Evolution: Part 2 – The Journey

So I managed to secure the financial side of the journey: two sales and a year later, I was on my way.

As for the team, I changed a few things. On the AT I used an alcohol stove. For this go around, you would need a canister stove. Some tweaks, but overall a similar package. My base weight was around sixteen pounds. A little less than where my previous walk had ended.

Being asked if it was dangerous is normal. I am often asked about bears.

The truth is that my biggest concern has never been bears.

It is the fear of being the slowest runner.

If I were in a group and a bear was chasing us… the fear is being the one behind.

I would hate to earn the Bear Bait trail name.

Regardless of my concerns, I always respond the same way:

«No, it’s not dangerous. It’s okay.»

I’m not sure if I’m trying to ease his mind…or mine.

I was fully aware of the challenges and options before me. I had no problem being responsible for them. But that didn’t mean the desert wasn’t on my mind.

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect…

but he knew the rule of three.

Three minutes without air.

Three hours without shelter.

Three days without water.

Shortly after starting, a helicopter flew over the place. I watched a rescue unfold. I won’t go into details: this story is not mine to tell.

But standing there, watching it happen…

The reality of the desert hit me pretty quickly.

Out there, things can change quickly.

I quickly recognized that I needed a silver umbrella.

Under that umbrella, it was ten or fifteen degrees colder.

When there is no shade… you make your own.

There was a day like no other.

That day I thought I was being gentle, letting the heat get to me. I felt like my morning had just begun. But I know when I’m screaming.

Then I stopped.

I stood under my umbrella, listened to some music, ate peanut M&Ms… and waited.

I waited for the sun to give me the go-ahead.

And I could swear that, as he fell, he winked at me and said: see you tomorrow.

I set off again: I covered a few kilometers under the cover of night.

And that “soft” feeling?

What I didn’t realize at the time was that it wasn’t softness at all.

It was one of the hottest days of the year, part of a stretch that would become one of the hottest days California had seen in more than a century.

Temperatures rose between 110 and 120°F.

But what I found that day…

It was my step.

I adjusted.

He kept a good pace.

5 am – wake up.

Coffee.

6am – on the way.

Hike.

11am, hunker down.

Music. M&M’s.

Wait for the wink.

Back on the road.

Hike.

Sleep.

Repeat.

I was really enjoying the desert. It offered something new.

And I prefer dry heat to humidity…any day.

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