Lucky Me!

A Happy Mother's Day! for sure.  I saw my fabulous son last week between New Zealand's Te Araroa Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail tramps for seven glorious days.  I live in a beautiful home built by dbBrad, the sun shines, the birds sing, the flowers bloom and tomorrow I'm off to ride the Centennial Trail in Snohomish with dear Mr. Ed. 

Fran & Brad 

Mother's Day - Brad in camp on PCT

Snakes on My Mind!

Yikes, seven different species of rattlesnakes in California, and Brad is hiking the PCT in Southern California with most of them.  An important article describing rattlesnake characteristics, including habitat, range, behavior, diet and predators is cited.  However, despite the prevalence of rattlesnakes in California there are other common California snakes, including the Gophersnake, Coachwhip Snake, Sharp-Tailed Snake, King Snake, Racer, Ring-necked Snakes and Gartersnakes.  Other excellent snake sites are: Snakes - Mojave Desert Wildlife, Rattlesnakes in California and Photo Index of California Snakes.

Side Winder

Southwestern Speckled Ratlesnake

Southern Pacific Rattlesnake

Great Basin Rattlesnake

Panamint Rattlesnake

Western Diamondback

Information from the Public Information Office of the College of the Canyons:

What Can be Done to Prevent a Bite?

Hands, feet, and ankles are the most common sites for rattlesnake bites. Using some common sense rules can prevent most snake bites.

• Never go barefooted or wear sandals when walking in the rough. Always wear hiking boots.
• Always stay on paths. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where there may be snakes.
• Use a walking stick when hiking. If you come across a snake, it can strike the stick instead of you.
• Always look for concealed snakes before picking up rocks, sticks or firewood.
• Always check carefully around stumps or logs before sitting.
• When climbing, always look before putting your hands in a new location. Snakes can climb walls, trees and rocks and are frequently found at high altitudes.
• Never grab "sticks" or "branches" while swimming. Rattlesnakes are excellent swimmers.
• Baby rattlesnakes are poisonous! They can and do bite. Leave them alone.
• Never hike alone. Always have a buddy to help in case of an emergency. Learn basic life-saving methods.
• Don't handle fresh killed snakes. You may still be bitten.
• Never tease a snake to see how far it can strike. You can be several feet from the snake and still be within striking distance.
• Don't keep rattlesnakes as pets. The majority of rattlesnake bites occur when people (usually intoxicated young men in their 20s) tease or play with their "pet" rattlesnake.
• Teach children to respect snakes and to leave snakes alone. Curious children who pick up snakes are frequently bitten.
• Always give snakes the right of way! 

You're not going without me!

Benton likes to crawl into his crate, in the back of the car, for his afternoon nap.

The Cutest Aussie Ever

Mile 20 - Lake Morena

Yesterday, as I was getting on the airport shuttle leaving Sea-Tac for Whidbey,  I received a call from Brad.  He was at Lake Morena resting and eating in the heat of the day, before departing for an evening of hiking.

Lake Morena

Technology

When Brad did the Te Araroa in NZ he didn't have a phone or computer and depended on computer service at hostels and libraries for blogging and getting messages home.  Before he started the PCT he purchased a smart phone.  Here are the first two photographs sent from the trail.

PCT Trail literature says people get lost in the first 20 miles on the PCT.  According to Brad the first 20 miles took no GPS, were well marked and the trail clear enough to hike at night with a full moon.    After completing 1800 miles on the Te Araroa perhaps trail instinct sets in.

PCT Beginning

Brad begins the Pacific Crest Trail near Campo, California on May 5, 2012.  The PCT is almost 2800 miles and stretches from the Mexican border in California to the Canadian border in BC.

Brad at Mexican Border and the beginning of the PCT

Fran & Brad at the border fence

Brad getting as close as he can to Mexico

Brad walking from the border fence to the PCT Trail Head Monument

Brad beginning his  PCT trek - 5/5/12

Brad on PCT monument, 5/5/12

PCT Sign Post on Highway 94 

Brad at Highway 94, after the first 2.3 miles from the border

Preparing for the PCT

Our last night together in California before Brad's departure on the Pacific Crest Trail.  We camped at a County Camp Ground in Potrero, near Campo, the night of May 4.  New gear had been purchased and food shopping was completed, but Brad needed some time to test, organize, repackage, and repack.  He was able to reduce his base pack weight, but with the large quantities of water needed for the desert, he departed the next day with a very heavy pack. 

Brad packing food for the PCT at our camp site near Campo,  CA

Brad organizing food and gear for the PCT

Brad tending to last minute details

Our camp site at a county camp ground in Potrero, CA

Fran & Brad the morning of Brad's departure on the PCT, Potrero, CA