Photos: Campo thru kickoff

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Note: Casey’s handwriting can be difficult to read. If what you read doesn’t make sense, it is not my fault. I’m not going to make much of an effort to ‘clean-up’ his reports. Also, he asked that I make the blog entry's post date match the date on the letter, so that his letters are displayed in order in which he writes them, not when I (or others) get around to actually posting them.

4/19/2008; 43.0 mile Mt. Laguna.

Tony,

Starting at 6:20a I hiked leisurely into Mt. Laguna. As I passed Long Canyon, I enjoyed the pine grove, with this shade and a stiff wind, I felt chilled most of the morning. Within an hour of my morning's blister popping, the tape came off in my shoe, rather annoying redressing to follow. And my dry nose started bleeding again. Sure I enjoy hiking but the body is still adjusting.

Since starting two and an half days ago I’ve enjoyed how diverse the environment has been. My “desert-hiking” vision prior to starting was of sandy expanses of exposed paths in blazing sun. However, along my 43.0 miles thus far I’ve seen various flowers, Yucca, lilacs and others. The trail is lined a parts with trees and bushes of heights from stubbly sage brush, then short smooth-red mountain Magoheny to even towering mountain pines.

The trail’s terrain and tread has been rather hiker friendly. I can look up and out at the rolling mountains or abandoned air force bases 80% of my hiking time, this is up from 50-60% of my AT hike. As I look down into valleys from on high, boulders are strewn like salt and pepper in a bush salad. Sometimes I’ll scramble up a sloped boulder for a 360 view.

Birds and lizards are the majority of wildlife so far. I can tell temperatures are rising when birds stop chirping. On my first day from Mexico’s border I caught a glimpse of a mountain quail running across PCT’s sandy tread. Ravens often are the only thing interrupting the tint of blue. Hikers near me have mentioned rattle snakes, but I haven’t seen one yet. As I was reclining in front of Mt. Laguna store, four deer ran across my view. The melody of creation is nurturing to heart & mind.

My body is adapting as expected. Some blisters on my right foot, and my hips are tight when I start up after a break. With my loose and light colored clothing, I’ve prevented major sunburn. However, my lips and cheeks are a bit tender from exposure in Warner Springs and at kick-off party.

Yesterday, I spoke with no other hikers and camped alone. Only at the end of my light 12.4 miles did I talk with campers at Cibbets Flat Campground, where I got water. Seeing people was very satisfying after having a post-first day emotional/physical crash.

My New Balance 908 shoes are working well. And I’m really glad to have a down coat because the nights are abruptly cold after being in sun all day. But my last minute shirt switch in San Diego has been the best gear so far. My ExOfficio white sun shirt (no longer white) is cool and breezy and light. Plus under the arms, from cuff to bottom hem, is one-inch band of mesh.

Well my 3+ hour break in Mt. Laguna is nearly up. I’ve sent myself too much food, and this weight is making the next steps seem overwhelming. I'll write after kick-off.

--Casey.

Letters and photos on the way...

I'll be posting Casey's letters (and photos) within a few days. Stay tuned.

On the Trail #1--Day 1

4.17.2008

Driving from San Diego, I began pondering transition. I watched city and highway change to suburbs then fields of scrub brush and grass. I reached the southern marker at about 7:00 am, and after several photos and sticking my hand into Mexico, I started walking. My heart swelled to my eyes with delight and joy.

Throughout my day I consider other changes that would come. I'm learning how to read different data material with each authors style. My body is adapting to my shoes and pack; minor blisters formed on my feet, and my hip bones are sore.

The view and temps have changed. I had the gift of a breeze the 1st day. The breeze was cooling even as the sun climbed and blared effortlessly through the blue clear skies. I took several breaks throughout my day. I was careful to keep my feet dry by changing socks often and drying my feet in the sun. I'm pleased to establish this health pattern early on--my feet are happy too.

The trail went from dirt path, then a brief 100 yd of road, to a small climb. My feet were sheltered by short brush on this SE slope. After lunch I crested the little climb and could see Mt. Howser's exposed face waiting for me. This final climb drained my bodies energies, however, my spirit still soars. At last I descended to Lake Morena Co. Park--bonus, a shower!

Much love,
Casey

Photos: Pre-Trip #3

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Prep # 16 -- From San Diego Final Stage Point

Dear Jim,

I had a fantastic time visiting Portland last week. I'm glad I took the time to visit prior to my hike. Reconnecting with so many friends helped me settle my ever fluctuating nerves about my approaching adventure.

Tim and I drove thru Redwood Forest in route to San Francisco. We picked up a twenty-something hitchhiker who had endless stories. He left behind an odor when we drop in a town along HWY 101. Tim and I then made our way delighting in the gorgeous sunlight and warm temps (75+) to the Bay Area. We spent the weekend visiting friends, hiking and starring off at the bay. Our group had stumbled upon a regatta on Saturday. The transformation of the competing boats from homogeneous colored sails to brilliant billowing spinnaker sails was awesome.

I took greyhound to San Diego yesterday. And today, I'm taking care of some final logistics. I realized as I spoke with my host Carole (mom of PCT hiker Gazelle 07 & 08) that I've spent the majority of my effort these past 4 months working to raise money and awareness for the Al Forthan Scholarship Fund. To put it into numbers, I'd guess 70% of my effort so far for this hike has been for the Al Fund. This numbers will change drastially when I start walking.

So today I'll be writing - with gratitude- more thank you cards. Then doing laundry (I've been in same cloths for 5 days) and showering. Then I'll pack up and hit the trail sometime this week.

I hope your family is well and thanks again for allowing me to crash at your place for a week.

In Love,
Casey

prep #15 -- Reason. We don't need no stinking reason

To decide to take the steps to prepare for the PCT, I listened to my heart.

Now as the day of actually putting foot on the trail approaches, I continue to reevaluate my decision.


By the graceful conversation with my friend, I realize there is no simple reason that I continue to say yes to Hiking the PCT. That having a simply reason may be a dishonor to God who is ever mysterious. So I continue towards my hike with an ever fluctuating motivation and determination.

Will I have courage to continue following this Mysterious Way of Grace through-out my life? Especially when societal norms and aversion to risking raises in my future? Thankfully I'm not in the future yet, I can be grateful for the clarity of my present choices.