In 1994, just before I turned 60, a hiker friend of mine called and said that she was turning 50 the following year and was planning to backpack the Oregon stretch of the P.C.T. She asked if I’d be interested in doing a portion of it with her. I thought for about 10 seconds and replied, "How about if I do it all with you?" Although I was an avid outdoors person I had never hiked for more than a week at a time. I had, however, run a number of marathons and was in very good shape. The lure of distance had always intrigued me. "Why not?" I thought.

In August of 1995 we set off from Crater Lake headed for the Columbia River, some 300 miles north. Being novices at long-distance hiking we figured on an average of about 10 miles a day (a nearly month-long endeavor). Personally, I encountered no problems along the way, but my friend was not so fortunate. She suffered major boot problems as well as stove problems (a mal-functioning stove is a real pain). By the time we reached our last re-supply point near Mt. Hood she bailed out. This left me alone to finish the final 54 miles. I was not a happy camper. My main concern was crossing the fast-flowing creeks coursing down from Mt. Hood on my own (water crossings would always be my biggest challenge along the trail). Obviously, I made it to the Columbia and came out with a tremendous feeling of accomplishment.

At some point during that first segment I began to think about doing more of the P.C.T. and eventually came up with the idea of doing it all over a 10-year span. The more I thought about it, the more appealing it became. And so began the odyssey. I didn’t hike the trail in geographical order, but hop-scotched along it depending on support. The logistics of planning are just as important as the actual hiking – mainly, getting drives to and from trailheads and help with resupplies. This involved the invaluable help of family, friends, and the indispensable "trail angels" along the way. I did not know about trail angels when I started, but I soon learned about their selfless assistance. These are the folks who lug in water to out-of-the way trail-crossings or invite you to spend the night at their home for a little R & R.

The majority of the time I was on my own which was very satisfying. I loved the feeling of self-sufficiency. However, meeting other hikers along the way and sharing a few words was always a great treat. I especially loved the times when my schedule coincided with the majority of the through-hikers on their way to Canada. I so admired their strength and determination, and it was great fun to add their trail names to my journal. For the record, my trail name is T.O.B. (Tough Old Broad).

Aside from some dehydration in the desert and some "hairy" water crossings, I had only one major "incident" during my 10-year quest – when a bear got my food in the Sierras. Knowing the proclivity of bears in the area, I had dutifully rented a bear canister [Bearikade Expedition]. Towards the end of the day I spotted a lovely-looking campsite in Vidette Meadows along Bubb’s Creek (on the John Muir section of the trail). I set up my tent, made dinner, and later propped up against a tree to write in my journal. All of a sudden, I felt something eerie. I glanced over my left shoulder and saw a bear not 4 feet away with its nose in my canister! I had not closed the canister as I thought I might like a snack before retiring (I guess the bear felt the same way). At that point, I didn’t know whether to be terrified or indignant – my food was being stolen! I stood up (all 5' 2-l/2" of me), raised my arms up over my head, and started jumping up and down and yelling. The bear looked at me and took a step backwards. I then took a step forward. The bear stuck out a paw. I then took a step backwards and started jumping and yelling again. In a minute or two the bear lumbered back into the woods with some of my food hanging from its jaw. I then gathered up what he had taken out of the canister, stuffed it back inside, and shoved the canister into some rocks. On the way back to my campsite, the bear came out of the woods again. That freaked me. It knew there was food around, so I took the canister out of the rocks (but did not open it) and took myself and my sleeping bag some 50 yards down the trail. Not five minutes later I heard the banging and clanking of the bear trying to open the canister. In 15 minutes all was quiet. That was almost more upsetting as I had been out on the trail for ten days and knew I must have had some food smells on me. Amazingly, I fell asleep (with my boots on) and didn’t wake up until first light. I expected to find my campsite in shreds. That was not the case. My tent and backpack had not been touched, but the canister was nowhere in sight. I spent about 45 minutes looking for it and finally decided the bear had knocked it into the creek in its aborted attempt to smash it open. It was a very strange feeling to head out for my last four days with no food. But as this section of the trail was very well traveled, I soon got re-supplied by fellow hikers – the majority from a group of three Englishmen who just the night before had talked about lightening their packs. Their English products -- especially a delicious curry dinner mix and a packet of Cadbury’s hot chocolate mix -- were a great improvement on my remaining top ramen and Lipton dinners that had disappeared. Besides losing my food I also lost my eating utensils. In searching though my gear I came across a comb (which I had yet to use on my hair) and found it quite adequate as a scooper. Four days later I met my brother and his wife at Whitney Portal – none the worse for wear. [The Bearikade Expedition was found one year later. Rancid food is a strong attractant to bears. No damage and no rancid food lost.]

Each section of the trail had its unique aspects. The less-desirable parts I simply thought of as important links which tied the whole amazing adventure together. My final pursuit in August, 2006, was the 125-mile section from Walker Pass to Mt. Whitney. When I first started this odyssey I didn’t know where I would finally come out. And then the idea struck me. What greater thrill than to finish the P.C.T. and stand atop Whitney in my 70th year! And so it was. And I followed the rules to the end, carrying a bear canister [another Bearikade Expedition] through the Whitney Zone (even though nothing bigger than a marmot was likely to get at my food in those stark surroundings).

Cottonwood Lakes by Lance Lyon July, 2006

Most of the snow has melted from the Cottonwood Lakes region. This has been a very rapid meltoff from heavy snow conditions. Hikers are advised to carry their favorite mosquito shields and deterrents.

Weekly Bear Activity (From http://www.nps.gov/yose/daily2.htm 17JUL06)

Bears have been active in almost all developed areas of the Valley. Parking lot incidents this week are all from Camp 4 where a bear is easily finding the vehicles with food in them.

There is a bear that continues to frequent the Mist trail. It has been observed with in a few feet of visitors! This is not o.k.! Please be sure to keep your food with arms reach when you sit down for lunch or look for a place to water the plants. Also, if a bear approaches you, make loud noises. Throw small sticks or stones towards the bear (aiming only for the rear of the bear and choosing smaller than quarter size stones). Always leave the bear an escape route. While this bear may seem tame, she is not. She is a wild animal with unpredictable behavior. Help save her life. Do not feed her and do not approach her.

This bear also travels to Illilouette creek and sees bear canisters as items to play with. Make sure to keep your canister away from the creek as she threw 8 of them in the creek last week. Store the canister away from your tent, but not next to the water!

Finally, this bear also spends time in Yosemite Valley (quite a home range!). We have been focusing on this bear in an attempt to change her behavior. We spent an entire day following her and using negative conditioning on her any time she came close to developed areas. After a day of this the bear left the Valley.

Amazing bear fact

Bear Grooming: The bear we followed in the Valley swam across the river, essentially taking a bath while moving away from us. She also spent quite a bit of time rubbing on a tree. Bears have other grooming habits that include combing their fur with claws, licking their fur dry, licking to remove dirt, scrubbing on grass and wallowing in the mud to remove insects and other items. (S. Lisius - 7/14/06)

Planning Your Resupply

When planning your resupply date, consider trail and weather conditions, the hiking abilities of yourself and your group with your planned itinerary. Allow an extra day of provisions with your timing of picking up your resupply. Please make arrangements with us on the event of a now-show at the designated meeting place and time. A secondary plan has specifics on what you want us to do with your provisions. We can leave your provisions in the nearest bear box, provided there is room, for up to 24 hours, according to Park Service regulation. We highly recommend you schedule to meet us on your lay-over day. If we meet you, our staff will take out your refuse, mail, whatever's. If we do not meet you, and leave your resupply in a Park Service bear box, you can not leave us your refuse, etc. for us to return on our next trip to retrieve it, as we can't leave this in the Park trail boxes. Pack it in and pack it out timely. Please pack any wet refuse in double zip-lock type bags which don't leak.

You can arrange for us to bring in fresh provisions and fuel. We have a section in this information addressing that. Sequoia Kings Pack Trains provides resupply services along the JMT and its laterals, from Shepherd's, Kearsarge, Sawmill, and Taboose trailheads. Pine Creek Pack Station provides services to destinations reached from Pine Creek, Morgan Lakes, Lake Italy trailheads, including Evolution Valley areas. There is a minimum fee for all resupply services. Fees are based on destinations.

Packing Up Your Provisions

Use sturdy cardboard boxes or plastic buckets. You can use as many parcels as you need to accommodate your gear. Maximum dimensions for any one parcel are 20"x16"x12". Maximum weight for any one parcel or bucket is 50 pounds. Apple, orange, copy paper boxes work well. Banana boxes do not work. Double-bag all powdered items, containers holding liquids in plastic bags to prevent leakage. A larger plastic bag lining your bucket or box is suggested, but not always necessary. Number each parcel in your resupply as 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3. On the outside of each parcel place the following:

1. Pack station name and address
2. Party name, delivery date, destination
3. Envelope with final payment due station, labeled 'Message to Packer'. Include specific instructions with a name, phone number of a party who may need to be contacted by us concerning your trip. Include your itinerary.

Provisions Purchased by Pack Station

You give us specific instructions on what you need us to purchase for you, such as fuel, fresh food. Minimum handling fee of $50.00, plus the estimated costs for your provisions are paid with your balance. We give you sales receipts for items purchased. We sell white gas at $12/gal, includes Ca sales tax. You send us or we refund the difference, if any, of actual costs of items purchased.

Receiving Your Provisions

For all Independence trailheads, you can deliver your resupply in person to us at our station in Onion Valley or our station in Pine Creek. For Bishop trailheads, you can deliver in person at Pine Creek. It is necessary to make arrangements for when you plan to arrive at the pack station (AM or PM), so we can be sure we have staff there for you if we have to be on the trails. We store your resupply with bear-proof storage.

By mail to all Independence trailheads, send priority mail to Sequoia Kings Pack Trains, PO Box 209, Independence, CA 93526. By UPS or FedEx services, ship to Pine Creek Pack Station, 85 Pine Creek Road, Bishop, CA 93514. We will transport from Pine Creek to Onion Valley.

By mail to Pine Creek trailheads and locations, send priority mail to Pine Creek Pack Station, PO Box 968, Bishop, CA 93515. UPS or FedEx services ship to Pine Creek Pack Station, 85 Pine Creek Road, Bishop, CA 93514.

We charge a $50 handling fee to retrieve your resupply from the Post Offices in Independence or Bishop, and take it to the pack stations.

If delivery to us by mail, we recommend you ship your resupply to reach us two weeks prior to your scheduled pick up or meeting date.

Meeting You at the Pack Station headquarters

You can hike out of the Backcountry over Kearsarge Pass to our station at that trailhead, or out over Pine Creek Pass, Morgan Pass, or Italy Pass to our station at that trailhead. Hot showers and overnight camping are available. A fee is charged to store your resupply. Be sure to let us know the day you expect to arrive. Call for current prices.
Berners' Pack Outfits

Meeting You on the Trails

We meet you on the trail at specific pre-arranged locations, date, and time. You do not have to meet us at a bear box. However, we can not leave your resupply on the trail unless in a bear box, or in bear-resistant canisters you provide. Bear box locations are available from the Park Service, Sierra District Wilderness Office, Three Rivers, CA 93271. Tel: 559-565-3761. Costs are by destinations with Resupply rates. Call for quotes.

Cancellations and Returns

There is no credit given for cancellations. There are no refunds. This is new for 2006. If you need us to return your provisions because you didn't pick them up at the station, or in the backcountry, as planned, you pay us or we send C.O.D. via the mail service of your choice, less a packing fee to retrieve it from the mountains, or a fuel charge to take it to a mail service. Call for rates.

Thank you and enjoy the High Sierra!

Your hosts,

Berners' Pack Outfits

Sometimes it makes sense to use the Bearikade as an ice chest. These guys wanted to simulate a trekking food load during a local "after work hike" and put ice and cool ones into their canister. The bonds and o-ring seals served them well. Thanks for sharing your ideas guys. --
Allen DeForrest
Wild Ideas, LLC
Managing Member

... the story of the scratches -

We camped one night very high above the tree line and just below the North side of Forester Pass. We had heard that a rather aggressive bear had swiped one guy across the face somewhere in that vicinity and so were very careful to put the cans some 150' from our tents. During the night the bear padded past the tents, overturned one of the rucksacks, and then headed up to the cans. He / she ignored the Bear Vault (a good job because he has learnt to open this type by turning them on one side and then sitting forcefully on the can to pop the lid off!) but gave both of the Bearikades his undivided attention for 50 minutes. He then went away to return for a repeat 1/2 hour session some 20 minutes later. I lay in my tent listening to him chew and maul the can until one was just 30 feet from the tent (there's a moral here: Never leave the cans 'uphill' of your campsite! Doh!

We were very impressed with the standard of manufacture of your cans, especially as even after all that attention the cans suffered nothing but scratches, and will be eager to give to anyone who'll listen our strongest recommendation.

Thanks very much again, our very best regards to you all,

Several friends have sent us web site links with interesting stories and great images. If you would like to added to our web site or would like our link on your site, please send a message to info@wild-ideas.net.

The images below are from www.pct2005.com which has a great unfolding story of a hiker with a camera, computer, and satellite phone. The images are a nice field and a snow cave near Desolation Wilderness on the PCT





Follow the www.thebackcountry.org/gallery link to some very nice pictures - some of which can be ordered

Excerpt from Yosemite Nat'l Park news release 6/21/05:

The National Park Service and DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite, Inc. jointly announced that five High Sierra Camps (May Lake, Merced Lake, Vogelsang, Sunrise, and Glen Aulin) will not be opened for the 2005 visitor season. The decision to keep the High Sierra Camps closed was based on the unusually heavy winter snowpack and existing snow and water conditions.

A posting on SummitPost (http://www.summitpost.org/show/mread.pl?f_id=22&t_id=18054), regarding conditions in Tuolumne, 6/28/05:

I was in the Meadows this past weekend and made it up Amelia Earhart and wanted to pass on snow conditions. Traveling through Lyell Canyon there were numerous river crossings since the river levels are so high. About 9.5k on the JMT we hit patches of snow 3-4 feet deep in the shade and postholed a few times. This isn't bad though since once you hit the tree line conditions are almost solid snow. The E face of AE had some bare patches where large boulders stuck through but we were able to glissade from 12k down to around 10.5k. The snow is solid and crampons worked great...very little postholing. Lyell and McClure looked to be about the same from our viewpoint. Weather was great, I have quite a sunburn. :)