6-time mOUnTaiNBACKer takes on Pacific Crest Trail
Warren Renninger is at it again. Twice through-hiking the AT, he barely let his shoe leather cool down before taking up the next stroll - the PCT.
Excerpt from an early journal entry (at trailjournals.com/lakeland), April 18, 2009:
“7PM Well, my heart is twisted again. So want to adventure, so want to stay! Thanks to everyone who treated me to lunch and dinners recently. Thanks for the encouragement and especially the prayers. Tomorrow (Friday 4/24) I’ll either be in California or Heaven, depending how the flights go.
“My pack is heavier than last year, due to the bear canister and the ice axe. I know, I really don’t need them for a month but I feel comfortable with the bear canister and can use the ice axe to fight off the bears, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, rabid chipmunks, Big Foot, and any cling-ons…”
Most recently, June 3, 2009:
“Took two zero days and feel much better. Saw kind doctor yesterday. He was understanding I didn’t want to hang around waiting for tests so he gave me antibiotics yesterday aiming at any bacteria in me…Feeling much better today and heading out shortly and taking it easy on the trail. The effects of the heat exaustion disappeared Monday and the intestinal problems pretty much gone yesterday. Could eat last night, somewhat, and this morning. Even swam in the pool last night.
“Now I will steadily hike towards the Sierras and get away from the desert. In 6 or 7 days I’ll be at Kennedy Meadows…much cooler and wetter. My permit to climb 14,000 foot (I think) Mt Whitney is for the 12th and I expect to be close to that date (permit date is flexible for PCT hikers).
“I forgot to mention way back we had a 4 mile detour which included a 2 mile hot road walk. Why? A frog. Yup, an endangered frog was near the trail so the trail was closed. OK. It turned out good because we went through a state park and had real water. Oh! I was counting on frog legs.
“So, now going out of the desert and I heard the best part is the upcoming Sierras. I’m told to take my time and enjoy the Sierras, which takes about 10 days to hike through. Can’t wait to get there. Will also venture down to Yosemite park which is a short bus ride.
“So, I’m back to normal…stop laughing! Anyway, I’m back to normal and heading out by noon today going into the Tehachaipi Mountains. Weather today here in Mojave is partly cloudy and cooler, 80s. So that should help me along. Peace!”
So when you think your latest adventure is daunting, think of Warren. He expects to be back east by September and will make a stop at Appalachian Outdoors in State College to fill in those of us who weren’t tagging along.