Gottago's 2002 PCT Journal

4-24-02: “Yes, I will be backpacking from the U.S./Mexican border, along the Pacific Crest Trail, all the way to Manning Park, Canada. That is my plan. But right now, at this very moment, that sounds insane!”

4-30-02: “Hiking today was long, very long. I can’t believe I’m doing the kind of mileage I am.”

5-8-02: “I liked being alone this morning when I got up. It was warmish for a change. There was no wind. I got to see another beautiful sunrise…. As I am now eating my breakfast, a hummingbird flew right up in front of my face – one foot away. He looked at me and flew off. Wow! Just another special moment.

6-9-02: “When I had to cross snowfields where the slope was steep, I really focused. I kept wondering why I was out here doing what I was doing?! I’d think, “What is a 57 year old woman, without a lot of snow skill and NO snow equipment……….doing out here on this snowy mountain?”

7-13-02: “While walking through some high population mosquito territory, and grumbling to myself, one of my grumbles startled a bear cub, maybe 50’ away on the trail. As I looked up from swatting critters, I got to see the cub turn and run off. I didn’t stop to look for Mama. I picked up my pace fearing the cub might have given Mama Bear the impression that I was after the cub. I was thrilled though. It made my day….Well, it was the highlight of my day, until I sat on a snake!”

8-31-02: “I’ve noticed a decline in my energy lately. I don’t know whether it’s because my body is getting weaker or that these last three sections are that much harder….. I keep thinking “How much longer can I do this”? I want the hike to be over, but I don’t want to leave the trail. I go back and forth thinking about how great I’ll feel at the end of the hike when I reach the monument, and then I get thinking I won’t be hiking any more once I reach the U.S./Canadian border.”

Skykomish, Washington to Manning Park, Canada and hiking a skipped section from South Lake Tahoe to Sierra City.

9-7-02: “We arrived at the Lodge to find that there were no rooms. Oh, my heart dropped. I wanted a room! I wasn’t going to take “no” for an answer. I would have slept on the floor in the store and paid a room rate. I just wanted to be warm. The man behind the counter asked if I was Linda Jeffers. He said he had a note for me. Yogi had a room and left a key for me. Thank you Yogi! Bob and I slept in her room, as did Dewey, Baja Dave, Mags, Sam I am, and Ivan. Eight of us in one large room…….It was so much fun!”