A Hiking and Cycling Adventure Blog
Uphill's 2018 Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hike - Uphillhike
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It wasn't the best start. I had just left my van and crossed the footbridge over Snowbird creek. I saw where the trail turned uphill. It also continued up the creek, but I thought that direction was false; a trail made by trout fishermen. It was a wrong turn. The trail followed a smaller creek, rising steeply. Eventually the trail nearly disappeared but I could see the ridge top just ahead. I popped out onto a leafy road. Following this road and my GPS, I was able to...

22 February, 2017 /

You wouldn't think someone could drive to these isolated high ridges. Here is a photo on a ridge in North Carolina that is over 4600 feet elevation. These 4-wheelers leave behind more than rutted washes. The drivers also haul up all manner of camp material, chairs, tarps, ropes, tables, and grills. This is mostly left permanently onsite. It builds and adds to the accumulation of garbage and left-behinds. For the few that drive into these remote areas, these left behind stashes allow the convenience of a lazy and...

22 February, 2017 /

So often we just plod along the trail with our eyes on the trail ahead, staring at rocks and roots as we pick our way step by repetitive step. We might be listening to a recorded book or music or perhaps having a conversation with another hiker or even with ourselves. Take some time to turn off the music and look up into the trees (without tripping over a rock). Looking around will force you to slow down for a while. Take that opportunity to tune into the sounds...

01 February, 2017 /

[caption id="attachment_2833" align="alignnone" width="700"] Middle Falls (Snowbird Creek)[/caption] How many days have you hiked without seeing another person? If not days, how many hours? On this January weekend, I hiked for 2 days through the Snowbird Wilderness Study Area without seeing another person. In fact, I didn't see people or vehicles at the trailhead parking area. I didn't even see people or vehicles along the 4 - 5 mile length of the one lane  unpaved Forest Service Road 75 that leads to "Junction" the start of Snowbird Creek (Trail...

31 January, 2017 /

With the exception of an occasional day hike, water is the one item that you begin the day with the need to plan for resupply. For its volume, water is the heaviest item in your pack. Carrying more than a little excess water isn't a good way to keep your pack weight low. On the other hand, it is important to always keep enough water on hand to keep from becoming dehydrated. For those reasons, water requires more planning and attention than probably any other item you will carry. Containers First,...

09 January, 2017 /

Wilbur Shelter at 3 am - Mouse has chewed 4 or 5 holes in foot of down bag. Down pouring out. Repaired with duct tape. Laid back down and heard mouse return. Caught mouse in headlamp. Considered waiting up for mouse second time and smashing with broom and I even practiced my reach and swing. The above paragraph is an excerpt from  Trail Journals First Day Vermont/Mass . Click that link to read a day by day account of the 10 day AT 110 mile hike from Manchester Center, VT...

22 November, 2016 /