Long Distance Backpacking

Several years ago my wife, my kids & I were working with the Sierra Club doing trail maintenance near Donner Pass in Northern California. As we worked, a couple of hikers came through and thanked us for our labor. When I asked how far they were going, one answered "Canada". This was my introduction to the Pacific Crest Trail. I was amazed to find that in today's paved world, there still exists a footpath from Mexico to Canada. 

In May of 2001 I hitched to the Mexican border and headed North. Every year, as time has permitted, I head back out to the trail to rack up a few more miles. Click here to see my 2002 PCT Pictures, or here for my 2003 pictures. My 2003 journal is here.

I've lived in Southern California my whole life, and really got into California's "wild west" history as a kid. Walking California's trails now as an adult has rekindled that interest, and I've put some related links and such here. 

A big part of long distance hiking is choosing the right gear and paring down your essentials. Summer in Southern California can be very hot and dry, meaning you carry a lot of water. When you add six or eight liters at over 2 lbs. each, pack weight increases pretty quickly. Click here to see the gear I use and what I'm doing for food and water during my hike.