friend. Then back to Costa Rica. Emotionally I’m very glad to be off the trail. As are my knees and feet. At the same time there is a sadness. I miss purpose driven days. The constant push toward a far-off day. And I miss the members of my club. A city is a disconnected place and I am aware of that. To duck back into the forest and keep going an active urge. But as always, onto the next.

My thanks to all of you readers who came along for the hike. It was gratifying to know there was interest in what I had to write. My apologies for the challenges presented by my off kilter style and atrocious grammar. I’m glad you were able to wade through it for the most part. As to responding to comments, I fell behind on that but am trying to catch up. Unfortunately there is a computer glitch that is preventing me from responding. Cirina is working on that.

A mild suggestion and probably out of line. But here goes. Near the end of the hike I came to this thought. If you can, find private greatness in your life by achieving something significant. Something that is meaningful to you and can only be reached with applied struggle. It can be physical or nonphysical. Public knowledge or private. Just a goal that you have to bust your ass over time to get to. When you pull it off it’s yours forever. It can’t be taken away. The source of a smile in hard times. Your own life prestige.

Encouragement from the kids of Escuela Verde

Encouragement from the kids of Escuela Verde


Finally I wrote this blog to raise funds for Escuela Verde in Costa Rica. If you enjoyed it, and can find it in your heart, please make a donation to the school. However small. 100% will go towards the operation of the school and your karma will soar. Thanks again to Carpenter Zuckerman and Rowley for their continued support throughout the hike. And more thanks to Cirina for making a bunch of scribblings into a blog.

Have a great and important life one and all.

Steve Halteman
Hiked the Pacific Crest Trail – the PCT – in 2013
For the Kids of Escuela Verde

If you’d like to help out and donate, please click here!

Day 124 – September 3, 2013 – I say hello to the second half of my Century and cross into Canada!

September 3, 2013 28 miles mile 2660+8

Awoke at the end of a half century. Tried to come up with some deep thoughts but my constitution interfered. Rolled out and headed for Woody Pass online apotheke kamagra kaufen. Steadily up and then a sharp drop through the crumblings of overhead peaks. Switchbacks and then a long traverse to Woody Pass. Here were the landslides that had been warned of the previous 30 miles. “Stock not to pass. Hikers use extreme caution. 15 mile alternate trail available.” As is often the case they were anticlimactic. Some nimble maneuvering and they were part of history.

Can't get enough of these inversions

Can’t get enough of these inversions


Cloud sneak

Cloud sneak


Didn’t break stride heading up Woody Pass.
Moving up toward Woody Pass

Moving up toward Woody Pass


The traverse to Woody Pass

The traverse to Woody Pass


Took a break at the top and let the view soak into my pores. Also continued my food weight reduction plan. Then on to a 7,000 foot summit nicknamed playfully “The Summit.” Worked the camera and was off just as Orbit showed. Last chance to hike together. All downhill to the border. In high spirits, as we were both ready to be done. But more than that, a plan hatched long ago was about to be realized. Credit to Orbit for that.
Border marker

Border marker


Canadian border security

Canadian border security


Ran into a number of northbounders bouncing back to Hart’s Pass after touching the border. For whatever reason not heading on to Canada. No envy there. The last miles slowed. Whenever you really want something it tends to walk away. And then it was there. You knew it from the voices. A group of through hikers was already gathered. Fellows of ours, but also strangers. A beer was put in my hand. I smiled and tried to make a celebration out of an anti-climax. I sat back and started eating as usual. Three wood posts, a metal marker and a straight borderline sliced through the forest marked the end.
Birthday boy

Birthday boy


Campo's distant twin

Campo’s distant twin


Orbit arrived. We high-fived and hugged. The crowd filtered off. We sat alone trying to figure it all out. This was a random point in a forest. Not a fitting climax like the big Mount Katahdin climb at the end of the AT. Finally we came to this. The PCT had given all she had to give. Incredible beauty 90% of the way. She had nothing left. She was worn out at the end like us. And that made it all alright. Orbit crossed into Canada for the 8 miles to the trailhead in Manning Park. I hung back and performed some private abdulations as I had promised. Then I stepped into Canada. Officially a through hiker. Yeah baby once again.
Follow the border

Follow the border


Ultralight

Ultralight


The last eight miles into Canada were utterly forgettable. Comparable to going for a jog after an ultra marathon. The trail was plain. The clouds broke and dumped. I was done, but Canada had some instruction about done. Definitely the worst part of the entire PCT. I stumbled on, for crappy miles still must be hiked, regardless of motivation. Finally left the trail and went into my head. Into the joy of having just walked 2,660 miles. The eight ground by.
Orbit on the Summit

Orbit on the Summit


Caught up with a staggering Orbit right at the end. “That was horrible,” her only comment. Another mile on the carless road. Mecca. The lodge. Two women coming the opposite direction. “You hiker trash just finish the PCT?” “Yep.” “Here take our beers, you need them more than we do.” Welcome to Canada. Checked into the lodge for rehab. Took care of details. Dreams shattered with a broken hot tub. Okay, then dinner. “Sorry we’re closed.” ” My friend, I’m 50 today and we just walked from Mexico.” “For that we reopen the kitchen and free beers.”

Birthday dinner on Orbit. Carry out to the room. Dinner on beds, mesmerized by a horrible Tom Hanks movie. Storytelling already out of fashion. Then to bed with thoughts. What will the second half-century be like? Two things for sure. It will involve a certain CDT and another known as the AT.

Steve Halteman
On the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking the PCT for the Kids of Escuela Verde

If you’d like to help out and donate, please click here!

Day 123 – The last time

September 2, 2013
40 miles
mile 2640

Pools

Pools


Up at first light with a stomach well rested. Began the climb to Cutthroat Pass with the scent of the border strong in my nose. The day was grey to begin, but an unusual reason for it appeared with elevation. A massive inversion was presenting. Basically when the sky falls into the valleys. Soon we were observing mountains herding cotton. Most of our morning was spent jumping into, swimming through and climbing out of this cloud pool. Great fun.
Inversion

Inversion


Made our way through the Labor Day crowds for the first 10 miles then the PCT returned to a solo pursuit. The jagged cascades continued their show and I began to contemplate the end of all this. It will be okay. I am wore out and ready for a rest. A new lament has entered the picture. My heels have begun cracking. Each heel strike painful. A bed and hot tub in Manning Park (the end,end of the trail) pull me.
From Cutthroat Pass

From Cutthroat Pass


Cotton

Cotton


Just before the dive

Just before the dive


20 miles by 1 o’clock. A good time for lunch at the pass I happened to be on. A quick chat with Orbit and she is off, practicing for a speed record whose seed has already been planted in her consciousness. Joined at lunch by Picks Up Stones. No water to be had there so looking forward to streams on the descent. Not to be, as the trail turned upward to an endless procession of climbing switchbacks to yet another pass 1,000 feet higher. To me, and semantics, this renders the first pass a non-pass. More of a lull before the true pass. No water on the way up. At the top I learned it was another two miles to a spring. What to do but pop in a suck pebble and make tracks.

A spring so cold you can’t guzzle. I loaded up, as the literature claims this is the last water for 26 miles. Began the slow descent to Harts Pass along exposed ridgelines. Ran into a guy showing his girlfriend where he had killed a deer last year. A different kind of flowers. At 30 miles arrived at the Harts Pass host cottage. Had a good chat with the caretaker as he doled out leftover trail magic. Learned that Orbit was 15 minutes ahead. Then he spoke of the difficulty southbounders face starting early in the season. Mainly this is due to US border restrictions. Northbound is relatively straightforward. Apply to the Canadians for a free border entry permit. Carry your passport and walk into Canada. Southbound is a different ball of fish. You can’t enter the US from Canada on the PCT. Thus southbounders must hike the 30 miles from Harts Pass to the border, touch it, and turn around and come back. In a big snow year your imagination will explain the difficulties.

Mountain or cloud

Mountain or cloud


Closer

Closer


Stream after stream did I cross until I gave up and dumped the extra two liters I was carrying. So much for the dry stretch. Climbed high within range of a fire observation tower. Picked up a Native American radio station for a new perspective.
Toward the end of 40 miles

Toward the end of 40 miles

Cruising along charting a sunset so strong that I couldn’t tell if it was backlighting clouds or mountains. One last climb and then down the Devils Backbone in the dark. A distant glow a magnet for the double dinner I planned to cook. The familiar Blaster was set out at Shaw creek. Took care of water collection and soon couscous and ramen were on the boil. Entertainment was the back and forth of the stories of the day. Old-fashioned and superior to current methods.

Set up my tent and made my bed. The realization a whammy. The last time.

Steve Halteman
On the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking the PCT for the Kids of Escuela Verde

If you’d like to help out and donate, please click here!

Day 122 – We meet the legendary Anish and devour Doc’s brownies

September 1, 2013
26 miles
mile 2600

Clear skies mean cold as there is nothing to trap the earth’s heat. This knowledge came to me in a shivering way. Learned on day 122 that your tent also can serve as an extra blanket. Education through necessity. But I’d say a little late. Still it made the difference. Awoke to a correction. Arriving in the dark allows one’s imagination to dictate the scenery. Thus I imagined we were snug up against the river as I could hear it clearly. Went to collect some water in the morning and met the reality of light. We were on the edge of a canyon, the river far below. Neat.

Hi bridge ranger station and package delivery center

Hi bridge ranger station and package delivery center

Off quick, as the success of the day rested on catching the 9 AM shuttle into Steheekin. Was back to three mph so the six miles were not an issue. The only hazard being an aggressive squirrel who threw pinecones from ahigh at every passing hiker. The maniacal laugh following each throw didn’t help. Rolled into the Highbridge Ranger Station with plenty of time to spare. The station now appeared to be more of a private home. Nonetheless there were two packages innocently waiting on the front porch. The morning sun spotlighting their importance. Orbit and I laughed at the perfectness that life can sometimes be. Way to go to Jill. A plan that worked.

We tore into the packages. With my passport and permission papers I was now good to enter Canada via the PCT. On to Doc’s package full of brownies, photos and heartfelt messages to each of Orbit and Sons. The highlight being a Doc In The Box. (Currently unavailable in stores.) Kisses Doc, who, by the way, is back in med school and finishing up. The prelude to what will be an unusual life I hope. We sat in the sun and ate the brownies as they warmed. And decided that Steheekin was in need of our brief company. The 9 AM shuttle in, the 12 back out. Plenty of time then for the necessary miles in the afternoon.

Red magic bus

Red magic bus


The red retro bus was on time, and we sped at well above three miles an hour into town. Stopped at Rainbow Falls to have a look for gold. Then to an extensive organic garden. There I enjoyed the preferred destination of my second half century, a finely crafted rocking chair. And then the stop of stops, the bakery. In the eight minute layover Orbit took care of our immediate calorie needs, while I ordered a pick up pizza for lunch on our return journey. Has anyone ever heard of a $51 pizza? If interested, proceed to Steheekin. Which we did shortly.

The village is tiny and set on a 50 mile long lake. Immediately we ran into Bob from Ithaca, who I had picked up hitchhiking in a borrowed truck way back in Mojave. He was off trail now and just up for a hang out. He shouted beers and we headed over to the campsite for a chat. But before that I popped into the general store and bought a little foot love. The REI stocks went into their namesake. A good conversation with Bob. He spoke of the frustrations of teaching biology in intercity New York where policing trumped education. His relief at retiring still palpable. Another goodbye. Another bus ride.

Picked up our pizza topped with diamonds and headed back to the trailhead. A woman sat down next to us. “Are you guys through hiking?” “Yeah.” “Cool.” We talked a bit about hiking. She was very knowledgeable. I asked her if she had done the trail. “Yeah I did it this year and 2005.” “Wow we didn’t see you, when did you start?” “June 3.” The dawning of awareness. “And you’re finished now?” “Yeah.” It could only be one person. Anish. This speedster who finished the trail in 60 days and broke the record. Of course she was out for a day hike with her boyfriend. Some people just can’t get enough miles. An instantly likable person.

The speedster herself, Anish, who averaged 45 miles a day for two months.  Think about that one.

The speedster herself, Anish, who averaged 45 miles a day for two months. Think about that one.

A brief report of her hike. She slept 5.5 hours a night and walked the rest of the time. Eating on the move. She listened to no music, and took a total of two ibuprofen in two months. After finishing she slept 15 straight hours and then felt fine. She did it for her own enjoyment as there is no award or prize money for breaking the record. Finally, she was of the opinion that Scott Williamson (who passed me going south) was shooting to get the record back. What a lucky break for us to have met her.

Doc's brownie bake

Doc’s brownie bake


Orbit was quiet as we tore into the pizza. The whirling obvious. “I think I could do it.” “Probably you could if you didn’t stop to boil coffee.” Stay tuned. The giant ham croissant, two Mountain Dew’s, a similar sized bacon croissant, brownies, two chocolate milks, beer, two scoops of ice cream and multiple slices of pizza anchored me to the table. Don’t know if the eating disorder that afflicts all through hikers has been formally diagnosed. If not it should be as its elements are quite simple. If there is food you eat it.

At two it was time to go. Right. I heaved up, judging my pregnancy to be at about seven months. I was working my way up to 2 mph when I rounded a bend to see Orbit pointing. “Rattlesnake. No disasters this close to the end.” I waddled cautiously by. The heat and the kicking begin to get at me. Early labor. Off trail quick. Whew, glad to be rid of that. Now it was time for miles. Except that it happened again, and again, and again. Seven times in all. I spent more time in the bush then on the trail. The blaster overworked and exhausted. The PCT keeps knocking me down. I pop up and say is that the best you got? Knocked down again. Okay, that was better. I’ll stay down longer in the count. Repeat the mantra. September 3, September 3, September 3.

Another tortured bridge

Another tortured bridge


Eventually there was no more fertilizer. I was empty. Cautiously picked up speed. Found Orbit in the dark. Her headlamp fading. Together we pushed on to snowy pass. At a trailhead parking lot full of Labor Day cars, we put two and two together. It was late. The camping spots ahead were probably full with the occupants of these cars. Here was flat. Here was a toilet. Here one could start in on leftover pizza secure in the knowledge that comfort was nearby. So I lay down and ate myself to sleep.

Steve Halteman
On the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking the PCT for the Kids of Escuela Verde

If you’d like to help out and donate, please click here!

Day 121 – Low energy, pain, bad attitude. Time for an adjustment.

August 31, 2013
35 miles
mile 2574

First glacier to sunrise

First glacier to sunrise


The river, impotent to sweep us from our perch, was reduced to creating a racket that ruined morning conversation. The immediate future was no mystery and I was eager to tackle it. Left early, snagging huckleberries along the way to distract from the nature of my work and thirst. After an hour, Orbit caught up. She relishes steep uphills. They fill her void. Her thoughts, “It’s a good pain I like to explore.” The mysteries of the youthful. We came across a through hiker camped in the middle of the trail. Under these slope conditions it made sense.
Me, moving across the meadow amphitheater

Me, moving across the meadow amphitheater


Finally topped out in a massive meadow amphitheater. The trail was eroded deeply and ran narrow. The growth crowded in. The result was a narrow shuffle that involved a lot of tipping and tripping. Each time a surprise as the path is not visible beneath the brush. I guess in the end it is all north. Then the mornings switchback mirror reflection going down. Orbit pulled away as I dragged. Low energy and knee pain. Back-and-forth I went feeling like a penguin in an offbeat video game. My spell broken by a large black bear coming up the path. At 20 feet we kind of stunned each other. My inane and exact comment, “Hello big mister bear.” Maybe it was my odor but he/she yielded and headed uphill with a snort. For sure it was my reek, because the flies that had been harassing the bear, abandoned for the greener pastures of my body.

Wild raspberries began to appear regularly further slowing me. I kept pushing to no avail. I was running out of steam. Came to a shortcut. The old PCT went one way, the new another. The new added 5 miles. Not today. The reality of old trails is that they are not maintained. And so it was. The shortcut was an obstacle course of downed trees and washouts. Nothing to do but play the game. At 1:30 I emerged to a river and a wide sandy hot plane. Thirteen miles in seven hours was not cutting it, but lunch was paradise. Hot and dry, my desert returned. Everything out of the pack to cook. I peeled down and watched the mold curl off my body.

Blue skies in northern Washington

Blue skies in northern Washington


A tree fell over

A tree fell over


650 years old

650 years old


Table set for one

Table set for one


Shortly Orbit took off, obviously concerned about my slow progress. As was I. With calories I was able to think again. My problem was three-fold. 1. low energy 2. pain 3. attitude. Time for adjustments. 1. I was still eating like I was hiking low mileage so I would start eating more like a hog than just a pig. Perhaps, if I had to go into Steheekin I could make up my food losses. 2. I hurt. So I started taking three Aleves instead of two. 3. I was hiking like I was injured, which is slow. The trekking pole had been great, but now it had become a crutch. I gave it back to Orbit. The knee wrap I took off. No longer was I injured. All three done at lunch. Test time. 3 o’clock.

Bridge after the desert

Bridge after the desert


Crossed the glacial river over a log and tried to follow the last of the shortcut to rejoin the regular PCT. The trail evaporated. Pulled out the map and decided a bushwhack straight up the mountain would T the PCT. Inhale, exhale. Started up and immediately walked through a ground hornets nest. Something about those stings galvanized the entire three-step plan. Right, I’m off. And I was. Straight up, slammed into the PCT and turned north. Hiking in the old style with a vengeance. During a long uphill to a pass and then the even longer river valley downhill I never slowed or rested. I felt very alive. Perhaps there were even a few primal screams. To fly, finally.

Night came on. Tripping increased but I didn’t slow. Definitely I was a little high. Fascinating were the yellow leaved plants that seemed to glow in sunlight long departed. But the best sight of the day was the glow of Orbit’s fire high on a ridge with the North Star directly overhead. Six miles out of Steheekin. Plenty of time to catch the 9 AM shuttle into town if need be. A warm home. A thoughtful gift from Orbit of a ziploc full of huckleberries for breakfast oatmeal. What an ending. And that Northstar meant other stars. We cowboy camped. To bed with this dessert. 22 miles in 6.5 hours. Yeah baby.

Steve Halteman
On the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking the PCT for the Kids of Escuela Verde

If you’d like to help out and donate, please click here!

Day 120 – I realize my last shower was in Oregon

August 30, 2013
30 miles
mile 2535

Waking up wet is corrosive to one’s natural optimism. Wet and cold makes optimism seem unnatural. And so it was. Three hoods were not enough to relieve iced brain. But body memory was enough. Pack and move. A fact. Wet gear is heavier. I was developing a hostility toward northern Washington. Took off in everything I owned. The rain seeking entry points. Slow going. The gloom and rain began to lift. Which left me constantly delayering to avoid overheating. To delayer is another way to say stopping. 3 miles in the first two hours. Should be 6 miles.

When a river grows angry

When a river grows angry


Collided with two locals headed south. They assured me of an improving weather report. I replied with something grumpy and unclever. Then I looked up. You don’t need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows, as Bobby liked to say. And you know what, it did look better. Maybe I should snap out of my pity meanderings. Climbed up to a high trail that skirted a long ridge. The mountains reappeared and began to shine. I rerecognized the sun. A German Shepherd fled down the path in front of me. Closer examination revealed a new breed of super Marmot wearing mink coats worthy of a PETA campaign.

Today the PCT threw pass after pass at me. I battled on happily as my heavenly waterfall was no more. In a moment of stillness I caught my aroma. And recoiled. My last shower was in Oregon. Having signed on to Orbit’s campaign of no warshing in Warshington (East Coast and proper pronunciation of terms. See appendix.) I had no one but myself to blame for my stench. And now I understood why the Marmot was fleeing. The Blast Orbit initials logical.

This for 360°

This for 360°


Split some mountains and then made my way down a long Moraine Valley carved by a departed glacier. There I met Orbit by a stream for a formal lunch amidst the steam of our packs. The fine weather produced fine spirits, and we had a lovely chat. Then the boss called us back to trail work. The path lowered into a world of moss. From floor to ceiling all was green carpet. Stayed on the valley floor for an hour, knowing it was a prelude to a big climb. Came to a river rager that signaled the base of the climb. It’s torrent had severed the spine of a bridge oppressor. Here I stopped and dealt with the sock issue.
Super marmot

Super marmot


My new REI socks had proved garbage. Within a week they were 60% holes 40% socks. Which means and translates into blisters. Luckily Orbit had found a pair of forgotten men’s socks drying on a rock. Unluckily they were wool (for which I have a deep animosity) and too small. Those I was wearing now. I removed them and wiped away the blood. Wool eats my skin. Back to the REI garbage. I reversed them so the holes went to the top of my foot. Creativity recycling garbage. Crossed the bridge ruins and started gaining altitude. Passed a fit 70-year-old man who at 120 pounds was carrying a 45 pound pack. Unfortunately he had pulled his quad and was having a hard go of it. I thought of ways to help but selfishly discarded them. All to their own my copout.
Stream and trail through narrow mountain split

Stream and trail through narrow mountain split


My climbing pace increased. My old self in slow return. Injury to me has physical and mental components. I had noticed caution and hesitation since my fall. I worked to discard them. I wanted to reach Canada strong not dragging. In racing, a negative split means the second half of a race is stronger and faster than the first half. It is the hallmark of a race wisely run. At 60 days we had walked roughly 1,000 miles. At Approximately 120 days, if all went well over 1,600 miles. That is the first component of a negative split. The second I began to work on.
Some cascades

Some cascades


The climb was long. By summit, sweat had added greatly to my crust. The light in retreat. But, wow, what a view. For 360° the Cascades raged. I got dizzy spinning. Wanted to be a God and go pinnacle leaping. But alas, mortals just start down the other side. Caught up with Orbit who gave me my daily numbers briefing. Thus informed we discussed the feasibility of various destinations. She pointed to a massive opposing slope coated in switchbacks obviously caused by Zorro having a seizure. “At the top of that is mile 34 and our camping home.” “Not happening,” I replied. “Agreed, it’s too late in the day.” She pulled out her beloved maps and began exploring contour lines that created a 3-D landscape in her head. “We’ll camp at the bottom. That will be 30 miles. Should be something flat.” Plan.
Smoking sunset

Smoking sunset


Night sound effects

Night sound effects


Orbit standing on a broken spine

Orbit standing on a broken spine


Black set in. The switchbacks grew sharp and steep. A memory. A little PTSD maybe. Eyes on the edge. And always down. my knee began it’s late day complain as the Aleve wore off. I spoke gently, “We’re almost there.” Crashing water gave our destination away. No camping spots on this side. Across the bridge. None either. The bridge is bed then. At this hour there will be no more crossers. I gathered for the fire while Orbit ran the tough errands. Not used to being the weak link. Wet wood will burn hot with loving encouragement. I loved. And added pages of my book yet to read. Soon hot food was headed where it belonged and gear was evaporating. Then to bed over the roar of the undamned below.
Camping on the bridge

Camping on the bridge

Steve Halteman
On the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking the PCT for the Kids of Escuela Verde

If you’d like to help out and donate, please click here!

Day 119 – Funeral weather

August 29, 2013
29 miles
mile 2505

The arrival of the morning shift served as an alarm. The following mundane recitation of a mornings progression evolved into cherished memories as the day passed away. I put on dry socks. I put on dry shoes. I put away dry gear. I was warm as I ate breakfast. I then unloaded myself from the dock and began my limp north. Positivity swirled about me. My knee felt better. I was dry and full. My pack, though heavy with six days of food, was manageable. My sister Jill had managed to locate and consolidate my passport and one other care package from Doc with one identifiable person in Steheekin. Now she was working on getting the two packages out to the ranger station that is actually located on the trail. That way I wouldn’t lose hiking hours diverting into Steheekin. I was six days from the border and moving despite repeated attempts on my hiking life. All was grand.

Funeral weather

Funeral weather


This fine state of affairs lasted approximately 15 minutes. Someone had forgot to turn on the sun. With no central authority the clouds, rain and gloom were allowed to run amok. They wasted little time. Oblivious to all of this I was following a lovely overgrown former railroad bed. If trains once used it then it is flat, which it was. I may have even whistled a few times such was my mood. The first rain arrived like a blanket. This too will pass I thought. The intervals between blankets ceased. “Go da hell,” as my grandfather loved to say. Out with the rain jacket. Up with the hood. Now each drop sounded like a flyswatter hitting a formica table. The hood acted as an acoustic amplifier as the twacks crowded into my years. The rain ratcheted up the assault by adding gallons. My pack began to retain water. It’s reverse pregnancy pulling me south. This was obviously personal. The trail transformed into a river. It’s current pushing south. Heavy soaked brush took their swings at my forward progress. I was having none of it. I just kept wading and substituted Canada for West Virginia in that John Denver country road song. Go ahead, give it a try. It’s catchy. And it kept me going.

For that is all it did all day. And that is all I remember. Sliding in mud, walking through trail ponds and wading against the current. My feet long numb. At one point the sun made a brief appearance, but it was obviously a mistake and it disappeared apologetically. In response the rain began an hour-long barrage. I began to wonder about hypothermia but couldn’t remember the exact symptoms so I decided not to have it.

Depression captured in a photo

Depression captured in a photo


The muck became slightly darker. My clue that night had arrived. Around then my feet took me across 2,500 miles. Sweet. Then through a massive rock avalanche. I could feel the rocks loosening in the liquid for possible advancement. Happy to move on. The idea became to just survive for a better tomorrow. Oh, how I missed the desert. (In Japan I taught that one s meant sand, two s’s meant super sweet.) Finally slip slid into Lake Sally Ann and set up my tent in yet more rain. Cooking with my stove was out of the question, so orbit heated me up some couscous. At about this time I figured out that the angle of my tent was wrong and the wind had driven rain inside to soak whatever I had left in the world that was dry. Inhale, exhale. Readjust angle. Crawl into the mush and hope exhaustion trumps misery.
Loading dock hotel

Loading dock hotel

Steve Halteman
On the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking the PCT for the Kids of Escuela Verde

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Day 118 – Hills, valleys and a six pack

August 28,2013
31 miles
Mile 2476

Morning gloom

Morning gloom


My ears registered rain before my eyes took in the gloom. Everywhere I looked the rain was part of the landscape. August in Washington. I recognize the courage of the people who call the northern part of the state home. I packed away all dripping. Careful to keep my core warm, which is key in a place where winter is winter and winter is summer. Up into the cotton I climbed. Visibility dropped. I came upon Grouse (the big brown bird of lore) and Pica, too depressed to scatter. I stepped over them. At the top of the pass I breathed clouds.
Pica Chan

Pica Chan

Debris field

Debris field


Then a straight shot down to a lake of blue depth. Pleased that my knee seemed to be improving rather than deteriorating, I allowed an optimistic future back into my thought process. Crossed a debris field of fallen rock that roared. Took me a while to figure out that I was walking across an underground river.
Trail time

Trail time


The pattern of the day repeated itself again and again. Pass a lake, climb a pass, descend from a pass, pass a lake, repeat. One aberration though began to appear more and more. Normally when you come to a branch in the PCT it is safe to assume the harder branch will be the PCT. The easier branch will be some local trail that of course stays flat while the PCT branch climbs away into the mist. Suddenly, in northern Washington, the easier branch is often the PCT. This warms my heart.
Mountain charisma

Mountain charisma


Valley

Valley


Found myself alone all day. By plan, Orbit would forge ahead to Stevens Pass. From there she would hitch into town, buy six days of supplies for our push to the border and then meet me back at the pass. By then I should be there, and we could push on for a couple of hours. Plans. Humans keep making them to pass the time. But the rest of the animal kingdom seem to get along fine without them.
Part of the process

Part of the process


Climbed one last pass to find the top of a chairlift. Had a chat with Maticway Connector going South. Then beelined down to Stevens Pass. Honored by the honorary. There I found some trail magic, a signal, but no Orbit. Through texting I learned of her obstacles. The rain started in. I investigated home possibilities. Settled on a loading dock for the ski resort. Try as it might the rain couldn’t reach me. I glowed at my good fortune. Even found an RV hookup to charge my phone. Five stars on the PCT chart. I hung out my laundry to dry and hunkered down to wait.

Around 9:30 orbit arrived in a taxi with a $70 fare. Ouch. My waiting dock became a hotel dock. Dinner was spread. A chicken, mayo salad and good beer. Not one of Orbit’s shining culinary selections, but enough to stave off self consumption. To sleep dry, knowing you will awake in the same state, brings a calmness to the nights pursuits. And that is how it went.

Steve Halteman
On the Pacific Crest Trail
Hiking the PCT for the Kids of Escuela Verde

If you’d like to help out and donate, please click here!