One year ago today I completed the first 750 miles of the PCT, from Campo on the Mexican Border
to Chicken Spring Lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains (750 trail miles north)
In September, I returned and hiked the next 100 miles (plus) to exit at Bishop Pass, bagging Mt. Whitney on the way
Ever since I’ve been planning my return to finish the Pacific Crest Trail. I have completed the sections from Mexico to South Lake Tahoe. On Sunday, May 20th I start my three and one half month hike from Lake Tahoe to Canada, a 1,600 Mile journey.
I’ve learned a lot from my previous trips. I have shaved pounds off my my pack weight: I now have a “base weight” (backpack weight without food, water or fuel) of just over 20 pounds. That means for a 5-day stretch with food and water my pack will weigh about 30 pounds. Not bad at all! Here’s my gear (I forgot the sleeping bag in this photo).
There are a lot more food resupply points on this trail segment as compared to last year. This year I will be starting my hike stove-less: no hot meals on the trail. I’ve found that snacking seems to work better for me. My plan is to purchase food at stores along the way at 9 places, and mail packages to Post Offices (General Delivery) for the rest. Half of those will be mailed from home by my wife Liz (thank you!) and the rest I will mail to myself from somewhere on the trail that has a good supermarket.
I’m both excited and a bit nervous: the late season snows in the Sierras are still going on, so I’ll be dealing with that (stay tuned!), then I may find myself re-routing to avoid summer fire closures…
I’ll be updating this blog along the way, so please follow along! Feel free to post questions and comments !
Thanks for reading!
Dale's Pacific Crest Trail hike -- 2019 
Sounds like you’ve got things well organized and under control! Nice to hear from someone eating the elephant! Be safe!
BTW: Long shot here but do you know Scott Stillinger (Koosh Ball inventor) who lives in Monte Sereno???
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I do not know Scott – is he on the PCT this year?
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That’s a really long way. You know you can fly there. That’s a cool stencil.
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I am guessing “break a leg” is NOT the right things to say. Good luck and have a blast! Thanks for sharing the adventure with us. 🙂
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Dale this is amazing!! I’m so excited for you to start! I’ll be quite a ways behind you but maybe close to Canada I’ll run into you!! I’ll be following along. I’m at Agua Fulce right now!
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David, I do hope we get a chance to meet up – have a blast in the Sierras!
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Good luck Dale! Happy to see your post – was wondering if ou will.
Good thing you’ve done the snow camping seminar (where we met)!
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Wow! Such an inspiration! I’ll be following your journey! You got this! Still hoping to do this one day when my kids are grown!
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Awesome sauce Dale. Say hi to Yogi!
Good luck and stay safe
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GOOD LUCK, DALE!!!!!! OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU!!!!!
KATIE & JEFF
ps: your looking fit
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GOOD LUCK, DALE!!!!!! OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU!!!!!
ps: your looking fit
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Happy Trails!
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Dale, have a blast! We’ll be following your progress!
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Hello Dale. I wish you a good hike. Not too much snow, how about last year. I have longing for the PCT. Gruss aus der Schweiz. Medic
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I wish there was less snow! We got a late winter this year!
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