Passed the 1500 mile mark

I haven't been able to keep up with my blog. If you would like to follow my journey it would be better to friend me on Facebook. Just look up Dustin Palmer from Yucca Valley, CA.
Well today I passed the 1500 mile mark and landed in Castella. After Mt. Whitney I sat in Line Pine for almost a week waiting out a winter storm. From there I continued North bound through the high passes. I've now entered northern California and 105 degree temperatures. I should be in Oregon in about 10 days.
It's hard to believe I have almost walk the length of California. I have met some amazing people who have been great examples for me. I am so excited about the possibilities after this trail. We will see what happens.

Mt. Whitney sunrise summit

Two years ago I was in solitary confinement in prison. While there I discovered the John Muir Trail and was intrigued with long distance hiking. On May 16th, 2012 I wrote my aunt Brenna a letter in which I shared my interest in hiking the John Muir Trail. Well, 2 years to the day later, here I am, on top of Mt. Whitney, the start of the John Muir Trail. I hiked 760+ miles to get here, and I plan on hiking 1900 more. 

Agua dulce to Kennedy meadows

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6MwSgADnMpc&feature=youtu.be

Section D

Here is a video for section D. The beginning of the video is shot on top of Mt. Baden-Powell in a lightning storm. So much for the weather predicting sunshine!

The first 151 miles

Wow, what a journey. So far this hike has been everything and more than I expected. I've met amazing people, seen beautiful things, and have story's to tell for years to come. i am now back in Yucca Valley for approx. 6 days then I will be back on the trail for the next 4 months. I have so much still to do in preparation but with 340 miles under my belt I know what I need to do. I had so many adventures on this last trip that I don't know where to start. I kept pace with a horse for 2 days, was shot at, had to deal with rattlesnakes, and enjoyed every moment.  I was honored to be a part of a photograph another hiker took. He is hiking for @ hike to end child abuse. We put together this image for Karlie, a 9 month old little girl who was killed by a family friend who shook her while babysitting. Karlie's organs were used to save 5 other children's life's and she will never be forgoton. I went on this trip to figure things out for myself but I'm quickly learning how important a trip like this can be.

Idyllwild to Whitewater

I hit the mountains again up in Idyllwild. I spent the afternoon checking out the town and slept in a local campground. The next morning I got some breakfast with another hiker then left for the trail. The first day a hiked to the summit of San Jacinto then down the other side and slept on fuller ridge. I woke up to rain so I packed up and headed down the mountain. After rain, wind, rattlesnakes, and 22 miles with no rest breaks I arrived at the trail angel house of Ziggy and the Bear. 2 PCT alumni greeted me and gave me the run down of how things work, thank you Cool Ranch and Cappytan, and I got a shower and some Burger King. Had a great time visiting and Ziggy and the Bear are wonderful people. This morning I was treated to cereal, coffee, and fruit before I headed out for the last 9 miles to whitewater. I got picked up by Cool Ranch and Cappytan who drove me home on their way to New Mexico. All and all a great trip. Next it's the Mexican border with a hike back to Idyllwild.

Change of plans, I am now hiking the PCT!!

Well, after careful thought I am now hiking the PCT. I spoke with a fellow hiker who attended the kickoff weekend last year and hiked north with the herd of hikers. He has had problems with alcohol and drug abuse in the past and warned me that there can be a party atmosphere with some of the hikers. I have no interest in turning this journey into a a relapse so for the sake of my sobriety I decided to start hiking north from whitewater. . I will then hike from  Idyllwild to whitewater. Then from the Mexican border to Idyllwild. I still have commitments in Yucca Valley so I can only hike 5 days a week. By getting these sections out of the way before I m able to hike full time on April 23, I will be able to stay a few hundred miles ahead of the herd of hikers. Hope no one is confused! I'm hiking the whole PCT, just a little out of order. So, here's a video of section C! Enjoy.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=721158834581763

&l=1690325048322205939

Had another amazing hike. I had a close encounter with a Bobcat, ran into some deer, and found the titanium cup I was looking for that a previous hiker left behind. I plan on sending him his cup as soon as I can. Here are some pictures for your enjoyment.

 If you look close you can see the bobcat in the middle of the frame.

 The deer on the hillside.

I hiked about 12 miles today. I came across this out in Joshua Tree. Very Interesting.

Had an amazing PCT warm up hike. I started at the Whitewater Conservatory. Ran into an old friend from high school who is now a ranger there. It was nice to see her. At the start of the hike Whitewater itself was actually running underground because of some debris from a flash flood.  I ended up hiking 14 miles the first day, 14 miles the second day, and 28 miles back to the truck on the third day.

Mission Creek

                           

San Gorgonio

 PCT signs along the route, the footsteps are Chris Foley's, a PCT thru hiker. Without his trail blazing I would of had to turn back. You can follow him on his journey @
http://15millionsteps.com/

 View of the 10 freeway and Coachella Valley

 About where I hit snow

 San Jacinto

 Sunset after hiking 28 miles

 View from 2nd night campsite-Palm springs    Evening/Night/Sunrise

 Whitewater Conservatory- Emerson is one of my favorite writers