Happy New Year everyone, I truly cannot believe it's 2017. As I look out my window to see snow on the ground and the east winds blowing strong, I can't help but close my eyes and transport myself back to summer days lounging by a lake in the woods. What a glorious freedom we had …
The State of Jefferson: Coming Home
After waiting for a few days in Ashland to see if the trail would re-open, it became clear that the fire closure would remain in effect for the near future. We were able to get in contact with my old boss who lives in Mt. Shasta and decided to spend a few days with them …
Oregon: Santiam Pass to Ashland
After leaving the comfortable bed and home-cooked meals in Black Butte, we were dropped back off at Santiam Pass. We planned to hike only a few miles, but continued for 8 miles south on the PCT through a huge burn area (with no camping) and ending the night at Big Lake Youth Camp. This "hiker …
Oregon: Eagle Creek to Santiam Pass
It's good to be home. The two and a half weeks we spent off trail were full of friends, family, food and two weddings. Congratulations to the newlyweds Evan & Caitlin and Mike & Lekadia! We are so happy we were able to celebrate with you and your families. Time off trail was very restorative, …
The High Sierras: Part 2
Sorry for the delay in updating our travels. So much has happened in such a short period of time, it is hard to keep up! I'll give a brief re-cap of the second part of the sierras where Jordan/Topo left off and then I'll tell you where we're at now in a second post. After …
The High Sierras: Part 1
Well folks we are alive! Not only did we survive the High Sierras, we thrived in the mountains. It is a truly magical place; words are only able to scratch the surface of the beauty and power in this wild landscape. Each day has been a journey in itself and much has transpired over the …
Field Report 6: Going Our Own Way
While planning and resupplying in Tehachapi for the next wave of our trek, we had some things to consider. From Tehachapi to Walker Pass (about 100 miles) we were facing extreme drought conditions and very little road access. We read that there may be water catches at a few locations, but that we should not …
Field Report 5: The Desert and Beyond
After leaving hiker heaven we crossed more desert chaparral with pockets of Oak woodland on the ridges. These pockets of shade are crucial rest stops along the way to help us escape the desert heat. While we dream of mountain forests and streams, daily we remind ourselves how powerful this arid landscape can be. Growing …
Field Report 4: Hot n Sweaty
We left Cajon Pass shortly after our last update, packs full with 9 days of supplies, and followed the Cajon Pass railroad tracks towards the Angeles National Forest. We were expecting 24 plus miles and 5000'+ elevation gain before our next water and the weather was HOT. Thanks to some unexpected water catches along the …
Picking up Speed (Field Report #3)
Up until this point we have had an amazing support system that lives close to the trail. It has been comforting to have a safety net to catch us as we work out the kinks of thru-hiking. Now as we head west and farther away from family a new sense of excitement and freedom is …