One of the unexpected joys of this long distance hiking adventure is how much Jean, aka Mrs. Scarf, has been integrated into the experience. She is well known and much beloved by all the hikers we’ve interacted with. In addition to keeping the home front and this blog running smoothly, she spent the last five weeks physically training to join me in the High Sierra, and boy did that training pay off. With confidence and persistence she joined Peter Starkweather and myself and climbed up and over the imposing 11,760 foot Kersarge pass, impressing the heck out of us. Once clear of the pass, we enjoyed spectacular views of Bullfrog lake and the surrounding granite spires. Sauntering down to Charolette Lake, we set up camp and enjoyed watching Peter fly fish with his high tech Japanese ultralight trout rig. The nights were chilly!
As much as I enjoyed the time with Jean and Peter, my hiking mojo was being severely tested. Thoughts of quitting the PCT were frequent. I was feeling tired, physically and mentally, in fact exhausted would be a better word. The foot pain I had just endured for weeks was still fresh in my mind, and I was dreading the next section of trail, and the technical snow and ice travel involved. Stories of a hiker being rescued from Mather Pass after breaking a leg on steep ice were circulating. On our way out of the Sierra, up and over Kersarge pass again, I decided to test myself and my feet, and went down the mountain at my full hiking speed, pounding my feet. This would be the test to see if my body could continue. All seemed well. Next, the mental part. After overcoming the self-imposed macho self loathing of skipping a section of trail, I decided I’m going to take a bus north to Bridgeport, CA and rejoin the PCT at Sonora Pass, giving my feet and body an extra 2 days of rest. I credit Jean and Peter for their support, advice, and guidance. Spending 3 days with them was just the medicine I needed to recharge the batteries and restore my mojo.
The Sierra I’ve seen has been spectacular. Despite huffing and puffing at 10,000 feet of elevation with a heavy pack, the brilliant forests, cold, clear springs and stunning views are invigorating, amazing, awe inspiring and other such adjectives. So much beauty, so impossible to describe with words. Now the grand granite towers of the Sierra Nevada are slowly being replaced with the approach to Lake Tahoe, Mt. Shasta, and points North. 1,600 miles and 2.5 months to go. Let’s do this.
Love you all,
~ Scarf
Glad you’re enjoying our backyard, Kyle. The Sierras, Lake Tahoe and all the smaller lakes surrounding keep us infinitely entertained and challenged. The vistas are breathtaking.
Enjoying your prose, my man! I posted at other date but I hiked in that area as a kid, I forgot until now. Yes, amazing pristine beauty and perfectly clear water.
A vicarious journey, your suffering is not for naught!! So happy to read all these posts- and so happy that Jean and Peter made it up the hike so well! What an adventure! Keep it coming, and keep those feet dry and happy. Love to you!!
Love reading your updates! Thought Kyle was a inspiration but Jean you are a freaking idol!!! Go you!! Can’t wait to read/hear more!! ❤️
I’m SO enjoying the posts from each of you and I pray for you many times a day because I think of you so often!
I’m so proud to call all 3 of you friends. Jean so proud you made it. Pete support is your middle name. Kyle still think your crazy. Best of luck on your crazy adventure we have u in our prayers and thoughts. You all amaze me.
Hello loves,
I am very impressed, but not at all surprised by Jean Jean’s prowess. And yours too, Pete and Kyle.
Cannot wait to congratulate you when you finish.
ooxx
L
As always very impressed! Risk taking is good but you have to be ready for it from all the aspects you wrote. Take the needed break and get yourself prepared for the next and following adventures. Jean’s reports and your follow up writing keeps me feeling like I’m there. You have so much support at home, I wish you well and look forward to the day when we can talk about the experience! Steady pace, wish you well!
Way to go Jean jean…u r a tough washington chick 🙂
Thanks Pete! It was awesome – and hard – and I gained an even bigger respect for what thru-hikers do on a daily basis. Thanks for following us and the encouragement! xo
She was so damned impressive. PCT 2019 Jean? Would LOVE to support you!
No way…Boulder City couldn’t live without her that long!
Ha ha ha ha ha. Haaaa ha ha ha ha! Ha. No.
Way to go brother Scarf!! There is no win or loss in your journey…just the peace you find and gratification of doing your best. We are all proud of you regardless of the outcome…and we love you!!!