Hiking in Rain , Wind, Snow and Sand.

Hiking in the worst of conditions!

     Hiking in bad conditions is something we all must learn to do.  Why?  We must learn to do this because learning to overcome obstacles in our path helps us to have the determination to do a long hike.  The PCT will be a very long hike.  I must get out my snowshoes and learn how to use them correctly but also learn how to travel in snow on my feet and also learn about the conditions of the snow itself, it is wet and cold, and can make you miserable.
     Wind is usually found everywhere.  A wind jacket helps to deter the wind away from you, thus making you warmer,  tons of great clothes out there now to keep you safe and comfortable.
     Rain is here now that it is fall.  You can always use an umbrella to keep you out of the rain and also even from the wind.  As a thru-hiker,  I have ordered an umbrella with a mylar finish to use in the desert from the hot sun and the wind and the rain.
     Hiking in sand is something I have never done before.  I have been to the beach where there is sand but never hiked in it.  It is gritty and can wear down your equipment fast.  Socks must be cleaned out every once in a while to get rid of small rocks and other pesky things like sharp cactus.  I will be wearing  "Dirty girl Gaiters".  These little gaiters attach to your shoes and keep all of the little stuff out.  They have really cool colors too.
     No matter what the weather holds,  you can still get out in it if you just prepare.  So having said that,  I will go and grab my umbrella.  Enjoy the fall weather,  embrace the winter.

   

People always ask me...Why do you do crazy things?  Because I can!  When I first started talking to people about doing the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT),  they thought I was crazy.  Heck,  I thought I was crazy.  Then I made a plan, I set a goal,  I decided to do it!  So I researched,  and read, and marked it on my calendar and told everybody I knew so I wouldn't back down.  I was determined to go.

Some people will understand,  some won't,  family members will question my age, sanity, health etc.  If you are a camper or a hiker, then you will know that "The mountains are calling and you must go".  It's not really a choice if you love the outdoors.  Sometimes you have to feel free,  you have to get outside, you have to see "Green".  It's something so strong that tugs inside of you.  It's like fishing, or hunting, or anything that you love,  you would spend your last dime doing it.  Yes,  it is extreme,  it sounds crazy,  will it be worth it,  let's find out.

Here are the most asked questions...

What are you doing, this hiking thing?

I am going to hike the Pacific Crest Trail

What is the PCT?

The PCT is a national scenic trail.  It starts at the border of Mexico and then winds its way through 3 states, California, Oregon and Washington up to the Canadian Border.  It's a long way about 2,650 miles.

How long will it take you?

5 months

Wait, you are going to walk from Mexico to Canada?  No way!

Yes way,  I am going to backpack from Mexico to Canada.

Why would you even want to do that?

Well, because I can,  why not?  I'm healthy,  I can do it,  and besides, there is a reason.  I wanted to hike for a purpose besides just me wanting to go and then I found not one but two very good reasons, Read under Sponsorship below.

How many miles do you have to walk a day?

I will probably average around 20  or so.  Some days will be zero days (means no walking).  Those are the days I will be in town stocking up food (re-supply) and saying hi to friends.

Aren't you afraid of bears?

No, not really,  well yea, kind of, if they are chasing me.  Don't worry mom,  I will have bear spray with me.  I am careful,  I know what to do.

Are you bringing your gun?  

No,  but I am a smart girl and I do have my concealed weapons permit.  Enough said.

What do you do about food?

Well, you eat.  Lol.  No, really,  you pack enough food till you hit a town and then you eat a really big meal in town and then you get back on the trail.  You eat dried food, tons of snacks and lots of water.  The average is about 6,000 calories a day.  Yep,  you burn that amount up walking.

Equipment?

I am an ultra-lite backpacker so that means I have done the research and found out the lightest weight items to pack.  Less weight in the pack means less weight on your feet and that means "Happy Feet".

The goods:

What happens if you have to go to the bathroom?

You grab your trowel, tent stake or whatever, you make a cat hole, you poo, you cover it up,  you pack out your trash (Leave no trace principles) until you find a trash can to throw it away.  When you pee, you do it off trail, away from water etc.  It's like when you were a kid.  You get the idea.  

But where are the showers?

Silly goose, there aren't any except in town.  You can swim in a lake.  Save your water for drinking.  You can deal with the dirt and sweat,  you also have baby wipes to use if you get really bad.

You are bringing boots...Right?

Maybe in the mountains with a heavy snow but really you just wear "trail running shoes".  You have to think lite, really lite.  Remember about your feet?

Are you going with somebody?

I am planning on going alone, however, I think I found a friend who may want to go with me.  You meet a ton of people on the trail so you are never really alone.  If I end up going alone, no worries,  I have planned it that way from the beginning,  Be Prepared!  Thats the Boy Scout Motto.

How do you train for something like that?

You walk a lot,  you hike with people, you stop eating junk.  You surround yourself with positive things, you opt outside, you sleep in your tent every chance you can, even in the living room, you sleep in your sleeping bag.  You pretend!  You think...PCT...PCT...PCT... You do not let anyone tell you that you can't do this,  you let no discouragement come your way,  you block that (negative) stuff out.  Read my lips  I AM HIKING THE PCT!

How can I sponsor you? 

I am fundraising for two different women's organizations.

1.  Mazie Morrison Foundation ( part of the "Sisters on the fly Organization").

This is a wonderful organization that helps kids get camping scholarships.  What better way to help kids get outside.  It also helps women with outdoor activities  "Sisters on the Fly".  Please take a look at maziemorrisonfoundation.org

2.  Casting for Recovery

This is a wonderful organization that enriches the live's of women who have breast cancer by offering free fly-fishing retreats.  

Think about making a contribution.  You can even sponsor me by the mile or by the day.  Anything and everything helps.  Let's make a difference in this world.

https://www.gofundme.com/migs-pct-hike-2017

You can read about my PCT Hike at.... happycampergirls.blogspot.com

People always ask me...Why do you do crazy things?  Because I can!  When I first started talking to people about doing the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT),  they thought I was crazy.  Heck,  I thought I was crazy.  Then I made a plan, I set a goal,  I decided to do it!  So I researched,  and read, and marked it on my calendar and told everybody I knew so I wouldn't back down.  I was determined to go.

Some people will understand,  some won't,  family members will question my age, sanity, health etc.  If you are a camper or a hiker, then you will know that "The mountains are calling and you must go".  It's not really a choice if you love the outdoors.  Sometimes you have to feel free,  you have to get outside, you have to see "Green".  It's something so strong that tugs inside of you.  It's like fishing, or hunting, or anything that you love,  you would spend your last dime doing it.  Yes,  it is extreme,  it sounds crazy,  will it be worth it,  let's find out.

Here are the most asked questions...

What are you doing, this hiking thing?

I am going to hike the Pacific Crest Trail

What is the PCT?

The PCT is a national scenic trail.  It starts at the border of Mexico and then winds its way through 3 states, California, Oregon and Washington up to the Canadian Border.  It's a long way about 2,650 miles.

How long will it take you?

5 months

Wait, you are going to walk from Mexico to Canada?  No way!

Yes way,  I am going to backpack from Mexico to Canada.

Why would you even want to do that?

Well, because I can,  why not?  I'm healthy,  I can do it,  and besides, there is a reason.  I wanted to hike for a purpose besides just me wanting to go and then I found not one but two very good reasons, Read under Sponsorship below.

How many miles do you have to walk a day?

I will probably average around 20  or so.  Some days will be zero days (means no walking).  Those are the days I will be in town stocking up food (re-supply) and saying hi to friends.

Aren't you afraid of bears?

No, not really,  well yea, kind of, if they are chasing me.  Don't worry mom,  I will have bear spray with me.  I am careful,  I know what to do.

Are you bringing your gun?  

No,  but I am a smart girl and I do have my concealed weapons permit.  Enough said.

What do you do about food?

Well, you eat.  Lol.  No, really,  you pack enough food till you hit a town and then you eat a really big meal in town and then you get back on the trail.  You eat dried food, tons of snacks and lots of water.  The average is about 6,000 calories a day.  Yep,  you burn that amount up walking.

Equipment?

I am an ultra-lite backpacker so that means I have done the research and found out the lightest weight items to pack.  Less weight in the pack means less weight on your feet and that means "Happy Feet".

The goods:

What happens if you have to go to the bathroom?

You grab your trowel, tent stake or whatever, you make a cat hole, you poo, you cover it up,  you pack out your trash (Leave no trace principles) until you find a trash can to throw it away.  When you pee, you do it off trail, away from water etc.  It's like when you were a kid.  You get the idea.  

But where are the showers?

Silly goose, there aren't any except in town.  You can swim in a lake.  Save your water for drinking.  You can deal with the dirt and sweat,  you also have baby wipes to use if you get really bad.

You are bringing boots...Right?

Maybe in the mountains with a heavy snow but really you just wear "trail running shoes".  You have to think lite, really lite.  Remember about your feet?

Are you going with somebody?

I am planning on going alone, however, I think I found a friend who may want to go with me.  You meet a ton of people on the trail so you are never really alone.  If I end up going alone, no worries,  I have planned it that way from the beginning,  Be Prepared!  Thats the Boy Scout Motto.

How do you train for something like that?

You walk a lot,  you hike with people, you stop eating junk.  You surround yourself with positive things, you opt outside, you sleep in your tent every chance you can, even in the living room, you sleep in your sleeping bag.  You pretend!  You think...PCT...PCT...PCT... You do not let anyone tell you that you can't do this,  you let no discouragement come your way,  you block that (negative) stuff out.  Read my lips  I AM HIKING THE PCT!

How can I sponsor you? 

I am fundraising for two different women's organizations.

1.  Mazie Morrison Foundation ( part of the "Sisters on the fly Organization").

This is a wonderful organization that helps kids get camping scholarships.  What better way to help kids get outside.  It also helps women with outdoor activities  "Sisters on the Fly".  Please take a look at maziemorrisonfoundation.org

2.  Casting for Recovery

This is a wonderful organization that enriches the live's of women who have breast cancer by offering free fly-fishing retreats.  

Think about making a contribution.  You can even sponsor me by the mile or by the day.  Anything and everything helps.  Let's make a difference in this world.

https://www.gofundme.com/migs-pct-hike-2017

You can read about my PCT Hike at.... happycampergirls.blogspot.com

Training before a big hike!

You have to train which means you have to set your tent up outside in the worst of conditions, the rain, the wind, and this winter even the snow.   You have to want to wake up at 5am every single day, you have to want to hike every single day.  You have to get your feet ready, you have to get your body ready.  It is not easy.  Some days are tough,  sometimes there are injuries.  You have to prepare, you have to think,  you have to have the right equipment.  You really have to be an ultra-lite hiker to accomplish this if you want less weight on your feet.   There will be days I will want to stop.....be brave, keep going.  You have to research and research, you have to read and re-read books.  You have to talk to a million people and then there are Sponsors and classes and agendas.  You find a way to put all of this in, and of course, you have to sleep sometimes.  If you know me,  you know a creative mind never ever sleeps.   I have been inspired by nature and this trip of a lifetime.  I have many supporters and people who will follow me,  I am especially grateful to "Sisters on the Fly" for planting this travel seed in my heart and also to "Casting for Recovery" for the brave women who are going through Breast Cancer.  I am walking for a reason,  to Send kids to camp through the Mazie fund and also to help women with breast cancer through Casting for Recovery.  You will hear more about this later.  Thank you to all of my sponsors.  I will be documenting my trip through my artwork and blogging along the way.  Please follow along with me as I travel along 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada.  What a wonderful world we live in!   

PCT GEAR LIST

Mig's PCT Gear Sheet

Mig Whitt

“Yippee” - Trail Name

Gear List:

ULA Circuit Backpack

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1 Tent w/ 6 tent stakes

Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bag “Antelope” GWR

Thermarest Neo Air X-lite

2 Platypus, Mini Sawyer

Jetboil Flash or Titanium Evernew

Fuel Cannister

Alpha lite Spoon

Purple Rain Skirt

Terramore Leggings

Patagonia Shirt-Long

OR shirt short

Patagonia Torrent Rain Pants

Marmot Precip Jacket

Patagonia R-1 (fleece)

Patagonia Beanie

OR sun hat Solar Rolar UV

Patagonia underwear

Darn tough socks

Solomon med trail running shoes W/ Dr. Scholls inserts

Drity Girl Gaiters

Black Diamond Trek Poles

E-lite head lamp

Whistle=leisure pro

First Aid med kit 3,vit I, etc.

Signal mirror

Repair kit

Eco dent toothpaste

Toothbrush-cut

Sew/Patch kit

Duct tape attached to trekking pole

Knife Swiss family

Chapstick-Columbia

Tru-arc 3 by Brunton Compass

In-reach explorer GPS

Sony rx100 Camera

Bear Canister

Micro Spikes

Ice Axe

Loki gloves (Fleece)

Photon 2 light

Repel bug spray,sunscreen

Headnet

Granite Gear airsac

Earplugs

Buff

Passport

$, cr cards,permits

bic lighter

hair band

hand sanitizer

trash compactor bag

phone

solar battery charger

1 dry-sil stuff sack 13L

Just 5 months left to go!

In about 5 months time, I will be heading out to trek the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail)  from Mexico to Canada on foot.  It will take about 5 - 5 1/2 months.  That's a long walk.  I am mentally prepared and it has been in my heart for a long time.  I have almost all of my gear except an ice-axe, a bear canister,  and some crampons.  I now have to finish my training which involves waking up at 5:30 every morning and going hiking in all kinds of weather.  What?  you say....  I know I know...why would anyone want to do this,  well that's a good question.
I do it because something inside of me wants to.  It is something deep.  I can't fully explain it to you but I do know that other's feel the same.  It's kind of the "Close encounters of the third kind"  type of deal.  I just know I have to go  do it or at least try.  My family is somewhat supportive,  I think the percentage might be about 70% or so that they think I can pull this thing off,  I have to be 100%  to even make it past the desert.  Sure there are snakes,bears, bugs, cliffs, scary nights, the wind, weather, etc.  Those are things you work through, mind games can even be worse.
It is a chance of a lifetime,  you" face yourself" so to speak.  You learn, you absorb the beauty, you share your life with other humans,  you risk.  I think it is a small trade for 5 months out of your life.  I am looking forward to making the "outside"...my new home.
I have found a friend whom I want to go with on this adventure.  That should take some of the fear away.  It will be nice to share this adventure with someone that  I trust, and like and want to have fun with.
There are some other reasons that I will share with you as the time draws nearer.  Thanks for listening. Sincerely, Happy Camper Girl

Been out hiking about 361 miles these last two months.  Took a little trip up to Mt. Rainier and hiked a small part of it, Hiked Snow SLide Lake in MC Call Idaho.  Drove up to Mt. St. Helens.  I wanted to go to PCT Days in Cascade Locks Oregon, took the hubby and proceeded to camp on Thunder Island with all of the thru-hikers who were on the PCT trail.  It is great to talk with the thru-hikers, I learned a ton and also got a bunch of free gear.  Most importantly, I had already purchased the right gear, so glad I researched products.  I still have a long way to go.  I have about 7 or 8 months left to train before I am off on the trail.  Today I only did a short hike.  I am now on my second pair of trail running shoes.  Starting to get my trail legs going.  DOn't want to start eating 6,000 calories yet though, lol.  It's going to be quite the experience.  Be brave and keep going.  It's all good. 

Hiking with a purpose.

What makes me do this?  Why do I get up early, put on an extra 20-23 pounds and then go for a hike with my backpack on?  I think it is the feeling I feel, which is complete freedom.  Knowing I am out alone with nature and feeling free.  I love the sound and the feel of the wind in my hair.  I love that I can stop whenever I want to watch a butterfly or just look straight up into the clouds.  I love that whether it rains or is sunny that I have everything I need on my back.  I like the feeling of being independent, of being able to go anywhere you want to go.  I get to waive at farmers plowing their field,  I get to hear the birds sing.  I feel more alive when I am outside.  I am so accustomed to the outdoors that I can even feel ahead of time when something is out of place like a tin can by the road or a plane or something manmade.  I feel a peace that you cannot get from a textbook,  you just have to get out and experience it.  Today was a little windy and sunny too, felt great.  I just kept on walking.  I think I hiked about 5.5 miles or so.  It was a little hike but I have put in over 23 miles already this week.  It is fun to climb mountains.  It is fun to set goals and then check them off your list.  When I walk I am documenting everything visually so that I can recreate it on paint and canvas.  It is fun to be creative and to see where I have been by looking at the canvas's I have.  Get outside and enjoy this beautiful earth we call home.  Be brave and keep going!

Fabulous Feet

Feet get you places,  you can't do anything without your feet.  I went to the doc to look at a foot bump at the bottom of the arch,  yeah no surgery.  Just some left over plantar fasciitis scaring.  If I need something for the pain, he will give me a shot, yeah.  I guess I am A-okay for the PCT.  So back to training.  Today I did 3.5 miles and yesterday I did 5.  Keep on trucking I always say.

Went Camping with all of my "Sisters on the Fly" Gal Pals.  We went to Roslyn for a trailer rally then Lake Easton for some Camping then went over to Flying Horseshoe Ranch to be with over 150 women in trailers and go camping.  I also taught a painting class that was fun!  You can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl!  Whoo Hoo! and Yee Haw!

I decided to do some training in the snow for my "PCT" Trip next year.  I have almost all of my gear so why not?  I backpacked up to a beautiful lake and up to "Roman Nose" with lots of Alpine trees.  I climbed High and I added weight to my pack around 23 pounds.  I was wearing my trail running shoes and wanted to see how they perform in the snow.  I found out that they slide.  Not good!  I used my trekking poles and balanced  much better.  I saw a waterfall and met the cutest turtle.  It was a good hike and I learn more about my equipment everyday.  I am an ultra-lite back packing girl now and weight is so important.  I weigh everything down to the last ounce.  I will do another hike tomorrow, most likely around 5 miles or so.  Everyday I see beauty.

Great Sponsors on my PCT journey

Putting in the miles every day, getting ready for my PCT trip..  I picked up another really cool Sponsor,  "Stick Pic"  is going to be sponsoring me and letting me me use their product to take pictures along the trail.  The product clips to your trekking pole,  Sweet!  Also "Sisters on the Fly"  will be sponsoring me which is  an amazing organization involving women and vintage travel trailers and adventures all over this wonderful world.  Please check them out on the web.  It is great to have a wonderful support group.  I am never really alone out there with over 7,000 women cheering me on.  I am trying to put in 10 miles or so a day if my feet don't act up.  I will be putting in 20-30 miles a day out on the trail.  Please join in on the fun!  Happy Hiking, Love Mig

There is something that happens when you camp.  You get to have a lot of "Think" time.  You get to ponder life's questions about age, living life, friends, love,  aging parents, past struggles, failures, what to do and where to go next.  Life is a journey, sometimes a long one, sometimes too short.  It is when I am outside that I get a glimpse into real life.  I get to see more clearly, to take on the world and to focus on what really matters.  There is this space where it all comes together for this one instance.  I love that about life,  I love that I get a glimpse into the real world for a brief moment.   When I am out backpacking alone,  I feel God's presence,  I feel one with nature,  I sort things out in my mind.  I get clear.  Clear of the stuff.  I am soon going to take a life adventure and hike the PCT.  It is going to be tough,  tougher than I ever dreamed.  I will seriously be alone in the wild, with strange sounds and cries in the night.  I will thirst as never experienced before,  I will hunger as never before too.  I will peel the layers of the onion and strip everything of myself except the basics.  Why do this?  Because something inside of me cries out to, something inside of me wants that thin line, something about this makes me feel alive.  I do not understand all of it and perhaps I never will but I still must do it.  Kind of like the last "Hoorah" because I can.  I hope you go on this journey with me.  It will be exciting for sure.  Something I cannot plan for.  Oh sure,  I can plan the pack and the food and the re-supply boxes but I cannot plan for the change in my head or the thoughts of survival or the expectations of myself.  I only know that I must face myself and I do not mean the person in the mirror.  Sure I have questions but I am a seeker and want to know the answers of life's questions. What better way than to take on a challenge and hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada,  2,664 miles.  It will be an a Happy Camper Girl Adventure!  Come join me and let the fun begin.

This is all of my gear as I make my spreadsheet and inventory list for the PCT hike next year.  I am ready,  I have done all of my research.  This is the best equipment I have found out there for my needs.  Remember to "Hike your own Hike"  having said that.  This is what works for me.  I am so glad you are with me on this journey and learning as I learn.  This is all from about 4 months of solid research, everyday immersing myself in books and lectures and classes and studying.  I am here to share it with you.  This is a slow process of trying all different kinds of products, lightweight products.  My base weight keeps on getting lower.  I am a Happy Camper Girl!

Becoming an ultralite backpacker

I have my final four  which is my tent, my backpack, my sleeping pad and my sleeping bag.  I have compared weight and I have cut ounces as much as possible.  It really is an "Art"  this whole ultra-lite thing.  I have been hiking about 60-70 miles a week getting prepared to go on my PCT hike.  I have been trying to eat well.  Emphasis on "Trying".  I try on my pack everyday and also look at all of my personal items along with the ten essentials and ask myself "How can I cut some more weight"?  It really is addicting.  Today I poured my powdered toothpaste inside of a zip lock container so I would not have to take the whole bottle.  I also trimmed a few zippers and left some stuff sacks at home.  I have pulled tags off of my sleeping bag and changed hats about a million times.  I have worn clothing out in the rain and snow to "Prove"  that it really is waterproof.  The list goes on and on.  It is becoming an obsession.  I keep on reading the same books over and over.  I also just got the new Backpacking Magazine about new gear.  Maybe I will change my final four again.  My favorite companies are still  Patagonia, REI, and Western Mountaineering.  I also like backcountrygear.com.

I am going to be learning how to go "Stove-less" and make a lot of meals with a dehydrator.  I already learned how to make a alcohol stove with a pepsi can and/or cat food can.  This is great,  don't you just love learning?  I sure do.  For me it is like school for your hobby.  I love to read and research.

Some disappointment is normal.

Poop!  ordered my tent but one pole came  broken,  No worries,  Big Agnes to the rescue to fix it!  Sometimes life holds disappointments,  deal with it and move on.  It is a quick fix.  I love my new tent, the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL1.  It is really roomy and I can also put my backpack inside of it.  Yesterday I went walking with my pack and 27 pounds of weight.  the next morning (today)  My shoulder was soar and also my right foot was soar, so guess what,  the shoes go back and so does the pack.  No room to have any soreness with just the little trek I did. I want to get everything perfect before I go on the trip.  Yes,  I am a perfectionist but I am also a person who does not want any real pain  on the trip, especially when I could have avoided it.  Make sense?  Low weight = less pain and no pain= a happier me.