BackpackingLight sponsored a father/daughter team on their PCT thru-hike in the summer of 2011. To get the full skinny on what a dynamic duo they are, read their first installment of adventure, Eleven Years Old on the PCT, then their second, We're Going to Disneyland!
You may remember from our last article that we had just completed the first 700 miles of the PCT in the Mojave Desert. Everything about our experience in the Sierra Mountains was so different that you may find yourself checking our names from our last article to verify that this is the same story. The desert was such easy walking and even had ideal sunny-yet-cool weather conditions. We often found ourselves ahead of schedule and had extra time and energy each day to enjoy other forms of recreation in town or camp. You are about to hear a very kind of different tale from the mighty and wild Sierra Mountains.
I hiked the entire Sierra in 2010. Many were referring to that season as one of the highest snow years ever in the Sierra along the PCT. Everyone was telling us that no thru-hiker had ever seen more difficult trail conditions. I remember struggling through snow and high water 5 to 6 miles either side of the high passes. Once through the difficulties, I was able to enjoy the serenity these mountains offered. I had never before seen such rare and vast beauty! I was amazed by the 14,000-foot peaks, the endless alpine lakes, and the exotic trees. I told everyone later that the Sierra was the best but most difficult part of my hike. I looked forward to returning this year to share it with Sunshine. Stories of high snow were already swirling around Kick Off, and I remember telling Sunshine not to worry because I had heard it all before. I referred to it as "fear mongering." Shortly after leaving Kennedy Meadows, we began running into snow in unbelievably low elevations. I tried referencing the previous year's conditions so I had a comparison. When I realized that we were seeing snow 50 miles sooner and 2,000 feet in elevation lower, I knew this would not be easy. Please keep in mind as you read these accounts that Sunshine was never placed in any danger that we could not control. Nor did we take any undue risks with her safety. I have been mountaineering and long distance hiking for many years and am competent in all these skills. After hiking the Sierra last year, I knew that with some care and attention to detail, I could safely guide my daughter through. Also, even though I mention great hardship, we had a blast the entire time.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- We're Not in the Desert Any More
- Food
- Snow and Ice
- River Crossings
- More Injuries?
- Better Days Ahead
- The Sierra in Sunshine's Words
# WORDS: 3930
# PHOTOS: 18
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Companion forum thread to:
Sunshine in the Sierra
Absulutely awesome article Balls! Very inspiring!
My favorite lines
"I'm not flip flopping Dad!" Sounds like she should run for office next.. just kidding. Did she even know the double meaning there when she said that?
"two starburst injuries"
Love how you captured the "family humor" of fun things kids say.
I really enjoyed the article even though I followed your journal!
Just for the record–I was privileged to meet these two intrepid hikers at the end of their journey. They are both wonderful people!
I have enjoyed your articles here as well as your journal. I also enjoyed meeting up with you just north of Olallie Resort in Oregon.
Really appreciate the posts. Very good read. Sunshine, because of her adventure, will be one young lady who will be prepared for anything in life!
Mountain Education trains hikers to safely anticipate and deal with all these extremes of hiking. We have been doing this for PCT/CDT hikers and general wilderness users since 1982 and have read many trail journals about thier joys and trials. This account is one of the best we have ever read!
For all who desire to enter the high country before the snowpack melts, what you read and saw, here, is what you will need to prepare for. This is typical of the conditions at that time of year and shows what we like to call, "The Reality of the Trail." It is not easy. You will eat twice the usual amount of food while only covering half your desired trail miles per day. The creeks are bad. The climbs can be dangerous. The glissades are glorious, but you've got to know what you're doing.
Learning what these conditions are really like the year before you do the trail will show you what to prepare for, what skills you need to learn to get through it, and help keep you safe and happy once you start your dream hike. Take it seriously. We teach in the snow from January through July and these videos included in this article show conditions and skills typical of what you will have to do on a daily basis on the PCT north of Kennedy Meadows and all the way to Donner Pass (after winters like the last two…and this one coming up).
It doesn't matter where you get your experience and skills practice, just get it! Local Junior Colleges, Community Colleges, State Colleges, Universities, and Mountain Shops may have courses which will teach you how to do the requisite skills to be safe. The Sierra has a stable, spring snowpack that is consolidated and firm, especially in the morning, but it has its dangers like post-holing, slip-and-falls, steep traverses, tree navigation, and much more. From our perspective, teaching along the PCT from Tahoe south, you should get a taste of these spring conditions in the high sierra along the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trails the year before your thru hike so you will know how to prepare for it.
Great documentation, guys! Now, post to the pct-l to help others know what you had to do and what the next class of thrus needs to prepare for. See you at the Kickoff!
What a wonderful account ! Thanks so much for sharing. God bless you both. Charlie.
Thanks for sharing, it was enjoyable read. One note though, The California/Oregon border is actually a state line not a border. No Fences or Guards.
Enjoyed the read. And reading and seeing Wired. I followed her journal and it was awesome.
Balls and Sunshine. Great going. Can't wait to start reading about your 2012 journey.
Skippy would be so proud of you guys!
Seriously, you guys are amazing, and I'm so proud to have shared the trail with you this summer :) Bunches of sweet memories tied in with your entire family.
Great story, great photos!
I was impressed by your article, I found it had a good balance of quantitative information such what gear you used, the miles that you hiked each day, and information about the Sierra; and the qualitative information too, such as the people that you met on the trail, and the events that transpired. The photos are interesting too, I'm sure that Skippy is looking down on us right now with a grin on its face.
-Jesse
I love the article. I've been hoping to see this for a while. I met these two a few times. One of those times was at a trail angel's house next to the trail. There were lots of people there, but Sunshine was the only one with the energy to get up and play horseshoes. Everyone else either sat the whole time or getting up to use the bathroom or get water.
I am going to show this to my daughter tonight. I would love to do this with my daughter. Your daughter is so skilled now! It is amazing. I know those peaks would have scared me some, especially with all of the snow. One more word… WOW!
Wow, what a great story. I had the privilage of hiking the AT in '98 with my youngest daugher who was 19 at the time. You will alway cherish the memory.
What a great story. You are an inspiration on how to raise a family and enjoy life. Thanks for sharing.
Fantastic journal and photography! Can you please provide the dates you did the JMT portion of the hike?
Thanks!
Roleigh
p.s. I see the link to your Journal, I see the dates are June 16-July 6, 2011.
Awesome report;
I was out in the Sierra in 2010 and 2011… I can relate to your good memories there. I was more concerned by the countless stream crossings than all of the snow. There were several fatalities (mostly in Yosemite) when folks underestimated the currents. I'm thinking about a safety line with a grab-hook next time I go out there under the same conditions.
Congratulations!!
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