I love being alone in the wilderness.
I enjoy walking—especially in a new place.
I relish scratching out small triumphs in the battle of Man vs. Nature.
I savor the defeats in that same battle—lumpy bed rolls, wet socks, frozen eggs for breakfast.
I have always been fascinated by men who struck out into the unknown with solely their wits and will to bring them home. Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery, Shackleton, John Wesley Powell, the Fremont expeditions.
I am likewise fascinated by trials in which failure or retreat are not on the table. Where going home early, or sleeping in the car, or calling someone for help are not options.
Somehow, inputting all these elements into the machine of my imagination spit out the idea for an extended, period-authentic backpacking expedition. The Pacific Crest Trail was a natural choice—it permits equestrian travel, and since I live and have family along the west coast I would always be within several hours drive of a friendly tribe.
Let me know if I can help ya with anything!!
Bronze: I had a look at your website. Very good work with the website!
I also looked at your equipment section. Maybe you are trying to use some older items on purpose, but you bring get a lot more useful equipment if you were to use some modern versions. As well, I believe that your meal plans are going to be boring for you and you’ll need to change them along the way.
I have done the PCT to the extent – all of CA, some of Washington, all walking, no mule. Fortunately it was a few years ago, before most of Southern CA was burnt out.
There are many places that you can count on re-supply so you can probably not be so simple with the meals – there are enough hardships to deal with.
If you would like, I have some equipment ideas that might help.
Won’t argue with you on the boredom factor of the meals! But I figure if the Corps of Discovery could live off a hominy and lard breakfast for weeks on end I probably can too. Check the comments on the food section for some good recommendations I received on period authentic provisions that might be a nice treat during resupply.
As for equipment ideas, fire away! Just know that it’s important to me to remain true to the pre-gold rush aesthetic, so modern gear is generally a no go…
HI BRONZE
I LIVE IN THE ANTELOPE VALLEY DESERT. THE PICTURE ON THIS PAGE LOOKS LIKE FROM HERE. I GO OUT AND MEET THE HIKERS ON THE TRAIL EVERY YEAR AND WOULD LOVE TO MEET UP WITH YOU. I LIKE THAT YOU ARE SOUTHBOUND AS I THINK IT IS A GREATER CHALLENGE DUE TO THE TRAIL BEING GEARED FOR NORTHBOUNDERS. BE SURE TO STOP AT THE ANDERSONS AND THE SAUFLEYS WHEN YOU GET DOWN THIS WAY. THEY ARE TRAIL HOSTS JUST SOUTH OF ME UP IN THE MOUNTAINS. THEY ARE IN SMALL COMMUNITIES BUT HAVE ACCOMODATIONS FOR YOUR MULE. I SEE THE ANDERSONS ALL THE TIME AND PLAN TO TELL THEM ABOUT YOU. THEY ARE WELL KNOWN ON THE TRAIL. TERRIE ANDERSON IS ON FACEBOOK IF YOU WANT TO CONTACT HER AND JOE. IF YOU PLAN TO CARRY A CELL PHONE AND NEED A CONTACT FOR OUT HERE ON THE DESERT, LET ME KNOW AND I’LL SEND YOU MY NUMBER. I’M IN LANCASTER AND NOT VERY FAR FROM THE TRAIL. HOPE TO SEE YOU DOWN THIS WAY.
ROGER – ANTELOPE VALLEY DESERT
Thanks for your support Roger! I will definitely be in touch.
You are doing quite the undertaking, I commend you, and wish you luck. I got into this primitive lifestyle a few years ago, and am working on it slowly. but nowhere near what it would take for this accomplishment of yours. Good luck. Trust in GOD and keep your powder dry.
WASHINGTON!!! WASHINGTON!!! WASHINGTON, the lower state is awesome… from Stevens Pass I-90, DO NOT RIDE IT PERIOD. I HAVE LOST A HORSE THIER. MY FRIENDS HAVE LOST HORSES THEIR. FRIENDS OF FRIENDS HAVE LOST HORSE THERE. THE U.S.F.S DOES NOT REPORT THE FACTS ON HOW MANY HORSES GET LOST IN EACH SECTION PER SUMMER. BY LOST I MEAN, I HAD TO SHOOT MY HORSE AS THE OTHERS I HAVE ALSO MENTIONED.
ALSO, THE BACKPACKERS ( AS I AM AN ENVIRONMENTALIST ) ARE YOUR ENEMIES … THEY DO, ECSPECIALLY HERE IN WASHINGTON, SABATAGE TRAILS AND IT WILL GET YOU AND YOUR HORSE IN TROUBLE (OK, OK, MULE).DO NOT TRUST THE TREEHUGGERS, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR ANIMAL PERIOD… DO NOT TRUST THE U.S.F.S. AS THEY DO NOT KNOW JACK SHIT ABOUT OUR BACKCOUNTRY AND HORSE TRAVEL, THEY ONLY BACKPACK, AND FOR SURE ………
HAVE FUN … I AM JAMES FROM WASHINGTON, I WILL BE HEADING SOUTH “POSSIBLY” AS I WILL “FREEREIDE” THIS YEAR WITH NO EXACT TRAIL OR MAP, I WILL BE ON THE CALIFORNIA PCT AND OREGON BUT YOU BETTER BELIEVE I WILL WATCH MY ASS IN WASHINGTON … WASHINGTON IS THE HORSE KILLER STATE….
HAVE FUN, JUST BE CAREFUL
Bump last post sir, just read about your Sisters, OR. south trip leaving Washington alone … WISE CHOICE!
I used an Iridium Satellite Phone last year and it saved my life: my phone and membership in the American Alpine Club for rescue insurance. I was airlifted from Purple Lake and taken to Mammoth Lakes where I spent a night in the hospital. My stomach was bleeding; I was anemic; and very dehydrated. I almost passed out on the trail. I plan to use my phone this year when I section hike in Northern California and Oregon on the PCT.
OneStep… Linda (PCT 2008)
Shawn D. says “HI”. They are having a blast, even the baby. She and Dad are bonding on hikes deemed not for “Moms”. Ashley says they are covered in mosquito bites, sunburnt, and having the most awesome time of their lifes. Now back to your grand adventure.
Please, please invest in a personal locator beacon, “just in case”. I think you mentioned you were taking a gun. If you aren’t, please reconsider, because as HorseGuy suggests something awful may happen to Bootsie beyond your control.
Beaverton is not near where you will be, but if you or Bootsie need anything give us a call.
Would you like some smoked salmon to take to break the monotony of pemmican? Shawn’s dad, Albie, has quite a bunch he recently smoked. It’s vacuumed packed and frozen, but will stay fresh for a week or longer if you keep it cool.
Looking forward to more updates once you start. Yvonne D.
Hi Bronze
I spoke to the Andersons here in Green Valley and the Saufleys in Agua Dulce and they have both had pct travelers with mules stop by their places to stay a night or two. They told me they would look forward to seeing you come through on your trip. I hope to meet you as well.
ROGER – ANTELOPE VALLEY DESERT
Great site Bronze!
Gettin out there alone is what its all about amigo, keep at it!
Kirk
I admire you and all the hikers but not sure PCT is a good place to subject innocent animals and children to the elements. Also, I hope you will be taking some nutritional supplements in transit for you and your mule – remember that the old timers ate that diet but also had a short life span – poor diet contributed to their short life. Good luck!
I love seeing People living Life to the Fullest.
I am only able to be a weekend trooper But you are a Real Warrior. I admire you and I hope that you bring a Video camera and Document all that you do on your Trip.
Thank You for being a Kind person to me and all my commands. I have always heard Grate things about you. This must be because you are a Grate Man.
Poco (Paco) Zocko
“Bronze” hey you need a twitter so we can follow you daily. Good luck with your trip hopefully see you again at CC.
James
Wow! Pretty Amazing! Will be fun to follow your journey!
Have a great time and good luck!
~Joleen~
Good Luck Bronze! My wife and I are section hiking the PCT in Oregon in July. We are starting in Ashland and heading to Crater Lake. We will be on the trail between July 25 and August 2. Maybe we will run into each other. Have fun and enjoy the journey.
Way to go, I truly envey you. Have spent a lifetime packing and hiking, my family have run a pack station in kings canyon nat’l park for many decades. I look forward to reading your journal, the wilderness is where its at, I raised my kids in the alaskan bush, good luck out on the trail, joni from central oregon
You have inspired me to leave my work behind for a while and take the kids camping. It is always a lot of work preparing and packing, but well worth it.
I hope you have a great and positive experience Looking forward to seeing your photos and videos.
We met you today at Deadfall Lake. The day you were heading to get some care for Boots in Mt Shasta. My children were inspired by your journey and kindness. Thanks for letting them see your gear and pet the mule. Best of luck and I hope you have a safe and rewarding experience.
In regards to the posting about WA state being a horse killer filled with “treehuggers” I disagree. There are several tight sections of trail where you’ll be glad that you’re leading your mule as opposed to riding (Notably the “Kendall Catwalk” just north of I-90) Also there are a couple fairly steep spots in the Norse Peak wilderness area. I personally have never had any hassle from hikers at all. they have all been tremendous, nor have I heard of such encounters from other riders. The Back Country Horsemen of Washington just put in a new 1/4 mile section of PCT trail just after Government Meadows and before Pyramid Peak ( no more walking along the road!) it’s very well marked. Huckleberries are getting ripe now and should be in full swing when you get up this way.
Here’s a link to the new area
http://www.trailmeister.com/Washington/GovMeadows/GovMeadows.htm
Best wishes on your journey!
Hi ! We all miss you very much! Hope you could come back here as I do respect what you are doing!!
Hey Hans! Was reading your journal. Pretty cool stuff. Interesting trek your on my friend. Totally cool website. I hope your days are filled with puffy clouds and whishpering winds. Will check in again soon.
Today’s date is November 28, 2009. I just stumbled onto your web site looking for info about riding the PCT on horseback. I have Ben Yost’s diary of his ride, “The PCT by two in 92”. I’m always interested in info about the ride. I am planning to begin my ride north beginning at the Mexico border April 18-20, 2010. Have been trying to get someone to ride it with me but so far have been unsuccessful. I would like to make a trail log of my daily trek but am electronically challenged and 69 years old so may not be able to keep a diary online. I have been riding and packing for 42 years which should help a little. If anyone reading this has any advice i’m all ears.
Regarding ‘trouble in Washington’, I live in Washington and that is where I’ve done most of my riding and packing. Someone stole the bells and hobbles from my son’s horses one time and it took him two days to find them about 12 miles from where he was camped