PCT Film Wrap-Up!

dbBrad(soon to be Freestyle) at Mexican/California border about to set off on his PCT
 adventure of 2660 miles from Mexico to Canada, 2012

Freestyle at Washington/Canadian border, 2660 miles later

The Pacific Crest Trail changes lives!  No question about that!  Watch this fabulous video of the 2012 thru-hikers.  I found Brad (Freestyle) at 50:57:  PCT 2012

http://vimeo.com/65233793

More Beautiful California Coast

Having been born and raised in California I have a tender spot in my heart for my home state.  There are still so many parts of California that are remote and wild and beautiful.  And, who can argue with the weather?  It's nice to see my son, Brad, get to know and love my home state, although we both are deep to the roots Evergreen State enthusiasts.

Hiking Big Sur certainly gave both Yessi and Brad a feel for California's central coastal landscape, both beautiful and brutal.   Brad has always expressed a huge preference for liking to be up high, and the PCT was too perfect.  Following the crest provided drop-dead stunning views  The lower elevation hiking, despite the ocean hanging out there, just couldn't compete.

As Brad tramped the wild coasts of California with Yessi, I did 24 days in Whidbey General Hospital.  I think he and Yessi had more fun!

Brad surveying the trail.  Brush made it brutal.

Yessi stopping for a break.

Brad and Yessi surveying the foliage, or is it looking for the trail?

Tawny grass and rock outcroppings complete the beauty of this scene

Wild and rugged

Yessi, Brad, Yucca, rock outcropping, and the Pacific Ocean all on a clear blue day.
 What's not to love?

Beautiful sky

Yessi and dbBrad -- so cute!

Yessi setting up camp.

Yessi searching for the trail

Happy Trails

Yessi arrived one week ago from China.  Today she and Brad depart for California.  They will quickly scoot down to California to meet friends of Brad in San Francisco.  From there they will be off the bike and into a car to continue south to the Pacific Crest Trail Kickoff.  After some PCT celebrating and hiking they will return to San Francisco, pick up the bike and proceed to Big Sur for a couple weeks of hiking.  Green Trails will be paying Brad to hike Big Sur to record trail miles and trail conditions for their maps.

Benton, Brad & Yessi onWhidbey Island 

Brad, Fran & Benton on Whidbey Island

Yessi, Benton and Brad all packed and just about ready to depart

Brad & Yessi driving away 4/24/13 @ noon

Working Vacation

Brad on the PCT

Brad hiked about 5,000 miles in 2012 completing three separate trails -- the Te Araroa in New Zealand, the Pacific Crest Trail in the United States and the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.  And now, in April of 2013, he heads out again.  This first round of 2013 hikes will be in California where he will be hiking all the trails he can find in the Big Sur area.  He will be recording and mapping trail data for Green Trails so his hiking this summer will be a working vacation.   

Yessi getting outfitted for the Annapurna Circuit

Yessi arrives in Seattle from China on April 15 for a few days on Whidbey Island before she and Brad leave for California on the 23rd.   Once there they will meet a PCT friend of Brad's in the Bay area and proceed to the Pacific Crest Trail kickoff.   Hanging out there for a spell, including putting in a few miles on the PCT, Yessi and Brad will then head back north to Big Sur for a solid two weeks of hiking.  It was in New Zealand that Brad and Yessi first met.  

Later in the summer Brad and Yessi will again hit the trail for Green Trails, recording data for both the Olympic National Forest and Glacier Peak Wilderness.    Right now there is too much snow to even think about hikes in those areas.

Heart on the Trail will be in full heart-drawing operation again as Brad hikes and draws hearts to raise money for the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the American Heart Association.  

Tramping, Hiking, Trekking - 2012!

5000 miles in one year!  How can that be?  A year of hiking in the US, trekking in Nepal and tramping in New Zealand concludes the year with 5,000 miles.   An adventure both for Brad in-the-doing and his vicariously-traveling-by-his-side, mom.  

Christmas day we drove to SeaTac Airport to pick up our traveling guy of many names.  As there are different names for hiking in different parts of the country, Brad had different names as well.  Here at home he is Brad.  On the TeAraroa Trail in NZ he was db.  On the Pacific Crest Trail in the US he was Freestyle.  In China and Nepal he was dbBrad.

From SeaTac we drove to Seattle and enjoyed Christmas breakfast at the Sorrento Hotel's Hunt Club.   We then returned to Whidbey Island for our small family gift exchange and a lovely dinner.  A very calm, quiet and delightful Christmas Day!  Not to mention a massive jet lag and missing Yessi day for Brad.

dbbrad, Nepal

Now, for Brad, there have been three weeks of settling in and getting used to being off the trail.  A letdown, of huge proportion, along with the stiff reality of what's next in his life.  For now, a small cabin in the woods for writing, photo sorting, job application completion, resting, recovery, and planning life's next adventure.

For me, what will I blog about?  Brad's travels have dominated this blog for the past year and now I suddenly feel topic-less.  New subjects will unfold, of course, but I have had a steady stream of new photographs along with wild and crazy adventures; changing friends and places; wild weather and high elevations to keep the blog flowing, almost without effort.

Brad is still raising money for his Heart on the Trail fund raiser and collecting press as he proceeds.  See his latest news story on his 2012 adventures.

Brad drawing hearts

A Year Of Adventure

This year our son, Brad,  set out to fill it with adventure while he reevaluated his life and future.  First, as you know if you've been following this blog, he went to New Zealand to thru-hike the Te Araroa Trail.  He arrived in NZ mid November 2011 and finished the trail the end of April 2012.  He returned to the US early May and immediately began another thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, after resting and resupplying in San Diego for a few days.  He departed from the Mexican border in May and finished in late October at the Canadian border.  All told he walked 4200 miles in eleven months.

But, the adventure is not over, nor is the year.  On Tuesday, November 20, Brad departs for China.  He will fly into Hong Kong, but travel almost immediately to Xiamen to spend time with a friend he met in NZ.  The trip will also include dental work, sight seeing and hiking.  He returns to the US Christmas day.

Xiamen
One of China's top 10 cities on urban development index. 

Hong Kong
Bird's eye view of one of the world's greatest cities.

Three of the hiking destinations capturing Brad's attention are the Yellow Mountains, Leaping Tiger Gorge and Annapurna Circuit.  Stay tuned for the new unfolding adventure...

Yellow Mountain near Huangshan 

Leaping Tiger Gorge near Lijiang

Annapurna Circuit in Nepal

Green shows 10 day hike from Hong Kong to Beijing.  But, the map also is a nice overview of China,

Off the Trail and then Right Back on...

Just days after finishing the PCT, Brad was back on the trail.  I guess it gets in one's blood.  Here he is at Mt. Rainier a couple of days ago, hiking with friend Debbie.  Blue sky, fall color, beautiful mountain -- all perfect for a warm fall hike.  14 miles of pleasure, beauty and good friendship.

Seattle Welcomes!

Freesttyle returns to Seattle after 11 months away.
The Space Needle, Seattle's icon, welcomes him by delivering 700 vertical feet in 30 seconds.  Sure beats the time required for 700 vertical feet on the PCT!

The Trail has been Conquered!

Freestyle just called from Vancouver (10/6/12).  He and Bodybag arrived at the PCT border monument on 10/4/12, Manning Park on 10/5/12.  The PCT is finished!  Woo Hoo!  A huge congratulations to them!  They're headed by bus to Seattle and then Freestyle is coming to the island tomorrow, 11 months since Brad left for his two thru-hikes -- Te Araroa and Pacific Crest Trail.  

As Bodybag and Freestyle reached the Canadian border,  another hiker Astro, left the hospital in Yakima to get back on the trail.  There are so many reasons this trail is sought out by so many.  Astro because of his need to confront his cancer; Freestyle with a need to deal with the economy dropping him into a financial and emotional pit; another man we met was challenging aging; a young couple was looking to solve the age old question of "what's life all about?"; yet another because of a life-time career gone awry.  The reasons are varied and for each hiker different.  Yet the reasons are all the same --  to find themselves and to find meaning to their confusing and challenging lives or even their too easy lives.  These hikers don't just finish a  physical challenge they also are dealing with emotional, economic and spiritual challenges.  The trail is frequently, perhaps always, life changing.

The hikers' loved ones waiting, supporting, loving and worrying at home are as proud as punch for the determination, sacrifices, hardships,  and growth our sons, daughters, husbands, wives and friends are taking on with their courage.  We're delighted with their new friends made along the way, the lessons learned and the demons met head on.   Hats off to all of you!

Freestyle at Manning Provincial Park, BC

Thru hikers waiting for the bus to return to the US

PTC Finish!

Freestyle, and others he's hiked with arrived at the PCT monument at the BC/USA border, concluding their Pacific Crest Trail adventure.  2650 miles!  Five months! 151 days!  Mexico to BC.  Wow!  Congratulations!

Freestyle completes the PCT on a cold, cold day

Bags & Freestyle

Only two Sections of the PCT Remaining.

Section K of the PCT is considered tough but rewarding!  Brad left Stevens yesterday for his Section K experience.  He hiked this section in 2011, going in the opposite direction, but part of the trail at that time was closed due to a wash out.  The best views of Glacier Peak were not visible last year due to the detour.  Let's hope Brad gets his Glacier Peak hit this year and that the "wild, rugged and stunning"  Glacier Peak Wilderness does not disappoint.

Glacier Peak Wilderness

Section L is the last section of the PCT, ending in Manning Park, B.C.  This is a short section of only 70 miles but should be spectacular with fall colors, jagged peaks and fabulous views of the Pasaysten Wilderness.  Much of this section if protected from rain, so can be dry and without water supplies, except at Hart's Pass.

Pasaysten Wilderness

I can't believe this year of Brad's hiking adventure is almost over.  He has thoroughly enjoyed his trip and so have I, as I've followed along.   Also, helping Brad with his Heart on the Trail fund raising project has been challenging and rewarding.   We're still hoping for donations -- please -- so he can finish up his PCT adventure with huge donations to both the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the American Heart Association.  Get Your Heart on the Trail!

Brad explains  why he's raising money for Heart on the Trail

Get your Heart on the Trail

Two organizations that help us with our health are the Pacific Crest Trail Associaition and the American Heart Association.  These two organizations are linked by the need for achieving heart health through exercise.  Please be as generous as you can by supporting Brad in his efforts to raise money for both of these organization by donating to:  Heart on the Trail

Hiking for Health ~ Get Your Heart on the Trail

Freestyle hiking with heart

Father-son Snoqualmie to Stevens

Brad's dad was able to join Brad on his PCT thru-hike from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass.  Some awesome views from this section of the PCT.

"Imagine not crossing a road for 75 miles! Backpackers who complete the Snoqualmie - Stevens segment of the Pacific Crest Trail will hike through some of the most remote and diverse mountain country along the entire 2650-mile trail.

This trail is not for the beginning backpacker. There is considerable elevation gain (and loss) - 16,000 feet! Some places are impassable until well into August when the snow melts out. And the distance requires hikers to carry six or seven days of food and arrange for a car shuttle or pick-up at Stevens Pass."  PCT

Where is Freestyle?

One pooped guy enjoying a nap in the sun

Freestyle on Kendall Katwalk at the top of the world, but who can see the world?

Kendall Katwalk on a clear day.
Photo by Debbie Lipinski

10+ camp site first night out of Snoqualmie

Freestyle continues his Pacific Crest Trail hike through beautiful Washington, all the while drawing hearts to raise money for Heart on the Trail, a fund raiser  to generate money for both the Pacific Crest Trail and the American Heart Association.

Hiking for Health ~ Get Your Heart on the Trail

Freestyle

Your contributions will be greatly appreciated.  If you click on the heart on the website it will take you to PayPal for your ease in making a donation.  You can also donate more directly by making out a check to Heart on the Trail and mailing it to Whidbey Island Bank, Langley Branch, Post Office Box 665, Langley, WA 98260.

Thank you!  Freestyle's goal is $10,000.   $5,000 for PCT and $5,000 for AHA.

Brad is Home!

Freestyle, a seasoned thru-hiker

Well, he's home, but not on Whidbey Island and I haven't seen him yet, but three days ago he met his dad at Snoqualmie Pass and spent the night in North Bend.  That's home!  He's now hiking with Barry, his dad, from Snoqualmie to Stevens Pass.  Then he's off to Stehekin, Rainy Pass, Hart's Pass and onto the Canadian border and the finish of the PCT, 2012.

Brad hiked from  Rainy Pass to Snoqualmie Pass in 2011,  going south, so he's reversing his steps of a year ago.  At that time he was doing 10 to 15 miles each day and was carrying a very heavy pack.  He's lightened his pack and quickened his pace, regularly putting in 20 to 25 mile days.   It was on the PCT last year where he started noticing thru-hikers and got his curiosity and interest levels elevated.  Not long after that, he took off for NZ for his first thru-hike.

On the PCT it's now count down time!  This will be the second thru-hike Brad will have completed in 2012.  First he finished the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand and now the Pacific Crest Trail on the west coast of the USA.  Yep, I'm a proud mom!

Chinook Pass

Brad was picked up and delivered back to Chinook by his friend Debbie, who lives in Auburn, WA. He was delighted to see her and spend time with her family, not to mention a hot shower,  "real" food and a soft bed!  Debbie sent these pictures, along with a note that warmed my heart:

My family and I had a wonderful time hosting Brad for a night. He spent time talking/connecting with each of my kids and husband. What a great son you have! He was so glad to have his warm shirt back!

The warm shirt Debbie is referring to is one Brad purchased from Wander on Whidbey before he departed for New Zealand.  After hiking the Te Araroa Trail for five months, it was getting a little worn around the edges.  I did a patch job and sent it to Debbie, for Brad to pick up.  It's an Ibex (I think) wool, warm, hooded jacket/shirt that works well for keeping him warm during the day and keeping the drafts off his neck at night.  The weather is good, so far, in Washington but the nights are cold!

Freestyle at Chinook Pass

PCT Fire Threat

Section H of the Washington PCT is threatened with closure  due to the Cascade Creek Fire.   Section H is 147 miles from Bridge of Gods to White Pass, which Freestyle is hiking right now.

Section H - Mt. Adams Fire (Cascade Creek Fire)

"9-12-12 - The PCT is not currently closed due to the Cascade Creek Fire on the south side of Mt. Adams. The closed area borders the PCT on the east. It runs along the PCT from Road 23 to Round-The-Mountain Trail #9. Please do not camp along this stretch of trail. Check for updates in case the fire and fire closure grows, which is possible, if not likely. 

Afternoon update: Within the next 48 hours, this closure is likely to grow to include the PCT. The new closure will probably extend from Road 23 to Riley Creek near Sheep Lake. The alternate route would include walking Road 23 northwest to Burnt Rock Trail #64 to rejoin the PCT north of Riley Creek. Please call the Mt.Adams Ranger District Office at 509-395-3400 for more information before entering the area. " 

Back to Washington

Brad departed from SeaTac mid November of 2011, and just today, September 11, 2012, after 10 months, he set foot back in Washington.  He first left Washington to travel to New Zealand to tramp the Te Araroa Trail.  After completing the Te Araroa Trail he flew to California to begin hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.  Now, after many miles and many adventures, he returns to his state of birth; his home for his entire life.   Today he crossed over the Bridge of the Gods, putting his feet once again on Washington soil.

Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River

Yesterday Brad was dispirited with sore feet and sore back.  Plus, it was raining and he was wet and cold.  His enthusiasm for returning to the trail was low!  Today, after a good night's warm and dry sleep, he was ready to roll.  And, as you can see from the photo above, the day is beautiful, with no rain in sight.  Dry is everything, sometimes.

For me it feels a little like my "kid is home"!  Although I probably won't see him until he nears the end of his Washington trek, having him in his home state feels like I have him home again.  I've loved "hiking" with him all these months, yet having him return warms my heart as well.  And, speaking of hearts, please go to Heart on the Trail and support Brad's fundraiser for both the Pacific Crest Trail and The American Heart Association.  A hiker, with so much thinking time, reaches new levels of self awareness and social awareness and political awareness and environmental awareness.  All combine to lift the need for giving back to others.  Heart on the Trail is the culmination of all that time alone, and with other contemplative hiking companions, to evaluate one's life and one's world.  Thank you for putting your heart on the trail!