http://montybillpct.net/blog2010 Pacific Crest Trail Journey Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:01:43 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en They are now at White Pass, WA. Monty said she made it across the Goat Rocks knife edge this time without getting a fright! http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2462 I "slept in" until 6:45am today, but was so hungry that I got up and went to eat at the restaurant, after making coffee and eating yogurt in our room. Bill was still feeling sick and weak, so he did not join me, but stayed in bed. When I got ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2475 We stayed in our sleeping bags until 6:30 this morning! No hiking today! Bill was very tired, and I was very hungry, so at 7:00am, we headed out for a wonderful big breakfast at the Inn. We left our packs and stuff at Trail Days, so after breakfast we walked ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2474 Our last day hiking the PCT in Oregon! Clouds were still around us, but slowly cleared back, so we could see pretty well; the deep valleys and steep mountains all around us matched the contours on our maps, so we did have a pretty good idea where we were and ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2472 We woke up to a sky much more clear and normal— the smoke seemed to have pretty much cleared. Our motto for the morning was "second breakfast at Timberline Lodge!" Once we reached Barlow Pass, the PCT seriously starts to go up, up, up, till between the trees you start ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2470 Today was smoke all day, beginning with an orange-red sun early in the morning. The beams of light coming through the trees were also red when they hit the forest floor and tree trunks, so it almost looked as if the forest were on fire. It rapidly turned into a ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2468 Today was a day of rocks, fire and God's perfect timing. It was an experience I will not soon forget! Early morning when we started out there was a beautiful "moonset" in the west— a golden round moon, clouds pink from sunrise, and the blue of early morning sky. Very ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2466 We cowboy camped in the woods of Big Lake Youth Camp and woke up to everything WET— fog was all over the lake and us! Oh well— we headed back (at 6am) to the nice warm laundry room at the camp, washed out socks and dried everything else. Breakfast was ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2464 Brrr! A cold 38 degree morning! We packed up fast and hit the trail, hoping for a hill to climb! (Hills warm you up!) We hiked part of the morning with Phooey, and we are all just going outs over the views of the Sisters and the wildflower meadows. Obsidian ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2150 We spent most of today hiking through the Sisters Wilderness "pond and lake" zone, which means a lot of up and down through rocky knolls in the forest, interspersed with mostly ponds and a few real lakes. It's damp here, and there were whole "lawns" of moss. Some of the ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2148 Since we camped last night near the RR tracks, I got to see some trains go by before I went to sleep, and one of them was an Amtrak train— on time! Amazing! We ate breakfast on the porch of Shelter Cove store with a great view of the lake. ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2145 We were a little late getting up because I was burrowed into my sleeping bag and didn't see the sky lightening, but soon we were underway. Bill was on a tear, soon out of sight. He really wants to get to Cascade Locks! It was forest walking again, contouring around ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2143 It was cold last night after the storm! Brrr! But this morning was clear and we quickly headed along the PCT after getting one last photo of beautiful Crater Lake. It's downhill all the way for miles, through "Oregon Desert" of pumice-y dirt and trees. Many trees have strange lumps ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2141 We were up early in the dark forest, packing up by headlamp and thinking "second breakfast at Mazama buffet!" But we still had plenty of miles to do— a bit over 10. So we charged off through the forest, (stopping for some granola) and were at Mazama Village before 10am. ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2139 Well, the crickets sang a great lullaby last night! I slept like a log. It was so warm at 5:30am that we needed no jackets as we began the hike into Sky Lakes Wilderness. Last time, we went the lake route-- this time we stayed with the PCT. For some ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2004 Well, we had quite a lightning show and thunder concert last night-- plus rain! Wow! We haven't had rain since Campo and the San Felipe hills. In the morning, all we did was walk through viewless forest, but on very nice trail. Bill's math says we have to do 30 ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2002 Last night an owl hooted for a very long time. Was he/she lonely? It was a warm morning as we followed the windy, twisty, weedy PCT on its way around Pilot Rock. Last night Bill did some math and he is thinking about trying to make it to PCT "trail ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=2000 It was actually warm at 5:30am, and it did turn into a very warm day. Oregon scenery is beautiful-- both close up (dramatic hills, rocks, trees, flowers) and far off (golden hills, Mt. Shasta and other volcanoes of various sizes.) Around 11am we found a wonderful surprise-- a Pepsi cache ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1998 Last night, after lots of good food in Seiad and a long hot climb up the hill, I was so tired that I think I fell asleep as soon as I put my head down! This morning was chilly and very windy. I wore my raingear till breakfast at 7am. ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1996 We took off along Grider Creek trail as soon as it was light enough to see-- and it is worth seeing. It's really pretty, with cliffs and cascades and lots of greenery. Walking the road into Seiad Valley, we saw a lot of "No Monument!" signs in front of houses. Turns ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1994 The sky this morning was full of clouds-- all kinds of clouds-- all very pretty but a bit worrisome to hikers. "Will it rain? Or will it just make today cooler?" It turned out to be the latter-- a cooler day, with lots of great cloud photo-ops. We started the ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1450 Yikes! Everybody is on my case to eat! No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to "put back" any fat on my bones! Susan gave us a great breakfast with more awesome conversation, then took us to town where we did the usual town chores plus more eating-- ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1448 Sunrise light was beautiful on the mountains this morning, with glimpses of the Scott Valley far below. We hiked as quickly as we could, thinking "Etna Road ahead!" But the scenery was so gorgeous that I just had to stop and look at it every now and then. Bill was ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1447 We continued to enjoy the beautiful views of the Trinity Alps today-- the highest part, where the snow is still deep, even in August! But finally we "turned the corner" and the trail headed north again through Russian Wilderness, which I call "the land of huge light grey boulders." Right ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1444 Today we finally got to where we could see the beautiful, jagged mountains of the Trinity Alps! There's a point on the PCT where it's like you come round a corner and "ta-da!" there they are. We love the Trinitys, and we did some cheering when we saw them! Along the ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1441 Today was a very good day and a very bad day. On the good side, my hip pain is totally gone! I can now walk freely without limping. And my ability to hike on rough, rocky trail is really improving. It was rocks on trail almost all day, and I ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1439 At 5:15am, Martha was already up and the dogs gave me an ecstatic, tailwagging greeting. We enjoyed coffee and breakfast before Martha headed out to feed all the animals and then go to work, while we headed for Ammirati's Market to pick up our resupply boxes and have a second ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1438 God is amazing! Today was another "miracle day." For starters, the trail was very nice all day-- minimal blowdowns and bushes, plus all easy grades. There were two long, long uphills (me 6 miles) and it was another hot day with water sources few and far between. But having a ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1433 Today turned out to be a "miracle day" for us, a miracle of God's guidance, for which we are mega-grateful! All early morning long, the PCT was a bit of a slog-- the trail seriously needed blowdowns cleared and bushes pruned back. We even had to go around a large ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1430 We had a little bit of trouble locating the PCT this morning, but finally found it and headed for the Lake Britton dam. Wow! There was a big construction project on; we had no trouble getting through because it was Sunday. The PCT happily climbs back up into the mountains ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1428 "Breakfast at Cache 22!" was our get-up motto today! It was already warm at 5:30am -- a hot day was coming. We passed a bunch of the guys just getting up from their camp at the old fire lookout. Some of them passed us, also eager for the cache! By ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1426 I went over to Georgi's house at 6:00am, hoping for thread to mend my pants, and was not disappointed-- Georgi was up and just as chipper and lively as ever. My poor pants were in dire need of another patch! Breakfast was provided by Warner Springs Monty and Goodfoot--what a ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1424 Well, all the hikers (including us) had to scramble at around 2am when a bit of rain blew through. Bill simply draped our tarp over the net tent we were already in because of the mosquitoes, and by 5am when we got up, all our stuff was dry. By breakfast ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1419 Today's hike was what I call "The Big Walk Around Ruffa Ranch." The ranch is down in a valley below, and the trail circles it on all the crests and ridges. But because we were up high, the views were splendiferous-- Mt. Lassen, Lake Almanor, even the Sacramento Valley. Wildflowers ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1417 I got up at 6:30 to see about making coffee for all the hikers, and discovered that the Braatens had left two big platters of watermelon slices and fresh chocolate zucchini muffins. A nice appetizer, but soon we were all making the 0.25 mile trek down the road to the ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1415 The Williams family who own Honker Pass were up at 5am to be sure all of us "earlybird hikers" get at least something to eat before we hit the trail at 5:30. They are awesome folks! And the trail is awesome, too, pretty much all day. It was well-marked, well-maintained and ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1408 Today was "blowdown day," I think. We were having to deal with downed trees all morning. Some were stepovers, some were climbovers, some were duckunders and some huge ones were even crawlunders. But the forests are beautiful here-- some very dark and solemn, some more open and sunny. Vicodin is ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1406 We were hoping for lots of miles today, but the pain in the back of my hip just got worse and worse, till I was reduced to just limping along as fast as I could, yelping a bit when it hurt too much. To say I was miserable and frustrated ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1404 It was pretty dark in the forest in a creek canyon at 5:15 this morning-- no problem-- we were headed for breakfast in Sierra City! Oh yes! We passed Aussie guy (just getting up) and reached the shortcut turnoff for town. When we got there, we headed for the Red ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1402 What a great place-- staying at the Peter Grubb hut! We were all up 'n at em early, eager to put a dent in the miles to Sierra City. And the trail cooperated-- no big climbs, not too much rocky stuff, awesome views-- especially of Sierra Buttes with its dramatic ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1400 No sleeping in at Pooh Corner! At 5:45, Bill Person turned on the lights and started breakfast, while all the bodies that had been sleeping all over the floor began to revive. The first shuttle run to the PCT was at 6:30, but I sat down in a corner and ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1398 Up, up we went this morning, up to the backside of Tinker's Knob, and fabulous views. We stopped for breakfast with another fabulous view, and three other hikers came by. "Are you going to Pooh Corner?" they asked. "Yes!" So we hatched a plan of all going together, since one ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1466 We had to plan carefully getting underway this morning, since hordes of mosquitoes were waiting for us outside the net tent! For some time, we were hiking in headnets through muddy trail in the forest. But there were compensations-- intensely green new bracken fronds, wildflowers, and a sighting of a ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1464 We passed 1,100 miles today! But wow, it was a touch 24 miles! It felt more like 34 miles! For many miles this morning, the PCT is unbelievably rocky and rough. Echo Lake was very peaceful, though-- no motorboats this early. We hiked along Lake Aloha in its very High ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1462 "On to Carson Pass!" we said as we hit the trail this morning, thinking it would be an easy cruise to breakfast at the visitor center. Nope! The trail had other ideas. It had a lot of uphill (puff! pant!) and a number of icy snowfields to cross. Bill chopped ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1460 We hadn't gone far this morning, when whom should we meet heading south-bound but Wyoming! We had not seen her for weeks. Turns out that she and some friends had flipped up to Ashland and were headed South. It was great to see her! Then we crossed Ebbett's Pass and ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1459 No mosquitoes last night! And none till this afternoon! And for a good several hours this morning, the trail just cruised along through gorgeous scenery. It was a total joy to be hiking on such a morning! I was thinking, "wow! At this rate we might make 27 miles!" But ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1458 Well, I guess you could say today was "snow day"! We went up and over Donohue Pass, our last big pass. To pack up this morning, though, we had to wear full raingear plus headnets as the mosquitoes swarmed us. What a relief to be up on the pass, and ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1456 If yesterday was "big canyon day", today was lake, pond, mud and mosquito day! But yahoo, we passed the 1,000 mile mark, and we made it out of Yosemite! Getting up was hard-- our clothes were still wet from last night's ford, and hungry mosquitoes pounced on us as fast ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1454 Today was "big canyon" day, and it was pretty brutal. The trail and the terrain threw everything they had at us. We had to deal with finding trail in the snow, crossing steep snow, long uphills so steep that I could only plod along, trail so rough and rocky that ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1453 I never thought I'd be able to get up at 5am and start hiking, because I was so exhausted from yesterday, but the realization that "I can get rid of the bear can at Echo Lake!" was a HUGE motivator! I love walking the PCT around Tuolemne Meadows, because my ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1451 The 20+ miles we did today were tough miles, but we managed to land up in the end at Tuolumne Meadows! We were up 'n at em at 5:00am, knowing we had 2 snowy passes to cross. First was Island Pass, with its gorgeous views of Banner Peak and Thousand ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1012 We dawdled around getting organized this morning, and enjoyed the Motel 6 Coffee while we ate a breakfast of leftover this n' that from our food. It was another clear, beautiful morning. We rode the "bike Bus" up to Mammoth Mountain Resort, which is now converted from skiing to mountainbiking. ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1010 We "slept in" till 6:15 this morning. The sky was clear and blue— nice to see after yesterday afternoon's dark grey clouds that dripped a bit. Looks like the Sierras are going into their normal summer pattern of clear sky each morning and cloud buildup in the afternoon. We packed ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1009 We were up long before the others and headed for beautiful, green Tully Hole. Then it was a long grind of switchbacks and climbing up to Lake Virginia, where we were overjoyed to find an icefree lake and not-too-bad snow. Then it was on past Purple Lake, a very scary ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1006 Tent 4 was full last night (mostly JMT people) but cleared out fast as soon as the cafe opened. Bill and I were more leisurely because yesterday when I asked the VVR store lady if I could buy any fresh fruit, she offered me some of her own, for free. ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1004 It was very cold last night, but nice and clear, with lots of stars. I should mention how grateful I am for the glorious weather we've had in the Sierras so far. Today was no exception— beautiful! We walked down the famous "53 Switchbacks", then left the PCT and I ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=1000 Bill and I both totally zonked last night and slept like logs. "Amazing!" Bill said. "I didn't even hear the river roaring!" Our long climb up to Selden Pass was enlivened by what I decided to call a "sage hen convention." We saw several of them on the trail, and ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=997 We were all warm and comfortable last night in the Muir Hut. The two brothers left at 4:30am (they are hoping to make it to Mammoth Lakes by the 4th of July) and we were underway at 6:15am to be sure we had enough light to see well. Bill wore ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=995 Today we hiked into Antarctica (well, Muir Pass, actually) and it was one tough day. Last night I suddenly (duuh!) realized I had a really, really bad sunburn on my lower face from sunlight reflected up off the snow. So I resolved today to wear my black mosquito headnet for ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=993 This morning, a short walk took us to the South Fork of the Kings River. The ranger note yesterday said, "do not cross here— way too dangerous. Walk upstream to where the trail crosses back over." To my great relief, Bill agreed to follow the ranger's suggestion. The Kings was ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=992 Had a solid night's sleep, which really helped me today. Bill was also feeling perky and was talking about "maybe we can get over both Pinchot and Mather passes today!" (I thought, "I'll settle for just Pinchot!") We took turns crossing the narrow suspension bridge over Woods Creek. The walk ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=991 It was very cold last night, and I should have taken some Motrin before collapsing into my sleeping bag, so I ached all over and couldn't sleep. We spent time this morning still hunting for trail in the snow, and finally made it down to Vidette Meadows. Due to lack ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=989 This was a long, tough, amazing day— we made it up and over Forester Pass! After fording Rock Creek (no problem) we made the long uphill/downhill to Crabtree Meadows with its gorgeous views of Mt. Whitney. After that came the first of many scary creek crossings. Bill goes first and ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=988 No clouds this morning! We hoisted our horribly heavy packs and headed for Diaz Creek— we needed water. But we were so distracted with admiring the scenery and spotting "old friend" landmarks from our day hikes in the Cottonwood Pass area, that we missed the unmarked trail to the creek. ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=987 A lot of clouds came in last night and started dripping, but nothing serious. A bit after we started hiking, it even hailed. Didn't stop us— we were headed for "breakfast at the swallow bridge"! Sure enough, we could eat and watch the swallows feeding their babies who were tucked ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=985 Well, I guess we've switched from being "hiker trash" to being "trailer trash" because we really enjoyed our one night in the cute tiny trailer at Tom's place. Breakfast time saw more hikers coming in and lots of hikers leaving to tackle the Sierras (once they finished their pancakes and ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=983 We should have rigged the tarp last night, because when we woke up, our sleeping bags and gear were covered with frost, and my drinking tube had frozen. Welcome to the Sierras! But we were thinking "Coffee! Breakfast!" and wasted no time heading for Kennedy Meadows. Not far from the ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=866 I finally actually slept last night, even with the howling wind. I needed it badly! By morning all was calm and we were hiking into the Canebrake Creek Valley. There is one house there— 2 stories with an elegant pillared porch like a Southern mansion— out in the middle of ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=864 Today was literally an "answered prayer" day. For the last 2 days I was having serious pain problems. By the end of each day, my feet hurt horribly and my right hip also. Last Night I asked God to show me what to do. I did that in 2005 when ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=862 This was another very good but hot hiking day. We started off tired, though— the wind howled and roared all night and kept shaking my sleeping bag. The day started at 50 degrees but soon got hot. The wind continued for some time— we had to squeeze between some rocks ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=860 Today was much better for me— I could hike steadily along and didn't need extra rest breaks. Early in the morning we reached fenced-in Robin Bird Spring, and Bill crawled under the fence to get water and rinse our dirty socks, while I guarded our packs. Off we went again ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=858 Today was a very tough day for me, so it was a good thing the trail was basically easy. I still feel very weak, and the 5-6,000 foot elevation after being at sea level for 2 weeks didn't help. But the PCT was full of interesting things today— desert views ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=855 Even though we ate breakfast at home before heading out, we had no problems with commute traffic and pretty soon we were zooming along I-5. I kept staring at the east for a look at the Sierras, but no luck— the air was too hazy. We took the bus from ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=852 We finished up our last "house projects" today and said, "That's it!   Let's go back to the PCT!"   Sounds like hikers are beginning to get through the Sierras, the snow is melting, and we DO want to make it to Canada before the snow flies!  And I will be SO ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=836 What a weird feeling to still be at home on Ray Day instead of heading off into the Sierras.  But we are excited that at least one group of hikers has made it to Mammoth!  Shay Blackley (the paddle guy) and his friends have gotten through.  I hope they post ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=832 Yesterday White Beard and I put on our packs and went "hiking" along the San Francisco Bay Trail, which follows the waterfront in the area of the Golden Gate Bridge.   It was a very warm day (unusual for San Francisco in June!!) and I wanted to hike where I could ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=830 For two thruhikers who wish they were back hiking the PCT,  waiting for the snow to melt down is like watching paint dry.  But White Beard Bill has found a solution.   Instead of tearing his hair out and being frustrated, he has instead started tearing out WINDOWS! Since we both feel ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=827 Yesterday we optimistically made a run to REI to get some gear--a couple of titanium tarp stakes, and some sort of chemical water treatment for "iffy" water.   But they had no titanium stakes.   Bummer!   I looked and looked at the water treatment stuff and finally decided to go with the ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=824 Bill "White Beard" went through the colonoscopy thing this morning, and they didn't find any real problems.   Whew!   Seems that the bleeding problem he was dealing with was not caused by giardia/whatever, but was a couple of hemorrhoids (which he already knew about).   So he has decided to get those ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=821 The doctor sent Bill to a specialist, and the conclusion was that yes,  his problem was due to giardia.   Just to make absolutely sure, though, they want Bill to have a colonoscopy.  Yuck.   Bill is NOT a happy camper at the prospect, but he will go through with it (on Tuesday). All ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=819 I (Monty) am feeling much better this morning--stronger and a lot closer to "normal."   I went for a walk after breakfast and could walk at a normal pace instead of walking like a snail.   Bill is still having problems, though, including some bleeding.   When I realized how bad it was,  ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=814 In a very unexpected turn of  events, we are back home in Petaluma for a couple of weeks, trying to recover from what appears to be some sort of giardia/whatever that we must have picked up from a contaminated water source  back before Agua Dulce somewhere.    Neither of us are ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=789 Bill and I had planned to be happily headed back to the PCT this morning,  with a "Kennedy Meadows, here we come" cheer.   But instead, what we had to deal with was continuing to feel weak and not hungry (though a bit better than yesterday).  We sat down with Christy ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=811 At 5:30 am, I woke Bill up so we could both take our "waterbug medicine,"  and I was very happy to find that I was feeling much better already.   The nausea was minimal, and I felt stronger.   I actually managed to eat breakfast--very slowly, and in little nibbles, but I ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=808 This morning, there were TWO of us feeling nauseous, but me worse than Bill.   I managed to eat some banana for breakfast by just nibbling on it little by little.   Bill and I had planned to go to church, but that was now out of the question.   We figured we must ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=806 It was a beautiful warm morning, and the weather report was VERY encouraging--at least a week of steadlily growing warmer, plus plenty of sun.   I had a delicious big breakfast--the Rosander's hospitality is awesome!   But Bill is still sick.  He did not get up for a long time, and we ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=596 Good thing we rigged the tarp last night--it RAINED! It wasn't a deluge, but I am so glad we weren't out in it, "rigging by headlamp."  The wind was pretty bad when we got up a bit after 5 am to begin the 1,600 foot climb out of the canyon ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=802 Hikertown is home to a whole flock of banty chickens, including several roosters, who started crowing enthusiastically around 4 am!  By 5:30, most of the hikers (including us) were in the hiker lounge eating breakfast that included "coffee from New York City" sent by one hiker's girlfriend.  ("What was she ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=799 It was cold, gray and windy this morning, and we were hiking along IN the clouds, which swirled all around us.  I call this "cloud ballet" because of the dramatic, graceful way those graywhite swirls dance and leap and turn.  And then hooray!   We reached the 500 mile post!  That ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=798 Brrrr!  It was a 31 degree morning, with frost!  By 6:30, the coffee was ready and by 7:00, Terri Anderson was dishing up STACKS of great pancakes.  She uses two electric griddles to keep up with all the hungry hikers!  Then it was more hang out and talk till around ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=796 Boy, are we glad we camped DOWN in a gully--all the hilltops were in cloud this morning!  And sure enough, 5 minutes of walking had us at "The Oasis", complete with all its usual accoutrements of skeletons, pink flamingo, "Class of 2010" banner, and coolers with cold sodas.  Too cold ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=794 With Bill's help, I fired up the BBQ at the Saufleys and made us a great dinner of steak, potatoes and tomatoes.   In 2005, there was a big BBQ every night, with all the hikers participating...I guess times change.   We went to bed early, and it RAINED during the night ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=792 I haven't mentioned that one of the fun features of Hiker Heaven is the musicians. There's a piano, a "hiker guitar" and today one of the Donna Saufley crew of volunteers serenaded us on his trombone! It's much cooler today— yesterday we were all looking for shade, but today we look ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=257 We got up early today, and along with Charlie, we made a breakfast feast for all the hikers– 2 kinds of pancakes, plus bacon, sausage and ham, plenty of strawberries, bananas, butter and syrup to put on them. Then I found the official "hiker sewing basket" and basically spent the ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=254 For awhile this morning, we were still in the "burn Zone" and following the PCT alternating between slipping and sliding across mountainsides where the trail had just fallen away, or pushing through weeds. But finally we were out of the burn zone and into just nice, normal trail. By 8:00am ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=250 Today began with one of the other hikers announcing, "Ladies and Gentlemen, rise and shine! It's 5:45am and the bus leaves at 6:30!" (we'd all promised Dr. Bay to be ready to go at 6:30). But at 6:15, here she came with a huge skillet of hot scrambled eggs ("My ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=247 Neither of us had any sleep last night— the wind howled all night, and even with "all our layers on" inside our sleeping bags, it was hard to stay warm. By morning, all our stuff was wet and we headed out very early, hoping to warm up by hiking fast. ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=243 We broke camp at 5:00am and headed for "adventures on Mt. Baden-Powell." It took awhile to get there, and we had plenty of time to look it over, since the views are awesome. Took a deep breath and prayed before we began to climb up. Sure enough, after less than ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=241 The Best Western "breakfast room" opened at 6:00am, and all the thruhikers were there! We ate a leftover trail breakfast augmented by other goodies. The hot topic was the big detour ahead of us— maps were being spread out on tables and opinions of various sorts were "fervently discussed." We ... http://montybillpct.net/blog2010/?p=237