Day 3 Snake Charmer

Todays cool temperatures quickly warmed up to a comfortable 50 degrees as we climbed our way up toward Mt Laguna. Marie was excited because as temperatures rose and the going became more rocky we would be sure to see more beasts, hopefully a rattler. I gladly let Marie lead. And then the familiar sight-- Maria swatting position, camera in hand.




A juvenile rattler. Being young in no way lessens the danger of a poisonous bite and although the beast was in a striking position Maria was hoping for a picture of it rattling so she waited patiently. I reviewed my first aid knowledge of snake bites and prayed she did not attempt to pick this one up too. She seemed to have a soothing effect and the snake just lay motionless as She snapped away. And that is how I came up with Maria's trail name. At the Laguna Store she proudly signed the register Maria..Snake Charmer.
Heart

Day 2 Our First Wild Beast

Maria and I hike well together. We tend to frog-hop all day. She walks faster than I do but takes a lot of pictures, which slows her down giving me a chance to catch up. Mostly she takes pictures of animals and plants not common in Germany. As she takes a picture of yet another lizard I bypass and take over the lead. But today I was glad to be behind. And I was not surprised to see her in a low squat as she positioned herself to take a close, close up. Before I could see what she was taking a picture of she quietly handed me her camera and stood up.




What you should know is Maria is a veterinarian, and so trusting her knowledge of wild beasts I did as I was told and took the picture. You do not argue with someone whose got a snake in her hand. I drew the line, however, when she wanted to take a picture of me with the beast.
I wish I could say the rest of the day was downhill from here but it was a 1200' plus climb to Lake Marina and an a total of 17 miles for the day. Again we were blessed with perfect temperatures and plentiful water. Tomorrow we reach Mt Laguna and our first Nero (a day of less hiking mileage, normally when you hike into a town). We will get to stay at a hotel and rest up a bit before making our way to Warner Springs.
wee-Heart

Day 1 continued...

We hiked 15.4 miles today beginning at Campo and ending at Hauser Creek. To the north we could see the steep southern flanks of the Laguna Mountains , Hauser Mountains and bright orange buttresses of Morena Butte in the northwest. The vegetation mainly consists of low arid chaparral of chamise, sagebrush, ribbon wood and yucca. Protruding boulders of grey granite and white popcorn flowers punctuate the landscape. The pretty bushes with lilac-type flowers are called ceanothus. They perfume the air with a faint sweet earthy smell and we saw these everywhere. Even though I had seen pictures of this area I am surprised at how green it is and how many colorful wild flowers are in bloom. Not what you think of when you think of a desert.
Temperatures ranged from a chilly 37 degrees to a high of 65. Perfect hiking weather!
Heart

Day 1 Hitting the trail

Host family and previous PCT thru-hikers, Scout and Frodo picked me up from the airport, graciously opened their home to me and another hiker, Maria, fed us a delicious dinner which we enjoyed with neighbors and Pct angels Jan and Jim. Breakfast was on the table at 530 the next morning where son Shawn and his wife Mayda joined us. 90 minutes later we were at the monument. Welcomed advice along with a lot of pictures made for a great send off. And to think --they provide this service to more than 150 hikers every year! Thank you PCT angels Scout and Frodo!



At the border




My new best friend Maria




Beautiful trail scenes

I'm on my way

Wherever you go ... Go with all your heart

I leave you with this quote:

The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps - we must step up the stairs. “
Vance Havner

Saying Goodbye..

Saying goodbye to Zoli...

Saying good-bye to your true blue friend is hardest of all because they have no idea when or if you will be coming back. He has accompanied me on many trails but this one is not a trail I would recommend a dog attempt. It really would be cruel in my opinion. So without much explanation, just a hug and pat, and a promise to return, I say good bye to my best friend.

Thanks for your support!

Just 2 more days!  I want to thank everyone for  your words of encouragement, cards, donations, hugs, emails, phone calls and best wishes. A special thanks to my staff - Christie and Debbie for putting up with me these past months as I prepared and for taking on added duties in my absence. A special thanks to my husband for agreeing to do the work of two, making this hike possible. I hope to return the favor in 2013.  Please check out the other pages on the blog, they have all been updated. Those that have contributed are listed on the donation page. I will continue to update this page as donations come in. You can comment on this blog or email me directly at heartyhiking@gmail.com

Thank-you for having so much faith in me. I hope to live up to your expectations.

from my Heart