Sunday, August 29, 2010

Real quick before I leave for the trail again in about 5 minutes....

Decided to stay one more night camping on Thunder Island floating on the Columbia River last night. With the Trail Daze event going on, many of my hiking friends from the entire length of the trail were showing up, which made it hard to leave. It was like a great class reunion. Names from past miles I had not seen as far back as mile 101 in Warner Springs, California: Tarzan, Zelda, Flashback, Fox trot, Baby Steps, Chipmunk, Golden Child, Train, Axilla, Uncle Tom, General Lee, Dick Wizard, Duff, Genius, Gut Hook, Little Engine, Plain Slice, Physco, Apricots, Colter, Zero Zero, Iron Man, Free Bird, Dona Sauffley(southern Cal trail angel), Lone Ranger, Trash Pocket, Happy Camper, Pat, Hui!, Chocolate Bandito, and many others I am running out of time to list. It was great to catch up with everyone, and meet new friends as well. The Island was sprouting small backpackers tents all over from every shape, color, and design. Had to have been over 100 tents pitched spotted the green island on the Columbia River. It was quite the scene. I even won some gear at the raffle gear-giveaway as part of all the events going on. Former thru hikers were in attendance as well with great slideshows and movies to share with all on a giant projection screen. It was entertaining trying to keep the screen up on the very windy island.

Anywho, I off this morning, back to the trail, for a race to Canada! And it will be a race now. I have booked travel arrangements from Seattle on the evening of the 18th of September, so I've gotta get moving with about 460 miles of beautiful Washington trail to cover. I can hardy wait for Goat Rocks Wilderness, Glacier Peak Wilderness, Mount Rainier, North Cascades Natioanal Park, and finally Manning Park! Looks like rain is in the forecast today and may be the commmon trend in Washington, another reason to get to Canada sooner before it gets any colder!

Thanks again for all the support and your prayers as I wrap up this last chunk of the Pacific Crest Trail! Yee Haw!

Friday, August 27, 2010

Lazy Day on the River

It's been a long time since I've had internet capabilities to write on my blog or even read the updates my folks have been feeding you all. Many thanks to my dad and mom for keeping the blog current. They've done an amazing job with the videos and articles of my daily life on the trail.

I'm camping tonight in the middle of the Columbia River. Yes, actually in the middle of the river on Thunder Island in the small town of Cascade Locks. I'm really trying to take it easy today. I have already done much of my logistics and food drop planning for the remainder of trail to Canada, so I don't even have much homework and chores to do in town. I have an excellent place where I have set up my tent, looking downstream on the Columbia River. I can look across it and see the Washington border. I can look downstream under the Bridge of the Gods, and think about what it must have been like to float down this river on a raft made of trees back in the 1800's as families were moving their lives across the country in a covered wagon on the Oregon Trail and finishing their journey downstream from where I'm sitting in my tent. What an adventure! So, I'll rest today, with not much to do, and be ready to tackle Washington and all its wet chilly challenges that lay ahead for my adventure to Canada. Sometime Saturday early afternoon, I will be back on the Pacific Crest Trail with only 500 miles to the border. 500 miles doesn't seem like much after having already walked 2100+ miles.

I've already gone over my time limit that they have giving me here at the Best Western Inn to use their computer, but I may try to sneak a few more minutes in to look into some transportation East. I have to start thinking about Maine and the Appalachian Trail soon! Thanks again and always for your support, encouragement, letters, care packages, and prayers!
Happy trails- Zac

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Cascade Locks

Zac is in Cascade Locks tonight cowboy camping next to the Columbia River. Today he made it to the Post Office and found mail from Sue Levine, David Craig, the Reynolds and the Singletons. The food, notes and cash were greatly appreciated. Tomorrow he will enjoy a zero day and take in the sights there. The annual weekend long party for PCT hikers past and present will be going on and it should interesting. There will be hiking supply vendors and live music. The group of four will start back on the trail Saturday.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Toad Truckin

Fire On The Mountain

The fires that are burning ahead of Zac on the trial are causing him to change his route. Hikers are being hit with big fines if they are caught in a restricted area. It would take about 100 miles of walking on paved roads to walk around this section and make it back to the trail. The problem is gettiing back to the trail after you go around the fire zones. There are no roads or trails above the burning areas to get back to the trail for miles and miles. The group had to make a decision. The best solution was to catch a bus from Sisters to Portland where they would have a free nights stay at a friend's house. Then catch a ride north to catch the trail at Timberline Lodge, Oregon (this is the lodge where they filmed the movie "The Shining") . Here is the plan: They will pick up the trail and hike north from Timberline Lodge, Oregon to Trout Lake, Washington. They have arranged a ride with "Nobody" (trail angel) back to Cascades Locks where Zac will collect his mail. He plans to be there by Friday night. There is a big PCT gathering in Cascade Locks this weekend that is similiar to the kickoff party in southern California. Many people attending will be PCTA people, trail angels, and former PCT hikers. Many current PCT hikers will travel from the north and the south to be there. Zac hopes to meet up with old hiking friends that have gone ahead of him and behind him on the trail. Sunday he will get a ride back to Trout Lake, Washington where he had begun the southward journey and then head north again. This way the least amount of the PCT will be skipped over. It is frustrating to miss any of the trail but it is out of his hands. The decision to skip over this scenic part of the trail was a tough one to be sure. Due to this detour he changed his mailing address in Cascade Locks:

US Mail Letters or Packages:
Zac Finley
c/o Best Western Columbia River Inn
PO Box 580
Cascade Locks, OR 97014

UPS or FEDX:
Zac Finley
c/o Best Western Columbia River Inn
735 Wanapa Street
Cascade Locks, OR 97014

If you have already sent a letter or a package do not worry because Zac will be hiking through Cascade Locks on his detour and will advise the Post Office to forward any mail to the Best Western Columbia River Inn.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Going to see Sister

On Friday Zac had what he called the easiest day so far. He had hiked 30 miles by 6:30 pm. During the day he said they had passed at least twenty lakes. Although many were small and nameless, they were clear and a wonder to look out on and just as spectacular as the big name bodies of water. The only bad part of the day were the mosquitoes. At one point the group look like they were doing the Macarana dance, swatting wildly at the devilish beasts. He was wearing a bug net to keep them off his face but still it must have been tough being tormented by such a relentless hoard. They spent some time at the Elk Lake resort where they got a burger and caught their breath. On Saturday they hiked around the Three Sisters Wilderness range. Named after three volcanoes in the area, all above the 10,000 ft elevation mark. They hiked through old lava flows that had turned to shiny obsidian rock. Zac said it looked like a million crushed glass bottles covering the ground. After a 30 mile day the group was tired and the night was getting cold. The group looked for a warm place to camp. The best they could find was an old observatory on a mountain top. I am not sure how he got inside but I'm almost positive that no laws were broken. (maybe bent a little) The observatory was built back in 1935 during the depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was made from lava rocks from the suronding area and stands about 5,187 feet above sea level. The group will stay in the town of Sister tonight, all chipping in for a room somewhere. There are forest fires near the trail north of him and decisions need to be made about alternate routes if needed. Today he also collected his mail and packages from the mail drop at Big lake Youth Camp. He has 2006 miles behind him now and one more state to conquer before reaching Cnanda.
(44.3717,-121.86548) was the last spot I received so far today. Keep hiking Zac. One step at a time.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

1.870 miles down

After a day hiking around Crater lake, Zac was back on track northward. He said the time hiking around the rim was beautiful. The lodge porch at Crater Lake was a good place to sit for a while. Today he has hiked about 16 miles as of his last spot. ( 43.2932,-122.002) He reached the highest point on the PCT in Oregon and Washington, 7,560 feet. Total mileage so far is 1,870.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Rim Roosting

Zac has reached mile marker 1835. Yesterday he payed 13 dollars for an all you can eat buffet for lunch. He picked up packages and mail at Mazama campground. He got packages from himself, from home, a letter from Monty and another from his Aunt Jo. That night he was invited to eat with a group of Indian families. His group was treated to some Indian cuisine and I am sure they all got their fill. The group hiked into the night for a few hours and camped. They got up and moving before dawn and made it to the rim of the crater to see the sunrise. I am sure video will be here soon. The last spot I received was (42.96181,-122.15724) The next few mail drops will be the following:

He will be in Big Lake Youth Camp around August 21st. the address is:

Zac Finley
PCT hiker northbound
c/o Big Lake Youth Camp
13100 Highway 20
Sisters, Oregon 97759

The next mail drop he will reach will be Cascade Locks around August 27th. The address is:

Zac Finley
PCT hiker Northbound
General Delivery
Cascades Locks, Oregon 97014

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Day at the Office

Day at the Office

Zac starts his day just like everyone else. He wakes up and goes over in his head what he must accomplish this day. He thinks about what he needs to do to be successful. He tries to plan his day out and line up step by step what must take place to reach the end of the day. Most of us do this before we get out of the bed. Same with Zac. When he crawls out of his sleeping bag he must prepare some breakfast that will give him enough energy that will get him through to lunch some 6 hours and 15 miles away. He must then break camp and pack his backpack in a way that he has done since he started his trek back in mid April. Only now he has learned a few tricks that will make the weight seem less on his shoulders, back, and hips. Maybe he puts a water bottle in a different place or his tent a little lower in the pack. Through trial and error he perfects his packing style. By now it is second nature to him and he packs his gear away without thinking twice. He starts to work before the sun comes up just like most of us do. He does have to worry about traffic, but a fallen tree over the trail or a rattlesnake or bear who has the right of way may slow him down. We all have goals and deadlines we try to meet at work. His goal might be 9 before 9 which means 9 miles before nine O'clock or to reach a certain pass before the sun gets up too high in the sky. As the day stretches on he begins to hear and feel the dinner bell ringing in his belly. Like us he may start to feel it an hour before he wanted to so he walks on just like we work on keeping an eye on the clock. When he reaches a good spot he stops for lunch and lays his pack down for the first time since the morning. The weight off his back makes him feel light as a feather. The coolness on his back feels good as the breeze blows against his sweat drenched shirt that is seeing the light of day for the first time. His break room has beautiful vistas with endless skies that are blue and clear. The sound of co-workers chattering away are replaced by birds, wind and maybe if he is lucky, a babbling steam. After lunch it is back to work. He will walk and walk occasionally stopping to look over his trail book that has become his bible so to speak. It tells him what creeks he will cross and if the water is good or not. It lets him know the elevation and grade of the trail. He relies on it to get him through the wilderness like we might look at diagrams and procedure guides to get through our day at work. When the day is done, just like everyone else he feels satisfied knowing he has reached his goal for the day and can rest at home. Zac's home is made of nylon and has a 4 foot tent pole in the center. His Lazy Boy recliner is a good rock with a smooth surface. His wide screen TV is a nice little fire just big enough to cook on and keep him company. By the time he falls asleep, his friends and family back east have all been sleeping soundly for a few hours. The stars are his nightlight and the ground his mattress. During the night, nature happens all around him. God only knows what sounds he hears in the bushes that would leave most people rattled and wide awake for a hours. (including myself) The sounds like breaking twigs, screeches in the middle of the night, splashes in a nearby creek, bugs humming all around are probably like a sweet lullaby to him by now. I imagine he rest easy knowing that he is accomplishing one of his life's dreams and over coming unbelievable obstacles. I am sure that as he drifts off he reflects on the day and the day to come. To him this is not a day at work at all. He also takes great comfort in knowing the has support from family and friends as well. We have talked about it before that he is never alone on the trail. He has many people who are walking with him in spirit every step of the way. Every mail drop is like Christmas to him. In my mind I can see him sitting on the Post Office steps with the sun beaming down on his smiling face reading letters and eating homemade brownies, Slim Jims and Power Bars. (hopefully not all at once) Thank you all again for sending all your letters, prayers and words of encouragement. Yeah, I miss him.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Dam video

Pelicans and helicopters

Zac was watching some white pelicans catching and eating some fish in the Shasta National Forest. There were some forest fires in the area and the forest service was using helicopters to help control the blaze. In the background of this video you can hear the choppers flying in to collect water to drop.

Box Lunches

Zac took a zero day today to prepare for the trail ahead. He spent a few hours at the grocery store buying enough food for the next 19 days. There are very few places between Ashland and the Canadian border to get supplies. He thinks this will be enough to get him to Canada combined with the food sent from home. The group bought enough dry goods and power bars to ship to mail drops along the way. They boxed up the food and then mailed the boxes to the mail drops ahead of them. He will be back on his way by Thursday.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Hitching a ride 101

When there is a town close by, you always try to hitch a ride in to check mail and maybe get a bite to eat. If you are lucky you can get a ride back to the trail head too. This video is showing how Zac, the sisters, Boat, Blackberry and Symbiosis were trying to get a ride into Burney. Notice the boys letting the girls be in charge of getting a ride. I guess they figured out that they have a better chance of getting the driver's attention that the fellas did. Go figure.

The Oregon trail

Zac is out of California and into Oregon! He made it to Asland Oregon today and is doing well. He received 5 packages at the post office. Thank you Nana and Gdaddy, Lou and Dwight, and Mr. Craig. He was having trouble with his trekking poles and will have them checked out at the local sporting goods shop. He has been hiking with Aya, Sayo, (the sisters) Bote and Blackberry. The sister's parents showed up and took their packs on to Ashland so the group could slack pack into town. Slack pack is when you hike without your heavy pack. Bote and Zac are staying the night in The Commons in Ashland. A well deserved rest after 10 days of hiking and camping. One of the girls had a nasty sting from a scorpion the other night and everyone's feet needs some TLC . He has hiked 1.726 miles so far. There are 422 miles to go to the Washington boarder. He said the scenery was beautiful in northern California and southern Oregon is amazing. Thank you for keeping up with him and his trek.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Halfway there

The good, the bad, the ugly

Yellowstones cousin

Zac has been away from phone service for the past five days. The GPS device seems to be working. I have been receiving more spots than I had been in the past few weeks. The last time I spoke with him he told me that he had packed enough food for seven days. He was doing fine. The last spot I got from him was (41.49689,-123.10515) He was near Kidder Creek. The elevation there is close to 6000 feet. The trial is heading westward before turning north again and into Oregon. I have been adding some videos to the blog. Some are scenic and some are informative and some are just plain gross. He said he wanted me to add the human element to the blog. Thanks for the comments some of you have been adding. He is glad to know that someone is following hs journey. He could not transfer any of his old numbers into his new phone so he is asking friends and family to please text him your name and number. His number is the same as it was. He is close to 1620 miles traveled.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Monday, August 2, 2010

My Aching Feet

Can you hear me now?

Zac was in Mt Shasta when his cell phone went haywire. He could not get it to do anything. He is not sure why. I mean seriously, what could have possibly happened to it? Maybe it was caught up in a snow storm on the top of some mountain in the Sierra's, or over heated while crossing the desert. Maybe it was damaged while crossing a raging river that was swollen by the snow melts. The phone could have been dropped while escaping the clutches of an angry mama bear or the fangs of a disturbed rattlesnake. Maybe a boulder fell on it while rock climbing up a cliff face to find the perfect camping spot. I am sure that what ever the reason it was not any fault of his and just a device malfunction. Zac has some friends who live in Redding Calf. who came to his rescue. Kimberly and Tom drove some 50 miles to Mt Shasta and picked him up and then drove him back to Redding to a mall where he could get a new phone. They are going to drive him back and he will continue on the trail. Thank you so much Kimberly and Tom!
Zac has gone 1510 miles so far. He has 194 miles to go before reaching Oregon. He received his shoes and several other packages from friends and relatives. The GPS device is still giving everyone fits. I am still hoping to get this worked out before too long. Thanks for tuning in folks!