Fire Closures
Everyone is aware that fires have broken out across the west. I feel like first I should acknowledge the devastation created by these fires in human and natural communities. It is awful.
Secondly, my hike has been affected. The national forests in Northern California have been closed to hikers. This is for their safety and for the safety of those that might have to rescue them.
I was to begin the southbound leg of my hike in Old Station, California – where I started in June. Unfortunately, the PCT is closed from there to Sonora Pass, California – a distance of 346 miles. The PCT is open again at Sonora Pass. I will begin my southbound journey there.
Progress metrics
In response to this, I will travel to the Kennedy Meadows North resort near Sonora Pass to continue my journey. This starting point is in the Sierra Nevada section of the PCT. As I write this, I am heading to Reno from Tacoma on Amtrak. I will take a bus to South Lake Tahoe where I will collect all my resupply boxes forwarded from other locations. Then I will find my way somehow to Sonora Pass from there.
With so many miles of the PCT skipped, I have decided to calculate my progress in a different way.
Markers
There are generally accepted mile markers used on the trail. Popular mapping apps like Guthook uses these markers. I used them in the first part of my journey. I will continue to use these, except now they will be decreasing toward zero.
Total miles
Total miles, and mile achievements will now reflect what I have actually walked and not the difference between the starting mile marker and the current one
- Starting marker – the accepted Nobo mile marker of the PCT (rounded down) at the beginning of the day
- Ending marker – the accepted Nobo mile marker of the PCT (rounded down) at the end of the day
- Miles today – I will do the math here fire people who are challenged by subtraction
- Total miles – The total number of miles I have actually walked. This number will not include the miles skipped due to fire closures. It will include the miles I have walked twice, like the miles between Hart’s Pass and the Canadian border.
Stay safe, brother.
As usual, I’ve chosen an interesting time to check on tour progress. I admire your tenacity and laud your success. Just one more obstacle, Dave. It’s part of the journey. Stay safe and remember to have fun!