Day 16: Fireside Inn, Idyllwild
Zero day
PCT mile still 179

After two weeks we took our first zero day (zero miles) and allowed our bodies a little recovery. We still had to do errands and shopping, but otherwise we spent most of the day watching 20 year old movies borrowed from the office. It was a great time.

As not to sound too lazy, we were asked what kind of elevation changes we have seen so far. Of the first 179 miles, we have hiked up approximately 29,000 vertical feet. That is equivalent of sea level to Mount Everest.

Day 15: Lake Hemet to Idyllwild (alternate and a little bushwacking)
PCT mile 179
It was supposed to be an easy walk into Idyllwild, but we found another way. The listed alternate route (due to the Mountain Fire Trail Closure) put us on mostly a road walk all you way into town. But with there being little to no shoulder, and some crazy drivers, we heard of a bike path that runs parallel to the road. After working our way through the Hurkey Creek campground, we were join the bike path. The map I was using showed a trail leading out the north end. So we found that trail and began our ascent. After a mile or two, rechecking our location, we discovered we were not where we were supposed to be. "Ahhh, no problem" I said. Google maps, USGS maps, and satellite photos show we can just keep following this trail and we'll join back up with the forest service road. And besides, there are foot prints and even mountain bike tracks, we aren't the only ones. This "path" turned in to an over grown game trail and drainage ditch. Causing much discomfort to our already sore joints and making our "easy day" into anything but.

After the delays and detours we made it to town. First stop, the Thrift Store. When making reservations at the Fireside Inn, arrangements were made for laundry, in a real washing machine! Something our clothes haven't seen in over two weeks! We needed something to wear while every piece of clothing we had was being washed. Not only did we find something, but Jamie found a sky blue shirt with hearts on it(fitting for her trail name of Lovely Heart) and I got the amazing combo of a stripped shirt and jeans shorts. All for $4.

We got checked in to our quant room, greated by our amazing host Chris, showered then headed out for dinner in our new Town Clothes. Not only was there a Mexican restaurant only a few blocks away, but it was Taco Thursday. Needless to say, I took advantage and ordered 10 tacos. Delicious was and understatement. It was another winning day for the Russell's!

Day 14: Table Mountain to Lake Hemet (and Breakfast at the Paradise Valley Cafe)
About PCT mile 166

We woke early with eggs and ham steak on our minds. No time for coffee or the usual granola or peanut butter breakfast. We have an 8 mile trek to the legendary food and hiker friendly restaurant of the Paradise Valley Cafe. Despite our sore muscles we made it in record time of less than two hours and had food on the table in front of us by 9:00am. The food lived up the our expectations and the 1lb ham steak was the most delicious ham I have ever tasted.
A head of us was the "Mountain Fire" trail closure and a week ago we had planned to skip the alternate route. So I had our new crampons shipped to the cafe as they would be needed for San Jacinto in 40 miles. With some new trail information we picked up in Warner Springs, our plans changed once again. We are taking most of the alternate route from Paradise to Idyllwild, and then avoiding the dangerous ascent to San Jacinto by taking another alternate there. We wanted to be true the the PCT as best we could, stay safe, and keep our mileage as close to actual as possible. I think we found a good compromise.

After filling up at the café, we road walked towards Lake Hemet and joined the alternate route along the way. Hearing of untimed showers at the lake's campground kept us going through the heat of the day. We got set up with a lake front view, enjoined another shower of a lifetime (they just keep getting better) and settled in for the night.

Day 13: Not Windy to Table Mountain (via Walden Library)
Mile 146
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Day 12: Lost Valley Spring to the only not windy tentsite past Mike's Place
Mile 131

Day 11: Warner Springs to Cliff over look above Lost Valley Spring
​Mile 119

Ever really want a shower? The thought of a shower was an overwhelming desire since we hadn't had one since Day Four. What amenities did the great Warner Springs have? Well a five gallon Home Depot bucket and a pitcher with access to hot water. Ben and I stripped down in small wooden stalls next to each other disrobed and that's when the wind kicked up!! We hysterically chattered our teeth while trying to enjoy the water. The most wanted shower was an expedited experience we about froze our tidley bits off!

Then we used that same bucket to wash our clothes. I was the heavy duty washer and Ben the rinse cycle. We then hung them out on the line to dry but not early enough in the day to actually get them all dry. So that next morning was a chilly one. We are now thinking we could thrive as laundromat owners, just kidding!! If you know us you know we both would rather do anything but laundry!!

Day 10: San Ysidro Creek to Warner Springs
Mile 109

Day 9: Third Gate Water Cache to San Ysidro Creek
​Mile 104

Day 8: Scissors Crossing to Third Gate Water Cache
​Mile 91

Day 7: Rodriguez Road to Scissors Crossing (and hitch to Julian)
Mile 77

Day 6: Creek City to Rodriguez Rd and water tank- 11 miles
Total miles: 68

We awoke to the beeping of my phone alarm at 5am as we were planning for a super early start. Super quickly we decided it was way too cold of a morning to get going that soon. And with it being a cold day, there was no heat to stay ahead of. We slept in for all of another hour before being awoken by Camper Dan, another thru hiker, as he passed by our tent as he was hiking the trail by headlamp. It was still super cold by the creek, so we packed up quick and stopped for coffee and breakfast at the next water stop that consisted of a horse trough.
It was then that I realized it was a 50/50 Kind of day, 50F and 50 MPH gusts. While that may sound bitter cold, but once on the trail and moving, the cool air was nice change to the hot sun of the past few days. Thank God there was pit toilet at the trailhead where we stopped for breakfast, because pooping outside on a 50/50 day was not something I was ready to experience.

After making to our next camp for the night, and finding Camper Dan already there, we relaxed and set up camp. All the while there where Apache helicopters doing maneuvers in the valley below. They flew in formation and went around the mountain out of sight. Just a few minutes later they pop up over the hill behind us and fly right over us no more and a few hundred feet above. "Free", another thru hiker that we met a few days ago and just joined us at camp, said "You know what that was right? They just killed us. Practicing thier surprise attack in formation." I knew we were out here for fun but I didn't know we would be target practice!

For dinner we made tuna Mac. Which consists of instant Mac and cheese bowls, and a packet of tuna. I know what you are thinking, disgusting. But no! It's so good. This is the second time around the first was just that amazing. I hand the cookset lid to Jamie and begin to pour her half in. She quickly realizes it is way too hot to hold this metal pan with bare hands and unfolds the little metal wire handle. This was a bad idea. On only her second bite, as we are huddled together in the tent to stay out of the wind, the wire handle folds and the tuna Mac falls to the floor of the tent. All over Jamie's sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and sleeping socks too. I am amazed as Jamie doesn't skip a beat and just continues to use her spoon and takes bites of the spilled tuna Mac. We just carried that food twenty miles, don't want it to go to waste.
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ThanksDay 5: Lake Morena to Creek City- 15 miles
Total miles: 57

We said fairwell to Tom and the Mt Laguna lodge with clean clothes that smelled fresh all but for five minutes. About mile 8 we passed two downy smelling gentleman out day hiking. They genuinely commented on how fast we were going. If you know us then you know we exchanged confused glares cause fast has never been associated with us and physical exercise. Now after meeting those two gentleman we can say with utmost certainty we are fast hikers! Muahahaha.

We hiked the 15 to a small creek in a small narrow side canyon. It was oh so charming until Ben and I realized while setting up the tent that one of us was in the river bed and the other on a slanted slope. We were so tired that we decided a learning lesson this would make. Have you ever slept on a trampoline over night as a kid and hopefully an adult? If so then you know what we looked like in the tent the next morning. Two bodies pulled in by probably the weight of the dirt on our bodies. Oh to be young again!

You know you are ravenous when a box of couscus, package of tuna, cocunut oil, pita chips, and packets of del scorcho is literally all you have been thinking about since. Ladies and gents if you want to impress your families, friends, or coworkers alike that is what heaven in your belly feels like. A whole lot of hallelujahs were sang in Creek City that night.

It was a great time making the 10 miles into the small town of Mount Laguna. First stop, Pine House Cafe and Tavern. Burger and a beer never tasted so good. On our way to the lodge to get a room for the night (mostly to shower and wash our clothes for the first time since the campground showers weren't open yet) I wanted to stop at the Sports Supply store to check out their hiker box. There wasn't much there, but before we could leave, an employee of the store came out and was chatting us up and convinced us to get a "pack shake down." This is where he goes through everything in our pack and tells us what is too heavy or not needed. It was a battle for me. I'd planned all gear non stop for a year. Everything we had I knew we needed. Well, not so... We both had small bags to organize stuff, those were out. Our only change of clothes, gone too. Our comfy fleece was also out. I was heart broken. But, I hadn't even worn the fleece yet, so it must not be needed.
All and all, Jamie's pack lost 7lbs and mine 5lbs. So probably worth it. We mailed the stuff ahead to Tehachapi in case we need it again.
We stayed the night in the most retro looking room, and laundry consisted of them giving us a bucket and a coffee cup full of laundry detergent, but it was awesome to shower and have clean clothes again.
We also had some time to doctor up or blistered feet.

Our adventure continues with nothing but laughs and fun. Cell service is proving to be less reliable than anticipated not allowing us to update as much.

​We were some of the first people out of camp at Lake Morena at 8am. We made quick work of the 10 miles to Fred Canyon. Along the way we met a couple of section hikers that were hurrying ahead to get back for work on Monday, day hikers, and a horse named Cloud. We encountered our first river crossings, if they could be called that. Sandy bottom and river banks so we just pulled the shoes off and waided through. The cool water felt great on our feet.

Once in camp, six other thru hikers joined us. After retiring to our tent, Jamie and I gave each other massages to relieve our soreness. I was first. Jamie began massaging the backs of my legs with her feet. She called it her Thai foot massage. It actually felt really good. All of a sudden she breaks in to song singing to the beat of a song off of "Mask" with Jim Carry. "They call me Cuban Feet, I'm the queen of the Moroccan beat...." We couldn't stop laughing. The next morning one of the other hikers says to Jamie, "I don't know what you two were laughing at all evening, but you have the best laugh. It just makes me so happy."

The adventure began at the Southern Terminus Monument. The mayhem of the weeks leading up to our departure was purely fun loving insanity.

Day One- Southern Terminus- Hausier Creek- 15 miles

Hilarious Moments
1. Southern Terminus- My water-hydration bladder busted inside the fully locked and loaded backpack. I must have sub consciously wanted to leave a water cache for someone else along with my soaked clothes and sleeping bag! Not hilarious at first as years of preparation felt like a big WTF moment, but as we started hiking we both agreed it was a good lluck omen for the trail. Nothing is going to go as we planned because we can't control anything but our rides. Good thing family was there to save the day with the shirts off their backs to attempt to clear out the flood. I slept with wet things that night but we went to bed laughing.

2. Ben gun slung his gigantic pack after a rest stop and almost knocked me out while doing it! Ben is going to have to simmer down on his gun slinging.

3. Mile 10 in the middle of the hottest part of the day, we rested for lunch. Ben was enjoying his break when all of a sudden a thigh cramp hits him with a fury of a thousand suns! He starts writhing in pain and I of course bust out in pure laughter as I am trying to give him all the solutions ( non of which worked to be fair) He has mentioned several times he hopes to never experience that again.

4. Dinner was an odd conconction of garlic parmesan noodles ( which come to find out should not be stolen from your sisters pantry until you read what it takes to make it) I had no butter or milk, Ben in true Cidne fashion said " Its probably fine" added coconut oil with water and the bag of seasoned noodles. I ate a bite and pleaded for him to eat some. He took one bite and decided that was not his dinner for the night. So I ate the noodles while in the tent under a mountain glow light with the sweet smell of both of our funky pheromones. Best day ever!


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Day Two- Hausier Creek- Lake Morena 5 miles

Hilarious moments
1. I ran into the biggest snake on the trail. I immediately thought of Heather Gingras. I froze in a panic, do I use my whistle and call for assistance, but Ben would run just as fast me away from the gigantic slithering menace. So I backed up slowly and as soon as he was on the other side of the trail. I bolted like lightening!

2. My pad has officially malfunctioned and so I slept so well!

3. I used a flashlight to agitate the devils incarnate. The mosquitos were outside our safety zone of the thin layer of mesh, at least 30 blood sucking savages wanted in. I laughed at them and then we both busted out laughing by the end of this adventure they will have won the war.

We made it to California to make our final trail preparations, say good by to family, store the last of our belongings, and put Teller is his loving foster home with his Aunt Sarah.

The last of one, the first of another.

My last day of work, I clock out for the last time. We are now unemployed and turn the page to another adventurous chapter.

Me, Jamie, Tyler and our dogs took a 3-day trip to backpack and summit King's Peak, Utah's tallest peak.
11 miles in
7 mile day hike to summit
11 miles out
​29 miles total

Total miles 12 (loop)

We headed off to Mirror Lake Highway for a quick overnight backpacking trip after work. Jamie found a short, easy, and beautiful trail, Cuberant Lake. There was a meteor shower scheduled for the weekend, so we planned for an evening under the stars.

This was our first trip after our move only a few weeks before, so packing took a few minutes longer than usual but after the 2 hour drive from Salt Lake we arrived at the trailhead with both dogs (Teller and Zeus) around 6:30 PM. Perfect weather and timing as we were hiking into the neverending sunset. The skies glowed with colors for hours until the sun finally descended over the horizon.

When it comes to river crossings, small streams really, Teller and Zeus approach them completely differently and it matches their personalities. Teller sees them as an opportunity to splash, play, cool off and get a quick drink. It doesn't matter if there is a foot bridge or not, Teller is in the water playing. Now Zeus on the other hand, is terrified of getting his paws wet. He stops and analyzes the best way to cross, and starts trying out rocks and logs to see if they are stable enough. Then inches paw by paw closer to the other side. If that isn't hilarious enough, if only he thought about it, his light weight lengthy frame would have no problem jumping over a raging river of at least 6 feet. But the 2 feet wide and 6 inch deep stream is daunting.

After arriving at Cuberant lake the sun was casting long shadows across the valley. We began the hunt for a campsite. We'd passed 3 sites already full, on our way in, and could hear Boy Scouts yelling and screaming in the other side of the lake. After a few tries of darting into the woods after what looked like a camp spot we found the perfect place. It had an established fire pit with seating and pine needle bed for the tent. Luckily we could still hear the scouts hooting and hollering (closer than ever before). After a quick dinner in our tent we fell asleep.

2am our alarm goes off! This is supposed to be the peak time for the meteor shower. We get up and stare off into the sky. I think we saw all of 3 tiny meteors in almost an hour. Discouraged, back to sleep we went.

The next morning we packed up and took the scenic route back. We took the Lofty loop, past Kamas Lake, Lofty Lake, and finally Scout Lake before reaching the trailhead.

Another fun one in the books!

Overnight car camping up American Fork Canyon. So much fun! 
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Total Miles: 35 (including the wrong turn)

We needed a multiday point to point hike, where better than our own backyard with a destination that would easily keep us motivated, our favorite Mexican restaurant in Midway. After studying maps and satellite imagery we plotted out a 3 day and 40 miles backpacking adventure.

We set out early after waking our friend Kent to drive us to the Desolation trailhead halfway up Millcreek Canyon. Kent had been out late the night before, yet he rallied through the struggle and got us to our starting point. (THANK YOU KENT!)  Everything was going great and our stoke was high. A couple miles into our 12 mile trek for the day and we walk into a wall of mosquitoes. Time to get our DEET on. I spayed some on my arms and legs, and Jamie asked me to spray her down. I get her covered, except I missed the bottom sides of her arms. So I turn the can upside down to reach them. The powerful spray of a new can of Deepwoods OFF comes out with such force, it sprays past her arm and blasts her in the face. Eye balls, mouth, nostrils, all covered in Deet. Then comes the screams, followed by sneezing, tears, snot, and a string of profanities. I drop my pack, grab a bottle of water and start flushing her eyes. I'm not sure it did much more than make her shirt wet. After 15 minutes of writhing in pain, Jamie powered on and continued  through the pain. 

After a couple thousand foot climb, we reach the ridge, but then lose the trail. Looking at a poor excuse for a map on my phone, we take a guess and continue along the ridge line. Fighting the even steeper terain, loose rocks, and quickly losing the trail again, we turn around deciding this can't be the correct trail. We reach the trail again and go West instead of east. I charge ahead trying to get a better view to confirm we are where we are supposed to be. The brush is nearly 5 feet tall and Jamie can only see my head. All of a sudden she looses site of me, hears a grunt followed by a thud, and with that I'm gone. Like  a scene out of Jurassic Park, I dissapear. While charging a head I tripped on a tree root, and because of the brush I was instantly camouflaged. Other than a bruise, I also found the trail. Back at it! Lets go!

Up until now we had been shaded by the large trees surrounding us in a narrow canyon. Now hiking along the south facing side of Big Cottonwood canyon we're exposed to the hot sun. Our only water stop is Dog Lake, which is still 7+ miles away. Our thirst grew strong. Soon our water supply is getting low enough conservation is required. We keep giving water to Teller as he is suffering in the heat more than us at this point. The trail seemed to go on forever. What we thought was 10-12 miles, later turned out to be closer to 16 miles. We finally reached Dog Lake at dusk, but with still enough light to set up camp and to use our new Platypus Gravity water filter. We were so excited to get fresh water and quench our raging thirst. I first became a little worried when I filled up the dirty water bag, and I could see little swimmers in the water. "Oh well" I thought, "thats what the filter is for." After waiting for it filter, we started drinking. Although the water may be safe to drink, it did not taste like it was safe. Dog Lake has dozens of dogs swimming in it everyday, and it tasted like it! A mix of wet dog and mosquito breeding ground, but it was still water. 

The next morning came early. We awoke to mountain bikers out for a sunrise ride from a different trailhead only a few miles away. I was slow going. Nauseated and feeling quite sick. In retrospect, I think I was dehydrated. I sweated out so much on the hike, and couldn't make myself drink enough pond water to get back to normal. But we continue on!

After a few miles, on our way to Lake Desolation, we start passing a lot of mountain bikers. First a couple, then a few more, and by the time we were climbing the ridge alone the Great Western Trail, there were hundreds. I had no idea there were so many bikers! Lucky for us, they never yielded to hikers. Leaving us to jump off the trail into the weeds, whisking Teller out of the way, as they zip past flying down the mountain. Around this time, Teller was starting to limp on his front paw. We stop, take a look at it, and with all the miles, sharp rocks Teller's pads were wearing through and on the virg of bleeding. Pull out the dog first aid bootie, and get him bandaged up. Although he didn't like the boot much, he looked happier with it on. But it only took a few minutes before I realized he was limping on his rear paw too. Took a look at it and it was in bad shape too. There was no way he would be able to make the miles we had planned ahead. Looking at our map, decide we need to get him off the trail, and the nearest place is Guardsman's Pass only about 5 miles away. Calling Kent back, and explaining the situation, he volunteered to be our evac transportation. 

The battle with mountain bikers continue, but we are on our way to get Teller back home. Passing Scott Hill (a transmitter site) we know were are so close to Guardsman's. Jamie points off in the distance and asks "Is that it?" I look over and see Big Cottonwood Canyon highway. "No that's not it." looking back down at the trail and putting one foot in front of the other. Continuing along the trail where all the mountain bikers are coming from, I look on my map and verify we are going the right direction, there is only one trail on the map and although the GPS dot doesn't have us directly on the trail, its close enough. We begin our descent off the ridge. Making quick time now that we are losing elevation instead of gaining it. I check my map again. We are no longer anywhere near the marked trail. But this is such an established trail it must go somewhere, there are still dozens and dozens of mountain bikers. After nearly and hour, I catch up with Jamie who has been dancing to music and skipping down the trail. "We are lost!" I exclaim. "This is definitely the wrong trail. I think we are dropping into Park City somewhere. We missed our turn off, we were supposed to turn right at the ridge." "I thought that was the turn off." Jamie said cheerfully, obviously still singing along in her head with the song on her iphone. "Oh well, how much further can it be?" 
"Jamie! Stop it!" I said. "Stop what?" Jamie asks. "Stop dancing, singing, and skipping down the trail! This is serious! We are lost, I don't know what trail we're on. Who knows how far we have to go now? Teller is barely hanging in there. What if we have carry him down the rest of the mountain?" I am at the end of my rope as I rattle this off with much frustration in my voice. Jamie looks at me and says: "But I can't fix any of those things, so what good does it do to not have fun?" "Commiserate with me!!!" I exclaim! 

I call Kent back and let him know his services are no longer required, knowing that he had plans that night. Instead switching the mayday call to Mum and Dad to see if they are available to pick us up in what we think is going to be Park City. We continue to see pass mountain bikers as they are pedalling up him. Each time we now ask them how much further to the bottom? Everytime we get the same response. "Not far, maybe 5 miles." Encouraged by this, it should be much easier to just continue down the trail rather than try to go back up the couple thousand feet we just dropped. Now a few hours later, still hiking down these never ending switchbacks we keep getting the same mileage estimates from these bikes. "About 5 miles." WTF! I know we're not walking in circles. Afer a few more hours of this, keeping in mind that we were less than 30 minutes from our pickup before a wrong turn, we make it to paved road. Call Mum and Dad and give them directions to where we are and the come to our rescue. We are exhausted, dehydrated, and feet are so sore. And Teller made it though despite his shredded pads. 

I later mapped out our miles, and we hiked close to 20 miles on day two alone. 15 miles was our original plan before we decided to end early. 

We both learned so much about ourselves, each other, maps, and backpacking on this trip. Although a lot of difficult moments, it was still one of our best trips to date.