Oye it has been a while since the last post.
My sincerest Apologies for folks as I have encountered a problem many people have, a broken phone. It happened at the most inopportune time too. Alas that incident made me look at my life again and how much technology has influenced it, even on this hike. So many hikers are using their phones with apps to guide them along the trail. It is super helpful having updated water reports, gps navigation when you get lost in the snow or at unsigned junctions and camera at the ready with ability to upload photos instantaneously. This past month without a phone brought me back to a time when I didn't have a "smart" phone capable of doing these things.
In the past month I've been able to finish the Sierras of California, take no zero days and finish Northern California and then cross the border into the State of Oregon! I've had multiple encounters with wildlife, some a little closer than you'd usually expect out here. I've been through the hottest day on trail for me yet and also some of the clearest and warmest nights where the stars are in full bloom and the wine of the mosquitoes are at their highest pitch. I've met people who have had common connections and others I've interacted with in the past. This world is so big yet so small and it literally blows my mind everyday.
Endurance, mental fortitude, the ability to push your body and mind to places you never thought you'd go or ever want to go back to, these are the things the last month have brought. I've made it to Oregon, which means I've hiked across the home state from the border to another border. 1700+ miles from the desert to the mountains to the desert to the mountains again. Each day brings something new and challenges from all angles. It is surreal to be sitting here typing after all the deep thought I've been and yet here I am.
Thank you to all who have given words of encouragement and who've sent positive vibes this way. I hope to in turn send them right back at you as I continue north, first through Oregon, then to Washington and then to our northern neighbors in Canada.
Thank you to all who've supported the 2660forYWCAandNCBI fundraising campaign! I can't believe how much we've been able to raise thus far and am honored by your support. I hope to reach the goal, both getting to Canada and the $2660 amount for the two non-profits I choose to support in Missoula, Montana.
Much love to everyone. This world is a beautiful place, this country is a beautiful place no matter what anyone says. If you've never experienced our public lands then I cannot fault you but I do encourage you to get out and explore. Our National Parks, National Forests, BLM Land, State Parks and other public lands are for us to enjoy and appreciate. I hope for the future of these lands and that the next generation will appreciate them the way we can today.
Thank you, two simple words I've written several times already. Two simple words that can have a great effect and two that I say humbly to all of you reading this.
Cheers,
Tyler "The Prodigy"
There was a post written about crossing the mid point of the PCT but that got lost with my phone. I hope to be able to recover the photos and journal entries off the phone after the trail. If anyone knows how to do this for a phone with a cracked screen but still turns on, please get in touch!
