Hello Everyone,
Well I made it through my first day of my trek to June Lake. Started out late after noon Friday because I was scrambling trying to make sure I had all my gear and had to pack it well so it would balance out my Wheelie. Too much weight on top or at the bottom makes it hard to pull, and it has to be just right.
Left from my front door and made it to Fillmore in about six hours, 16.8 miles. Had to call 911 Evac for Mollie in Santa Paula. Mollie had had some problems with bloody foot pads the weeks before while conditioning with her and I thought they had healed. I bought Musher’s Secret, a conditioner and protector, for her pads and I also got her some dog boots. Unfortunately they fell off within the first few blocks even though I taped them on as extra protection. I just decided to try and go without them. She had on her pack pack, which I did not load it up with much weight.
Well, Santa Paula Street is not a good street to be on around 3:00 PM, since the high school is getting out around that time. We couldn’t walk on the sidewalks because there were so many kids and had to walk in the street. We did get lots of comments, especially with Mollie and her backpack.
Unfortunately, Mollie started dragging behind me and appeared to be having trouble. I figured with trouble now, she surely won’t make 360 miles, so I called Colin for a medical evacuation. I will be sad not to have my protector and companion.
My first night was spent in beautiful Fillmore, at Jim’s Towing. It belongs to one of our neighbors. It allowed me to have a bathroom and clean up since there will be many days without facilities. We parked our excursion there and set up a nice bed in the rear. Mindee came and spent the night with me and will tonight too since I will be by myself for many days to come. I figure these two days will allow me to fine tune the gear, etc., since I am still close to home. I have already decided to leave some stuff behind.
I was starved last night and was fortunately able to get something to eat in town. It will be dehydrated food after tonight. My walking program said I burned 1,660 calories and see why I was so hungry. I am laying in the Excursion now and getting ready to start my trek to Valencia, SR126 at Chiquito (sp?) Road. I found a nice secluded spot off the road and will spend the last night in the Excursion. It should only be 15 miles today.
Tomorrow I will start up the Old Ridge Route (look it up) and will spend the night in a spot off the road in my tent. It will only be about 11 miles, but it is looks to be a grueling steep climb that day. The Ridge Route was built without any bridges, so it unfortunately is at the top of all the ridges. The Ridge Route will be an adventure since it is closed to cars about five miles north of my camp spot and I will be isolated after that. I have placed gallons of water in various spots all the way to Mojave, because water will be my biggest challenge, besides my feet.
My solar charger will keep my iPhone and iPad going and I will try and update as I go on.
Don’t mind my typos, Grammer, spelling, etc., as this is sent on the run.
Love to all,
Ted
Ted Trekking 