Day 47 June 22, 2017

And that's a wrap.

Because of my experiences struggling with the Sierra snow and raging streams and rivers, I have made the tough decision to abandon my dream of through hiking the PCT. I knew making the attempt in a high snow year (Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, which is further north on the PCT recorded a total of 618 inches or just over 51 feet of snow this winter) would be tough, but my timing just sucked. It has been relatively cool all spring in this area until early this week, just as our group entered the mountains. Then the heat wave started and the melt got going big time. It just exceeded my comfort level to ford icy cold, fast moving streams and to spend hours trying to navigate lumpy snow under the forest cover, or worse yet out in the flats where snow cups awaited.

Because the long term forecast is for a continuation of the heatwave, it really only left me with three options, with the fourth option of returning to the mountains simply out of the question.

First, I could skip ahead past the Sierra with the intention of coming back later in the summer. Two reasons for nixing that plan. First, there is nowhere to skip ahead to that will be snow free. Maybe not as severe as the Sierra snow pack, but still not enjoyable hiking. And this hike was supposed to be enjoyable, not a forced march. Second reason is personal. I feel that a true through hike is defined as starting at Campo and walking one continuous line to BC. Just my way of thinking, but it is important to me.

The second option that I considered was to jump to a different trail all together. The most obvious choice would be the Oregon Coast Trail. Although this has some appeal, it just is not calling my heart. I have dreamt about a PCT through hike for near on seven years and the thought of filling in with a different trail just does not cut it.

So that left the third choice of coming home. At the end of the day for me, it really was the only choice to make. I have a wonderful wife and kids and a great home life to return to. So I will make whatever arrangements I can to get likely to Reno and fly home from there.

The most obvious question that will linger is will I regret this decision later. In my mind, no not at all. I am very proud of my attempt at a through hike in what can only be described as one of the most difficult years in a couple of decades to do the trail. At 61, I was one of the more senior members of the hiking fraternity, yet I was able to maintain pace with the younger crowd that I befriended. I met some truly wonderful people out there and learned way more about their bowel movements than I would have ever imagined! With a very, very few exceptions, everyone I met on trail were great people. The 15 member hiking "family" that was assembled starting in Warner Springs was so much fun. We literally laughed our way up the trail. The week that I did spend in the Sierra was stunning. But it would have made so much more sense to be there in late summer or early fall.

So, with that, I finalize the obituary for my PCT through hike. Rest in peace my dream.