In a world of so many great photographers and writers, I am venturing into some unknown territories, leaving comfort zones, finally very willing to practice the art of seeing. By maintaining the practice of posting daily photos, I hope to continue learning about the possibilities that I trust are out there for the taking.
A few posts back I mentioned “trail” names in the March 19th blog entry. I couldn’t remember how my trail buddies, Yogi and Cupcake, got their trail names. I wrote to both of them asking if they wouldn’t mind sharing with me how they got their trail names.
Yogi wrote:
It took me a while to find it, but here it is — from my 1999 AT TrailJournal:
That reminds me, I have a trail name now. After having vetoed several names (sniffles, rainbow, gypsy, pink lady, hopalong, Forest Gimp, midnight, sprite), I agreed on YOGI. You see, I’m very good at yogi-ing food, water, rides, etc. Yesterday, while we were trapped in the shelter by the rain, I got a powerbar from the boy scouts (it was gross, but I ate it), an orange from the dad, candy bars from 2 spring breakers, filtered water from Tim, and a banana from freaky Auntie. Today, I got another banana and the PBJ sandwich from freaky Auntie, sun-dried peaches from 2 kids staying here at Silers Bald Shelter, AND an entire days’ food from a thru- hiker named Pat (pop tarts, sausage/cheese, mac-n-cheese dinner). Pat gave me the entire days’ food because I’m now short a day of food, due to my short day yesterday. So, I’m now YOGI.
If you or anyone is interested in doing a section or thru-hike of the PCT, visit PCThandbook website. Yogi loves data. She’s good at recording and remembering data. She knows the PCT like the back of her hand.
Gottago and Yogi on the PCT trail '03 (under snow) in the San Jacinto Mountain range.
Our campsite the night before, just as it began to snow on us.
Awsome pictures Linda, I never know what its like for you until I get to see the pictures and actually see what kinds of weather you are dealing with. Wasn’t it cold in shorts?????
No it wasn’t cold in shorts. Carrying a backpack and hiking in altitude (maybe 9000 to 9500 feet, generates a lot of heat). Yogi must have been really warm because she doesn’t go sleeveless unless she’s really hot.
Linda,
I love your site and have followed Gottago on Trailjournals for many years. Trailjournals is just the ticket for those who have more traditional places in life (raising teenagers) and thus need to thru hike vicariously. I have done about 1/4 of the AT having grown up in Maine and lived, make that existed in New Jersey (read drop bike at trailhead drive to other trailhead hike to bike then ride back to car so as to do the AT from Water Gap to Bear River Bridge). I took a group of Scouts to Philmont last summer and we have a permit to do Cottonwood Pass to Whitney and back in August. I am back to doing at least one week in the backcountry each year.
Brea CA
Hi Dave,
How nice of you to leave a comment and let me know you’ve been following me here and on trailjournals. I usually never know if anyone even reads what I write, so I appreciate you making me feel special.
I’m envious of your Sierra backpack. The scouts must love you.
Glad to hear you are making a commitment to getting out in the backcountry each year. My husband knows I have to get out “there” too.
Good hiking to you.
Gottago