It’s not a shock to anyone the trail can be perilous, and people do lose their lives hiking the PCT. Last year I believe five souls perished for a variety of reasons. But beyond the obvious are some unusual challenges, and we’re thinking each year is different. Here’s a run-down of some of this year’s special treats so far for hikers!

First, a bit of logistics though – The PCT Water Report is the lifeline that every single hiker follows and share religiously. It’s one of the most important trail resources to have and a big thanks to who runs this! When you visit the site you’ll see a series of pdf. reports that are updated daily with live hiker information on – water, of course – but also other trail hazards. A sample here:

As hikers go through they email updates to the admin and they put those out for all to see in as close to real-time what your water situation looks like for the days ahead.

But beyond that, here’s an example of a different problem – a hive of bees that are unfortunately situated in a spot that can literally cause you to run off a cliff in order to avoid them! Kyle was stung on the ear (the one that doesn’t feel anything) and didn’t even realize it for days. Here’s the report:

Oh, and if you weren’t having enough fun yet, after you’ve gotten yourself down the mountain and survived the ‘hive of death’, then oh joy – there’s a band of feral roving pit bulls to make your day!

Lastly, is a fun thing called the Poodle-Dog Bush that is like your worst imaginable case of Poison Oak on steroids. It’s put folks in the hospital for weeks apparently. This notice is for hikers in the areas that Kyle is in now, and for the next several hundred miles. In what is also a sort of cruel joke of nature is that apparently this plant smells a bit like marijuana.

That’s all for now. Tomorrow, May 10th (or possibly the 11th) Kyle is due to arrive at Acton, CA at the KOA Campground there which is a popular spot for them to receive new boxes of supplies and take a break. He’ll be at mile 444 then. More later!