Welcome

We are currently on another long distance hike, and the third leg of our "triple crown", the Continental Divide Trail (the "CDT"). Come along with us if you can - if not in person then by following our grand adventure via our "posts from the trail".  Check out our Flickr Photos, which we'll update periodically, and see it through our eyes!

Our Credo...

"Success: To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!" ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sunday – April 25

The noise from previous years hikers partying into the night made sleep come slowly last night. But the cries of the neighbor’s peacock was an early wakeup call. The kick off breakfast and goodbyes after were a tearful send off, leaving behind friends new and old.

Full of bacon, eggs, hasbrowns and leftover Ceaser Salad, we were well fueled for a fast paced morning hike. Despite our fairly late, 8:30 ish start we made good time and covered the almost 22 miles to the Burnt Rancheria campground on top of Mt Laguna by 6pm. We stayed in the same site that my dad and I used in ’94, only this time the campground is open, the water turnd on and there are 15 to 29 other hikers in several neary sites.

On the trail today we encountered or knew of at least 50 other thru hikers who all left Lake Morena this morning, as well as one video crew, a ten person trail crew and a half dozen day hikers. The PCT is no longer unknown.

The incredible display of wildflowers continues, with stunning Ceonothus, Mariposa Lillies, Desert Indain Paintbrush, and many many more. Of course all the blooms bring birds and we saw swallows, thrushes, and others to quick to be sure. At one point five Acorn wodpeckers descended on a stand of several snags.

I was also amazed by how much I remembered of the trail. Many bends and switchbacks brought familiar scenes.

The Carrot developed a leg rash similar to the one she had sometimes on the AT. We’re not sure if its a reaction to some plant, the heat or an allergy from hiking with me (of course not). Stoic as always she doesn’t really complain.

The pack is riding nice, and I notice the difference with hiking when there is only 20 to 25 pounds. So much lighter and esier to make the miles.

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Clicking on any of these photos will take you to that specific photo on our Flickr Stream, where you can view these and many, many more photos from our latest adventure....or use this shortcut to all photos.....we hope you enjoy them!

People Shots

CDT20101_NMWCWMCDT2010_TheTrailCDT2010_NMWC-1Carrot After a Trail BathCarrot Stream Crossing #3,768Carrot on the Trail stillCarrot takes a Trail BathCarrot Stream Crossing #5.875Carrot on the TrailCliff Dwelling SignCarrot takes a PhotoCarrot Stream Crossing # 2,115

Scenic Shots

CDT2010-valleyCDT2010_yellowflowersCarrot on the Trail 3ScenicPotty BreakScenicCliff Dwelling Stream Vast DesertPrickly Pear 2Prickly PearPlateau at Sunset

Flora & Fauna

CDT2010_treesCDT2010_yellowflowersCDT2010-purpleflowersAngry MarmotFlora 3FloraBeaverButterfly 2FloraButterfly