When hiking solo, you don't have the option of leaving one car at the destination trailhead. The easiest solution is to choose a loop hike or at least a loop that leaves you minimizing the trail distance you have to retrace. Look for "near loops" where you might be able to add a short road walk to complete the loop. Even better, use a bicycle for the road portion of the trip. I've often used a bicycle to complete a loop. I have ridden on paved and unpaved roads....
One of the most amusing activities of backpacking is watching while someone else tries to throw a bear bag line. This usually starts with finding a likely branch, then looking for a stick or rock to tie to the end of a rope. Given how many rocks you wear your feet out on while hiking, it's amazing how you can't find a rock when you really want one. Easy Way to Hang a Bear Line The real fun starts as the hiker begins throwing. Over and over again. Typically the...
I haven’t started my PCT hike yet. Come back after March 27th. In the meantime, here is a photo of the Springer Mountain AT trail register. I saw Grand Pa wearing a long grey beard just as he was finishing the Amicalola Approach Trail. This was the end of his 4th AT thru hike. ...
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...
