DAY 92, July 28, Mon., ZERO DAY in Bend, OR

Food - that has been my top priority today. I've eaten well and plan to spend the night at the Red Lion Inn. Enjoyed visiting with a friend, Patrick, from Indiana. We have known Pat since he was very young. He and his wife Kelly live and work in Bend. They had me over to their house for a great American meal. It was a happy evening catching up on old times.

Some not so good news today! The spring snows have not melted as quickly as anticipated. I am ahead of the bulk of northbound thru-hikers and it is not unusual to encounter snowpack at higher elevations. I've been told by the locals, that the PCT is impassable above 4,500 ft. elevation, literally from Elk Lake (mile 1,958.3) to Santiam Pass at 2,008 mile mark. And, McKenzie Pass is closed due to repair and road maintenance.

Thanks to Loyd, trail angel from Bend, OR. Loyd picked me up at Elk Lake, drove me into Bend today, the post office and has offered to pick me up in the morning and drive me to Highway 20 where I will hike north toward Mt. Hood. It is my plan to hike on the trail that is passable and then go back once the snowmelt diminishes, and hike the miles I had to skip. This section of Oregon is supposed to be a mountain wonderland. I don't want to miss any of it.

Shirley will be here on Saturday. I'm looking forward to seeing her. She will be driving from trailhead to trailhead to support and replenish my supplies. I've lost more weight - my medium size trail shorts are getting quite loose. I'm sure this is partly because of the mosquito vampires.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 91: Sun., Jul.27: 37.9 mi.: TOTAL 1958.3

7 pm Pacific time. I am reporting from Elk Lake Resort. Coodinates: 43 deg. 58'835" N, 121 deg. 48'348" W. This is a beautiful lake with lots of yachts moored around the perimeter. This resort is where I plan to go into Bend and take a zero day tomorrow. I'm ready for a break. I haven't taken a zero since Tahoe.

From Willametta Pass into here, the hike was easy with gentle ups and downs. The views are overwhelming - I can see the peaks of the Three Sisters, Obsidian Falls and other beautiful mountain peaks ahead. I've crossed acres and acres of lava-rock.

The mosquitos are a constant nuisance. There is no way I can cook, let alone eat, a meal outside. It is even painful to stop and take a picture. I have to literally dive into my tent to escape these pests.

On a good note: a pleasant discovery for me are the Rhododendron. As a Ridgerunner in the Smoky Mountians I very seldom get to see the Rhododendron in bloom because I am only there March through May and these mountain beauties bloom in the summer. They certainly brighten up the path before me.

Thought of the day: The steps of faith fall on the seeming void, but find the rock beneath." John Greenleaf Whittier
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 90, Jul.26,Sat., 30.5 miles as of 4pm: TOTAL MILES 1,920

Yeah - cell service and a sucessful call to my baby. I am at Highway 58 near Willametta Pass. Had a huge surprise today - snow and higher elevations than I was expecting. The data book I'm using didn't prepare me for the 7,000+ climb today and I walked on snow for about 6 miles. It's been slow going compared to the 30 miler days. It has been a long time since I have taken a complete zero day so I am planning one in Bend, OR. That will be just 50 miles this side of the 2,000 mile mark. Wow, I've been hiking for 90 days - it just doesn't seem possible.

This past 25 miles has been certainly awesome. This section takes me through Mount Thielsen Wilderness, Emigrant Pass and Diamond Peak Wilderness. I hiked right over the top of Diamond Peak. I'll post photos next week.

Shirley tells me that the ladies at New Bethel Assembly of God, my church home in Louisville, KY, have begun to fill up a HUGE jar with donations to support the Home of the Innocents. They have also distributed plastic bottles labeled "KY Greybeard's Home of the Innocent Fund Raiser Walk" to the church youth department for the kids to participate. Thank you New Bethel ladies!

After eating two mega-double cheeseburgers, fries and a cold Coke, I hiked on another 6 miles or so to find a good campsite. The pass was a good place to stop and take a break but the climb out looked to be snowy so I decided to keep walking. My coordinates for the night are: 43 deg. 40'015" N, 121 deg. 59'247" W.

There is no respite from these mosquitos. They are brutal and total unforgiving. I will defintely purchase some Deet in Bend, OR - my next stop.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 89, Jul.25,Fri.,31.2 miles: TOTAL 1889.9 TWO-THIRDS OF THE WAY

I must have walked into "mosquitoville" Oregon. The data book describes a stagnant pool. That's probably where the swarm lives. The bloodsuckers are so bad I literally had to put on long pants and my long-sleeved shirt in order to even set up my tent. Then I just dove into the tent as fast as I could. Even then at least 100 mosquitoes followed me inside. It took several minutes to kill all of them. I've run out of Deet and haven't been able to purchase any at any of the camp supply stops. Coordinates for the evening and my rescue from the mosquitos outside are: 43 deg 26'055" N, 122 deg. 06'047" W.

Well, enough complaining. I am two-thirds of the way to Canada. Soon I will reach another milestone - the 2000 mile mark. So far, Oregon lends itself to big mileage days and breath-taking views.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 88: Thurs.,Jul.24, 28.3 miles: TOTAL 1858.7

Some of the most beautiful hiking so far in Oregon has been today. The trail climbs to the rim of Crater Lake, reaching 7,650 feet in elevation and is approximately 8 miles along the rim. As soon as my dear wife gets here, I'll have a chance to update the blog with pictures. Have had no cell service in several days so I've been using my phone card to update the posts from phones in the campgrounds. The water in the lake is the bluest of blue. For those of you who don't know, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. and is actually the remains of a the volcano Mazama that blew nearly 7,000 years ago. This is the PCT's highest point in Oregon. Coordinates for my camp spot tonight are: 43 deg 09'813"N; 122 deg 04'185"W.
Onward and northward - keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 87: Weds., Jul. 23: 11 miles: TOTAL 1830.4

I hiked into Mazama Campground this morning and hit the restaurant for a hearty, mountain size breakfast. There is a store where I can buy a few snacks and pick up a mail drop that was shuttled down from the Crater Lake Post Office. I'm happy to get the mail here because my phone needs charging and the charger is in the box, I hope.

I had planned to zero here but changed my mind. So, I'm heading on up the road to the Rim Village junction, a short distance. Also, the post office is there and I can send some of this extra food ahead so I don't have to carry it.

Charged my phone but there is no cell service in this area. Bummer. I'll be looking for a pay phone to call Shirley and update this blog.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 86, A NIGHT OF RAIN, SLEET AND HAIL. Tues., Jul. 22, 34.3 miles: TOTAL 1819.6

Coordinates: 42 deg 46'623" N, 122 deg 10'724" W: I woke up this morning and there was white stuff all over the ground. At first I thought it was pollen - but it was sleet. Not only did it rain last night but we had a hail storm and I didn't even know it. I slept right through it. I also realized that I will be probably be changing my tent from this light weight one to my heavier, warmer tent. I'll ask Shirley to bring it out with her when she flys out here on the 2nd of August. Even though it is still summer, the weather changes quickly in the mountains of Washington. I'm heading for Crater Lake and the Mazama Campground tonight.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 85: Mon., Jul.21: 35.1 miles: TOTAL 1785.3

Coordinates: 42 deg. 09'971" N; 122 deg. 27'832" W: Well this has been an interesting day. I hike out of Hyatt Lake and maintain a consistent elevation for 35 miles. This section is described as the Oregon desert. However, it is not really a desert but a very dry stretch of land created by volcanic activity eons ago. I'm walking on soft ash-like ground among scrawny lodgepole pines. There are pieces of light-colored volcanic rock and pumice everywhere.

The PCT crosses and intersects numerous other trails winding here and there, making it very difficult to know for sure that I am on the right trail. The most important piece of gear I'm carrying is my Garmin eTrex GPS. I suppose I could hike the PCT without it but I wouldn't want to try. I can't believe it but as I get ready to camp for the night, it's beginning to rain. This is the first rain I've had since Half Dome at Yosemite National Park, and that was only a brief light rain shower. I'll be setting up my tent and bedding down because it looks like I may be in for quite a downpour.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 84, Sun., Jul.20: 23.6 mi. TOTAL 1750.2

Coordinates: N 42 deg. 09.971', W 122 deg. 27.832': Short walk today and now I'm at Hyatt Lake Resort, a small, in-the-middle-of-the-woods fishing camp just east of I-5. I ate a huge dinner in a restaurant and picked up a few snacks for tomorrow. My plan is to take a zero day at Crater Lake. I haven't had a zero for a while and I can use a day off.

When I started planning this trip, I took time to "guess'timate" how many days it would take me to complete the 2,650 miles. I am happy to report that I am right on target - today is my 84th day and I marked my data book back in April to be 84 days at mile 1750.

The trail past Crater Lake will follow the Cascade Mountain range right up into Canada. Looking forward to what lies ahead,
keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 83: Sat.,Jul.19: 39.7 mi.day: TOTAL 1726.6

Messed up on my calendar posting days. I skipped Friday, so I'll catch up with the correct coordinates and dates today. Had a great day hiking - the weather couldn't be any better - the terrain is easy - and the miles are fast. However, WHERE'S THE WATER? That's what I was asking myself today - Saturday. There is a "water alert" notation in my data book saying no water for 24 miles. I only have 8 oz. in my water bottle - so naturally I will be on the lookout for any streams.

A few miles ago I found a little water in this gully (susposed to be spring fed); but, when I filled my empty bottle with the water - it looked like green tea - not too appealing. But, I was thirsty so I poured some chocolate mix in it and drank it; then kept walking. Wouldn't you know I came upon a gate at another trail head and there was a faucet used to supply cattle. I drank my fill and filled my water bottles. Another terrific day hiking in the state of Oregon. Passed by 6 other hikers, two I hadn't seen for some time. Everyone is focused on Canada!

Camped out near an old road not used any longer. Coordinates: N 42 deg, 09.842', W 122 deg, 36.160'.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 82, Fri.,Jul.19. 24.9 mi.day: TOTAL 1687.0

GOODBYE CALIFORNIA - HELLO OREGON! Well, one state down - two more to go. It seems strange not to be in California any longer. And, I suspect that the terrain from here on to Canada will be more like the trails I'm used to back east. For example, I hiked all day today in mostly wooded forests and around long, broad ridges. However, there are many volcanic peaks ahead (which I don't experience on the AT), so I am looking forward to cranking out the 400+ miles across this state. I have so much to be thankful for on this beautiful Saturday in July. God has truly blessed me and I pause to say thank you heavenly father for giving me the opportunity to enjoy your world from this view pont.

I see a heavily populated area off in the distance (assume that is Ashland, OR) so I try my cell and, yes, was able to update this post. However, I missed Shirley (which is always disappointing). Will try to contact her later. Coordinates: N41 deg, 55.798', W 122 deg, 59.711'.

DAY 81: Thurs., Jul 17: 10 miles hiking today: TOTAL 1662.1

Coordinates: N. 41 deg.50.534', W 123 deg.11.792'. I am only 35.4 miles from the Oregon state line - but because of the long climb (from 1,371 ft at Seiad to 6,080 ft. elevation at the California-Oregon border), it will probably be Saturday morning before I get there. Met up with Billy Goat today. It was great seeing him again.

I'm camping at the Mid-River RV Park. There is a laundry and showers here. Also, I'll be eating pancakes for breakfast - this place is famous for them. I hear they were featured on a Travel Channel special on the best places in America to pig out. Will check it out!
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 80: Weds., Jul.16: FIRE DETOUR

Coordinates: N. 41deg.18.929', W. 122deg.58.647': Took a bus around the fire and then hitched into area north of the fire around Highway 93. Will hike into Seiad, CA on Thursday and pick up another mail drop from Shirley. She mailed a different ground pad to me in Castella. It is much improved than the one I was using. The smoke was so bad today.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 79: Tues., Jul.15: 34.1 Miles TOTAL 1565.6

Wanted to catch you up on my progress from Castella, CA on Monday. Due to the huge fire that is scorching Northern California, I hiked north on the PCT until the trail was closed. I covered 34.1 miles - COORDINATES: N 41 deg.16.900', W 122 deg.40.211'. I spent the night near Etna Summit. The trail was moderate, crossing and number of streams and lakes. I carried too much water. Could have just drank from any number of springs. Oh well. Did not go into the town of Etna - no mail expected so I skipped it.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 79, Tues., Jul.15: Headed toward Seiad Valley, CA

Have had great luck with cell service for the past 3 days. Called Shirley around 11 am EST. As I posted yesterday, the trail climbs uphill from Castella. I have hiked from 2100 ft elevation yesterday morning around 10 am CA time to 7400 ft this morning. This time I climbed around the back side of Castle Crags and Castle Dome, large granite formations jutting up like a huge fortress. The terrain is beautiful and quite different than that hot stretch of logging land out of Sierra City. The rocks here are full of iron which gives them a rust color. What is so amazing that I can see the actual trail from a distance of 5 miles. I'm hiking around and on the ridges of mountains that look like upside down bowls - it takes days and days to hike around the bowls and I can see the trail behind me for 2 miles or more. If it wasn't for the haze from the wildfires, I'm sure there would be beautiful views of Mt. Shasta and Lassen Volcano - but it is too smoky to see far away mountains. I'll post photos of this section as soon as possible.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

Any $$ Amount Donated to the HOME is Appreciated!

Thanks to all of you who have given $10, $20, any and all support to the Home of the Innocents (www.homeoftheinnocents.org). I know times are tough with gas and grocery prices sky high. So if you can't afford a penny a mile or a certain amount per mile - I understand. Whatever amount you can donate to the Home is gratefully appreciated. From my heart - I thank you!

KY Greybeard

DAY 78, Mon.Jul.14: 24.7 mi. day: TOTAL 1531.5

Spent a restful night in Dunsmuir and started the day with a FULL breakfast of REAL food. Also, I drank 2 gallons of cold milk - the emphasis is on COLD. I've been informed of another burn 100 miles or so ahead of me. Will see what action I will need to take when I get closer. Thank you Matt for the info. For now, I am climbing up. Called Shirley and let her know my status. Will be crossing the Oregon state line in a few days and will keep in touch as much as possible. Coordinates: N 41 deg. 12.409', W 122 deg. 30.970'.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 77, Sun.,Jul.13. Partial ZERO Day, Dunsmuir, CA - TOTAL MILES TO DATE: 1,506.5

Coordinates: N 41 deg.13.594', W 122 deg 16.584'. After a night bedded down next to I-5 near Castle Crags State Park (not in the park), I hiked into Dunsmuir to find a motel room for a short break. I'll be hitching into Castella tomorrow to the post office. Then back on the trail after that. A large, fattening, calorie loaded pizza is on the menu for tonight's evening meal. Got to speak with my dear wife tonight.

Thanks to all of you who have posted comments - it's great to hear from you and to know you are supporting this venture. Thank you for your prayers and best wishes.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 76, Sat.July 12: on my way to Castella, CA

Yeah! I have cell service. Shirley and I talked at 1pm today. I filled her in on the scenary I have enjoyed for the past several days, namely Mt. Shasta. Mt. Shasta is a huge volcano (the second largest mountain in the Cascade Range) and has dominated the view from the trail for miles. It seems that the trail has wound around the base of the mountain for 75 or 100 miles - yet we have not climbed it. Mt. Shasta is only 40 (road) miles from the California / Oregon state line.

This morning was cool and not too long after breaking camp, I came across a super guy named Dave who was fly fishing. Immediately, he offered me a "cold" pepsi, "cold" yogurt and yummy danish pastries. What a way to enjoy the morning - thank you Dave!

I'm heading out toward Castella where I will be picking up another "care" package and taking a well-needed zero day in Dunsmuir, CA. I hear there are several restaurants there. Food, showers, laundry, food!
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 75, Fri.Jul.11 31.3 mi.day: TOTAL 1,475 miles

Finally got through to my baby - 18 miles out of McArthur-Burney Falls State Park. We talked for a long time catching up on all the news from home and from the trail. Then later, I met two hikers, Free and Easy Going, who later left a note on the trail telling me where they found COLD water - less than 1/2 mile east of the trial at a junction of two roads at Deadman Creek. It was sooooo good. There is nothing better than a drink of COLD water straight from a mountain stream. Hiked on to Ash Camp (Coordinates: N 40 deg.07.018', W 123 deg 03.669') where I bedded down for the night. Today has been a great day for walking.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 73, Weds., Jul 9, 34.5 mi.day: TOTAL 1412.2: DAY 74, Thurs. Jul 10, 32.5 mile day: TOTAL 1444.7

My coordinates Weds. night July 9 were N.40 deg. 45.322', W 121 deg.23.192' at mile 1389. I have tried to call Shirley several times but cell service is one of the challenges of this hike. I found a camp site (although not a real great spot), but fairly comfortable and dry, in a shallow depression near a dry-creek gully. I am still walking on soft, powdery terrain - it's like walking on a sandy beach where you have to lift up your foot before you can take a step. I'm more comfortable walking on snow than this stuff.

Thurs., July 10: Came into Burney Falls State Park where I picked up a mail drop from Shirley and was happy to get the food stuffs she had sent me. This park features the beautiful 129-foot Burney Falls. As so many other water falls in the Cascade mountain range, the water comes from underground springs which flow into a lake (Lake Britton) and then becomes a raging, majestic falls. I've seen and crossed so many lakes you would think they would become mundane - not so. Each one is so beautiful and unique. I am still enjoying the views. Hope to update this post with photos soon. No cell service.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 72: Tues.Jul.8: TOTAL MILES 1,377.7 as of 1:45pm CST

Spent last night (Monday July 7) at a campsite near Summit Lake junction. Coordinates: N40 deg 28.569', W 121 deg 22.759'. Called Shirley at 1:45p CA time today from Old Station, CA where I had a shower and washed out my hiking shirt. It is hot here and the terrain is totally different than what I have enjoyed for the past 7 weeks. I am hiking at lower elevations across swampy meadows and sandy (pain in the neck) ground. There are long, dry stretches through pine forests where the trees are all the same size - commercial-type, good for logging. The terrain is 'flat as a flitter.' I'll be hiking another 8 or 9 miles today before stopping for the evening. Will be getting into Burney Falls State Park tomorrow which is right on the trail.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DON'T FORGET TO SUPPORT THE HOME OF THE INNOCENTS

Just a reminder to everyone that I am walking to raise funds for the Home of the Innocents. As of July 7th, I have walked more than 1,300 miles in 70 days! Nothing would make me happier than to learn that donations and/or pledges are double or triple the number of miles I've covered.

Several of the children at the Home have been following my progress. Some of them have asked about the wildlife that I have seen. It makes me feel good to know that they are reading the blog and enjoying the photos.

I am grateful to have the strength and health to walk this land so freely when others cannot. Your support of the Home will help me to make this journey a real mission for children. Visit the web site at the Home http://www.homeoftheinnocents.org/ and make your pledge today. If you have already given and/or pledged - thank you! Greybeard

DAY 71 - HALF WAY THERE - TOTAL 1335.8

Monday, July 7th: Spent last night here at Chester. This morning I chowed down on a "maximum" breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs and all the fixings; picked up and enjoyed mail from my youngest grandchildren who live in northern Kentucky; then hiked out on my way "north" - making sure I was headed the right way - ha! I called Shirley from atop North Stover Mountain at mile 1342 - Coordinates: N40 deg.18.452', W121deg.13.849'.

Enjoy the photos - I thought they were very unusual and wanted to share them with you.

Keep hiking,

Greybeard

DAY 70: Sunday, July 6. FIRE DETOUR

Due to the raging forest fires, a portion of the trail is closed. We will be hitching a ride from Sierra City to Chester today - missing around 138 miles of the PCT. Will keep you posted.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 69. Sat.Jul.5: 4.2 miles - TOTAL 1197.6

Short hike into Sierra City, CA today. This is a small trail town with a store and post office. I made several calls home and talked with Shirley and my family. It was great to speak with them. We have heard that there are forest fires ahead and will be staying here to catch up on the news to determine if we can hike out tomorrow or if we have to detour around the fires. Will resupply here and get a motel room with the other guys - Slider and Thurst.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 68: July 4th - Friday: 31.3 miles TOTAL 1193.4

Coordinates: N 39 deg 33.369', W 120 deg 34.659': I started hiking in the dark this morning - BIG mistake! I missed the PCT at a junction and 2 hours later I realized I was heading north on a totally different trail - one that paralleled the PCT but with a mountain between the two. I had to decide whether to switch back to the beginning or use my GPS and go over the mountain. I chose to go over the mountain. It costs me a lot of time but I finally caught up with the guys who started out on Tuesday without me - around 6:30 pm. Oh well - a great 4th of July hiking the western U.S.A. This section is rich with views of massive volcanic rocks and beautiful mule-deer yellow flowers.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 67: Thurs., Jul.3: 32.9 miles: TOTAL 1162.1

A day that begins early - around 5:15 am. Coordinates: N 39 deg 21.403', W 120 deg 19.714': I hiked across many ski areas today - with considerable climbs and dry stretches across the top of many smooth areas known as the Sierra Crest. After hiking just over 32 miles, near Donner Pass, the trail crossed a highway and much to my surprise, just 2 minutes down the road was food - hamburgers and fries. It was a great ending to a long day - just what I needed!
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 66, Weds., Jul.2: 34.7 mile day: TOTAL 1129.2

Said good-bye to my baby around 5:50 a.m. Then headed out from Echo Lake trailhead. Coordinates: N 39 deg 05.467', W 120 deg 14.697'. Since I zeroed a second day in South Lake Tahoe, I am hiking alone today. The first three miles the trail followed around the blue, beautiful Echo Lake. The trees here have a distinctive feature - from the ground up to about 8 ft the tree trunks are white and the rest of the way they are covered with green lichen (moss-like substance). I believe the white area marks the snow depth on the trees. I'll post photos as soon as possible.

After leaving Echo Lake the trail traversed lake after lake for about 10 miles. Much of the next 20 miles the terrain was slightly rolling with moderate elevations. Around 7:30 pm I arrive at a saddle near a spring-fed gully and camp for the night. A good day completing 34.7 miles.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

Various Ways the PCT is Marked

Thought you would enjoy hearing about how the Pacific Crest Trail is marked. Whereas the Appalachian Trail is consistently and continually marked with 2" x 4" white blazes and wooden sign posts, the method of marking the PCT is as varied as the terrain. Here are several photos showing the various ways hikers may find PCT signs.

Greybeard

DAYs 64 & 65: Mon. & Tues. Jun 30, Jul 1: ZERO days with Shirley

Shirley and I have enjoyed two days together at South Lake Tahoe. I got my laundry done, packed up three mail drops of food for the next 200 miles or so, and got caught up on my email and blog postings. I will be back on the trail early Wednesday morning. I'll be "making miles while the sun shines." The next milestone will be the half way mark near Chester, CA.

By the way, I will not have the luxury of being close to towns and libraries to upload photos for a while, but will update this blog with text via the telephone as often as possible.

Here are some photos for your enjoyment. Photo 1: getting ready to chow down on one-dish pasta; #2 Slider the cook; #3 the three bearded amigos: Greybeard, Gordon and NimbleWillNomad.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 63, Sun., Jun. 29; 27.9 mile day: TOTAL 1094.5

Hiked 11 miles (slacked with just water and snacks) into the first road crossing at Echo Lakes Summit just out from South Lake Tahoe. This was a easy hike through many beautiful meadows. When I reached the parking lot at the summit, Shirley was there as expected. She brought me two Quarter Pounders and an Apple Pie from McDs. Sooooo good!

After a quick break we hiked out to cover 16.9 miles to Echo Lakes Resort, a store, sandwich shop and post office right on Echo Lake. Hiking this section was moderate and very pleasant. However the last mile was a steep down and would have been more difficult for a southbound hiker.

This is my last support stop until the finish in Canada. Shirley has been following me for the past 6 weeks with a carload of food, cold drinks, and breakfast pastries. She will be heading back to Bakersfield on Wednesday and home on Friday. Hopefully, she will be able to join me again a week or two before I finish the PCT miles in Manning Park, Canada.

Photos: (1) caught this dragon fly coming out of his cocoon; (2) wild Iris in one of the large meadows.
Keep hiking,
Greybeard

DAY 62: June 28: 24.5 miles: TOTAL 1067.6

Left camp at 0600 this morning and hiked into Ebbett's Pass and met Shirley at 8:30 am. This was only 6 1/2 miles over dramatic canyons with terrific volcanic formations and Bonzi-like Cedar and Pine trees. There were many passes over rolling rock strewn landscapes with the only vegetation being wildflowers. After a short break we took off again, slack packing for another 18 miles. The afternoon was blessed with hillside ridges and large pine forests. Sometimes you could see each other 1/2 mile or more away on opposite ridges. We arrived at Blue Lakes Road trailhead where Shirley and Gordon were waiting. We camped for the night here.

Photo #1 shows the Bonzi-like, weather-worn cedars; #2 are the Blue Lakes seen from above; #3 Canada - here I come.

Keep hiking,

Greybeard