A Psychologist and a Burning Bridge on the PCT- Why Not?

This is a story I have been meaning to write for a long time. It radiates through my mind as one of the most spiritual and uplifting days on my Pacific Crest Trail Journey. All because a stranger decided to act upon his inclination.



Tears streamed down my eyes as I left the Mexican border at sunset. All of the negative thoughts that people put in my head were being flushed away with happiness. "You can't." "You shouldn't." "What if?" "You'll die." "Why?" These common statements were quite annoying. "How are you affording it?" Even I wasn't sure if I had saved up enough, but I was doing my best and going after a dream that had sparked my mind 8 years prior. It was more than a hike to Canada. It was a hike for my dad in a spiritual kind of sense, while raising funds for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

Being 12 years old, and having my father diagnosed with a debilitating disease raised many questions and battles in my head. My solution was to ignore it. I played an out of sight, out of mind game but still found myself asking why. Why the suffering? Why the pain? I loved my dad and I didn't want to see him hurt.

"Why?" This question was answered by a person who I now call my trail psychologist and who also drove me under a burning bridge in southern California. This was also the day, I later found out, it was Sigmund Freud's birthday.

As I used every outlet possible in a coffee shop, I was soon coming to the realization that somehow my phone was fried. An older gentleman kept trying to talk to me. Out of self defense, I was half listening because I didn't know this guy and I could figure this out by myself. Then I got this overwhelming sense that he sincerely just wanted to help me figure out my problem, so I obliged. Reuben owned the psychology office next door, and offered to drive me to get my cellphone fixed.

This required a 30 minute drive, a 30 minute wait, a 30 minute drive, and a 30 minute wait to only be told that I needed a brand new phone. "To get one for free, you can drive 30 minutes to this store," explained an associate. With no hesitation, Reuben said, "OK, Let's go." This was the first time I had allowed myself to hitch hike with a complete stranger, yet I grew increasingly comfortable. He talked about his family, his profession, and his faith while I listened intently and watched the busy road in front of us.

...

All of a sudden I saw billowing black smoke in the distance! At a closer glance, we noticed the overpass was completely engulfed in giant flames. Having fought some wild land fires, I thought for sure people would pull over. How could they? They had places to be, and there was 4 lanes of dense traffic pulsating through the flames. Reuben hit the gas pedal as we drove under the scorching oven. I screamed and curled in the fetal position with my hands over my head as if I'd catch the bridge about to fall on me.

...

What? We made it! "Oh my gosh," I screamed! I looked over as Reuben was hysterically laughing at me.
"What?" I innocently asked.
"You are hiking to Canada alone, and THAT scared you?" Reuben asked.
"Well ya! I never envisioned myself conquering a burning bridge!" I laughed.
He shook his head, and to this day I still don't understand why.
Below is the news video about the event.

The rest of that day was full of psychology theories and discovering more about how myself and other people operate. After our 8 hour day of finding me a new free phone, there was plenty of time for him to educate me. When we finally made it back to his house, Reuben took me to meet his wife. I was given a warm shower and bed after they took me and my stenchy clothes out to the nicest restaurant in town. With Rueben's extended offer, I decided to hang out another day so I could get some paperwork finished for my Dental Hygiene application for licensure. 200 miles prior to this day, I received news that I passed my Dental Hygiene boards that I took the day before starting the PCT. It felt like I was conquering the world!

When Rueben got back from his appointments with clients the next day, I had tons of questions to ask! He deals with some interesting minds, so of course a main question was, "How do you handle some of these situations with clients and not go crazy yourself?" His response was about putting yourself in their shoes, giving them the tools they need, and leaving the rest up to them. From that, I learned that I have the kind of personality that will think I did something wrong if people don't respond to my help in a positive way. People who really care for others tend to make another person's situation their own. A psychologist gives a person tools and thoughts to use, but realizes the choice of the matter is totally up to the person being counseled.That point was taken home and drilled into my newly branched brain cells that were glowing from much of the education I had received in this short stay with Reuben.

...

Later, Rueben did an exercise that completely threw me for a loop. It was about an hour long. He started talking to my subconscious mind and asked for my conscious mind to relax. He asked my subconscious mind to tell him the first number that pops in my head when he asks about my mental age. As I sat there laughing, I said, "20?" My conscious was confused, but that was the first number that came to mind. He explained the number should equal my real age, and further explained that any deviation is often caused by a traumatic event in one's life. Hmmm. I had no idea what he was talking about and thought this whole Frued thing was silly. "Think back at what year it was, and if anything happened in that year," He said.
I sat there thinking for a while.

...

All of a sudden, the specific memory reached through my mind and slapped me in the face causing my eyes to swell with tears. I never cry in front of anyone, and he had just about done it!

Instantly he knew it was bothering me and told me that I didn't have to talk about it if I didn't want. So, of course I did! I couldn't just leave it hanging there like a massive dark cloud in the room. It was an event that turned my life upside down. An event that left me asking why again and again. I had always trusted people, been very giving, and was a good person. So why didn't I get that in return? It was in that moment, 6 years ago, where I learned not to fully trust. Once again, I was left asking, "why?" with no definite answer in return.

Various events in a person's life can dig at their soul. No matter how much one tries to shake it, something will bring that event bursting forward. This can affect all one's thoughts about everything in life. Reuben says many people ask why, or they blame God. Reuben lost a beautiful son at a young age, and probably asked that question for many years.

In the end, the answer is simple, and I wish I could say it with as much grace as Reuben portrayed. The answer is, "Why not?" Bad things happen to people all of the time around the world. What makes one person think that they are special enough to not have anything happen to them?  Asking why is natural, but obsessed upon is selfish and destructive.

So the next time you find yourself asking why; do yourself a favor. If you haven't come up with an answer, ask yourself, "Why not?" Perspective is everything.

...


Rueben and I now laugh about our first meeting experience. Something brought us together. He wasn't even suppose to be at his office that day. Plus, I was ignoring him at first but he felt the sense to help me. Whether it was God or chance that brought us together, in the end it was our own free will to accept and act upon those inclinations.

What have I been up to?

Passing by Lake Albert in Oregon after leaving the PCT

It's been a month since I decided to get off of the Pacific Crest Trail. What a wild month it has been! Here's what I've been up to:

First, I surprised my boyfriend. Instead of surfing, I rode a bus, hitch hiked, drove 10 hours, and followed him home in a rental car laughing hysterically over the phone and him not knowing what in the world I was doing. When he saw me get out of the car, his jaw dropped and he started laughing hysterically out of pure excitement and confusion. He so willingly gave me a giant hug and kiss, before expressing his confession that I really needed a shower! It was quite the exciting, stinky, dirty, lovable moment.


After my shower, he took me shopping for a complete outfit that wasn't perma-stenched from 1300 miles of dirt, grime, and sweat. Every new piece of clothing on my skin felt smoothly addictive. This was the one time in my life that I've enjoyed the act of shopping, since it is not my forte and I always find better things to do. In that moment, it was enjoyably sensational!

I turned 26 very happily!

Wet suits, flippers, masks, and outdoor camping gear made a great 26th birthday. What a cold weekend for the end of June! We swam across Lake Jubilee in our gear, exploring the underwater world, and came out looking almost translucent with ice headaches from the chilly water! We knew we were crazy, but we do have our limits. Instead of swimming, we decided hobbling barefoot back to camp was a better idea. Introducing him to the infamous hiker hobble commonly seen on the PCT when your body suddenly feels like it's 90 years old.

Before the PCT, I always brought more gear than him. Not this time! :) 

Lake Chelan for the 4th of July was quite wild. We strapped our kayaks to the top of Rob's car using pool noodles. A 4 hour car ride with the radiant hum of the noodles left us with ears on the verge of falling off.

This gigantic lake mimicked the ocean with its 2 to 3 foot waves for some fun paddling!

As the sun rose and the winds calmed, we soon found ourselves on a pristine glassy lake. We parked our kayaks along the shoreline and dove to the world below us. Wow! It was gorgeous! It's amazing what water does to the perception of our surroundings, making it a new world.

The next week, I decided to make a surprise visit to my parents. This involved scaring my mom at work and jumping at my dad's vehicle window. They'd expect nothing less from me. :) I had a great time on the farm and doing various things. A few of these activities involved:

Bowling with the Bullers

Floating the Bosie river with my sister and her dog Juneau. 

Stuffing all of my belongings into a car and being happy that this is all I own.

Watching the sunset on the trampoline with my parents.

Watching another sunset on the farm. 

Watching a plane spray ridiculous amounts of chemicals on a field. Bleck!

Having a fun evening of slushies and pizza with my parents! 

Making delicious salsa that I would have DIED for on the PCT.

Swimming- I'm obsessed with water now.

Meeting up with some of my favorite trail trash in Portland, OR. Sheriff Woody & Caughee.

AND...

Most of all, job hunting! I'll be getting my first Dental Hygiene job, and I'm so excited! My mind is flowing with endless ideas and excitement about the freedom of life! Inspired beyond my wildest dreams! That's the great thing about life. Stories keep on going, and it is up to each individual to create them.

A Wedding on the PCT of 2 thru Hikers (Bear Claw & Dirt Monger)

I am so blessed to call these two my friends.  They are quite the adventurous and passionate souls. Met 1 month before the pct, engaged on Baden Powell, and married near Mount Hood.

They hitched into Portland and she bought her flowers, dress, and voodoo doughnuts (for the cake) in 1 hour.

They gave me my first pack shakedown (another hiker assesses your gear and gives advice on what you can do to trim weight) at Mount Laguna and have hiked quite the crazy hike! I wish these two the best of times, and many gypsy years to come!

PCT Thoughts About Hiking 1300 Miles

I Just finished watching my playlist of videos I uploaded to YouTube during my Pacific Crest Trail journey. Loved them, but it's a small fraction of the entire story. What an amazing time I had hiking 1300 miles for Multiple Sclerosis! I learned so much about life, trusting myself, and the reality that most people are simply good, but many times misunderstood.

I will be writing a post reflecting on this amazing experience. I'm very happy I took the time and money to go after one of my dreams. If I wouldn't have opened this box, I would have always wondered.

As I like to say, curiosity did not kill the cat, it gave her perspective. Time to open a new box. :)

Pacific Crest Trek for MS Playlist

Dental Love on the PCT

When I arrived in Chester, CA at 8pm after an hour hitch, I had no idea where I was going to stay.  I checked out the hotels as they each priced me at $90/night. Deciding to go to the woods and pitch my tent, I started walking. 

A car pulled over and the lady asked me if I needed anything. As we talked a bit, I found out that she was the front office manager at the dental office in town.  "Hikers want to give me the name Tooth Fairy," she said.  I laughed and explained that I was a Dental Hygienist and that trail name was almost given to me.  After we chit-chatted and laughed for a while, I headed to the woods to set up my tent. 

In the morning I walked to the office.  When I arrived, she greeted me with much fun.  From the dentist, I was given a $20 food voucher, new toothbrush, 2 cookies (baked by his wife), and floss. So amazing! The staff greeted me in the middle of their busy day.  Turns out the Hygienist graduated from OIT just like me.  She seemed like such a fun person and I became even more excited to start my dental hygiene job after my escapade.

Since the Dentist just finished section hiking the PCT last summer, I decided to talk to him about my predicament of trail boredom and my freedom to do other things.  I knew he would understand.  He suggested getting on the trail at Crater Lake and hiking the rest from there. Many people jump trail and hike sections that are more appealing to them.  They realize their time off of the grind doesn't need to turn into that.  Trail life is hiking 10-12 hour days every day, eating, and sleeping. I like a variety of activities.  Trail life gets monotonous. 

Either way, I'm proud of my 1300 miles.  Right now my predicament is to learn how to surf, or hike through swarms of Mosquitoes all day. I grew up with Mosquitoes on the farm and everyother outdoor job I've had. It's safe to say I have had my fair share. I didn't grow up with a beach and I keep hearing that Santa Cruz would be a great place for me. After a couple weeks there, I could easily jump back on trail.  We'll see where the wind blows. One of the only times in my life that I've been able to be completely free. This is awesome!

Many thanks to such an awesome dental staff in Chester, CA!

A Brick of a Boring Wall

For the past 3 days I've been considering finishing the trail early. I never thought it would come to this.  I'm 1300 miles into the trail and am having a rough time keeping my spirits up.  So, what's going through my head?

I have hiked switchback over switchback over drainage over drainage and have been having a blast for the most part. 

Hiking 1300 miles is a ton! I've enjoyed it, but lately I'm not enjoying it.  I'm not going to miserably put myself through another 1300 miles when I could be helping my dad on the farm, hanging out with my boyfriend, hanging out with my family, learning how to surf, and getting my license to work as a Hygienist (which I'm really excited to start). All the possibilities of everything else is going through my head. 

It's a weird concept.  I've been wanting to hike the PCT for Multiple Sclerosis since 2006 and now I am wanting to say that 1300 miles is enough (which is a ton).  I haven't received a donation in at least a month, and my extended family has given most of the money donated. It's great that I have inspired people. I'm still going to be the same adventurous person and do wild things quite frequently.  When it gets to a certain point, you just know it's time to move on. 

This brick wall feels thicker than anything I've ever experienced.  It's ironic because I know for a fact that my body can easily finish the trail. 

A peice of me feels obligated to keep trekking.  There have been some amazing people cheering me forward, and I love that! I hope no one is let down. It's been an amazing experience and I hope people have grown with it, as I have.  No regrets here.  I think I might go hitch to a surf town and learn how to surf like I've always wanted.    

Hitch Hiking into Summer on the PCT

I am spending the first day of Summer at Bucks Lake in a stranger's family cabin who I just met yesterday while hitch hiking.

Having not a very good time in Sierra City, I needed to get out of the hole.  The problem was that I didn't feel like hiking. Sometimes on the PCT, I just have to get away. The trail is a beautiful experience but it's more about the enjoyment for me. If trail life gets frustrating, it's time to focus attention elsewhere.  So, I decided to try and hitch to Quincy.  As many vehicles raced by me with my thumb out, I quickly became discouraged.  A lady picked me up outside of Sierra City and brought me to an intersection where I should have more luck. I started walking again.

Car after car zipped past me as if I didn't exist. Later, an older couple stopped to tell me they were only going 2 miles up the road.  I would have taken the ride, but they didn't make that an option. 5:00pm and I was thinking about dropping into a campground.  Why would I stop trying though? It was summer and I had many hours left. Besides,  if it didn't work out, I'd pop up into the forest and pitch my tent like I always do. It was a Friday night but most cars seemed to be going the opposite direction.  Someone yelled at me out of their window, but I couldn't hear what they said over the nose of their vehicle.  I decided that was probably best for my marks against humanity.

Finally, a couple pulled over and let me hop in. They were from Reno, Nevada and were on a random day drive. As they squished all of their belongings to the side and apologized for the mess, I insisted it was perfectly fine because they were picking up trail trash anyway. When I haven't taken a shower in a week, am covered in dirt, and my hair is a rat's nest, it's silly that people would apologize for a mess. Me sitting in their car contributes to the mess. I often apologize for my appearance or putrifying trail scent. I'm telling you, it's a scent that makes day hikers smell like the only God given beautiful flower on this earth. As they dropped me off at a major Intersection, they explained it'd be an easy 21 mile hitch. Yes! I was halfway there! Things were looking up.

Finally having cell service, I called my boyfriend to see what he was doing.  Hanging out with his friends and he still decided to pick up the phone, which is one of the things I love about him.  He makes me feel important.  I told him about my hitch hiking and  how I wasn't sure how it was going to pan out. I needed a side adventure, and this was it! My spirits were coming up, and I laughed at the people who drove by pretending that I didn't exist.  Many people are so fearful for their lives that they don't get to experience the positive impact a stranger can make.

Not too much longer, and I got a ride from a guy who had just gotten off work. He could only take me 10 miles up the road, but that was better than nothing.  I hopped inside his car, chatted a bit, then I was on the road again with a big smile on my face. 11 miles to Quincy!  5-10 minutes later, a lady picked me up. We chit-chatted as I found out that she leads backpacking trips out of Tahoe.  "Amazing!" I thought. She proceeded to call her sister, so I would have a lawn to set my tent for the night. Then she popped up and asked, "Well, why do you want to be in Quincy anyway?" I said, I at least want a shower, and I needed to get away from Sierra City.  She offered me to come stay in her family's cabin at Bucks Lake with a couple friends. "You'll have a bed, a shower, and food. It's up to you, but I thought I'd offer."
My mind couldn't let that offer slide. It seemed wonderful, I just hoped that everyone else would welcome me as much as she did. 

As we arrived at her cabin, I was a little uneasy.  I didn't want to interfere with anything. Afterall, I was a stranger.  
I took a shower, and joined them for dinner on the gorgeous balcony with the lake in the background.  Pesto pasta with wine, and a delicious spinach salad. "Spinach!" I exclaimed.  I haven't had spinach in so long!  It was like heaven on my palate. Vegetables are not common thing I get on trail.  As we wined and dined, I felt completely spoiled.

Never do I expect to have such an amazing hitch hiking experience. These people took me in, a complete stranger who smelled like goop, and made me so happy!  I was their new trail friend. They all had huge back country experiences through their childhood and lifetime. It was a fun connection. 

I woke up in a comfy bed, on the first day of Summer, walked out on the balcony and stared at the lake as the sun's reflection glistened like a million crystals. The trees towered around me as I drank my cup of Good Earth tea. I am happy and spoiled.  Yesterday I was crying from multiple frustations and made a decision to skip a peice of the trail for my own sanity. To purists, this is a no-no; every foot of the trail has to be hiked. For me, I've learned there are goals that everyone has their way of achieving. 

In life, I may think I have to stick to a certain path because of societie's rules. Other human beings made those rules because of their personality traits, and what worked best for them. Someone else's best is rarely going to coincide with mine.  If I would have unhappily got back on the PCT instead of hitch hiking, I wouldn't be as happy as I am in this moment. It's possible that I'm wrong, but that gets into a discussion on quantum theories.  You can never fully know. It's one or the other.

So now, I am happily hiking back to the Pacific Crest Trail.  What an awesome break and a great way to start Summer. I think I'm going to jump in the lake and then hike to Belden. What a life! :)

Donners Pass of a Past on the PCT

I sit here at Donner's Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail as hungry as a hippo, about ready to gorge on some food (not people), I think about a wild weekend adventure a friend and I took 5 years ago. 

It was Winter time. Dallas and I were itching to leave Twin Falls, Idaho and find a new adventure.  At the ripe age of 20, school and work were getting the best of us.  As we looked at maps, we decided to drive somewhere.  What about Vegas for the weekend?! No, that wasn't going to work because we weren't even 21. Hmmmm, we contemplated.  For some reason we put our finger on Sacramento, California and loaded up the car.  It was Saturday evening and I had to be to work on Monday at 6 in the morning.  Therefore,  we would have to spend nearly the entire time driving.  Easy peasy, in my head it wasn't a big deal. Should we tell our parents?  Na, we'll just call them when we get there.

Dallas and I piled into my 1992 manual Ford Escort and excitingly hit the road on our crazy trip.  What a blast we were having.  We did it!  We got out of town and we're on our way to California.  As 1 am hit, I asked Dallas if he could drive.  "I don't know how to drive stick shift," he said. My eyes got big when I realized I would be driving the entire way. 

As we started driving over Donner's Pass, the fog was so thick that we couldn't hardly see in front of us.  I told him to watch behind us.  The nice thing about going over the pass late at night was that there were no other cars. That still didn't matter because we couldn't see if there were or not.  Clenching the wheel as my knuckles turned white, I couldn't wait to be out of the fog. 

As we rolled into Sacramento at 5am, we wondered the streets.  As soon as the capital building opened, we meandered the halls until we found Arnold Schwarzenegger's office. Hoping to see the new senator, we took a picture of the sign instead.  We headed outside, called our parents, listened, and laughed to how different each of their reactions were.  It was just simple fun for us at the time.  As we hit the road at noon, I was still feeling fine.  It had been about 30 hours with no sleep, so all was going to be OK.

Crossing over Donner's Pass during the day was beautiful.  I want sure when the next time I was going to be back, but this was quite an experience. As we hit Jackpot, Nevada, we had to drive through a blizzard in the dark. I was ready to conk out, so I had Dallas start asking me really hard questions to keep me awake.  Needless to say, we made it back safe, and I zombied my way through an 8 hour shift.

I'm not saying I would ever want to do that again, but that is my story of Donner's Pass as I sit here in the beautiful sun eating peanut butter balls, chips, and tuna after hiking 1150 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail.  

Good morning

Good morning!  My view of Lake Tahoe.  31 miles is the goal for the day.  It's cold!

Mosquitoes and Honey Crack

Dropping into Toulomine Meadows was exciting. I had a lot of ice cream and resupplied my food for 8 days. 60 food items made itin my cart in hopes that it would be enough for mybear ofa stomach to make it to south Lake Tahoe.  I was excited for all of the food, because a lot of it was things I'd never brought on the trail. I even bought this energy gu just to give it a try. As I threw away unnecessary boxes that my food was in, I talked to many hikers. Some were going on a weekend trip, hiking the JMT, or hiking the PCT.  Pretty soon half of the day was gone, because there were so many great conversations. Before long, I packed up all of my belongings and headed out to the trail at 1 pm. Ugh, my pack was heavy!  I  had to have packed at least 15-20 pounds of food plus a 3 pound bear canister.  This was going to be rough!

5 miles into the trail, and it was time to rest.  When I got up from my nap,  I still felt extremely tired. I tried to push my body, but it wasn't convinced after 3 miles. My mind was tired to the point I could have just laid on the trail and slept. I was at the point of pure exhaustion.  Was that really it for the day? 8 miles in 4 hours ?! Oh I'm getting worse!  Sugar wasn't even working! I took out this little packet of performance gu. I'd never eaten it before, but had heard it was like honey in a pouch. With how tired I was, I figured this was the best time to try something like this.  I was ready to test its true effectiveness.  As I downed the 100 calorie packet, I thought, "That's not much, I'm sure I'll be stopping in a mile to set up camp." 

5 minutes later, my mind and body was fully loaded with energy. It was incredible! I was completely focused on the trail and my body was zooming!  As I charged through meadows full of Mosquitoes,  I exclaimed, "You can't catch me Mosquitoes! " I was wrong!  Those newly hatched blood suckers were swarming me like I was their first meal.  There were thousands of them!  I changed right through their party,  and looked at my white shirt all peppered in parasites. Before long my shirt was speckled with my own blood that the Mosquitoes had drank before I smacked them.  A maddening full body itch was starting to come over me and I had no choice but to get somewhere else. Apparently that 100% deet needed reapplied.

All of a sudden I saw a naked man, about 200 feet in the distance, bathing in a stream.  I quickly stopped, and most likely had a very uneasy look on my face.  My first thought, "What do I do? Awkward! Why is he doing this in the middle of a trail?  A straight line that people walk on!" Once he saw me awkwardly standing in the distance, he hurried to put his clothes back on. As I passed, I laughed and said, "I sure have good timing!" He said, "I thought there was no one around!" I laughed again, hurried on my way, and thought of some better things I could have said in that situation. "Aw dang", I thought,  "my lack of wittfulness sometimes."

I looked down and it had been 2 hours since I took the gu. I had gone 8 miles! Whoa! Talk about energy overload! That was unbelievable!  I hiked another 2 miles and set up my tent in awe of my new food that I renamed "honey crack". Is this stuff legal? I kept asking myself. 4 miles per hour is super quick for a 5'2 female bounding over boulders, fording through streams, maneuvering around snow drifts, and gaining major elevation.

The next morning I woke up next to a beautiful lake, stretched, and danced to my music as the sun was rising.  One of the songs even included "Hakuna Matata" off of the Lion King.  For me, it was perfect for that moment in time.  Every cell in my body was  rejuvenated from such laughter and fun. 

Later that day, I even took a shower in an ice cold waterfall that made me scream to the top of my lungs.  My kind of luxury at its finest, and I was enjoying every second of it!

Losing my Money and Dodging a Bullet on the PCT

My exciting day:

If you want to get to the good stuff, skip to the bottom. 

6 am: Didn't accept a ride who wanted to charge me $20

2 pm: Meat Sean, a really nice guy who said he'd drive me to the trailhead at 4 pm

4 pm: Sean drove me (with his cute 4 month old German Shepard puppy) 13 miles up a windy road.

4:15 pm: I tell Sean that I always get nervous that I'm going to leave something in town. 

4:25 pm: I hike up the trail 1/8th of a mile to have the realization that I accidentally threw my money away.

4:30: I run back to find Sean still at the trailhead who graciously gives me a ride down.

5:00 I dumpster drive in the Subway trash can to retrieve my money in an old grocery bag.

6:00 I'm back on the trail because he so kindly drove me back up.

6:30 Talking to my parents as I climb Kearsarge Pass, before I'm out of service for 8 days.

6:45 Hear 4 gunshots and a bullet zip right past me. Instantly I dropped and laid flat on the ground yelling, "What the F*** are you guys shooting at?! A*******"

My parents still on the phone... I'm OK, but my poor mom is probably worried sick. 

Now I understand why California has such strict laws.  Stupid people. 

Excuse my language, but it's called for.  I'm done with this day. But I'm alive and I'm free! Lol... Good night!

PS: Someone keeps yelling in the distance like a caveman. It might be a long night. 

Make Adventure in Idaho Guest Blog Post

Landon, a great blogger is visiting 50 states in 50 weeks, and picked me to write about Idaho. I felt privileged to write about a beautiful state with endless adventures!  Not perfectly written (I blame the phone :/), but it gives people a little hint on how they can make adventure. Hope you enjoy the read! Click the link!

Make Adventure in Idaho

World M.S. Day

Today is world M.S. day where we recognize how this debilitating disease affects everyone. I could give you world stats, but instead decided to focus on our neighboring country, Canada.
Knowledge births inspiration.  Inspiration births action. Please take the time to help people who have M.S.

Update

I am trying to get back to blogging asap. These past couple of weeks have been rough keeping you guys updated because of phone issues and solar charger issues, completing my Dental Hygiene License, preparing to continue on with my Dental Hygiene education, etc. Plus I hike at least 10 hours per day, etc. Blogging had to be put on the back burner, but I will be writing about some crazy side adventures in due time.

This is just a reminder to check out my other sites, where I can quickly upload my adventures, and not type with my phone. YouTube (Pacific Crest Trek for MS Playlist), Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. It's crazy, and I'm loving it! I hope you enjoy watching! Click the tabs toward the top of my blog, or Google "Pacific Crest Trek for MS"

Pack Frustrations

My adventure from Idyllwild to San Jacinto started out differently than expected.  The heat rash on my legs had healed with a day's rest. I found a couple guys who were planning to head back to the trail at 5AM to do a side route of summitting San Jacinto. It was an extra 2000 foot climb, and I was ready to conquer every piece of it. That evening, we said goodbyes to people who were staying in town a couple days, in hopes to recover from their ailments. These included tendons in knees, ankles, and hips that felt like they were shredded to pieces. Constant 20 mile daily pounding of dodging loose rocks and poisonous plants takes a toll on a person's body. The ground is rarely level with various types of terrain, which makes for constant jolts, and twists of the human body that is unknown to any sport. 

Some people had feet completely bubbled up from the most gigantic blisters I've ever seen. One guy claimed a girl had blisters under her toe nails. I really wish I would have seen it, because that sounds completely maddening and hard to picture! People would ask me how sandals were working out, and I said perfect! I've only had 2 blisters, and don't have any other problems. One of the main reason people can't keep hiking this trail is because of blisters. When your foot is in a shoe, and you are walking all day, everyday, your foot is bound to blister. Your feet get hot and sweaty, which makes your skin nice and soft. In return, that constant rubbing of your shoe will form blisters. My theory (along with a past PCT hiker) was that wearing a comfortable pair of sandals with out a toe covering, would lead to happy results. Sandals allow your feet to breathe, and if you keep them loose enough, there won't be much friction to cause blisters. Also, if anything slides under your foot, it'll slide right out with the next step. This makes sand, rocks, sticks, and dirt not a problem, and is why I went with comfy Tevas for my trek.

What happens when I cowboy camp, and I'm too tired to organize anything.

I woke up at 4:30am and packed up my cowboy camp. Feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the world, the 2 guys and I jumped into a strangers car as he drove us to the trailhead. As we arrived, I habitually reached down to latch my hip belt around my body. After a short struggle, I realized my strap was completely gone! I literally had no way too strap my bag around my waist! My eyes got big as I rummaged around and soon realized I would not be joining the early birds. I thought about pressing forward with out a hip belt, but knew that would be a stupid decision. I said goodbye as they trudged up the hillside. I jealously got into the vehicle as my ride took me back into town. I was very irritated at my little predicament and sat on a bench outside of the coffee shop for 1.5 hours before they opened. It was a chilling 32 degrees outside, and my hands froze as I retraced my steps and tore apart all of my gear, in hopes to find a strap. As I thought back, I started to realized where the accident must have happened. It was a group hitch hike with 5 other people. They were manhandling the bags in the back of the truck, to get situated, as I sat in the cab falling asleep after my 44 mile hike and delicious food. Somehow my hip belt must have gotten stuck under something and pulled away from my bag. 



When the coffee shop opened, I decided to do a little blogging because I had another 2 hour wait until the hikers shop opened. To increase my luck, and laughter at this awful situation, I ordered a coffee called "Luck O' the Irish". I laughed and thought, well, I'm Irish, and I could use a little more luck right now, so why not? 

As hiker friends came into the coffee shop, they were confused to see me. Looks like this town was sucking me into the vortex of hiker ailments. At 9 am, I made it over to the hiker shop for a quick fix. They were going to give me new straps, but out of frustration and sick of dealing with an ill-fitting pack, I decided to donate the pack to the shop as I stuffed my belongings into my new ULA Catalyst. This was the bag that I was going to buy for this trip, until I was given a free one to be a brand ambassador. The old pack thrust my hips in a forward position, and I had tried to deal with it for almost 200 miles. This new pack, brought my hips to a comfortable neutral position and contoured to the curve of my spine so beautifully. I didn't want to take it off. From this day forward, I knew I'd walk up the mountain like a stroll in the park. It felt AMAZING!

An hour before I left the shop, a guy offered me a ride to the trail head. He was headed up "Devil's Slide" and happened to be exploring the area before he had to go to his oil job in Alaska. Speechless that I was offered a ride with out even having to ask, I jumped in the car, ready to roll. My 5am start, ended up being a 1pm start, but I was going to power up the mountain and watch the sunset from 10,835 feet. One again, a blessing in disguise. 


Here is an interactive map for you to explore my footsteps... http://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/maps-and-guidebooks/

M.S. is Worse Than a 44 Mile Hike in 26 Hours

It's been a little over a week since I started my adventure.

I decided to sit down and write my impressions of my experience of a 44 mile 26 hour hike with 30 pounds strapped to my back, and connect it to M.S. (last paragraph). 

Yesterday, after hiking 44 miles in 26 hours, I felt nearly non existent. People would ask me questions; I could barely answer them, because I was extremely mentally and physically drained. Never in my life have I pushed my body that hard while carrying a 30 pound pack.

8 miles outside of Warner Springs, I developed a rash that covered both of my thighs. Not knowing what it was, I decided it would be in my best interest to get to the next town a.s.a.p. Here is a video of when I first discovered it:

This is what a 44 mile push felt like:

My body and brain wanted to stop, but I had to push myself, or I knew I wouldn't make it. I had to give myself something to look forward to, and that was Paradise Valley Cafe. I heard about a loaded "Jose burger" that seemed like heaven. My eye was on the goal, and I was getting there.

Not knowing if I was having an allergic reaction, I took a benadryl and put a typical steroid cream on the rash. Forgetting about the drowsy side effects of benadryl, I zombied my way down the trail. The heat of the sun was pounding on my body as I trudged through the dry, water sapping desert. With 6 miles left, there was a sign that said, "PCT hikers! Water, soda, hikerbox, 100 feet."THANK YOU TRAIL ANGELS!" So miraculous! The first 20 seconds of this clip is what I felt like: 

After the last grueling 6 mile stretch through the hot desert with absolutely no shade (just like the past 38 miles), I made it to Paradise Cafe. People started asking my name, which I now reply "Wiki Wiki" (trail name). They asked how I got it, and I couldn't remember "Gottawalk's" name because I was so drained. All I could say is sorry, I can't think right now.

"Gottawalk" (67) who gave me my trail name "Wiki Wiki" (quick in Hawaiian). She has hiked the PCT, CDT, AT, and American Discovery. She is a beast and I love it!

Happy to have my burger.

I devoured my hamburger and fries, and proceeded to ask for a plate of pie and ice cream. The next thing I heard was, "You better wake up and eat your ice cream." I jumped out of my dream and into reality. Did I really just fall asleep in a chair at a restaurant? There was music and loud conversations all around me. I felt exhausted, but the ice cream looked delicious! People around me laughed as I quickly finished every last drop of ice cream and pie.

 The next stop was a $3 camp site in "Idyllwild" with a $1, 5 minute shower. The best 5 minute shower of my life, even though I had one 2 days earlier. At 5pm, I crawled into my sleeping bag and fell asleep. When I woke up the next morning, I started laughing when I discovered 2 hamburgers laying next to me. I was so confused, but later found out that a hiker thought I'd be hungry, so he put those next to me. Kind of random and funny to wake up to 2 hamburgers laying next to me, but very thoughtful.

This mentally and physically draining experience made me think of people trying to deal with Multiple Sclerosis. We tend to have set expectations for our friends and family. People wanted me to talk more to them, but I couldn't. Thinking straight was a mental chore that I just didn't want to do. Walking was awful, my legs were numb, and it felt like more of a hobble, but I had to keep moving. Many people with Multiple Sclerosis have these symptoms 24/7 plus blurry vision, and more! Most of the time there is no break, no getting better, and no healing. They often say, "What is normal? I don't remember." Slowly degrading with these masked symptoms, keeps them pushing for a cure. Ya, sure, cures may be hard to come by, but... What if? What if you were part of the cure discovered for M.S? How amazing would that be? Medical break-throughs are only achieved by people passionate about the future of discovery.

I would appreciate all readers to comment how M.S. affects your life (even if you don't have it), and how important and beneficial a cure would be. Examples would be great! To do something about anything, we have to speak out, and make people aware. We have to increase understanding and drive. There's no point in being timid. Let's get out there!

............

I'm writing everything on a smart phone, so sorry for any typos or imperfections. :-)

Making my way to Warner Springs... Mile 210

Blogging is a little hard on my phone, especially when I am trying to make push at least 20 miles every day, but I enjoy this!

      

An old burn that has beautiful new life growing through. I love the contrast it puts on the land. 

A guy who just graduated high school and wants to explore the world before college. I later named him Zoom. He spotted past me like he was being chased. Haha

I decided to wake up the next morning at 2am and hike under the moon light. It's amazing how much the desert reflects the light. So much that I didn't have to use my head lamp. Amazingly beautiful. 

Ran into this unexpected water cache meant for people who run out of water quicker than they thought. I left it for a desperate hiker because I had enough. While hiking under the moonlight, I don't go through near as much water as in the day time. 

Watched the sunrise on Sunrise ridge. This wasn't planned, but it was a beautiful surprise!

Plopped my feet up on a rock to enjoy my evening view. After hiking 25 miles, I was finished for the day and enjoyed the beautiful view that I was about to fall asleep to. 

"Bighorn" 

"Skeltor"

"Angie" no trail name yet, but she's pretty cool. 

"Buttercup" a retired Marine

I  found this plant very intriguing

Blue butterfly hiking after her husband's death. She just needed to get out and think.

Got a sprinkle of  storm. Hikers 2 miles ahead of me got dumped on. 

Mile 100!

Walking through the California grasslands.

Grasshopper and coyote

Eagle rock

Finally to my first shower after a week!

Borrowed clothes while getting my laundry done. Ha!

The amazing outdoor shower!

I brought a jet boil stove with me. Other hikers brought this. Wow it's small!

Eating a delicious fish taco!

Dang this song for my dad. Not confident with my singing. This was more of a sentimental thing. 

Monty's song about the PCT.

Goldie Locks. I love her voice!

Saying goodbye to the crew in Warner Springs.