Granny Hat

Granny Hat has been frustrated with the GPS coordinates recorded by Mission’s Spot device.  Those of you following have noticed that some days he seemed to be losing ground, but then if you look at the San Gabriel Mountains that circle the Los Angeles basin, you will notice that the PCT has been heading west for many days with little latitude increase.  But starting today, the trail has turned  north toward the Sierra Nevada!  Goodbye Southern California!

Mission celebrated Memorial Day with another merry meeting, this time in Green Valley with Aunt Sonia and his Dad who plans to hike with him for a few days through the Antelope Valley to Tehachapi and beyond.  The 500 mile marker is coming soon! And hopefully there are still some California poppies left to hike through.

Mission finally was able to send in some beautiful photos taken during his first three weeks on the trail.  The PCT path is simple and narrow and often affords majestic views:

Sometimes it wanders through lovely trees and meadows:

Other times it toils relentlessly through the desert:

It is home to some very watchful creatures:

The path will sometimes take the traveler through the cloud.

         And other times lift him above into the sunlight.  God’s creation is amazing!

Mission arrived yesterday at Hiker Heaven, Agua Dulce, CA where he received re-supply box #4 and finally pitched his tent in civilization.  You choose, which camp site do you prefer?  Hiker Heaven?  or the Room with a View?

Granny Hat doesn’t have much to say in this post, the pictures say it so much better.

“From the rising of the sun, to its going down, the Lord’s name is to be praised.”                   Psalm 113:3   Mission’s GPS  coordinates this evening   34.68767, -118.52203

 

 

Granny Hat has been worried about mountain lions, rattlesnakes, scorpions, tarantulas, and especially crazy people while Mission hikes through the Southern CA region of the PCT.  But apparently there is a more realistic concern.  Poodle Dog Bush!  This is an invasive species of flora which stinks and encroaches on the path.  Our friend Broken Arrow reported difficulty walking through the patches without touching it.  But as this report from the PCT website shows, significant work has been done on the trail to beat it back.

“Poodle-Dog Bush, Eriodictyon parryi, is common in parts of Southern California. Touching it can cause a significant allergic reaction. This pretty purple flowered plant has been rearing its ugly head in the San Gabriel Mountains. Reports from the PCT are that the plant is widespread and sometimes unavoidable in the Station Fire and other burn areas. Various reports from 2012 hikers have bad Poodle-Dog Bush on the PCT starting around either mile 419 or 421 or 425 and extending through Messenger Flat at mile 430.6.  [Major work has been done to remove Poodle-Dog Bush and we think that hikers can stay on the PCT instead of alternating off of it.]

Touching the plant can cause anything from a mild rash and blistering to severe respiratory distress. It is a contact dermatitis and can be transmitted in the same way that poison oak is transmitted. For many people, symptoms are worse than a reaction to poison oak. Symptoms generally appear hours or days after touching the plant. All contact should be avoided.

Poodle-Dog Bush has a rank, pungent smell. Endemic to the region, Poodle Bush is in the

Hydrophyllaceae family. Many trail users would be familiar with related plants such at Yerba Santa, Eriodictyon sp., and Phacelia.”

 

There are stories of hikers mistaking poodle dog bush for a wild marijuana, smoking it and having severe, even fatal, respiratory trauma.  Granny Hat is no cannabis expert but she did live in Mendocino County for several years and the photo above just doesn’t look like marijuana to her.  At any rate, Mission is trekking this section of the San Gabriel Mountains this week and has had his share of nagging advice about poodle dog bush.

Did you ever embark on a day hike that included plenty of dust, uphill agony and switchbacks only to find when you arrived at the waterfall or lookout that a road and a parking lot had beat you there?  So much for the wilderness!  For those of you following Mission’s progress on Google Earth, you have noticed that for the bulk of the hike the past few days, the PCT path has been a sort of frontage road for a two lane, paved road that winds through the mountains.  I am sure that Mission is looking forward to the northern reaches where you can truly get above the constant reminder that other people have found a way to get out of LA faster than you.  Of course, no matter where you are on the trail, the air traffic will remind you how small you are and how the world just hurries by.

Meanwhile at Mission Control, Granny Hat is wearing her other hats, planting an herb garden, being a grandma and teaching piano lessons but her mind is never far off that PCT trail.  And she is celebrating her first grandchild’s graduation from 8th grade!  He received Outstanding Athlete and Outstanding Academic awards. We have a high school grandchild now, a Boy Scout, an athlete, a scholar and a future PCT hiker perhaps!  Congratulations Dakota Garth!  You are a blessing to our family!

 

Granny Hat is thankful today for family, in particular the southern California family! Sister-in -law Lori Miser, niece April Souseley and her kids Corban and Abigail drove out to Cajon Pass on Interstate 15 and met Mission laden with lovely, fresh, healthy fruits and veggies, a picnic from heaven.  He was so encouraged! And it made my granny hat heart glad to have loved ones checking up on him and getting photos.  Because this is how Granny hat pictures Stephan on the trail:

 

Thanks to April I know that he looks like this (photo credit Corban Souseley):

Mission fulfilled the traditional trek through the Golden Arches on I 15.  Most PCT travelers hike in one door, eat their fill and then exit out the other at the MacDonalds that is right on the trail. This is a very important and non-negotiable tradition. Stephan has been eating mostly plant based on this adventure but he succumbed to social pressure and consumed 1 triple by-pass, 1 double by-pass, 20 chicken McNuggets, 2 chicken strips and four drink re-fills.  (Granny Hat feels a trifle sick.)  I knew he was probably hungry but I had no idea!  Good thing that was followed up by fresh watermelon, vegetables and hummus.  April’s husband and sous chef also sent cookies, a win win Ryan! Bless you!

 

 

Granny Hat loves these photos, some funny desert drama:

Mission has made some amazing progress as my map shows.  He is north of Mt. San Antonio in the Los Angeles Mountains.  His GPS coordinates as of this publishing are 34.36661, -117.69496  Yesterday, Granny Hat sent out his fourth re-supply to Agua Dulce, Hiker Heaven, more about this interesting place when we get Mission’s full report here at Mission Control.

Mission has promised to send some of his photographs as well as his PCT journal entries so please keep following, interesting stories are forth-coming.  He has seen more rattlesnakes, a tarantula and one night was sure he heard the rattle of a viper or maybe it was the low growl of a bear, but it turned out to be nothing more than a distant train rumbling along the tracks.  This was before the fast food buffet of yesterday, maybe it was hallucinations brought on by hunger.  Or the call of civilization.  Mission says he loves being up on the mountain crests above the highways and train tracks.  His campsite views are breathtaking! He is getting accustomed to his wilderness bedrooms and the sound of the mountains at night.

So here’s to merry meetings and partings on the trail!  Happy Trails to you, until we meet again….

“The road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with eager feet until it joins some larger way,

Where many paths and errands meet and whither then? I cannot say.”

J.R.R. Tolkien

While Granny Hat sang jazz with the Oriana Chorale in Hollister today, Stephan traveled through the San Bernadino Mountains north of Running Springs and Lake Arrowhead.  He met up with some BSA Scoutmasters that were day hiking and ended up trekking with them all day.  He said he’d tell me the whole story later but it included meeting up with their families for dinner and they treated Stephan.  He has met many kind and generous people so far on the trip.

So, 300 miles! Mission approximately 11% done.  For those of you tracking with Google Earth, his finishing coordinates tonight are 34.30080, -117.1271.   The PCT makes a horseshoe shape around Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead on the north crest of the San Bernadino Mountains so his latitude hasn’t changed much these last two days, traveling west by northwest.

Granny Hat was happily wearing her music hat today  and enjoyed singing to a completely full house but she promises to be more forthcoming with fresh PCT information and musings on the trail tomorrow.

 

I Will Trust in You by Lauren Daigle

“You are my strength and comfort, you are my steady hand,

You are my firm foundation, the rock on which I stand,

Your ways are always higher, your plans are always good,

There’s not a place where I’ll go, you’ve not already stood.

When You don’t move the mountains, I’m needing you to move,

When You don’t part the waters, I wish I could walk through,

When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to you,

I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You.”

Yes, its a royal wedding day for Prince Harry and USA’s own Meghan Markle with all the pomp, circumstance, bells, flowers, celebrations and paparazzi that the Queen can muster.  But Granny Hat forgot ALL about it.  All she cared about today was whether or not Mission got to Big Bear in time to pick up his re-supply box during the special magic Saturday hour from 1 – 2pm that opens just for PCT trekkers.  He had to get up at 5:00 am and hike 20 miles to get that box full of food, socks, batteries, sunscreen, his election ballot and well wishes from home.  London just doesn’t get the rest of the world.  There are real life issues going on that really matter far far away from the petit fours, hand embroidered flowers on the wedding veil and the gospel choir that sang Stand By Me.

He called this afternoon to tell us all was well and so Granny Hat set herself down for a proper spot of Earl Grey tea in honor of the day’s events and because she was so relieved that Stephan was safe and in good spirits.  Granny Hat often treats herself to an afternoon tea, and an evening tea too.  But today she had a good excuse.  And it was wonderful to hear his cheerful voice and the all familiar words, “I’m so hungry!”  He has been hungry for years but probably nothing like he is now.  After a big meal at a diner in Big Bear City, he hitched back to the trail (once again, trail angels give rides all day long back and forth for way less than a taxi or Uber would cost) and has resumed hiking.

Mission talked with his dad for a while today and told him that while eating dinner in the dark a couple nights ago, he was sure there was a mountain lion nearby, could hear the sounds in the shrubs and saw eyes.  He was very freaked out but it turned out to be a deer just having a midnight snack and passing through.  He has seen a couple of big rattlesnakes and didn’t even have to leave California to see his first Grizzly Bear!!!  That’s right, there’s a small zoo in San Bernadino County that has a collection of animals that have worked in Hollywood and they are also a wildlife refuge center.

Toby Mac has a new song that is a favorite of mine and Mission likes it too.  Granny Hat made this little poster for his re-supply box with that lonely path and the difficult elevation changes in mind.  We say we need God but sleeping out in the wilderness under the stars and walking many miles alone can bring the need very close to home.

I just need U. by Toby Mac

Granny Hat learns something new every day as she follows Mission on his trek through California.  There is a special culture that develops between  people who travel light and endure the stark wilderness.  If packs are too heavy, hikers start giving things away, meals, extra socks, dried fruit and nuts.  It is somewhat common to see a picnic table or a rock laden with extras for others.  Through-hikers often leave notes for other hikers because everyone is traveling at their own pace and stopping for rest in different spots so it is likely you may meet again between Mexico and Canada.

There is a growing group of people who live near the trail who regularly stock water caches or food drops.  They are affectionately called “Trail Angels” and have probably saved many lives.  Some of them give rides into a nearby town for someone in need of a re-supply or medical attention.  Others offer postal service access for re-supply at their address or a place on their ranch for PCT hikers to pitch tents.  Many of them do these kind deeds for free, only taking donations to finance the upkeep of water caches and supply drops.

And the PCT is good for business in some remote wilderness towns.  Some general stores  keep a comprehensive supply of re-stock items including gear and trail food.

There are also traditions along the way.  As pictured several days ago, most PCT through-hikers stop for a photo on Eagle Rock.  Others sign their name on fences or boards designated for such a purpose.  Here is Mission’s photo of the Interstate 10 underpass in Riverside County.  The hikers follow a path right under the 10 freeway and an elevated railroad track.  Notice that Stephan found his friend, Broken Arrow’s signature.  Broken Arrow started his PCT journey in March and is now in the Sierras.  Maybe they will meet up sometime this summer!  Granny Hat visits Sonora Pass in the Sierras often.  She may consider becoming a Trail Angel and leaving some goodies up where the PCT crosses Highway 108!

 

Does this sound like fun to any of you?  In case you have been sold by the gorgeous views and photos of the PCT traversing through quiet forests or fields of wild flowers,

bear in mind that there are plenty of vistas like this one too, lonely and exposed,

but where you can hear yourself think or even talk to yourself. Go ahead and answer yourself or better yet, talk to God and hear His still small voice.

Even the Los Angeles Basin looks beautiful at sunset.  This was Mission’s view from the San Jacinto Mountains as the sun went down over Santa Monica last night.  Today at sunrise, he was off down a steep descent hiking toward civilization, auspicious places like Beaumont, Banning, Cabazon.  He will cross the valley that leads to Palm Springs and then make another arduous ascent into the San Gorgonio Wilderness, the northern section of the San Bernadino Mountains.

“Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness.  All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.”     John Muir

I know that Mission agrees with that quote and he certainly has a deep respect for John Muir.  But some of us love a comfy hotel and all our baggage at our reach.  Oh, and chatter is nice too. 🙂  So what contributes to the nurture of a wanderer, a solo traveler through the wilderness?

Years ago, I was helping my Aunt Melva move into her new house and we were hanging pictures in my cousins’ bedrooms.  There was a beautiful painting of a clipper ship on a stormy sea.  Aunt Melva said she hesitated to hang such a picture over the kid’s beds because she had heard that if a child went to bed each night staring up at such an image, his wanderlust would sprout and grow and he would leave the comforts of home to become a sailor on the high seas. We laughed together about such a notion but maybe there’s some truth to it.  We all know that the Pevensie children learned to respect paintings of ships at sea.  And what if a child’s view out their window is this?:

 

This is only Fremont Peak, part of the Gabilan Range.  It stands a mere 3,173 feet above sea level but it affords clear views of Salinas Valley, Monterey Bay and parts of the Santa Clara Valley.   It is our mountain; perhaps it has worked its will on my family, so many of them are called to the hills.  Stephan is getting his fill of mountains, and they are only going to get higher for a while until he finishes the Sierras.  He has admitted that he is lonely at times.  Maybe he’ll hear enough inane chatter down in the valley today to fuel his climb back into the mountains. May the God who made the mountains and the seas protect and guide Stephan as he treks day 10 of his Mission.

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God”  Psalm 90:2

 

Our friend, John Rachuy,  one of Stephan’s Assistant Scout Masters with BSA Troop 400,  suggested that since his new trail name is Mission, then that makes those of us tending the home fires Mission Control.  I like the sound of that.  And there is plenty to keep us busy at Mission Control.  Granny Hat took a little excursion down to the San Juan Post Office to mail the next re-supply box. She hesitates to give a shout out to that Post Office location because it is one of San Juan Bautista’s best kept secrets, always a joy to walk in, never a wait unless its the week before Christmas and the staff there is so helpful and interested in Stephan’s adventures. Hopefully the box will get to Big Bear City in time.  It includes his next set of topography maps with a wealth of information about the trail, water supply along the way, detours etc.   

 

 

And Mission’s dad included his Primary Election Ballot so he can vote while on the trail.  Even vagabonds can be responsible citizens.

Mission conquered Mt. San Jacinto Peak today and sent us these amazing photographs.

Mission Control added a PCT progress map today.  For those of us who drive back and forth from Central California to Southern California many times a year, it seems like he is taking forever to get out of there.  But the mountains are steep and the PCT is narrow with no short cuts. Granny Hat thinks this is a pretty big accomplishment for 1 week.

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.”  John Muir

 

Granny Hat celebrated her 60th birthday today in style with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme for her new herb garden, calls and cards from her kids including a phone call from MISSION in Idyllwild, CA.  He said, “Hi mom, Happy First Day of Ramadan!”  A pause, and then….”Oh and Happy Birthday!”  I didn’t even know it was the first day of Ramadan. He sounded great and had just picked up his first re-supply box at the Post Office.  He says his pack is heavy again.   He also said in a text “Definitely the hardest day I’ve ever hiked.”  He explained that he started early this morning with a steep climb from 6,000 to 7,000 foot elevation, saw gorgeous views of Palm Springs to the East, then a steep descent down to just over 4,000 feet followed by another steep climb back up to 6,000 feet.  He said photos will be on the way.

He treated himself to Mexican food in Idyllwild, texted a “shopping list” to me for his next re-supply box going to Big Bear City, a combination of food, energy bars, new socks, TP, batteries, sunscreen, maps, oatmeal and supplements.  Then he headed back up a steep ascent hiking with a headlamp to get a jump on the trail, stopping at 10 pm to make camp.  I asked him if he is getting used to camping out at night all by himself in the wilderness.  He said that it is becoming more normal but it is very lonely and every snapping twig sounds like the footprint of a giant bear.  He said that if he makes dinner in the dark he can feel the watching eyes even if he can’t see them.  Granny Hat is feeling scared just writing this.  This is the SPOT check-in message we receive most nights assuring us all is well: “This is Stephan checking in!  I love you all! (No action needed).”  Unless you call prayer action and Granny Hat certainly does!  And because Granny Hat loves her music, here are the lyrics she sent to MISSION tonight:

If we’re gonna fly, we fly like eagles, arms out wide.

If we’re gonna fear, we fear no evil, we will rise!

By your power, we will go, by your Spirit we are bold,

If we’re gonna stand, we stand as giants, if we’re gonna walk, we walk as lions.

Skillet

 

It was a wonderful Mother’s Day for Granny Hat!  Mission called from the trail at around 9:00 am.  I could hear the crunch of the trail as he hiked and talked.  We only had signal for about 5 minutes and then had to exchange some texts.   He slept in ( is usually on the trail by 5:00 am) because it was lightly drizzling and misting and his bag was warm and comfortable.  The weather in the dry San Diego County inland has been kind, in the upper 70’s, sunny but breezy, even heavy winds at times.  He mentioned swarms of bees and at least one rattlesnake along the trail. He told me that God is answering prayer; he is hiking well, experiencing less foot and leg discomfort.

So many of you following this blog expressed that you have been praying for Stephan as he treks.  How I appreciate your concern, prayers and friendship.  He may feel alone on the trail for most of the day but he is certainly NOT alone.  And our dear friend, Broken Arrow, also a 2018 PCT through-hiker was able to relay some good trail advice for Stephan as he is much farther north on the trail.  Advice included how to avoid and beware of Poodle Dog Bush. (more on that when Stephan gets to the Los Angeles range)  Also there are water supply concerns throughout the Mojave Desert and north of there climbing into the Sierras.  It is so valuable to be in contact with someone who has recently hiked where Stephan’s Mission takes him.

Then, my daughter Corrie reminded me about Boomer!  I must write about Boomer.  In 2018 many through-hikers carry cell phones, satellite phone charges, SPOT and other GPS tracking devices.  But in the ’90s when my husband was regularly taking our kids and their friends on backpacks in the Ventana Wilderness and in the Sierras, it was rare to get word home.  Steve would always write a letter or two and send it out of the mountains to the nearest post office with a new backpacker friend who was leaving the trail.  And at least once, Boomer got to go with them for a couple days of the hike.  Boomer was a strong, long-distance Blue-Bar homing pigeon.

Steve built him a special light weight cage that hooked onto the back of his pack and then notes were attached in a tiny canister around Boomer’s leg and he was released to fly home through the gold country, across the San Joaquin Valley, over the Gabilans into San Benito County and home, around 200 miles! He flew for a few days, seems like maybe five days to get home.  But it was so exciting to see him in his aviary with that note still securely fastened.  We have the note somewhere, but Granny Hat can’t find it.  Will add if it surfaces!

Mission has his eyes on these mountains in the distance, he should be walking in the woods soon; San Jacinto range in Riverside County.

God of creation, there at the start, before the beginning of time…

As You speak, a hundred billion galaxies are born,

In the vapor of Your breath the planets form,

If the stars were made to worship so will I,

If the mountains bow in reverence so will I,

If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I,

For if everything exists to lift You high, so will I,

If the wind goes where You send it so will I,

If the rocks cry out in silence so will I,

If the sum of all our praises still falls shy ……

Hillsong