Day 2 - April 27 - Miles hiked 23.6 - Total 43.6

Another "slack packing" day. I had a GREAT breakfast prepared by the volunteers and ADZPCTKO planners. I got on the trail around 7:00 am on my way to Mt. Laguna, CA. Shirley has registered us at the Mt. Laguna Mountain Lodge (hiker friendly)for one night. I saw (and enjoyed) my first water cache today. There was lots of water and one Gatorade. I decided to enjoy the Gatorade and had the privilege of sharing it with another hiker who came up behind me.

What I found interesting today is how far you can see from the trail. At one point I looked out over a valley and could see a mile and a half in front of me. The elevation on Mt. Laguna peaks at 6,000 ft. It was a beautiful day for a hike.

I arrived at the Sunrise Valley Picnic area around 2:45pm and Shirley was waiting for me. She had fried chicken dinners prepared by the Blue Jay Lodge http://www.bluejaysandiego.com/ in Laguna Recreational area. Those folks in Laguna know how to treat hikers.

I'm in for the night,

Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 1 - April 26 - Miles Hiked - 20.6

I have always wondered what desert hiking would be like. I am definitely going to find out first hand. Shirley (my wife and hike supporter) drove me and 2 fellow hikers to the Mexican border. We take pictures at the southern terminus monument - 2,655 miles to go.

This is going to be a 1 day hike from the border to Lake Morena Campground. What I am doing today is "slack packing." That means I will not spend the night and will carry a light load in my backpack - water and snacks. The desert is is full bloom - such beauty. The vistas are incredible. I look at a mountain and think "wow, that would be something to hike over." And I discover that I do just that. The view is over the Laguna Mountains. I hike through the Saddle of Morena Butte.

Shirley is posting my journal entries and will update the postings with photos as soon as possible.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

The Journey Begins

Friday, April 25, 2008: We arrived at the All Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kickoff (ADZPCTKO), checked in and set up camp for three days. Approximately 300 hikers and planners showed up. The event was well organized and I really enjoyed the breakfasts they prepared for the PCT'ers. Another great advantage of attending the ADZPCTKO is the opportunity I had to meet and discuss the hike with seasoned hikers from last year and beyond. Sitting around discussing gear, clothing and food options was extremely helpful.

My plan is to get started early in the morning around 6:00 am from the border. Then I will "jump off" at the trailhead from the campground - heading north toward Mt. Laguna on Sunday.

Keep hiking,
Greybeard

Yeah! $1,000 raised so far!

I am happy to post the first $$ amount that we have raised so far - $1,000 - and I haven't even started hiking yet. Last night, The Trail Store hosted a "send off" event with representatives from the Home of the Innocents (HOTI) speaking to invited guests and family. I enjoyed talking about my upcoming adventure and the HOTI fundraiser we are promoting. Thanks to all of you who have contributed to the Home and thanks to the Trail Store for their support and sponsorship of my hike.

Enjoy the photos of the kick-off gathering hosted by the Trail Store. Gordon Brown, President of the HOTI greeted the guests and described the fund raiser effort we are undertaking. Thanks to all the supporters of my hike.

Keep hiking,

Greybeard

End of 2008 Ridgerunner Season for me

My RR Season in the GSMNP, although cut short, was very helpful to condition me for my PCT hike. With the difficulty of the terrain, I averaged approximately 60 miles/week.

I met and talked to 500 plus thru-hikers aspiring to reach their goal - Katahdin in Maine. March and April have been cold and rainy and we had a few problems. One young man (ill prepared for foul weather) fell in a creek without waterproofing his pack and soaked his gear as well as himself. When he got to me at Mollies Ridge, he was in a hypothermic condition. After 4 hours in my sleeping bag and drying his gear, including his sleeping bag, he finally quit throwing up and started to make sense. He was able to walk out the next morning. I'd say he felt pretty good in spite of having to listen to me lecture on Leave No Trace principals, especially #1 - Plan & Prepare.

I returned home on April 21st to resupply for the PCT. We will fly to San Diego on Friday and drive to Camp Lake Morena for the All Day Zero PCT Kickoff http://www.adzpctko.com/ . I begin logging those PCT miles Saturday, April 26, 2008. Will keep you posted!

Keep hiking,

Greybeard

Countdown ONE Week to go

It was a cold week on the Appalachian Trail this week. There was 2 inches of snow on the ground at Birch Spring Gap campground yesterday and it was still snowing when I hiked down off the trail. Even though it was cold, we had a lot of thru hikers heading north through the Smokys.

My entry on Monday the 21st of April will be the last one from me for this Ridgerunner Season. I will update this blog with the latest numbers that I have and then I will become a PCT northbounder (NOBO).

Keep hiking,

Greybeard

Trail work on the AT - clearing the way for all who pass this way.

April 2008 Week One Update

Ah, Lasagne. Gourmet, thanks to loving daughter. Finished meal shown here inside shelter but neither cooked nor eaten inside the shelter (an absolute no, no for very good reasons - mice).

End of March '08 Report

Closing out March with a count of 300+ thru-hikers from almost all 50 states. The weather has been good overall. The April hikers are coming through now and the numbers are picking up. I will be on the AT until April 21st. After that I will be packing up to leave for the PCT. The folks at Fontana Village Resort have graciously accommodated the ridgerunners again this year and we appreciate their support of the Ridgerunner/Caretaker program.

Attached are a couple of photos of interest. Photo 1 shows the beautiful hoar frost. Photo 2 is an evening at Mollies Ridge. Photo 3 is the trail repaired after a downed tree roots created a hole in the middle of the trail.

It has been a pleasure meeting all the March 2008 thru-hikers.

Keep hiking,
Greybeard