New Valley Hills

I’m having a zero in Lone Pine, 5000ft below the trail. The trail itself stays above 8000ft for the next 300 miles! I’m 50 trail miles and 3.5 days north of KMS. I buy an ice axe then miracles of miracles find my exact footwear for sale 65 miles north up the highway. By the Continue reading

Arrived at Kennedy Meadows South, the end of the desert section and beginning of the high Sierra. A bell is rung for incoming hikers – you’re received by a cheer from those already there, eating and drinking on the deck of the general stores. I welled up a little as I was welcomed, and then Continue reading

No regrets about flipping up. The desert had become type 2 fun and it was making me miserable thinking about another ~250 miles in higher heat – that’s type 3 fun! For the last two days I’d been taking trail shortcuts to minimise effort in the sun. I slept well last night in the cool Continue reading

The die is cast, I’ve said goodbye to my current companions, the sun is still baking down at 8pm. Today I flip ahead to Walker Pass, ending my time in the SoCal desert. Mountains beckon with new challenges. Yesterday I had dinner with Roek, an Aussie from Dutch heritage. I tasted his rattlesnake meal – Continue reading

“ ‘Cause two out of three ain’t bad” First, a picture of Liz, a 2015 alumnus who opened her home to me for two nights in Wrightwood. Yesterday I popped out of the third and final mountain range of the desert into the rural town of Acton. It was 36C. Two days prior I’d summitted Continue reading

The struggle is real! As are the rewards. Currently resting up in Wrightwood after some challenging hiking – 30C heat, longest day so far 24 miles, and highest altitude gain in one day 5500ft, all on consecutive days. Solo hiking is suiting me, I keep meeting new peeps and bump into old friends as we Continue reading

Leaving Big Bear after the somewhat comforts of a zero there was tough. You quickly loose the ability to suck-up the challenges of hiking uphill with a heavy bag. I got my first hitch on this trail within 10 minutes of waiting. 20 vehicles before didn’t stop for me, but John who did was an Continue reading

You can follow my footsteps here via my satellite tracking device. When I’m moving it updates every 10 minutes which equates to 1/2 to 2 mile intervals depending on my speed. https://share.garmin.com/newvalleyhills I’m beginning to feel like a thruhiker; I’ve pooped in the woods, digging a 8” cat hole then packing out my toilet paper Continue reading

I’m taking a zero in the mountain town Big Bear. It’s Memorial Day weekend when America remembers its military fallen. Tourist towns like big Bear are full of visitors enjoying a 3 day weekend. Yesterday I hit the 266mn marker – that’s 10% distance covered. While the walking is enjoyable with spectacular scenery I’m no Continue reading

A few words on thruhiker nomenclature- The desert has very low humidity, regularly below 30%. This is very different from SW England. I’ve had split skin on hands and thumbs, and a perpetually blocked nose with nosebleeds. after two weeks my body is adjusting. Sweat – evaporates before you know it. My clothes are stiff Continue reading