Pygmy's Wichuwa-Ka - Wing Chun Walk Across America

Welcome to the Jungle

2009-07-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Back to the land of milk and honey. Ah civilization. See you next season Mr. Mountain and Ms. Blue Sky. Aloha, Pygmy

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

God's Great Plan

2009-01-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

OK... so season 4 of the ol' Wichuwa-Ka was a dud. A mere week in the Colorado wildrness and poof... end of journey. A series of unfortunate/fortunate (crisis/opportunity) events that have led to my relocating base camp in Hawaii with my partner. We both are in need of R&R. I'm now teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu in Kaaawa and also offer live on-line lessons via http://skype.com/ username: sifuzeigler If you already have a SKYPE account - drop me a line by clicking the balloon below:

I will be section hiking in California and Colorado in 2009 God permitting.. No concrete plans. I'll be doing seminars in support of the new Wing Chun Club schools in Morrison CO, Placerville CA and Humboldt CA, so I'm sure I'll be able to squeeze some wilderness time in.

Thanks for reading my rants. Perhaps I'll share some of my local Hawaii hikes with you all. Kaaawa Valley is awesome! Until then.

aloha, Pygmy

How the West Was One

2008-05-26T18:01:00.001-07:00

Gearing up for the Colorado Trail

2008-05-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it. I'm a gear head. I love getting new gear and testing it out. For the first time I'll be hiking with a partner and possibly a group of people. Also I may not hike certain sections that are ugly or down trodden. I'm not hellbent on doing the miles. This is more of a vacation hike. Get a few hundred miles in and go back to work. I expect that 09 will be the same but I will be planning a large scale trek for the year 2010. I'm clueless as to where... Afghanistan, Peru, Patagonia, Golden Gate Park?

New to the gear list is the Six Moons Lunar Duo aprox. 2 1/2 lbs. A castle for two. A Western Mountaineer Sumer Lite sleeping bag, only 1 pound. A GoLite rain jacket only 7oz.. SolomonSpeed Cross 2 Running Shoes. My Granite Gear Nimbus pack is holding out and still weights about 3 pounds. Other mainstay gear include, titanium pot, tyvek sheet, cat can stove (V8), Thermarest Prolite 3, Western Mountaineer Lite Vest, Prana Stretch Zion Pants (small)... yadayadayada. For a full run down of gear you'll have to check out the archive section on the site. So far my base weight (no food no water) is 15-16 lbs. defiantly not ultralight.

I'd like to ask this question: Does anyone have any advice regarding hiking the Colorado Trail? What's your favorite gear? Favorite towns? Best food? Places to avoid etc... I haven't resorted to discussion groups yet. In fact let me know of such groups if they exist. I've got the data and guide books but haven't read them yet.

Pygmy
ps- I almost for got to mention my favorite piece of gear... the ECO Media Player. This thing is awesome! It plays video, text, pictures, radio, recorder, flashlight and cell phone charger... powered by hand crank! 5 oz.

Coloreds on America's Trail Systems!

2008-05-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's true! Colored people are frequenting our beloved trail systems. Not many mind you. But they... we, are here and it could only get worse... better. The numbers don't lie. On the PCT alone out of the 549 1/2 hikers on the trail this year 1 is colored. 2 are Asian and don't really count (they'll never make it past Warner Springs). No coloreds are expected AT ALL on the CT. However with my arrival there's bound to be more. Who knows. By 2010 2... maybe even 3 ethnic colored peoples will brave these incredible wilderness areas of our great nation.

How will the other hikers respond to such drastic change? How will the towns react to these strange intruders with espresso pigmented skin?

America is still a racist country. This is even more prevalent in the back-country regions. Guide books don't ever reflect this simply because not many people of color really go into the back-country. My experience of being a minority (in skin color alone) has been and I suspect will continue to be interesting to say the least. Sometimes sad I'm sure. But without a doubt... ENTERTAINING!

I will be reporting the behaviors and attitudes of these fine people as I saunter through our National Trail systems. I'll also be reporting my own ill behavior and attitude as I cope with these various situations. I'll tell which towns to visit and which towns to burn... just kidding. But most of all I'll tell you which dances and songs the white folk most prefer you to entertain them with. So grab your bottle top tap shoes and lets go hiking!

Wichuwa-Ka Season 4 Colorado Trail

2008-05-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

"Pygmy" is getting back on the trail for season 4 of my Wichuwa-Ka (Wing Chun Walk Across America). In July I'll be hitting The Colorado Trail (nearly 500 miles). I'll be in SLO acting in a movie called "Lizard Boy" right before I hit the trail. This year has been very busy so I'm really looking forward to getting out this year.

OK... why the title? Let me make it clear that in all actuality I am not an ethnic. Because I am of Scottish English Polynesian decent I have a darker skin color than most so called "white" people. But with all due respects... I was raised white, schooled white, went to white churches and dated white girls. I even had the same prejudices as my white friends. I'll even admit to still harboring the same feelings toward "coloreds" but I give these shameful notions little credance. We all know that in America... "All men and women are created equal..." BUT!

Many white folk just don't get it. They think they are good people because they are being tolerant of colored people. Often they behave entirely different towards coloreds without even realizing it. Since I've started hiking in the early '80s I've had a lot of experience with this sort of behavior.

I'm not blind to all the wonderful people on the trail and in the towns of these amazing places throughout America. But they are overshadowed by the well meaning white folk that think they're doing someone a favor by being tolerant. Of course in some towns the people are downright rude... but I prefer this to the hatefulness of tolerance.

So this is a manual/journal/guidebook that I wish I had before adventuring out into the back-country. What are the people really like? How do they behave when in the presence of someone different. This is fine reading for people of color, foreigners, gays and lesbians or anyone whom may be outside of the American mainstream white culture. I love all people. My hope is that this will bring people closer together... or comfortably apart. viva la logistics!

Washington State

2007-09-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

It has been a few weeks since I've gotten off trail. I hiked a good portion of Washington state and a couple of Northern and Southern California sections this summer.

I would have to agree that Washington state is second only to the John Muir section of the PCT. I was there in August and experienced a good amount of rain and mosquito's along with a great amount of blueberries and dramatic scenery when the clouds would part to reveal the wonderful Cascade Mountain Range.

I talked to a few rangers and one said that this was his favorite time of year to be in the Cascades. Two weeks prior the whole area was covered in snow. Now all the wild flowers are in massive bloom. I'm told that by September they're not as vibrant. Actually I would have to say that Washington has Yosemite beat for wildflower displays.

UGGGG.... I really got to find a better BLOG service. I uploaded 5 images but only got 3. 2 just up and disappeared. I'll post more on the journal when I have time to geek with blogger. Til then go check out the images. The whole trip is up on line.

Just in closing... Brian made it the whole 113 miles... Stehekin really really sucks and you don't ever want to go there... ever... never.

Truckee to Bucks Lake 7/10/07

2007-07-16T14:12:00.000-07:00

OK... These pictures are in reverse order and out of sequence by 5's... uggg. I refuse to fight with the technology. Far be it from my job to make Blogger upload images in an intuitive fashion.

I was only on trail for two weeks before abandoning the rest of NorCal due to fire hazard. This year is especially bad due to the low snow/rain fall. fires are popping up all over Northern California. While camping at "Diminutive Lake" I awoke 4 am shrouded in smoke from the Antelope Fire. I high tailed it out of that region and cut out at Bucks Lake. I got my resupply from Belden and headed ocean side to reconfigure this years hike.

I wanted to rent a econo-car but all they had were these huge Chevy Silverados. The gas mileage wasn't all that bad and the ride was enjoyable with plenty of uphill passing power. Now I know what all these people with the big trucks are grooving on. "Riding down highway 299 in my big ol' pick-up truck!" Funny.

The very small town of Belden. I picked up my re-supply from here thanks to my buddy Ben whom also trains in Wing Chun Kung Fu. We stopped and chi saoed in the stamp press. It was like something out of a Hong Kong movie.

Ben Jacobsen was one of my first students back in Hawaii. He is now living in Placerville and will be heading the Wing Chun Club there. He is currently a Level One Instructor under Wing Chun Club International. Ben and I had a lot of fun training together and I look forward to future sessions. Ben is a world class high diver and now delivers mail for the United States Postal System. Clearly stated... Ben Kicks Ass!

Ten miles or so before getting to Bucks Lake there was a little dead bear on the trail. It still had it's fur and teeth but the bugs were making quick work of it. Yes Car (No Car's wife) speculated that it may have been shot in the head. Hard to tell. I took this dead bear as an omen... that and the smoke lurking over the hills. I pretty much ran this 7 1/2 mile uphill section.

Like I said... pics out of place. This is me and Rest Stop from Texas at Bucks Lake Lodge. Lou is the new proprietor there and he was very nice to us hikers. Rest Stop and I leap frogged a bit before parting at this juncture. He also stayed at Frosty's and we had fun exchanging stories about him and the other hikers on the trail.

I took a little swim/bath/laundry here at the Feather River. I think it's the middle fork of the feather river but I 'm not sure. I did not see anyone on the trail from Sierra City to Bucks Lake except for Steal Away going sobo. Steal Away was finishing his 10 years thru-hike and is going on 70 years old. He had his pack swiped from him by a bear while he was at Bucks Lake.

The Sierra Buttes are the last sign of the Sierras and you get a feeling of departure in this area. Very beautiful but also very used. North of this area is a heavily used and abused area with mountain bikers on the PCT. Signs are everywhere but they are ignored. No one is out here enforcing the laws so it's recreational anarchy. Bikes, guns and lots of fun here on the PCT.

Smoke from the fires.

The famous or infamous Robert "Bob" Frost aka Frosty. Bob takes in select hikers and I was targeted as a recipient of his hospitality. He is a retired Forest Ranger/Firefighter and was featured in "Journey On The Crest". Frosty had plenty of stories to bemuse me with and was entertaining in an offbeat sort of way. I'd say Bob himself would describe himself as a dirty ol coot with a warm heart.

Frosty dropping me off beyond the trail head thusly avoiding the hellish climb over the buttes. I look forward to rehiking this section during the fall or winter. That's Rest Stop in the passengers seat... Frosty's next victum... I mean guest.

This Sierra City dog got his own meal... albiet roadkill.

On the way to Sierra City I had to go 3/4 miles off trail to a horse camp. I cursed all the way there only to be greeted by a few California Cowfolks. Actually horse folks to be more exact. They were very nice to me and had breakfast ready in the morning. I was made to eat everything so there were no left overs. I was obliged! There was a road that went right back to the PCT so my cursing was in vein. I lost no miles and the hike to Sierra City was a sinch.

Shout out to Yeti (thanks for the calcium and phone card), Deisal, Patrick and Clara, Chiggar (thanks for the benadril and pin prick), Jacob, Jen aka "U Whine" as in Jenuwine lol, Greta, Hammer Lane, Marsha, Hotpants and Reaper, Saltlick (thanks for the water), Steal Away, No Car and Yes Car and Germinator... and a guy named Oso whom's section hiking.

Fun with Pooh

2007-07-04T16:34:00.000-07:00

Bill is so generous to allow us stinky hikers into his wonderful home. Here's some of the fun when you get to Pooh's...

South Lake Tahoe to Donner Pass

2007-07-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

6/30/07 - 7/3/07

These pictures are posted in somewhat reverse order.

This section of the trail really surprised me. Like a friendly version of the Sierra's. Lone Pine Wing Chun Club instructor Lucy joined me for this portion of the hike.

No snow. A good amount of mosquito's. Water was not a problem but I can foresee the streams drying out by late July/August.

I'm now a Pooh Corner enjoying the hospitality here at Donner Lake.

Day one was an 8 mile day, day 2 was a 22 mile day and day 3 was a 30 mile day. I had planned on taking 4 days but it actually took 2 1/2.

The Granite Wilderness was nothing short of spectacular. Very rugged terrain... sort of like a mini Forester Pass.

Hikers include Retro, Ladybug, 30-30 plus Yeti, Diesel, Patrick and Clara (cool folks), Chigger, Jacob, Jen (whom I deem Gimpy), Greta, an old aggressive woman named Marsha and Hammer Lane... What kind of name is Hammer Lane anyway. Dork!!! ... just kidding.

06-29-07_0212.jpg

2007-06-29T02:18:00.001-07:00

06-29-07_0212.jpg, originally uploaded by wingchunclub.

Ahh to be free for just a few months from the tangled webs we weave.

Thank you for using easyedgeSM Picture Messaging by U.S. Cellular. See www.uscellular.com for info.

Trinity Alps Pre-Hike

2007-05-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

Trinity Alps Big Bear Lake - Pre-hike

Only a few weeks before I set out on the PCT from Lake Tahoe to Manning. I took two of the top students from Wing Chun Club Arcata out with me to the Trinity Alps for a little pre-hike training. They did very well on this moderate to strenuous saunter up to Big Bear Lake and Little Bear Lakes (elevation aprox 7000'). Several years back it was this region that lured me from Hawaii back to the mountains. As the guide book states, Big Bear Lake is all the beauty of the Trinity's in half the time of hikes such as Caribou Lakes.

Star, whom is currently hiking the CDT, lent us her truck once again this season and Danial, Noelle and I drove to the trailhead from Arcata in about 4 hours. Arcata is always on the cool side but as soon as we hit Blue Lake it warmed up to above 90. I knew that where we were going would drop down to below freezing at night. We got to the trail head in the middle of the noon sun so we decided to chill by a cool stream and eat salami, cheese and crackers. By 3pm we were off and hiking. The trail didn't seem like it was described in the book at all. We were on more of a dirt road. The scenery was less than spectacular. After about 2-3 hours the trail/road ended. We had passed several junctions along the way but maintained a westerly course. We all agreed that we could not have been on the trail at all and we rather took a wrong turn or missed the trail head all together. Our search for the trail head turned into a 10 mile hiking adventure with a little bit of bushwhacking to boot. We walked all the way back to the beginning of the trail and indeed discovered that all three of us had missed the trail head. There was no sign but an unmarked post and an actual trail was only a yard away from where we parked. A couple was setting off to hike as we trudged back from where we started. It turned out to be the girl from Adventure's Edge and her partner. I didn't get their names but they were going to do a little night hiking up to the lake. We opted to eat dinner and cowboy camp at the trail head. This way we could start fresh and early the next morning.

The actual trail is very nice. It is a bit strenuous but jam packed full of eye candy such as water falls and swimming holes. The trail parallels a stream so water is not an issue at least early in the season. I don't recall seeing anyone else on the trail and it was surprisingly serene for a memorial day weekend. Once we got to the lake there were three groups of campers all grouped at the eastern most terminus of the lake. The first group was a couple of dads with their sons. Nice folk that pointed out the nicer vacant sites on the other side of the lake. The second group we ran into was burning a tree that was still in the ground. They had abandoned it smoldering away. I asked them in the nicest manner possible to extinguish the fire. With slight pompous resistance they agreed to put it out. Then there were the noon time fish. We busted out my rod and tried to catch the buggers but they just wouldn't bite. I think it was because the fly wouldn't float.

The night hiking couple had made it and were camped with the others but were sun bathing on the other side of the lake. We began to head out that way and found ourselves bushwhacking. I thought we lost the trail again but it turned out that there is no trail to the western side of the lake or if there is a trail it gets over grown during the winter and fall. There also is no trail going up to Little Big Bear Lakes. Before heading to our secluded camp site we went on a little cross country adventure to find the Little Lakes. The thicket and brush combined with the steepness of the mountain made for a challenge but we eventually found the lakes which were really just stagnant pools. However the waterfalls and pools in this area were well worth the effort. I would guess that at this point we were at under 7000'. After a relaxing ice cold dip and rest in the high mountain sun we ventured off to lower ground were our camp site awaited. Without much blood, sweat or tears we made it to our camp on the western most portion of the lake. No one else was out here and we had it all to ourselves. After another failed attempt at fishing we made a fire and ate more food. Ahhh dinner. We set up our tents and called it a wonderful day.

I'm back to using my ultra-light sleeping bag and it tends to be cold when it gets down to freezing. I wasn't too cold but it is hard to get just the right bag for the different temperatures. I would like to try a quilt one of these days. Tattoo Joe swears by them and says he got turned onto them by Scott Williamson. After a sluggish morning we head back down the trail.

Bushwhacking was more tolerable getting back to the eastern portion of the lake. The only dangerous section was a snow field that feed into the lake. In some sections you could easily slip and slide right into the lake or onto some nasty boulders jutting out of the lake. The dads and the fire jerks had left but the couple was still slumbering about in camp. We continued a little ways down the trail until we hit this waterfall section that feed into several pools out on the granite. More bathing, eating and training was had at this magnificent spot before heading homeward. The couple had hiked past us and a few day-hikers made their presence.

It might have taken a little over two hours to hike up but hiking down took less than an hour and a half. Our 8 mile hike turned into a 20+ mile hike with all the "deviations". This would be a great place to day hike and picnic. It is really great that this sense of wilderness can be accessed so easily. The place hasn't been trashed yet and seems to get moderate use. Awesome day-hike or over-nighter.

More images of this hike are available on the Wichuwa-ka site image gallery.

I am currently testing an audio journal. If it works you can also listen to the journal at stevenzeigler.podomatic.com ... but I must say that at the time it is a bit buggy.

Click here to get your own player.

Warm up... Laguna to Warner

2007-05-09T01:11:00.000-07:00

yippy yo tie yay... as an annoying drunk at Warner Springs kept singing "I'm back in the saddle again!"... I must first and foremost apologize to the the poor proper hikers that had to be horrified by my "man member" at Warner's. All I had were my undies... that and a few beers and yeeeehaw.... nodding out like a smack addict on holiday! Undies were clean... only two beers. I'm a light weight. And I did NOT pee in the pool. Now had it been deep creek you would have seen the whole kit and kaboodle. But this was indeed a civilized establishment. Complete with Indian ghosts. Yep. A sacred Indian burial ground turned resort. Being native myself... I found more offensive things than my "package" but we need not get into that. I had lots of fun there and only wish Meadow Mary wasn't feeling so "ill".

Got to see alot of familiar faces at the kick-off. I came this year with three of my friends and Wing Chun students. We did 66.6 miles together. Mt. Laguna (were I almost died in 2005) to Warner Springs. A funny side note: Lucy and J's last name is Warner. This was their first long distance hike. They are from Lone Pine and run the Wing Chun Club there. Everyone did amazingly well. The first day seemed to be the hardest at 8 miles. The second day we pulled 22 miles. I forget the mileage but in 3 1/2 days we hiked the entire section. Yim and J were both hurtin' but kicked it out.

This was a warm-up hike for me. I also was trying some new not so ultra light gear. I tried the new "Tough Skin" Thermarest. The thing leaked from day one. Luckily it retains a certain amount of loft and functioned but the thing failed miserably. I will no longer use their products and I will no longer buy from my local vendor Adventure's Edge. They refused to refund me although I've spent over 1000 bucks there this season alone. They flat out told me that the store does not have a return policy. Even on-line vendors have a return policy. RIP.

I enjoyed the desert section. The first couple of days were hot and we had to take refuge from the mid day sun. However the days following were overcast and made travel quite luxurious through this otherwise harsh section. In '05 this was a horror section for me. I had road walked 60 miles, was stalked by a mountain lion and sprained both of my ankles. This year was a sheer joy to re-hike.

I was also trying out my new Granite Gear Ozone pack. It will replace my Mariposa when I need to carry heavier loads. I am happy with this pack and hope I do not need to use it for the remainder of the PCT. It's hard to keep a base weight of under 7 pounds with a pack this heavy but it does carry weight well. I'd have to say that the Mariposa and the Ozone both function for me best at 19lbs. The Ozone is sturdier but at the penalty of 2 lbs. The jury is still out on this one.

I'm now back in Arcata teaching and training. I will be getting back on the trail in July. I should be joining the herd around the Tahoe region. I'm hoping some of ya'll hikers will loosin' up a bit and get out of yer lil clicks. Save that shit for the city... or where ever yer from. And stop being so god damned white bitches! This trail is your trail... this trail is my trail... well really it's the Mexican Indians trail... from California... to the Manning border!

Meadow Ed. Kiss my brown ass! Love Pygmy.

Shout out to Teatree, Scatman, Capt. Bivy, Basil, Easy, Alan & Jon, Foots Aflame, Walkitoff, Bull & City Girl aka Marshmallow, Spirit (Winner of Pygmy's Poles), Coyote, Rigatoni & Angelhair... good luck on your hike and I hope to see you all up in Tahoe!

ps- Ronnie from Israel... work on your material. I'll see you up north now ya hear!

Check out The Pygmy Locator!

Pygmy's 2007 Gear List

2007-04-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

On April 27th the ADZ Kickoff will be on. This will be my third year in attendance. I seem to be the only person of color. Funny. Maybe this year some ethnic folks will show up and represent. White folk aren't the only crazy thru-hikers out there... are they? Well this is not a rant about coloreds on the trail. That will be a later post. This is about gear baby. I'll be sporting a heavier pack so to speak. My guess is that I'll be in the 20-25 lb range (14-15 lb base weight). I'm still tweeking my gear but here is a swell list that may help a few of you out there and will entertain all.

The next post will have a list of mail drop addresses. This year will be focused on the Tahoe to Manning section of the PCT. I may very well "finish" the trail this year. I will revisit the southeastern Sierra's in years to come.

Pygmy's GEAR LIST:
----------------------------
LEGEND
(*)= pack weight
($)=still need to purchase

(main items)
[ ] *isotope rain jacket = 5. 2 oz
[ ] *antelope sleeping bag = 2 lb 7 oz
[ ] *ozone backpack = 3 lb (note: cut straps)
[ ] *lunar solo tent = 1 lb 7 oz (note: fix or $buy new)
[ ] *$ thermarest pad = 1 lb 1 oz (note: buy 1lb10oz pad and ditch tyvek) $100

(accessory items)
[ ] *plant id books = 2 lb 12 oz
[ ] *ground sheet = 7 oz
[ ] *cord & beaner =
[ ] *food bag = 2 oz
[ ] *stove, screen, lighter, stand and pot & spoon = 6 oz
[ ] *$ coffee funnel and filters (note: replace with gravity filter) = 2 oz $50
[ ] *rain pants (note: trim and hem) = 4.5 oz
[ ] *wind jacket = 3 oz
[ ] *1-2 pair underwear 2.5 oz ea
[ ] *1 dress (note: $hop for new dress) 4.5 oz
[ ] $ running shoes and insoles = 1 lb 8 oz $150
[ ] *ditty bag = 7.5 oz
[ ] matches
[ ] cord
[ ] glue
[ ] swiss army knife
[ ] band aids/ointment
[ ] sewing needle & accessories (note: wind a spool of thread)
[ ] toothbrush
[ ] paper & pen & pencil
[ ] passport
[ ] flashlight
[ ] *tent stakes 6 = 1.5 oz
[ ] toilet paper & wipes
[ ] *mosquito net = .5 oz
[ ] *$2-3 pair socks = 1 oz & 2.5 oz $22
[ ] *mesh bag = .5 gm
[ ] *fuel bottle = 1 oz
[ ] *water bottle = 1.5 oz
[ ] *oil bottle = 2 gm
[ ] *2soap bottle = 2 gm
[ ] *deet bottle = .5 gm
[ ] *platypus = 3 oz
[ ] *$ camera $10-400
[ ] *4 bread bags = 1 oz
[ ] *$Trekking pole (note: replace with tent pole 1.8 oz) $25
[ ] *fishing pole and tackle (note: find sinkers) = 8 oz
[ ] *duct tape = 1 oz (note: spool up some duct tape)
[ ] *sm pack towel = 2 gm
[ ] *condoms =
[ ] *2 small wash cloths =
[ ] *Aluminum Foil
[ ] *this list = 1 gm
[ ] *id/money/permits/licenses =

PACK BASE WEIGHT (before expendables)=

(On Person)
[ ] shirt base layer = 7.5 oz
[ ] pants = 14.5 oz
[ ] knife 1.5 oz
[ ] compass (& led light?) = 1 gm
[ ] watch = 2 oz
[ ] sunblock = 1 gm
[ ] sunglasses and soft case = 1 oz
[ ] sun hat = 2 oz
[ ] whistle = 2 gm
[ ] gaiters = 3 oz
[ ] glasses w/hard case 1.75 oz
[ ] thin handkerchief = 1 gm

ON PERSON WEIGHT =

(expendable weight)
[ ] *fuel 8 burns = 4 oz
[ ] *water =
[ ] *$food = $200/mth
[ ] *$drinking alcohol $32
[ ] *$meds-antihis, ibupro, decon, nausea $7
[ ] *soap
[ ] *olive oil
[ ] *deet

TOTAL EXPENDABLE WEIGHT =

TOTAL PACK WEIGHT (fully packed) =

PACK WEIGHT + ON PERSON WEIGHT =

(bounce box items)
[ ] magic gear
[ ] mp3 player w/speakers
[ ] $ data clip -mp4 video, book etc (note: convert and put on clip) $50-120
[ ] maps
[ ] books
[ ] gps & accessories (note: upload maps @ Wendy's)
[ ] $batteries and tester (note: buy 9 volt) $10
[ ] 2 scales
[ ] plastic bags
[ ] marker
[ ] tooth pick
[ ] tooth paste
[ ] soap
[ ] $ meds - poison oak, muscle relax, wellness, moist, foot, hydrogen Peroxide (?bottle)
[ ] deet
[ ] $food-quinqa, beans, salt, maple sugar
[ ] scrub brush
[ ] nail clippers
[ ] flask fuel or whiskey (grand mariner)
[ ] extra tent peg
[ ] $ pumice stone
[ ] disposable camera $10
[ ] heavy duty plastic bag
---
[ ] master to do list
[ ] copy of this list
[ ] master phone/address list

TOTAL BOX WEIGHT =

TOTAL WEIGHTS

pack base weight =

pack loaded weight =

absolute trail weight =

Cost of needed items =

TO LAKE MORENA
Balaclava
Mittens
Down Jacket
Down Booties
Stoves and Pan and Pot w/ utensils
Blanket /seat cushion
duffel bag

It's Almost December Again

2006-11-29T11:18:00.000-08:00

I'm about 5 months away from hiking season. Looking back at previous postings I realize I never got to do any multi-pitch climbs yet. Perhaps Castle crags will supply me with this op. Last years hiking was pretty minimal. Perhaps 2 months of hiking . UGGGGG. This is no way for a thru hiker to act! I suppose martial arts took precedence this year. So what is the plan for 2007? Smart hiking! I'll be picking the trail up at Aloha Lake where I left off. I have to remember that I'm not in a rush to complete the trail. I just want to do a continuous hike from Mexico to Canada. If it takes a few years then all the better. The problem with my plan is that this section of the trail is not really feasible til June. So I may wind up hiking Lassen and Shasta (north of Tahoe) which means I'll have to back track and section hike the Tahoe region. This of course disrupts my "continuous hike" plan. So it looks like late April/May I'll hit the trail. But then there is my usual dilemma of wanting to train in Martial Arts. So I may have to hike a month then train for a month... hummmm? I suppose I have time to think this one out some more. Of course letting the environment dictate my actions has paid off well so I'll stick with that game plan.

I'd have to say now that loneliness is the single most difficult thing to deal with on the trail. Last season due to my location I was far from other hikers. I didn't see anyone on the trail. This loneliness factor didn't occur to me the previous season because I was hiking near the pack of hikers that started together in Campo. In 06 I wanted more solitude. Watch what you ask for in life. I would have to say the loneliness may have been the main reason I only got two months of hiking in. Yes. I am a social creature. Go figure!

This winter has been fruitful for web design. I've made many updates to my sites and created a few sites as well. Check them out!

http://wingchunclub.com -my club.
http://wingchunclub.com/zeigler -my business.
http://wingchunclub.com/stevenzeigler -my home page.
http://wingchunclub.com/fattywoodlawn -my newest music project.
http://wingchunclub.com/smotherparty -my old band.
http://wingchunclub.com/1087 -my gym.
http://youtube.com/user/wingchunclub -my videos.
http://youtube.com/user/trailpygmy -more videos.
http://myspace.com/fattywoodlawn -my music files.
http://myspace.com/wingchunclub -more music files.
http://garageband.com/artist/daddysprotein -music from my first band.

aloha, Pygmy

Pygmy's Trail of Tears

2006-09-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

(check out this years PCT pictures)
Finished with the Sonora to Tahoe section. Drinking Starbucks and listening to Heros by David Bowie makes me weep. Starbucks in Tahoe plays great late 80's music. Yikes. Can't help but to think of the corporate ties with all the music moguls. Makes me feel like my X generation has been marketed, bought, sold and resold! Nothing new.

I forgot to mention the bear run in on the previous section. Put my pack down to take a piss and as I walked around a boulder came face to face with a huge black (brown) bear. We stood a few seconds looking at each other then I ran for my pack then turned to look at him/her again before tossing a rock. The bear took off.

Saw a coyote on the first leg of the Sonora to Tahoe section. Been hard to appriciate the trail. Feel like I need to take care of business. My "thru-hike" has certainly turned into a glorified section hike. I suppose I'll be picking up the trail again in 07. Initially I thought I'd do the pct, cdt and at in three years. Instead it's taking three years just to do the pct. Putting Wing Chun Clubs together has been much more time consuming than I had figured. And the Wing Chun definatly takes priority since it is my lifeline. I am so fortunate to have people that appreciate the system as I do and proliferate the art.

So the trail! Funny thing happened. After Carson Pass I saw two mountain bikers on the trail with a dog. As I passed them I begrudgingly muttered a half hearted greeting and wished I was able to do somthing about their illegal presence on the trail. I didn't confront them due to my being out numbered. I have no witness t8o whatever would transpire. As I walked on I felt so angry and wanted to do somthing. I then realized that if I hiked real fast I might be able to find their vehicle at the trail head. So I go into hyper mode and start hiking faster than I ever have before. I start cursing myself to hike faster and faster. Running up hills. Sprinting down hills. Spitting mad. The more I see their tire tracks the more angst I become. I get so worked up that I figure that if they get to mess up my trail I should be able to mess up their vehicle. I resolve that if I get to their vehicle on time I'm gonna smash the sob's windshield. I pass several day hikers and various scenery !
unobserved in order to make my goal. I'm fired up mad. I finally make it to Echo Lake parking lot. Just as I arrive so do the cyclist! I'm too late! I try to get a picture of their truck but he turns around. They get out and marval at how in the world I could have gotten there so fast. They say I must have been hiking faster than they were riding. Turns out that4 they are really nice guys and they offer me a ride into town. They offer to burn with me and we converse about our adventures. Man it's funny how things work. True they shouldn't have been on the trail. But my reaction to their presence was way overboard. I get so worked up sometimes. Turned out the guys windshield was already busted. I didn't bother asking how or why. I could only marvel at how these two guys both ruined and made my day. The dog was sound asleep. They dropped me off at a coffee shop. A nice young lady named Sara served me and was conversive. I told her one of my fave songs was Sara Smile by Hall a!
nd Oats. She had no clue as to who or what I was referring to. I am ge
tting older.

After taking in the sites of the spread out metropolis that is
Tahoe I've decided to end this leg of my journey. I like Tahoe in a sick sort of way. Big city surrounded by amazing wilderness and close to lots of places ie SF, Sacremento, Reno etc... On an Amtrac bus eventually heading to Arcata where I'll continue my work and planning for 07.
The bus driver is typical. He plays music over the loud system. Phil Collins, Willie Nelson... hey, Elton John. Don't Let The Sun Go down On Me... I had that song stuck in my head for many miles on the trail. I think I have an AM radio implanted in my head. Songs from nowhere get in my head. Songs I never listened to. But heck, as much as I like weird music I think I have an appriciation for pop music as well... the driver announces yet another 10 minute break to use the bathroom and smoke cigarettes. Ahhh the bus. Oh yeah. Forgot to mention Gaylin who stoked me in Tahoe. He spent time in Hawaii and wanted to spread some aloha. Met him on a local bus to the South Shore of Tahoe. Also Backpacker did an article on Sea Breeze. Another backpacker at Echo Lake told me about it and said that he thinks they mentioned Pygmy in the article... I doubt I was mentioned but I'll check it out later. Over and out for now. The tears have ceased. Time to get to work. "We could be heros... ju!
st for one day."
aloha, Pygmy
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Pygmy's Trail Report 9/13/06

2006-09-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

Tuolumne to Sonora Alt
----------------------

Camped at Tuolomne for a couple days and did some climbing with some friends from Arcata. The tourizm wasn't too bad and the climbing was amazing. I would like to climb more in this region. Set off from the Lembert Dome lot and quickly hiked through some amazing Yosemite stuff in order to avoid ranger problems due to my not doing the bear can thang.

Got an almost ultra light set up but am loaded down with tent and rain jacket in preperation of some pending storms that may produce snow already. So this area was great. Lots of lakes and streams. Not many people on the trail this time of year.

No snow at all except on the mountain tops. I took the Twin Lakes detour via Seavey pass to Bridgeport. Checked out the Twin Lakes Resort where camping is 14 bucks and showers for a quarter and cheap laundry. In fact this town is cheaper than Bridgport! They have a store for full resupply and the staff are friendly. Great lunchs and breakfasts. Now in Bridgport resupplying and will get back on the trail from HWY 108 at Sonora Pass Northward to Lake Tahoe. Can't seem to pontificate on the hike. It really was great. I feel a little sad leaving the Sierra's. I took my sweet time hiking thru here. It has been such a plesure and an adventure. I may have to come back again... who knows.

I was fortunate to see this area in the best seasons over a two year period. Onward! Off to a pay phone! Time to move on!

aloha, Pygmy

Life's Dilemmas

2006-07-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of the back (south) side of Donahue Pass in June. I love the trail. I love martial arts. It's difficult doing both. I want to be the best I can be in martial arts yet I also want to keep hiking. Arggg. What to do. I'm planning on returning to the trail in September. I've gotten off trail in order to teach/learn martial arts in Humboldt. After dealing with the snow in the Sierra's and almost losing my life on Donahue I figured I'd go back to humboldt and train for a couple of months and let the snow melt. I also figured I'd let the crowds, mosquitos and heat wave go by. From reading the various posts it seems I've done the right thing. However, I can't help but feel I'm missing out. I miss the thru-hiking pack. When I get back on it's gonna be pretty lonely. I miss the trail angels/devils. They too will have gone if not over the novalty of hosting. No telling how soon the adverse winter conditions will set in this year. With the freak conditions as of late it wouldn't be unlike mother nature to be premature.

And then there's the martial art training. Just as I start making progress I leave for the trail. The problem of training on the trail is that there is no one to train with even if you make time for it. I suppose hiking is a good opportunity to do "conditioning" but the essential human element is missing in order to work on technique. Woes me. Now if someone wanted to train and hike with me... that would be super!

Well, I'll count my blessings and appreciate the posative results of my actions. I was able to participate in (not as a fighter) my first mixed martial arts cage fighting event. It was in Hoopa and it was in 118 degree weather. What fun. There were as many women there as there were men. Some nursing infants! It's exciting to see how the sport is growing. Funny because health insurance isn't an easy thing to get these days let alone quality health care. Yet the sport flourishes .

Well I have one more month of training before I set out on the trail again. Perhaps some answers to my dilemma will surface within that time. I guess the old addage "You can't have your cake and eat it too" is finally making sence to me... but why have cake if you can't eat it... right?

ps- There is also a good deal of fires going on in the backcountry. OK, so I'm trying to feel good about not being on the trail... is that so wrong!

aloha, Pygmy

Pygmy's Trail Report - Mammoth to Yosemite

2006-06-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya'll
Pygmy here with the latest on Mammoth to Yosemite... Left Mammoth on 6/7/06 in the morning. Road walked to the trail head via Old Mammoth Road. Ran into snow at Horseshoe Lake. C02 warnings greeted me before the trail head. I walked around the lake in efforts to avoid said C02... silly idea. Did not feel any ill effects. I used snow shoes and a GPS to navigate thru the trees. No trail was evident. Snow was packed and not much post holing. Glad to have the snow shoes though. The Mammoth Pass/Reds Meadow trail was hard to follow. I kept wanting to go south toward Crater Meadow but forced myself to stay west. Eventually I broke out of the snow 1.8 miles (8720') before Reds Meadow into a huge burn area. Snow melted completely but now the trail was hidden by a huge mass of downed trees. Again the GPS came in handy keeping me on course. Red's was closed and I saw no one on the trail or at Red's. Like a ghost town. I set up camp at Red's Campground and enjoyed a wonderful hot tub.

Day 2 I road walked Red's Meadow Road to Agnew Meadow's in order to avoid navigating the trail thru the snow. Red's Road had tons of snow but was easy to nav without a GPS. Once at the trail head at Agnew the snow persists. I took the river trail (aprox 8000) instead of the higher pct trail (aprox 9000) again in efforts to avoid naving thru the snow. Of course there was snow throughout the region but the river made for easy orientation. I camped about 2 miles before Badger Lake (9000').

Day 3 was the hardest. Got back on the PCT at Badger Lake and started the assent toward Thousand Island Lakes. Nasty. The way up is of course covered in snow and the river flowing down is strong. Snow covers a lot of the river and trail with exposed scree rock areas on the NE side to hike upon. It's a scramble and a fall could be fatal... and icy wet. Stay away from the snow here until you get to the top and cross over to Thousand Island Lakes. Here's where the going can get tough. The lake is still frozen but in the midst of melting. LOTS of snow and thusly lots of post holing. Perhaps early morning would have made travel easier. Even with snowshoes on this section was a pain. It would have been hell without snowshoes. The snow became easier to travel upon as I got to Island Pass (10,205'). Heading toward Donahue Pass seemed easier than described in Yogi's notes. Perhaps due to the snow... but I did have the help of the GPS whenever I needed to confirm if I was on trail or not. Going up Donahue was not a problem with the snow shoes. Wouldn't want to do it without. I slept at the top of the pass on the exposed rock area where others also have made camp. Nice night.

Day 4. GOING DOWN DONAHUE IS HELL. The trail is located in a chute that is buried in snow and is straight down. It also looks as if it's ready to avalanche making climbing down a dangerous proposition. I instead took a more south then westerly course traversing down the mountain. However this glacier also was not very stable and there was an avalanche fracture right below my line of travel. The snow was slushy and the angle steep. Snowshoes were useless. I fell several times and had to self arrest with an ice axe (aka involuntary glissading). Too many close calls for one day. The fall could have landed me on a rock or if I kept going, down into the river below. Taking off the snowshoes didn't help much and I doubt crampons would have worked much better but would have made an improvement. The ice axe saved my butt for sure! Once down from the steep slope I was greeted by a few hours of massive post holing until I got to Lyell Canyon Area below 9000'. Smooth sailing to Tuolomne Meadow from there. The Ski Hut near the store/post office was awesome. electricity, wood stove, beds, telephones! When Tioga opens up this Hut turns into a visitor center. Tioga is closed due to avalanche and land slides in the Olmsted area. Hwy 120 to Lee Vining is clear and safe to travel. The breakfast at Nicely's was awesome.

I've decided to let more snow melt and ditch this heavy pack for my ultra-lite set up. I enjoyed this section as if it where a winter hike but the melting is happening fast and creating unstable conditions in the high country. There will be snow in the 9000' regions for another couple of weeks at least. Perhaps longer. Happy trails everyone and stay safe.

aloha, Pygmy ('05er turned '06er)

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Baden Powell Report 5/06

2006-05-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

As of May 8th Baden Powell has snow on its Peak and oon it's approach. I mailed my Katoola's forward and wished I hadn't. Lot's of snow with postholing knee deep at times. I followed a set of tracks to the summet but could not find a track nor trail beyond the summit so I bushwacked west ward in a zig zag fashion but could still find no trail. The ridge I was supposed to follow has covered with snow and made following any sort of a trail impossable. After an hour of wading thru snow I abandoned the trail for the 2 highway (closed off due to land slide). For the rest of the day I hiked the ghost highway for 15 miles til I reached Islip Saddle were I camped. The next day (today) I slept in late and had a leasurly breakfast and set off at 8:15am to Camp Glenwood. Most of this was also a road hike due to the trail being closed off to hikers for preservation purposes. Not until the final approach did I get on trail so as to fill up with water from a creek which are sparse in this!
area. My guess is that todays mileage was about 10.

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Cajon to Wrightwood

2006-05-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

Although I didn't quite plan it, I wound up hiking the 14 miles from Silverwood to Cajon Pass due to the lack of camping going in or out of Cajon. Wound up staying a few nights in this area before heading to Wrightwood... Meet Eric (of Tatoo Joe and Nick clan '05) around the bridge near Splinters Cabin awhile back which I forgot to mention earlier. In Cajon I met Smokey and Snakebait as well. As far as the registars show there are only 2 or 3 hikers ahead of me. It's a bit early to be so far north but it's been perfect weather for hiking this section. Wrightwood is a nice lil town of aprox 3000 people. Great resupply with good mexican food. Will be heading toward Baden Powell today. Might be fighting a cold. At a dounut shop 6 am waiting for the post office to open so I can ditch some of my "winter" gear. Must now find a pay phone.

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Back on the Trail

2006-05-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

Left the Kick-Off and got a ride to the trail head at Big Bear. A big thanks to my Wing Chun sisters for the support. Hiked 8 miles to Little Bear Springs Trail Camp April 30th, half a days hike. May 1st hiked 15 miles to the steel and wood bridge over Deep Creek. Tommorrow will be a short day of 8 miles to the hot springs for some rnr. This section isn't bad. I thought it would be unpleasant being so close to the city but its suprisingly nice. The mountains are a great prelude to the coming Sierras and the air is clean. The water has been abundant too! Since I stopped early (5:30 pm) I did some personal grooming by the creek and of course this post I'm now writing. I'm near Cedar Glen and Arrowhead at a picnic area of sorts. The area had a fire and is recovering. I set my tent up outside of the gazebo. I have not seen a single soul out on the trail yet... the picnic area is like a ghost site. Nice to have the San Gabriel mountains all to myself.

I look forward to the day when I can hike 25 miles without my ass hurting. The fett hurt sure b ut the ass! My god the suffering. Hiked from Deep Creek Hotsprings to Silverwood Lake Rec Area bout 23 miles plus another 2 wondering off trail ie being lost. The Hotsprings were interesting. Naked people. A bunch of naked circus performers (thedolab.com) were there. Punk hippie types taking a day off from traveling and performing. I met Elijah and Dream but there was several of them. There were also a lot of men there. Don't know if they were gay or not. No open sex going on while I was there. The place was a little trashed but not as bad as could be expected for such a popular spot. It's only a mile hike from a road that people come in from. They need a toilet facility there. The hike was arduous due to twisting my ancle early on whilst running down hill. Nice water cache from Moose and MJ thanks folks! Will take another zero to let the ancle and ASS heal. Feels good right now s!
o I'll give it a chance. Silverwood Lake is huge. It's a recreation area with boat slips, picnic units, bike paths and many bathrooms to boot. It's like a ghost town right now but I hear that changes in the summer. Pretty nice area even for a State Rec Area. The stores are not open except for a bait and tackle trailer. Today I'll search for a closer phone and perhaps a legitimate free camping spot. It is surprisingly cold here. Yet the areas surrounding here are hot.

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Preparing and Waiting

2005-11-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

There are times to travel and there are times when you gotta honker down and "cowboy up" (sorry). Tis one o dem times. Teaching in Hawaii and will be goin ta Kalifernea agen fer more teachin den up north fer some mo teachin then BACK ON the trail again... if the weather is good by Janurary I may be able to trek north of Mammoth without skiis. That would be nice on the purse so to speak. I've been climbing some 5.10d stuff in the Alabama Hills and helping out at the climbing shop and going climbing with as many other climbers as possable. I am looking forward to doing some multi-pitch climbs, namely Thor Peak! The PCT pictures are up on the http://wingchunclub.com/wichuwaka website.

Pygmy Out!@#$

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Kearsarge to Mammoth Lakes

2005-09-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

Mile 906.6 - Month # 5... This leg of the journey was spectacular. Started at Onion Vally 9,000 feet and stayed a couple of days to get acclimated. The camp sites where 12 bucks a night but well worth it. Wild Bill was the host and kept the place really clean. Every site has it's own bear box and running water and rest rooms near by. A wonderful cloud formation loomed in the sky bellowing in and out of existance. It looked like something out of an acid trip. Amazing. Once acclimatized I set off over Kearsarge Pass again. This trip was especially exciting due to the many mountain passes that lied ahead. All over 12,000 feet. It's hard to sit here and write about the experience. Hiking over high elevation is both physically and mentally a challange to say the least. Perhaps more of a mental game that you play with yourself. It's hard to move as fast as you'd like. Breathing is difficult, energy or inspiration is non existant. You sort of have to not be there yet still BE THERE!
. Like letting your mind go blank and let the body just take over... or is it the other way around? One thing is for sure Being up in the mountains at high elevation for extended periods of time does something to your mind. Something, but I'm not quite sure. Drain bamage perhaps? But the views and perspective is beyond compare. I didn't get as sick this time around and after the first pass felt very good thereafter. Feeling good at 13,000 feet is such a relief. To enjoy the scenery without having to get down is an accuired luxury privy to only those that work for it... and those that are naturally gifted. Climbing is like sailing in this respect. Many get sick but not everyone. Lucky bastards! As I strolled up and over mountain passes I couldn't help but feel a little guilty. Many of the hikers I met at the beginning of the trail went through this stuff when it was still full of snow, slush and ice wadding knee and waist high in the stuff hanging onto frozen mountain sides !
for dear life. Some even perished... rip. I however waited for the dan
ger to pass and could not have picked a better time to travel over this comparatively doscile terrain. Of course my lack of funds had more to do with my timing than any great intellect. But I'll count my blessings regardless. Since many of the hikers flip flopped at Kennedy Meadows a couple a months ago I had the wonderful pleasure of running into many of them as they made their way south bound. I saw Amanda and Monkey Toes as I was leaving from Onion Valley to resupply. Definatly the hot babes of the PCT and they were accompanied by two very lucky gentleman. I saw Sage and Tinker at Wood Creek and they were in good spirits and not at all in a hurry. Wood Creek is really nice and very accessable via Cedar Grove. As I head north I ran into Mom and Pop and a fellow after them whom found their wallet and was trying to catch up with them. I passed Teflon but he was not in the mood to converse which is understandable. Hard to make the miles if you stop to talk everytime you meet !
someone on the trail. I met and talked with Shade and his buddy at Mather Pass. Nice guys. After Mather Pass I stopped to chat with The Boat People. She was not feeling well with a cold and were stopping to eat before putting in more evening miles. Before Muir Pass I met Little Bump and Stick Girl. Right before the Muir Pass summit I saw Barnyard and Shamoos Trainer whom I last saw at Walker Pass where Meadow Ed was doing a bit of trail magic. As I went over Muir Pass and set up camp I saw the infamous One Gallon whom was hiking with Letterman. I had not seen One Gallon since Kennedy Meadows... or was it Anza? And after Selden Pass I saw Swagman and friends but it didn't occur to me whom he was til afterwards. I partied with him at Walker Pass as well and would like to have chatted with him some more. Prior to Selden Pass I stopped by Muir Trail Ranch and was fortunate to meet Patt and Adeline whom run the joint. Patt hooked me up with food and pleasant conversation. I coul!
dn't afford to stay there but was able to camp at the near by Blaney H
ot Springs where I met a fellow NOLS grad (Jennifer) and her husband bathing in the buff... ahhh the wild. Also in that area I met a group of somewhat wild CCC kids on their last day in the wild after 5 months. The morning before Selden Pass started to rain and eventually that turned into snow. Unfortunally I did my laundry by the creek the night before and had no dry clothes. As the day progressed so did the hail, snow, wind and lightning. I decided not to pass Selden until morning and set up camp next to an old snow survey cabin. I figured if things got really bad I could break into the cabin for shelter. At 10:30 that night a pack of coyotes ran by in persuit of a deer. One of the most haunting sounds I've ever heard. Their tracks were very clear the next morning in the fresh snow. At one point in the early morning I had to get up and shake the snow that had collected on the tent. 20 degrees and COLD! I spent a good part of the morning trying to dry off and after Selden P!
ass was able to completely dry off in the afternoon sun. Later that day before sunset I ran into the lovely Lisa Lovebarge. She was one of the first hikers I met in southern cali (Beer Poet and Walks Alone being the others). She actually called her mom and had her send me a sheet of tyvek and some special treats to boot. Awesome. We talked by the fire and camped by the river. After Silver Pass I met up with Wolf and Koala whom came to my rescue back when I was being harrased by a mountain lion by Warner Springs. As I headed out to Mammoth I met Gizmo, God-Man and Donkey. They said Wild Cat and others were right behind them but I didn't see them on my way out. Oh yes... VVR. That place is badly managed by some jerk named Jim. A fishing resort that needs to be closed down. In a word. It SUCKED. They had me pay for a burger that I never ordered and Jim started bad mouthing hikers right in front of my face. What a money grubbing ass! Once in Mammoth I met Mamma's Boy and Seattl!
e Dave. My plan was to go to Yosemite but the place was startingto clo
se down and I didn't want to get stuck there with no money so I bailed a few days early. Getting out of Mammoth was no easy task. Not a big hitchhiker town. I got a ride to Bishop by a guy from Philly whom worked as a Ranger during the summer. From Bishop I got a ride from a nice woman and her family from Big Pine. From Big Pine I got a ride from John of Lone Pine. He is a cook and remembered me from my slide shows I give to the community of Lone Pine after each leg of my journey. Now back in Lone Pine the journey seems so brief.

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Pygmy's state of the hike

2005-09-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

It's now Sept 2nd and I'm 5 months and 790.2 miles into the journey. Originally this was just going to be a 2 week hike on the John Miur Trail and has grown into what it is by shear over ambition matched by massive ignorance of the insane task I ask of myself. My desire to make it to Canada was quickly diluted by the time I hit the Sierra's. I didn't want to rush through the best part of the adventure just to get to Manning. Plus I had planned on teaching someone... anyone, Kung Fu. Well all is going according to plan except the actual destination part of it. And in all actuality there is no real destination. Just the jorney and adventure of being in the deep wilderness for longer and longer periods of time. Perhaps with the outcome of reverting back to a more animal state. And I mean that with the utmost respect to our furry and feathered friends.

This next and last part of the hike for the year of 2005 will be a glorious 152+ mile hike from Kearsarge Pass to Tuolomne Meadows or perhaps Northern Kennedy Meadows which would mark the 1000+ mile point. I'm hoping I'll be able to get some climbing in at Tuolomne before the snow and cold weather move back after their brief vacation from home. With any luck I'll have some work available for the months of Oct, Nov and Dec. This will make it possable to continue the journey in the middle of winter thus leaving less of the PCT to finish come spring of 2006. After this will come the Arizona Trail and for 2006/2007 I'll be hitting the mind blowing Continental Divide Trail. Of course more time will be used to come up with creative ways to finance this expedition which is schedued to "end" in 2008... we'll see about that. The time spent learning to lead traditional climbs in the Alabama's has been invaluable. I hope to sharpen my skills to the point that I can lead multi pitch cli!
mbs to far away places off the trails where I can fish and maybe even hunt. This world is still so relatively new to me. I've got so much to learn. I don't miss city living at all and I look forward to the solitude that winter will bring to the Sierra's. Eventually I'll be moving on but it's really nice to consider this place home for now. A luxury I often battle with in contrast to backpacking, a somewhat less luxurious lifestyle to say the least. Am I healthy? I'd have to say so but I'm always looking to get stronger. Am I happy? Yes, when I get to eat and sleep soundly. Backpacking itself will always suck... just not as bad as getting a "real" job.

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