Hammock Camping and a new dog to go with me!

 Been doing some hammock camping lately,  I really love it.  I have been outside in my little cacoon around 20 degrees and I survived because I was engulfed in down.  

I also just got a new puppy who's name is "Bernie", he is. german shepherd and I think he will be a great camp dog.

Let me tell you what I have learned:  when you go hammock camping it's called "a hang".  You should have a tarp over you and something called a top quilt ( a sleeping bag will do) and an Under quilt.  There are a ton of cottage companies that will help you out with gear although most of them are backlogged by about 5 weeks.

I bought an underquilt from hammock gear outdoors.  I got a warbonnet superfly tarp which has doors to keep me warm in winter.  My underquilt is 20 degrees.  For a top quilt, I am using my western mountaineering sleeping bag zipped open as a quilt.  

There is so much terminology as with any new sport.  For instance "Bling" doesn't mean diamonds,  it means titanium hardware for your suspension system.  How about the term whoopie sling or berry.  Part of the suspension system too.  So much to learn but I have completely immersed myself in it.  I am sleeping in the backyard between two trees when it's super cold and my husband thinks I am a crazy fool.  He said the same thing when I started my PCT hike.  People ask "Why"?

I guess you just are born with an extreme "gene", there is something inside of you that makes you want to do these crazy things.  Of course, it helps if you like the outdoors.  I just love to camp.

I joined a few groups, hammock camping, hammock forums, Pacific Northwest camping group and some others.  I'm just all excited about it, and don't knock it till you try it.  They say that 75% of people sleep better in a hammock.  I know it feels wonderful.  

I just wanted you to know I haven't blogged in awhile, been buzy, kids having babies, a new puppy, an aging parent, etc.  Life sometimes gets in the way but at least today I am writing.  Until next time and when the snow melts.  See you soon and Happy Camping!

Traveling to new places:

     Whenever I look to a new destination to travel, I get all excited.  Sweaty palms, anxiousness, anticipation.  I get out my map and find the location.  Usually, it is in Washington, Oregon or Idaho.  I usually branch out about 4-12 hours in any one direction.  That seems like a safety zone for me.  I love to drive.  I love to eat and drive too.  It is the perfect combination of pleasure.  Sometimes I go to a trailer rally,  sometimes I go fishing by myself,  sometimes I camp with girlfriends, it's all good.  I usually take my vintage travel trailer but sometimes I opt for my tent.  I like to tent camp, there is something very primitive about it that I love.  I especially love my sleeping bag.  It is super toasty warm.  I like to sleep by a fire and hear a river or stream of water close by.  I don't really like bugs but if I am far enough away, they don't bother me too much.  I usually do not eat at my campsite so I do not have to worry about bears.  I do carry bear spray with me just in case.

     If I am traveling and staying in a park or RV place then I really don't have too much to worry about like bears etc.  I do pack a gun for protection when alone.  I like to feel safe and secure when off by myself.  I love to travel with friends because we laugh a lot and have the best of times.  I can camp with 4 or 5 of them and as many as 100.  Nothing better than friends around a campfire or the sound of ukulele's late at night.  I don't think I have ever had a campout I didn't like.  Even if it rained and poured it was an adventure and makes for a good story.

     I am planning a trip right now to Newport Washington with a group of folks I have never met.  It's always fun to meet new people and see their trailers and their old vintage cars.  I can appreciate the time taken to restore these beauties.  I have worked on a number of travel trailers, it isn't as easy as some say.  This trip will be about 4 days.  I usually eat the same things, I have my favorites like Cheetos and turkey sandwiches.  I always like poached eggs on toast in the morning.  My favorite coffee is Hazelnut.  It is the perfect breakfast.  Once in a while I splurge and get some goodies from Trader Joes, or some great chocolate.   M & M's are a must to have as well as marshmallows.   Camp food at it's best.

     I will be teaching a painting class at the camp I am going to.  That will help me pay for my camping habit and the gas it takes to get there.  I am so thankful to have a husband who lets me go off camping at a moment's notice.   I think he knew when he married me that I wasn't going to be the "Leave it to Beaver Wife that stays home all of the time and wears pearls while vacuuming".   I 'm just different.  I am adventurous.  I also love extreme sports.  Sometimes I do crazy things like ski off a cliff, well, that's a whole nother story.  Anyway,  I am excited about this up and coming trailer rally and just to be able to camp again, smell fresh air, meet new friends and eat new food.  What else is there to life except building relationships with each other and help one another?  So, if you see me out on the open road be sure to wave or give me a thumbs up when you see my cute little camper.  I'm sure I will be shoving a cheetoh in my mouth.  Happy Camping,  Love Mig (Happy Camper Girl).    

     

     

Camping in Vintage Travel Trailers

CAMPING IN A VINTAGE TRAVEL TRAILER

SHASTA.AIRSTREAM.ALOHA.CANNED HAM.RETRO.ARISTOCRAT.

It's ALL GOOD!

I first bought a Vintage Travel Trailer about 8 years ago or so.  I started out camping at State Campgrounds or in my backyard.  Then I started traveling with girlfriends and I got hooked on Camping in them.  I go every chance I get.  My favorite spot is by a river.  I love to watch the river because it is always changing.  The wildlife is abundant by the river, birds, fish, deer etc.  It is very peaceful there.  I camp with a group of women called "Sisters on the Fly".  This is a great organization and a great opportunity to meet new friends and camp either locally or go off on an adventure.  I love it and it has changed my life.  Some of the best people go camping.

     I love to have a fire at night, bring out my ukulele and strum a few chords.  I am not a professional singer by any means but when by a campfire, it's all good.   Last weekend I met about 30 of my girlfriends and we camped by the river.  Some even took a jet boat ride upstream.  I stayed in camp and just enjoyed the peacefulness of the river.  One night we had a lightning storm and I was surprised to see my awning perfectly intact.  Yay!   It pays to tie it down if you know what is coming.  I do have a ropeless awning and I usually just use that but these winds were furious at night.  In the morning the air was fresh and clean and it was a clear bluebird sky.  I love to hear the pitter patter of the rain on the roof but that night I wore earplugs because it was really loud.

     Camp whenever you can,  it is good for you.  The Vitamin D is good for you.  If you can be near water that is the best.  Go for a hike in the day or visit a close town to see anything new.  I love to adventure out and about.

      Wheather you camp in a tent, a trailer, or just cowboy camp it on the ground, it is a wonderful experience and different every time.  I encourage you to spend some time outside.  I don't believe we were ever meant to spend our lives indoors.  Enjoy the Spring!  It's camping time!  Love Happy Camper Girl.

HOW I GOT LUCKY!

How did I get Lucky?

Let me tell you how I got Lucky. 

 

It all started when I went looking for a new dog.  I went to the Humaine Society, never made it through the front door without crying.  It was way too soon after Boomer had died.  A few weeks later,  I finally got through the door and looked at the cats first.  Saw a really big and beautiful one named Jack.  The girl said he was really mean and scratched and loved to bite.  Wrong Cat.  I proceeded to go to where the dogs were.  I saw many dogs,  all except 2 had holds on them.  I didn't know you could hold a dog.  Why would you?  I always believed that every person has a special dog just for them.  Today was not my day.  

     

I started to look for dogs in the paper.  Very very expensive dogs.  Yikes!  I started looking at the rescue pets.  The dogs were all so cute but every time I called,  the dog I liked was taken.  Strike 2.

I looked at the paper every week.  I even went to the animal shelter again and tried to find a dog, no luck.

I waited awhile,  really thought about what it takes to have a dog again,  I knew the dog was out there somewhere waiting for me.  I knew then that I really did want another German Shepherd like my other dog.  I still needed my heart to heal also, so more time is good.  I had time, I had the heart,  I just needed to find the dog.  

I started to look online and one day I saw some cute dogs,  I clicked on pictures and started thumbing through them one at a time.  Then I saw a dog who caught my eye.  He was a male German Shepherd about a year old, neutered, well behaved,  named Lucky.  I looked at his picture over and over that day,  wondering if I should make the call.  Was he taken?  Would I be disappointed?   I called and asked where they were located.  Thank goodness they were only one state away in Washington.  I was in Idaho.  So glad he was not in New York or Iceland. 

 I made an appointment to go and see him.  There were many applicants.  I was not worried because if he was meant to be mine, then it would happen.  I prayed.  Should you pray for a dog?  The answer is yes.  Pray for even the little things.  You may not get whatever it is that you want but God does listen.  I believe that with all of my heart.  I felt good in my heart so I proceeded forward.  I had to wait a week for an interview, fill out an application, get money for fees and then wait.  Do you know how many times I looked at his picture?  Waiting is the hardest thing ever. 

 I finally got to go and meet Lucky.   I had stared at his picture for a very long time over the past week.  My heart was ready.  I met the trainer who had him and was fostering him.  I looked into those sweet eyes and I fell in love.  It is amazing how that happens,  sometimes you just know.  The trainer could not promise anything because there were more applicants after me,  I had to wait.

I went home but I left a piece of my heart there that day at the place where Lucky was.  I could not sleep.  I called the trainer almost every day to see how he was doing.  I dreamt of him all week.  I was just having a hard time getting him off my mind.  I kept on thinking and friends kept on reminding me "If it is meant to be, then it will happen".  Did I say already that it is hard to wait?  

On a Saturday,  I got a call,  I am the chosen one.  I was so happy.  I knew that I connected with him that day.  I was the luckiest girl in the whole world.  I truly was myself again,  I was a Happy Camper Girl.  Lucky is home now,  sitting right beside me.  It is a forever love story.  I will be with him forever.  I will take him camping and fishing.  We will sleep in the tent on a mountain and visit friends in cute vintage travel trailers.  We will have adventures.  I will not be alone.  I know that sometimes things are meant to be,  the heartaches and the victories.  My heart is still healing from my Boomer Dog who died.  Lucky is a part of that healing process.   I learn every day about life's ups and downs, it hurts and pain.  I see things on TV and realized how very blessed I really am.  Every day I find out that the greatest thing really is love.  It is love towards another human,  love towards an animal, it is more giving and less receiving.  I am still after 61 years, still learning to love.

Lucky, thanks for picking me.

BEST TIME TO WRITE

9-18-17 . THEY SAY THE BEST TIME TO WRITE IS WHEN YOU ARE SAD OR HURT OR LONELY OR THAT YOU FEEL ELATED OR ON A MOUNTAIN TOP HIGH.

What if your dog dies?

I had to put my dog down today.  I have been crying ever since.  I cried yesterday too,  I cried a week ago.  I cry because at first, I knew this day would come.  I knew he was getting worse, having trouble walking etc.  Shepherds get that where their legs get paralysis in them.  Their spine starts showing.  I kept him around for me.  I didn't want to do it.  I didn't want to be the one to end his life.  I knew he had a good life, a strong life,  he loved a girl, he had a family,  actually two families,  one of his own and all of us.  He was never on a leash except when I went to the vet or He was in training.  He loved only one girl dog all his life.  He was a very good pet,  he was part of the family,  his real name was Sir Boomerang Avalanche.  He was 11 years old.  I loved him.  I still do.  He is gone now and lives only in my memories.  He had the best life a dog could have,  he lived on 10 acres and could poop anywhere.  He had steak and ribs more times than I can count.  He got to chase anything he wanted.  He got to sleep on a sunny deck and jump in the snow in Winter.  I took him camping and fishing with me.  He lived a very good, long life.  I think dogs should last forever.  I wish he could have lasted my entire life but alas I had to let him go.  I am not sure all this coming and going is very good at all.  I do not like death,  not in the least.  I know it wasn't meant to be like this from the beginning but I understand why things must die.  I understand the circle of things,  I just don't like it sometimes.  So here I am with my heart in my hands.  I am exhausted and tired from all these tears.  I know life must go on but my heart aches.  I will get over it, eventually, but for now, I will lean into the pain and let it absorb me so I can grieve long and hard and then it can be over and I will have closure.  I am not brave or strong today, I am just a sad little girl who loved her puppy.  I know many of you who hurt and have lost and have loved.  It will be another sunny day again,  I promise.

In San Diego

Today's blog will be at
Trailjournals.com/yippee

FIGHT OR FLIGHT

FIGHT OR FLIGHT?

     It's almost time.  I have about 10 days left before I get on a plane with a one-way ticket to beautiful San Diego.  It used to be my hometown.  FIGHT OR FLIGHT?  Yeah,  I am choosing flight this time. 

     I love San Diego, I lived there for many years,  went to school there also.  I love the beaches, the warm air, all of the flowers.  I now live in Idaho.  I still have 2 feet of snow at my house.  I love it here too.  Lots to do but you have to embrace winter or else you can become sad.

     I have been having the fight or flight response recently because I am getting ready to trek a long distance.  Some of it is scary and dangerous.  Other parts are fun, like camping out under the stars at night.  I love to do that.  The walking a marathon every day will not always be a piece of cake.

I have the right equipment, the right shoes,  my smart brain, etc.  I do have all of the pieces to do this thing but yet I wonder how this old body will hold up?  I have the determination and stubbornness to walk this far,  just hope the ankles and knees want to carry me.

It's exciting to go into the unknown.  I love adventure.  I was not meant to be inside four walls for an entire lifetime.  I belong outdoors.  I am very thankful to my family for letting me go.  I did ask them.  I have a feeling if they said No,  I would go anyway.  I am stubborn.

I want to be real for a minute here.  I will probably have some bad days out on the trail,  I may even say a bad word.  Please understand that I want you to know the real me, https://www.gofundme.com/MIGS-PCT-HIKE-2017 life is sometimes raw.

     Please say a little prayer for me when I'm out there.  I will share with you everything I learn.  I will take lots of pictures so you can go there with me.  Please remember why I am doing this, to help women who are going through the pain of breast cancer and also I am trying to send kids to camp who have never been.  Check out the Casting for Recovery site and also the Mazie Morrison Foundation.  Thanks for doing that.  If you want to donate for these causes, please check out this link.

   https://www.gofundme.com/MIGS-PCT-HIKE-2017    I appreciate you guys a lot.  YIPPEE

   

HIGH SNOW YEAR

LOOKS LIKE A HIGH SNOW YEAR!

How does a high snow year effect me?

A high snow year in the Sierra can be dangerous.  The Snow is a lot higher in the Pass so it is hard to cross.  When the snow melts, it creates fast flowing rivers which are harder to cross.   When you cross a river you must be very careful.  First, you have to look to find a safe place to cross, that is if you can find one.  Sometimes you have to look upstream and downstream and find the safest place.  Sometimes you may have to walk a few miles to find that safe place.  People sometimes make a human chain to get across.  Others use a rope.  Some wait for enough people to come and then trek across together.   Whatever way you chose,  the best time to cross is usually the morning when rivers are lower because when Snow melts, the rivers are higher.
I am glad I am traveling with a friend on the PCT.  We can both scout out the river and decide which path is the best.  My friend will use special camp shoes or river shoes to cross.   I will just walk through in my trail runners,  they dry quick and that will not take up too much time.  If you were to fall in the river, always point your feet downstream so you can push off a rock if you had to.   That is an old river rafting trick.  Before you ever cross a stream, you need to unbuckle your pack and also your sternum strap.  If you fall, the weight of the pack will not take you down and you can release it quick.  Snow has other worries, that is why you need an Ice Axe sometimes.  When it is steep and you need to traverse across, you need stability, right?   I have watched videos on this and this coming weekend, I will be actually doing a self-arrest on snow near Snoqualmie pass in Washington.
There is so much more to this trek than just walking in pretty scenery.  I do not want to talk about the dangers but you have to be prepared no matter what.  I have been in a state of limbo this week, just waiting for my plane to get me to San Diego.  It is so hard to be here mentally.  I want to be on trail every time I look outside my window and see two feet of snow.  Where is the sun anyway?  It is March now and nothing seems to be melting.  I have all of my gear,  I have my base weight around 11-12 pounds, which is good,  I have a couple days of food in my pack and about 6 liters of water to cross the desert.  I have paid all of my bills ahead of time,  I am giving my dog extra love and making sure Hubby is all situated.  We have been spending more time together and watching a lot of movies at night.  I love old films.  Life seems pretty good right now with the exception of the weather.  I leave on March 29th and start the trail early April.  I can hardly wait!

GOT THE PERMIT

I GOT THE PERMIT! I AM OFFICIAL!

Everyone wants to hear those words "My Permit Came!"

I am one of the few (so far 3600) TO GET INTO THE PCT.  

Many people did not get their permit,  many people did not get the date they wanted.  I did receive my permit by e-mail last night.  I was planning on Easter morning but I ended up getting April 3rd, which is fine.  It is going to be a high snow year in the Sierra.  Does that scare me?  Sure, a little it does.  I will need to buy a "whippet"  which is like an "Ice Axe".  I have watched the self-arrest video and I will practice with it I promise.  When you do a trek like this, you have fears,   I am perfectly honest with you,  yes, I have some.  I do not like being cold.  I do not like ice except in summer in a cold drink.  I have never done a self-arrest.  I prefer Summer over Winter.

Let's talk about "The wizard of Oz"  "Lions and Tigers and Bears oh my",  Well yes there are bears and mountain lions and scorpions in the desert.  There will be high rivers because the snow melts,  there are lots and lots of scary things out there but do you lock yourself in your room and never go outside?  No,  You get up get dressed and go to work or go to town almost every day.  I will be walking.  I will go slow.  I am not in a race.  I will be with a friend. I have read all about the dangers.

I will be re-supplying along the trail which means I will buy food as I go.  People get bored of food, the same food so it makes sense to just buy as you go.  I will try to eat the best food I can get, the healthy food but sometimes a convenience store does not have good choices.  I will do my best.  I do not want to send a box from home that costs $20.00 to ship and then try to walk to a Post Office 18 miles from the PCT trail and wait for it to open, make sense?

I worry about my family members whom I love.  Will they be alright without me?  What if something happens?  These are all real fears and as you know, most fears and worries never happen.  I know that my family and my dog know that I love them very very much.

If I didn't do this trip, I would regret it the rest of my life.  I must do it.  It is something deep inside of me that I just know I have to do.  Hard to explain really.  Everything has just fallen into place.  I went to my dentist and my doctor and I am all checked out.  Sometimes in life, you have to just take a risk, you have to step outside the boundary and see what is on the other side.  Is it curiosity? is it wanderlust?  Is it Gypsy blood?  I don't know but I do know that God made me an adventurous person.  He gave me a drive, a motivation, a stubbornness.

When I look back on my life, it seems that everything has groomed me up to this point,  it has lead me straight here for this moment in time.  I think everything that has happened to me, the good, the bad and the ugly has just made me a whole lot stronger for the trail.

Most of all I am looking forward to the beauty of nature.  I am looking forward to helping women with Breast Cancer (Casting for Recovery) as my fund-raiser.  I am so very Happy that I get to raise money for kids to go to Camp (Mazie Morrison Foundation).  I am privileged to do all of this,  I am also very grateful and thankful to my family fro letting me go.  It's not going to be easy but I think it is going to be fun.

I hope you follow along on my adventure.  It's going to be a wild ride.   YIPPEE!

How the RUCK went???

RUCK WAS AWESOME!

What fun to be with outdoor people!

I love to go somewhere that has people who think like you.  People who love the outdoors are just great people.  People who Backpack love the environment.  I want to help save the environment.  I want to eat healthy. I want to live healthier. That is why I go to nature.  I can breathe fresh air and drink fresh water and talk for hours with people.   I can watch a sunrise or sunset and share life.  I went to the RUCK this last weekend and got to be on the Panel of ultra-lite thru-hikers.  It was a blast and I learned a ton.  I learned you don't need bandaids, just duct tape,  you don't need a bazillion clothes, just thin layers.  I had packed a little heavier clothes.  I learned not to sweat the small stuff,  just get on the trail and go.  You do not have to be 100% fit,  just get out there,  the tail will teach you.  I have been a text-book thru-hiker.  I am learning to be a real thru-hiker,  still lightening my pack.  I have been a little bit stressed because I want to pack just the right things for just the right moments and have everything all planned out.  Guess What?  It does not happen that way.  The trail dictates to you.  The trail knows what you need and if you let it,  you will gain strength from it.  I am just learning like a baby even though I have been studying this stuff a year now or more.  I need to just chill.   I need to relax and just let it all happen.  I am just such a planner so it is hard but I have found that there is no way that I can have every scenario taken care of ahead of time.  I have to be patient and wait.  You can only plan so much and then you have to let go.   So here is to "Letting Go".

THAT'S THE PLAN!

THE PLAN

ITINERARY SO FAR.

EVERY GOOD GENERAL HAS 2 PLANS, HERE IS 1 OF THEM.

https://www.pctplanner.com/plan.php   

 HERE IS A LIST OF DATES FOR MY POTENTIAL HIKE.  IT MAY ALTER DEPENDING ON WEATHER, AND HOW FAST I MOVE.  IT IS AN OVERVIEW, I AM SURE IT WILL CHANGE ALSO WHEN I TAKE ZERO DAYS (DAYS NOT HIKING) IN TOWNS.  I WILL ALSO BE POSTING ON "TRAILJOURNALS.COM" AND MY HAPPY CAMPER GIRL PAGE ON FACEBOOK.  SEE ONE OR SEE THEM ALL,  THEY WILL BE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT.

I will be sharing my deepest thoughts during my trek.  I will be talking about trail culture,  thru-hikers,  Gear, what worked, what didn't, etc.  I will be flooding you with pictures of where I am so you can follow along with your own map if you want to.   I will be honest with the way I feel so be prepared for the occasional outbursts of "I don't like this rain"  or "life sucks today"  once in a while.

I think that life is something we experience and share with others.  I am hoping you will follow along with me as I visit the world and experience the way it is outside in the elements.  I think this trek will give my life more meaning, purpose.  I am also raising funds for women with breast cancer, and raising funds so that kids can go" to camp" for the first time.  I know that Breast Cancer is a fight, a real one.  I am amazed at women who overcome these obstacles.  I think that going over a snowy pass in a windstorm does not even come close to what women who have breast cancer fight with every day.    I can't imagine that.  I want to fight for them in a small way by walking.  

Every day will have enough worries of its own,  I will get to find out what they are.  Few people get to step into a different world for 5 months.  Few people see the kind of beauty I will see.  I consider this a privilege and I want to share it with you.   So thank you for reading and supporting my cause.

https://www.pctplanner.com/plan.php   You can copy and paste and check this out.

The Ruck, What? The Ruck! It's a fun event.

THE RUCK!

A fun event!

It's a place to find out more about backpacking and be around like minded individuals.  There might be one in your area so check with "ALDHA"  the American Long Distance Hiker's Association!

I made a presentation board for when I talk at the Ruck.  I also want to share with people my research and how I came up with all of the things you need to do on your 2,658-mile hike.  What do you take?  What are the scary things you will face?  What is the fear factor?  How do you know you can make it to Canada?  How do you even start a hike like this?  What about income for 5 months?  These are all questions that you will have the answers to.  Lunch is provided also and snacks,  it will be a great day.  I love to learn,  even when I teach I learn.  You do have to have some time to prepare,  I am so glad I had a year.  I have my permit,  it is a little bit earlier than I wanted, had to change my flight too.  It's all good,  I am learning every day how to overcome the obstacles that life hands us,  the little ones and the big ones.  Think about if YOU would like to do something like this, make a plan, tell somebody,  Just do it, as the "Nike" motto says.  You can have your dreams come true but you have to start with a plan, a goal.  I read a book called "Crossing Antarctica", after reading that book I thought to myself "I can do something like that"?  Something impossible!  Something Spectacular!  And....You can!  Don't let anybody tell you no!  I just saw a guy on a video with no legs hiking the trail.  You just can never give up on your dreams.  Do you really want to be sitting on the couch when you are 60,70 or 80  and saying to yourself  "Oh, I wish I would have done that"!  No way, not me, not ever,  I will make my own dreams come true, thank you very much.  LIFE is so worth living.

So, what I am trying to say is this,  you can make a difference in your own life.  you can change, you can do this!  I believe we have the power to do amazing things and help people on our way also.   Hope you are inspired, let me know if you are,  that means I am doing something right.  Love YIPPEE!

PCT PERMIT DAY

TODAY IS PCT PERMIT DAY!

THIS IS WHEN YOU TRY TO GET A PERMIT WITH 2,500 OTHER PEOPLE TRYING TO DO THE SAME THING!  YIKES!

I THOUGHT I HAD THE DAY ALL PICKED OUT, OOPS!

Well, today started out like any other day,  I woke up, took a shower, went downstairs to see the hubby and then I remembered I needed to get on the computer today at 10:30 am with the PCTA so I could apply for my permit.  I could never have dreamed up what the next 2 hours would hold for me.  First of all, it seemed like the system crashed with so many people trying to get on.  When I finally did get on, it dropped me 4 different times.  Good thing I am a patient person.  I kept trying,  I had 4 tabs open,  I called a friend.  I started to panic.  I looked at the PCT Class of 2017 and everyone was getting their permits,  why wasn't I getting one.  Finally, I got on and my date was gone,  there were only 2 dates left in April,  one after my original start date and one before.  I called a friend.  "What shall I do?"  I already have a plane ticket.  I took the earlier date.  I then called my airline.  Thank goodness I could exchange my ticket, plus a few dollars more and then I could make another airline reservation.  Most of the flights were booked except one that was a week earlier than my PCT Date and 3 weeks earlier than originally planned.  

Everything happens for a reason I believe so I booked it.  Now for the call to the hubby.  Hey, hubby,  I am leaving earlier than I thought,  I am packing sooner than planned,  yes, I know there is more snow in the mountains and more water in the rivers.  It all worked out.  It always does.  Great two more obstacles I overcame.  Getting better at this.  I am relieved that this is all over.  I started the day at 10:30 am and finished it about 3:00 pm.  Long Day.  I have a lot of work to do still,  too many to name.

I am looking forward to Sunny San Diego, my old home.  I am looking forward to seeing the beaches I used to surf at.  I am looking forward to eating fish tacos again.  I will be happy to see my friends, my college buddies,  my old roommates and my husbands family.  I miss them all.  If you ever want to hike the PCT, make your airline reservations after your permit date.  Also, get a big cup of coffee before you sit down to the computer.  Take the stress away and have a big deep breath.  It is all fun.

HAPPY CAMPER GIRL PCT GEAR

WHAT SHALL I WEAR?

CLOTHES DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

WHAT KINDS OF THINGS DO I PUT IN MY PACK?

PACK WITH GEAR IN IT.

A CUTE DESERT OUTFIT

COLD WEATHER LAYERS

MY FAVORITE TOYS

 BOOTS FOR THE HEAVY SNOW

MY PACK IS SHOWN HERE WITH GEAR INSIDE, SOME "SMART ONES" WATER BOTTLES, MY DESERT UMBRELLA FOR SHADE AND ALSO MY PEE RAG.

You need many things when you cross the desert,  mostly water.  You have to plan and research everything because you have to find the lightest option or your feet will feel the weight .  So if you have two shirts you like, get the scale out, weigh them both, take the lighter one.  Do this with each piece of gear, even a bic lighter.  I never knew that they came in these little itty bitty ones.  You even have to weigh your underwear.  I know it sounds funny but you have to think in ounces and grams.  16 ounces make a pound,  it is easy to get there pretty fast.  Pounds are felt on your feet and your back.  I do not want any injuries so I am precautions and weigh everything.  That is why I even cut my toothbrush in half and also am using some powdered toothpaste.  I am sure some of this will change by the time April rolls around.  I have changed so much already after careful research.  

I got my bear canister yesterday.  I could not get that thing open.  Now I know how frustrated a bear feels.  Finally, I got it figured out.  It weighs 2 pounds 9 oz.  That is a lot of weight but it is a law that you have to carry one through Yosemite.  I like to abide by the law so I ordered one.  I have some clothes shown here that I will be wearing.  One is a pink ghost whisperer jacket.  It is super warm and super lightweight.  I have tested it in the worst of conditions,  I will have to put on my rain jacket if it snows or rains over the top of it.  I will be wearing trail runners,  I have boots just in case of super heavy snow.  I really just have to see what Mother Nature will provide out on the trail.  I hope she will be nice to me.  I try to be nice to her.  I know a pee rag sounds gross but you have to go potty and when you do, clean up that little drip.  You have it on the outside of your pack because 1.  it is easy to get to and 2.  it bleaches itself out with the sun and becomes germ-free.  I like that idea.

Getting the gear for a trip like this is fun,  it is expensive to buy some stuff so you have to buy it over time, for me that was a year of planning.  some gear is cheap, like a head net for bugs, just 3.99.  You can make your own meals too and then re-hydrate them.  There are lots of used gear places too.  I like to use E-bay sometimes and also Amazon.  I have been adding sponsors for my trip,  great company's who are helping me out.  I appreciate everyone who is helping me on this journey.  It is awesome to know I have friends and readers who are enjoying this whole journey.  So thank you for listening.

YIPPEE

WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OUT OF.

WHAT ARE DREAMS MADE OF MIG?

DREAM BIG! DREAM A LOT!  DREAM AND THEN DREAM SOME MORE!

  I LOVE TO DREAM,  DAYDREAM OR WHATEVER.  I LOVE TO THINK OF THE "WHAT IF'S".  WHAT IF I TRAVELEd AROUND THE WORLD,  What if I set sail and didn't ever come back.  Would my family miss me,  probably!  I would miss my family, my dog, my mom very much.  I really love my family.  But why oh why do you want to leave?  Well, that's a hard one.  I guess I have some gypsy blood in me.  I like to be on a road, or on the grass,  I love to look up at the clouds and wonder things.  I like to escape from reality sometimes.  I like to be alone too.  Sometimes this hurts people's feelings,  I'm sorry but it is just something I can't help.  I was made this way,  I like to ramble and move and see things and eat new food and visit new places and talk to people.  People are so darn interesting,  everybody has a story.

  I do not have an unlimited source of income.  I am an artist,  sometimes a starving artist,  but I try hard and that counts for something.  I make life beautiful,  I paint life on canvas and paper,  I try to see all the good, the beautiful things.  I love to paint.  It makes me feel alive.  Soooo,  I set out on an adventure,  a real one,  to hike the Pacific Crest Trail,  Yea, that one!  I will paint from it.  I will also experience things that the trail is trying to teach me.  I am open to that.  I love to laugh and to cry to because it cleanses me.  I want to be open to new things and to feel the fresh air on my face and the strength in my legs as I climb.  Yea,  I know it will be hard,  I am definitely anticipating that.  But it's all okay, I will survive.

 So, what are dreams made of these days?  Well,  I am making boxes, Boxes you say?  yes!  I am making my re-supply boxes.  I get to put junk in there that I think I may want to eat.  I also get to put in supplies, gear and a bunch of other cool stuff.  The only problem is that I am taking over the living room, the kitchen, and the dining room table.  It's not my fault,  I need the room.  It's also fun!

So I have all of these maps and zip lock baggies that I have to organize into compartments and put into special boxes with dates and names.  It is a long process.  I have to put my name on the box in just a certain way or it will not get delivered,  I have to send it to myself somewhere along the trail and then I have to wait for it to arrive at just the right time so I can open my mouth and shove in the food.  Doesn't that sound like fun?  Well, it is.  I can't think of anything else I would rather be doing except drinking margaritas on a beach in Mexico while it snows here outside.  OH well,  That's life.

My dream and it is a big one, is to finish the trail by Sept 15th, leaving April 16th Easter.  It's a big dream to walk 2,658 miles into Canada.  It's a dream to eat tons of chocolate and not get fat.  I will consume over 6,000 calories a day in food, doesn't that sound wonderful?  I think so!  So today your homework is to THINK OF YOUR DREAM!  Think big,  What do you want to do with your life?  Don't waste it!

YUMMY FOOD!

Food at home

The food I eat on the trail will not be like the food I eat at home, therefore, I have to plan.  I am in the process of deciding what to eat, mostly energy bars, breakfast bars, protein bars, lots of water, electrolyte drinks, and as many dehydrated veggies as I can get in me.  Some of it will taste good like the Idahoan potatoes, some will taste bad like the squeeze oatmeal in a tube.  I am researching all different web pages including the Paleo secret foods.  You are suppose to eat between 5,000 and 6,000 calories a day.  That sounds pretty darn good to me because I love Pizza, however,  you can't just eat a bunch of crap and pizza and sugar,  you have to have some green stuff so you will feel good on the tallest of mountains.  I want to feel good and I want my body to like me.  I want to be able to "Poop" well if you know what I mean.  So I will miss my home-made quiches and spaghetti sauces and home-made garlic bread etc.  I am watching what other hikers are bringing too.  Thank goodness there are stores around.  I will do a few re-supply boxes and a few gear boxes when the weather turns.  I love food so this should be a fun month to plan.  Happy Hiking!  YIPPEE

JANUARY 2017 I'M STILL OUT HIKING!

BABY IT"S COLD OUTSIDE.

It's January... and boy oh boy it's cold outside.  I backpacked 14 miles yesterday with 20 pounds on my back.  It was my personal best.  I didn't wear enough layers on my legs and I got a little bit of Frost nip.  It took me a while to de-thaw so to speak.  Lesson learned.  I am happy when I am outside.  I solve problems in my mind when I am walking.  I heal relationships and sort things out.  I love it when I am walking and I remember old memories of good times.  I get to re-live my childhood all over again.  I also think about the world and the environment and how I would like to change things so we have a better world for our kids and their kids.  Being outside gives me peace unless of course, it is a big hill, then I have to concentrate on my steps and my breath and my energy level.  You have to listen to your body, it tells you if you are low on energy (Grab a cliff bar), it tells you if you are really cold or really tired.   I learned yesterday that when my body said I was cold, I should have put another layer on my legs, I didn't,  I am paying the price. 

Let me tell you what I see and Hear.

I see beauty all around me,  There are snow covered mountains with big chunks of the fluffy stuff on every branch.  When the wind blows, it topples all down, sometimes on you if you aren't careful.  I love it outside.  The animals in the farm land get all frisky.  They play and hop and jump around and run.  The cow's moo and I moo back.  The dogs wag their tail.  Some come chasing after me,  I have my trekking poles ready just in case.It is a really beautiful world and I am very thankful to be outside doing this.   You hear every noise, sometimes you can hear pots and pans when people are cooking.  Your ears get very keen.  You smell smoke from chimneys far away.  You feel a car is close even if you don't see it.  You kind of become like an animal in a way.  You know when something is out of place. 

News:

Yesterday I got my "YOGI" books and half-mile maps to help me find out where I am going on the PCT.  Great information for those of you that want to hike some day.   I am learning every day about the trail.  I have my plane ticket already,  and yes, I am very excited.

Family:

You have to have your family behind you when you do something like this.  It is really good to know that they support me especially when you have to devote so many hours to hiking every day and there is laundry on the couch.

Emotions:

It's a scary thing this trek,  I just found out one more thing about the desert, it's called "Valley Fever".  One more danger to be aware of.  It is inside of the dirt and wind when you are walking.  One more obstacle to overcome.   Life is full of them.  I am glad I can conquer them one at a time.  I know I have the power to do this, I certainly have the drive or I would not be in this kind of weather for this many miles.  I do have this internal joy flowing through my veins,  I almost cry sometimes because I am overwhelmed.  It is a beautiful world, thanks for letting me share it.

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