I was trying to write this in third person, but I find myself mixing my pronouns and have a hard time finding the wording, so these posts will recognizably be written by me, Tami, in my voice based on photos, texts, and phone conversations with Darrell. With that out of the way, here's an update.
Remember the rain and wind storm we welcomed in this area with open arms and parched lips? That same storm simultaneously brought snow and wind and freezing temperatures along the path Darrell was set to travel. Fortunately, he had scheduled a "zero" day with Travis and Jennifer Dean at just that time, and he ended up being safely and warmly off the trail for two days instead of one, thank you to their hospitality and support and God's gracious timing.
Darrell reached the trailhead at PCT mile 151 in Anza the morning of the 27th and headed to the fabled Paradise Cafe where he had a large and delicious breakfast while waiting to be picked up. He was whisked away later and enjoyed the comforts of a bed, shower, home cooked meals, and ever-loved and trail-craved pizza. He bought new hiking boots the next size up while in town. He was told that his shoe size would increase as he hiked, but it happened much quicker than he had anticipated. He also purchased gel inserts and more moleskin and treated his tired, blistered feet with rest. Please keep this seemingly minor blister problem in your prayers, as he has diabetes, and a by-product of that is his feet may not heal as quickly as non-diabetic feet.
The Deans took him back to the trailhead on March 29. He is on his way now, and I believe he missed the storm completely. We heard a trail story of someone who hadn't anticipated the storm and was caught up in it. She ended up getting near hypothermia because of the wind chill caused by the strong gusts and blowing snow. She made it to a trailhead and phoned for pick up, and her body continued shaking for quite a while afterward, even after the warmth.
There is still some snow on the path. He hasn't had to use his microspikes on his boots yet, but he's ready to put them on if/when needed. As he gets higher, there will be more unmelted snow. We're hoping there will be hikers who have left footprints in the snow along the trail, so he can know where the trail is and better judge how to traverse. Last we spoke, he was hiking alone, but he is hoping he won't have to go through the snow without comrades. I think we came to an agreement that he would keep his GPS on constantly crossing the snow if he does have to go it alone.
There have been many points along the trail where he has cell service, so he often stops to send me texts and photos. Hats off to all those who have hiked this trail before all this technology was available.
Eating update: We're figuring out what works and what doesn't in his meal plans. Add less of this to this meal and more salt to that. DON'T send anymore of those things and double up on those other things. He planned for three meals each day but finds himself eating five or six times daily which is good for rest and sustained energy.
As for his pack, he started off with a base weight of 17 pounds, which is not what is considered ultralight, but it does include things the ultralighters like to do without like a full tent, a stove, and anything else considered luxurious. The thought of cold dinners and being exposed to the elements was not appealing to him. He also chose to carry his food in a bear canister which is not required until the Sierras, but he wanted to keep even the little critters from nibbling through food sacks. That added a little extra weight. His heaviest "necessities" are the recharging equipment for his technology. Base weight does not include food or water. Because it is the California desert and water resources are not always reliable, he is being ultra cautious and still carrying five liters of water when he can fill up. This adds eleven pounds, but the weight goes down as he hydrates. He also added an ice axe and microspikes at his first zero day stop. Total weight then is somewhere around 30-35 pounds, give or take.
Donations from World Water day, March 22, poured in. We are so grateful for this miracle of
generosity. With matching donations, he has now raised more than $41,000 toward his goal of $100,000! Over $8,000 came in from donors that day! Thank you! And as always, here is how you can donate if you feel led: https://www.teamworldvision.org/participant/pctwaterboy.
Darrell also wanted me to send you the link to his GPS so you can follow him that way. I'm not much of a map person, so I have a hard time comprehending where he is and how far he's gone by looking at it. Some of you will eat this up: https://share.garmin.com/PCTWa
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