4-17-08 As written by another,... Hike on your own Terms. PCT Hiker Glossary- Long distance hiking has its own jargon. It makes Thru-hikers feel in, cool, different, and slightly daring, to have their own language opaque to outsiders. Here is a brief list of common terms. Any errors are mine. If you have a term that you would like listed or disagree with one of my definitions please leave a comment about it in the Guest Book. Preperation H- Getting ready and all things getting ready for your hike. Preparation H (hike) 30-30- Two consecutive 30 mile plus days. Base Weight- The weight of your pack before food and water. Bounce Box- A box containing supplies that a Thru-Hiker mails ahead to themselves from town to town. It “Bounces” from post office to post office. Cat Hole- A hole dug for burying human waste. Cowboy Camping- Sleeping out under the stars. Day Hiker- Visitor on the trail from another world, often seen carrying a huge backpack and lots of new gear and hiking short distances. Dustance- The distance necessary to be behind the hiker in front of you to stay out of the dust trail they are kicking up. Flip Flop- The practice of riding ahead and walking back, sometimes used to make an uphill section of the trail a downhill. Gear Head- A hiker that has a fascination with gear. Do you have more than three types of backpacking stoves? Be honest. Hiker Friendly- A town or business that caters to hikers. Hiker Hobble- A description of how Thru-hikers move in the morning before warming up. Hiker Midnight- 9 PM Hike Naked Day- June 21, a day for shedding clothes and getting back to nature, Poison Oak, mosquitoes and sunburn. Hiker Stampede- A group of hikers rushing toward a trail head in hopes of hitching a ride to town in time to get to a restaurant before it closes. Often started on the trail by the word “Pizza”. Hiker Trash- Affectionate moniker that Thru-Hikers use for each other. Hiker TV-A Campfire. HYOY- Hike Your Own Hike, plan and execute and enjoy the vision you have of your own hike without being influenced by others plans or opinions. Hike how is right for you. Leave No Trace or LNT- A hiking philosophy espousing the practice of hiking without leaving any trace behind. Practitioners of which, often preach this philosophy with a fervency of a religious fanatic, all the while ignoring the fact of the trail being dug, blasted, and cut through the wilderness Mail Drop- A box containing supplies that is mailed to the hiker. Nero- A very low mileage day. Almost a Zero but not quite. Off the Roll- The practice of hiking without toilet paper. See Leave No Trace. Off Trail- When a hiker leaves the trail either temporarily or permanently. PCT- Pacific Crest Trail. Posthole-Postholing- Punching through the crust of snow you were walking on top of. Gets old fast. Very tiring. Pure- Walking the entire official PCT with no alternate trails. Section Hiker- Individual who is hiking the PCT in sections as time and money allow over several years with the intent of eventually hiking the entire trail. Skin Out Weight- Weight of all the gear the hiker is carrying over their body weight including clothes, shoes, watch, etc.. Slack Pack- Hiking without most of your gear. Generally some kind person is hauling your gear to the next trailhead that you can reach in one days hiking so you only carry a minimum amount of gear in your pack. SOBO- South Bound Hiker NOBO-North Bound Hiker Stealth Camping- Camping quietly and surreptitiously in an area that camping might be forbidden in. SUL Hiker-Hiker with a less than 5 pound base weight. Ten before ten- Trying to get 10 miles of hiking in before 10 in the morning. The Hunger- The insatiable appetite that Thru-Hikers develop after several weeks on the trail. Wannabe- Someone interested in Thru-hikers and Thru-hiking. Aspires to being a Thru Hiker someday. Thru-Hiker- Hiker attempting to hike the entire PCT in one season. Trail Angel- Wonderful person who assists and aids a hiker. Trail Angeling- Going out and assisting hikers. Trail Hardened- Mental and physical condition achieved after weeks or months on trail. Tough, experienced. Trail Magic-Unexpected Food or Assistance. Serendipitous occurrence on the trail. Trail Name-Alternate name adopted and used by most hikers while on the trail. Traditionally earned and granted by other hikers but often chosen by hikers before beginning the trail in fear of being given an unflattering name. Trail Register- Book located at various points along trail that hikers sign and leave comments. UL Hiker- Hiker with a base weight of 10 pounds or less. Vitamin I- Ibuprofen Yogi- Verb “to Yogi”. The act of getting food or assistance from others. A reference to a cartoon character with a lust for other people’s picnic baskets in campgrounds, Yogi the Bear. As well as the well know hiker "YOGI" who has written books and hiked the P..T. several times- in a row! Yo-Yo- Hiking the entire trail arriving at the border and then turning around and going back down the entire trail again in the same season. Rare. Zero- A day, generally in a town when you do not hike. Zero miles.

4-7-08 Into the Wild. Just watched this great flick because it was recommended viewing by the girls at work. Danielle, Jennifer, Susan Morgan from Oregon. So if you have seen the movie then rest assured I will not eat from the wild. I may have a blueberry or 2 but mostly I will devour my dehydrated meals and packaged fish! Yum Yum. It's so close now I can hardly contain myself. I have just begun to think about the miles. People think it's an extended vacation. To them I must remind them of the miles. If I fail to cover 25+ miles everyday then the vacation is over. So I can stay on "vaca" ONLY if I hike 25 miles a day! I say it twice because it is important to understand, it's not an ideal vacation. I'd rather take my wife and kids to a distant beach in Italy,.... maybe the next big thing. I am doing this hike for lots of reasons. Raising money for the church is one of the reasons but I really thought the church would have had a bigger presence or be more involved. I originally intended to do the hike with my wife's brother who later realized he had way to much to do. I dedicate this hike to Tim! Now the hike has taken on a new life. Now I will hike alone. Now I have to prepare all kinds of things never thought of. I have made sure my clients at work are taken care of. That is no easy task. Due to some dropping off in my time of need (no names mentioned) it was a little less stressful. Making sure my wife was able to spend the summer with the kids with out any trouble from the X. If she tries anything out of the normal it's contempt! If her bankruptcy goes thru it's contempt! Sweet for me, not so good for her. Oh and here's a twist,... Jesse (my wife's friend) calls me up to say she doesn't approve of the hike! First I thought what your thinking, she's kidding right? Nope. She does NOT think it's a good idea! Well Jesse, I will not tell you how to run your house ever. I think you are a big girl and you will run it how you want. It's none of my business what goes on between you and Joey. In fact I'm proud of you two. So keep it up, just do it under your roof and not mine. Thanks for thinking of me. If you want to help Jennie at all while I'm gone, great! She will need it. Honey I love you very much. In 20, 30, 40 years or even when I get back, if you want that beach house,...then I want that beach house too. For now, I await for the trail and she waits for me.

3-30-08 Favorite journal links and hikers. Every one has a story,.... Just decided to start walking with my pack to get used to the weight. ( Thanks Danielle ) Walking to the giant Winco for more food to dehydrate sorda last min. For some reason I put off all my lunches till now! What was I thinking. As I walk/train I cross streets and intersections and get these weird looks. Strongly disagreeable looks. Like how dare you enjoy yourself when there is so much work to be down. Well if only they knew! This has got to be one of my favorite journal entries:http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=222443 Here it is plagiarized and written by Suzanne Finney The question I get asked the most is what I am carrying to ward off other people's fears. I’ve been variously counseled to carry Spot (a GPS-based transmitter of your location), a GPS (for route finding) and a gun (not clear if this is to use on animals or people). These are all good ideas – for them. For me this is a journey of stripping away what isn’t necessary. Water, food, shelter and matches are my necessities. Everyone’s needs and wants are different. My gear list only includes items that I plan to use. I’ve lived long enough to know that anything can happen at any time to anyone so I’m not in denial. The reality is that I could get lost, get hurt or be killed a million different ways. But that’s not my plan. There was a time that I flew broken airplanes for a living. It sounds high-risk but it really wasn’t. Before each flight, I assessed the possibilities and made plans to deal with them. Airplanes are predictable. They obey the laws of physics. One of the Five Hazardous Attitudes for pilots is invulnerability – “It can’t happen to me”. I knew it could happen to me so I always had a plan to deal with it when it did. I’m approaching this hike the same way. I can’t plan for every danger, but I can be aware, pay attention, hopefully make smart decisions, and take good care of myself. Really, I feel more at risk riding my bicycle on the Michigan roads. If the mountain lion crouches and leaps, I will probably wish I’d taken that gun. If I am lying alone with broken bones and no food or water, I will wish I had Spot. If I come upon signs saying “Grand Canyon 45 miles” I will wish I’d had a GPS. It could all happen. (Well, hopefully not the last one unless I forget to look up from the trail every once in a while.) My plan instead is to be grateful for the chance to see a mountain lion in the wild, to walk carefully and with awareness, and to use my map and compass. Even so, there is an element of luck in survival. I am willing to take that chance because it makes me feel alive. -Suzanne Finney/Tailwinds

3-30-08 Links and hikers. Man it's close now! Things are falling into place. So weight gain. I decided after reading lots of journals on trailjournals.com that the average person looses 20 lbs. by the end of the trail. I didn't really have 20 extra lbs to loose! So I put 20 lbs on ahead of time.BEFORE the weight gain (click here) and after the weight gain is to the left there. Scary I know. With only a few weeks remaining it's now time to start training the leg muscles, arms and the core. Must improve the core! My pack weight has grown and shrunk more times then I care to count. It sits at 23 lbs with out water. This includes everything! Every thing for the entire hike. I will clearly reduce it again because the rain gear is not needed in the desert. My tent is light so I'll take it all the way. As with my stove. Here's where I could loose some gear weight in the bedroom! I am taking with me 2 different sleep systems. I will use an insulated air mat for comfort and the Thermarest Sleep Pad. Plus a sleep bag made from COTTON! I know. I know. Everyone keeps telling me its bad to use cotton. Well it feels like home inside the warm padded cozy cotton lined bag. It might get wet and change everything down the road but, I can ditch it later. I am one who has to have a sheet on me at night so if the weather is great then PERFECT! If its really hot I will just use the sheet and the pads. If its really cold well then,.. all of it will be nice too. On another note, I have spent some time online creating a list of other hikers set to thru hike the PCT. A long list. Meeting people along the way is the best part of doing anything new with new people. I can't wait to meet them. There is this guy Paul who is hiking on behalf of his daughter who was an avid hiker before her untimely death. He will find his answers along the trail. Another hiker named "WindBreaker" who is (I think) the first person besides me painting their boxes! Mine are different but painted none the less! Also I have met SierraShade a.k.a. rodjava who is the first person to create the stickpic. This is like my own idea but way better made. Also there is a guy with his own website called oldmanwalking.net I will be watching his journal even as I go. And then there is Dirt Diva! Holy smokes she is wild! You have got to check her myspace too. This girl is gunna break records this year. She will start way after most people and finish way before most! I won't be faster then her but because I start earlier I may finish just before her. Maybe I will meet her at the northern terminus.Either way she plans to be the first lady to make a record timing hike. There are lots of people I'd like to mention here but I will have to pace myself and bring attention to them later in journals yet to come. I hope to photograph as many hikers as my camera will hold. My dad as I mentioned earlier will be hiking the first 20 miles with me and he will also be posting the journal. I will write on the trail as I go then mail the journals to him. He will post them as he is able! Provided of course he receives them. I mean if I run out of toilet paper I might have to,.... never mind. I have to keep everyone updated at work, home and the local watering hole. Susan, if your reading this,... when's my going away party? Everyone knows you can give the best going away parties ever!

2-18-08 This writing about your author is getting easier. Shipping and gear? Shipping has been a big question to some of you. Today's journal entry will be an attempt to clear things up for anyone who might have questions regarding ALL facets of the shipping of food and/or CASH! (hint) O.K. so here it goes. I will need food for about 4 months during this journey. Obviously I can NOT carry all the food needed so I will send food to different locations along the way. (see the shipping page using the menu to the left) My loving , patient and ever so perfect wife will send me the packages so they arrive just days beforeI do. Each package will contain the necessary food for the next stretch of trail. For example: If there will be a 8 day stretch before the next resupply then I will need a package predesigned for 8 days worth of food. If anyone cares to send anything to me while on the trail I would really enjoy it no matter what it is. After reading other logs about other people receiving mail along the trail, it has come to my attention that cookies rank the highest overall. Next in position 2 are,... more cookies! Really I would like to hear from you! Yes I would really prefer to hear from you. I want letters. Notes of encouragement, stories about your summer, even pictures if your so inclined! With the digital era you can send paper copies of your favorite photo and if you want I can leave your photo for others to enjoy along the trail or I can take you with me to the top of mt. Whitney! Just tell me what you want to do, but PLEASE, PLEASE send me your letters. Then cookies. Some of you asked about gear. There are some areas on the trail where different types of gear are needed. Some items will be sent back home when they are broken, useless, heavy or just not necessary. Jennie will send needed items to check points as they become useful for my survival. Usually the next question is: "What about snow?" and this is a VERY REAL possibility. In recent years other hikers have had to contend against the snow. The trail was covered in 2 feet of snow in one log I read. If the trail is snow free then the rivers that need crossing will be higher and more dangerous. Can I ship myself a blowup boat? Hummm ...?

2-10-08 70 days left! It's sneaking up so quick. Let me give you some new information- Soon I will provide an "Info" link to an official site that maintains a ton of information. More here then I care to type so check it out. Definitely see the elevation charts! Look for the new link on the "Weather" tab over there to the left. Then under the shipping address you will find the link. I will get them all up soon. Also recently someone is trying to hack the guestbook! Placing ads on the page. It's weird but people are weird creatures. So the following changes had to be made- Back to typing the verification code in the box. I removed it for a while and WAM! SPAM! So I am sorry for the code but it stays. So all those people last week who tried to sign it,....sorry. Want to try again? Please. Packed and ready to go. Just waiting on the weather. The snow could potentially melt too fast making fording very difficult alone. There is a good chance I will get injured along the way. I like the guy in the video on the "Videos" page who says, "If I hadn't gotten across that creek like I did,.. I'd be dead. Simple as that,...I'd be dead." I do not want to die. I will cross where it's safe and I have a secret weapon. Angels. I have angels going on the hike with me, watching me, protecting me, keeping me safe. Sponsors! To all my sponsors I want to thank you for your trades and/or gifts. I hope to make you proud. Any T.V. or radio I will mention you all. Still looking for sponsorship, so if I can help your business feel free to contact me at To those who donated to the church, your gifts will help the kids and may soon help more than just the teens. Kids church I hope will be blessed too. I will talk to the people in charge to find out what the need is there. There is still a great need for gifts that only you can help with. If you have always wanted to be a part of something good, this is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of kids who need it. Some kids will NOT have a chance like this ever again to be a part of this kind of fun. If you feel a calling, or are eager to help, want to help anonymously you can just call 245-2612. Tell them you found them from traildude.com and you would like to help. They will know best how to apply your support. Every little bit will help and thank you in advance for your help.

1-30-08 As the days near my departure date I get strange pains in strange places. My best guess is it's mental. Physically I feel great. Even after 3 big falls on the ice recently. Takes a licken and keeps on ticken. Everything is in order with morgage, rentals, cars, insurance, and maintnance on eveything. Two potential hazards remaining still. Clients and X-wife. Clients have been dropping like flies as they worry about their needs. Some have decided to abandon me early, before I even leave, cutting my income in half. Side effect I did NOT count on. I'll live. X-wife is upset I'll be gone too. Not sure what it has to do with her. Legally I have taken care of all the aspects she can think of. Left the courts notice of stay (just in case) and I'll be back before any legal actions will be finished and/or filed. Oh yea if your (X-wife) reading along, relax and do something good for yourself before you worry about us. If you still cranky then call your family before you call us. If that doesn't work,... seek the help of a professional. Now I've spent too much time on her already so the hike,... Something like 12 disposable cameras, 240 power bars, 20 pairs of socks, 60 M.R.E.s, 60 or so Liptons dinners,4 gallons of fuel, 3 video camera batteries, 2 different charges, permits for Ca., Or., Wa., fire permits, Canadian border passes, bus tickets, Amtrack tickets, shipping labels, boxes, packing material, fundraising, sponsorships ummm I'm sure I left alot out but it's an awful lot to think about! Jennie my wife will be in contact very often at each stop of the way and we will mail each other back and forth. We will use carved into my poles phonecard numbers. My father will be handeling the website. Jennie will postal mail me all of your emails. (thank you for the support you've given already. To the Table Rock Members, keep me safe with your prayers. To my close friends, I see you when I get back and miss you while I'm gone. To my family (that includes you of course girls) I love you dearly and thank you for you help.

1-1-08 so here it is finally,who really likes to sit down and write a letter about them selves? Not sure where to start. From moving to Oregon 16 years ago till present Oregon has been about change for me. Marriage. Kids. Divorce. Turning 21. Not all in that order but, changes, big changes. I decided to quit smoking a few years ago on Valentines day for my wife Jennie. She was always on me to quit so I did. Then a few months later I relized how hard it was going to be. I had what felt like free time. All the time. So keeping with the theme, I begain to look for another change and looked at fitness. Soon after checking out a few different things I started running. Not jogging,... running! Then heard that there are short running races here in the Rouge Valley anyone could enter. So I did. Entering any and all the races I could sqeeze into my schedule I ran some 20 races in no time. Then in June or July sometime I ran my first 1/2 marathon and did suprisingly well. Under 2 hours! After that I was hooked. I ran as many races and 1/2 marathons as possible. Again change was happening to me. 26.2 miles. No problem. In fact I'll do 4 of them before a year goes by. So I did. I ran the Portland marathon, the Las Vegas marathon, the Big Sur marathon, and Portland again. All decent times but not under 4 hours.Yet. While resting up after a training run my brother-law mentioned another change. The P.C.T. . What's the PCT? The Pacific Crest Trail. Oh sure that PCT. Um what's the Pacific Crest Trail? 2663 miles of trail. I asked my brother in-law, "You wanna run it?" While some have run the PCT, I will not. Yet. Hiking it sounds like a better idea. So set in motion was this great adventure to hike the entire PCT in a single season. Talking with some people at my church Ifound there was a need. I will try to raise money for the teens at the church so they can do a mission trip. Why not? Now i'm thinking there could be others who could use this hike to raise money. So I built this web site www.traildude.com where I hope to encourage others, motivate other runners and hikers to follow along on the journey this summer. I want others to meet me on the trail and hike for a day, week, month or what ever they feel like. Looking for sponsors for shoes (Mizuno trail runners) like the Rouge Runners shoe store in Ashland. The Outdoor store (Super light weight jacket) also in Ashland. The trail goes right past Mt. Ashland and for a publicity thing I could do a live interview in front of their store sometime in July 08 then head out to the trail with anyone else who might want to try a hike. They will need stuff from a local store. Hint, Hint. I will do the hike no matter what but it would be nice if other people could benifit from it. So that's kinda the story in a nut shell, brendon/canyon (trail names)