Hello everyone,, this is Joy. Today is day 89 for the hikers and I’d love to tell you that things are going smoothly and maybe even monotonous for everyone, but I’d be lying!
I’ll be the first to admit, that living in the midwest, we hear about the California fires, but don’t pay particular attention to what is going on. Boy, I have had a first hand, eye-opening experience this week. I’ll share a photo with you, but there are literally hundreds of fires in CA going on right now. I don’t know if this is the ‘norm’ or a bit on the heavy side, since they are experiencing severe drought conditions.
Late yesterday (Wednesday), while I was out shopping, I received a text from Ron’s Garmin, saying they were in heavy smoke and ash was falling down on them, and they had to wear their face masks. He asked me to search the internet and try to find out the logistics of the fire, and he even mentioned that they were thinking about turning around and going back to a small town called Belden. But they literally left Belden yesterday morning, and had a grueling 4800 feet climb out of that area, over 14 miles, so I knew he really didn’t want to turn around unless it was not safe. They continued pushing north, and he did mention there were other hikers doing the same. By the time I got home and was able to get on a computer, I could review the situation much better. They ended up hiking about 5 more miles further than planned last night to get to a road, which had campsites. This gave them enough distance from the fire — they still had smoke, but no ash falling down on them. And when they got to the road, even though it was after 9pm their time and was getting dark, guess what they were greeted with??? A TRAIL ANGEL with food! Yes, some nice person was there when Ron and Kendra stepped off of the trail, with food and drinks. I know they were very appreciative of what was provided, because Ron and Kendra didn’t stop to eat supper earlier, because they were wanting to get that distance in. Shoooo, they got past that fire! BTW – CA ‘names’ their fires. That was ‘Dixie’.
Today, I get a similar text asking about another fire, 16 miles north, where they were heading. This fire is called ‘Elam’, and its much smaller and the trail is probably getting smoke, but the PCT hasn’t issued any warnings. Ron and Kendra got past Elam a bit ago, but again, they want to get some added distance, before stopping for the night.
So, I think my new title will be ‘Fire-Chaser’!
And…. this is all following an even more hectic Saturday! It seems that Kendra and Ron got separated and Ron was looking for her for over an hour. And Kendra didn’t even know she was lost, lol!! I’m glad we (I) can laugh about it now (just a little), because it was NOT funny on Saturday, when I received a message from Ron. So guess what… I purchased another Garmin and will be taking it with me when I travel next week (for Kendra). Ron doesn’t want to get into that situation again!
So, ‘Command Central’ has been busy around here, lately.
As Ron mentioned in a prior post, Cody and I will be plucking these two from a roadway next week. Assuming hiking distances and air plane schedules and driving times all align! We will be heading to Redding, CA, which is a large northern city, where there will be lots of eating options. It will be great to see them and catch up with them and force them to take a rest. I have a suitcase of new clothes and shoes for both of them, which they are way-way-way overdue for! Oh, and I can guarantee that there will be some serious discussions on hiking safety!
Lastly, just a bit ago, they were at mile marker 1319. Mile 1325 is the halfway mark of the PCT trail, so not sure they will get to that point tonight, but if not, first thing in the morning! I’m sure they will be doing a little dance!!
Have a great weekend everyone, and thank you for following their trek. Prayers are greatly appreciated!
Here is the ‘fire’ map. Every red dot is either a fire or a ‘hot spot’ that a satellite has picked up. The purple line is the PCT trail and my finger is pointing at ‘Dixie’. 
Prayers for all from Florida.
Donna and Gary Kuchera
Donna & Gary- Bucket here – thank you for your prayers. We greatly appreciate them. Hope you are all doing well in Florida! Thank you also for following our journey.
OMG!!! I was on the edge of my seating while reading this. I was wondering if they saw any of the fires. How frightening. Thank goodness for the road Angels. Hope you all have a great visit and they get a much needed rest for a few days. I’m sure they will appreciate the clean clothes. Command Central continues to do an awesome job! Take care all!
Mary & Jerry
Hi Mary & Jerry – Joy & Cody picked us up last night at a gas station in Old Station, CA on State Route 44. This was the best place we could hike to for pick up. We are looking forward to having a couple of days to “recharge” and get ready for the second half of the hike.
Oh my goodness. I know that was a harrowing experience for all of you. Bless your heart Joy, having to sit and wait, just to hear back from Ron. Yes, a BIG YES on continued prayers for Bucket and Sage and Joy too. I mention all of you in my nightly prayers. Stay safe, be careful and enjoy your time out there. I’m sure they will appreciate the new clothes and shoes and the family time. Keep up the great work, all of you.
Hi Robin – Bucket here – thank you very much for your prayers and comments. We look forward to a couple of days to rest, eat, replace gear, clean gear, etc.
How scary! We’ve been worried about them in the heat, but didn’t realize they were so close to the fires! So glad Ron and Kendra found each other again. Joy, I can’t imagine what you were going through! Hope you’re able to meet up and they get some much needed rest and new clothes/ shoes. Safe travels.
Hi Terri – Bucket here – Joy and Cody snagged us off the trail last night around 9:00 pm. So it will be nice to have a few days out of the smoke and heat. Thank you for following our journey and commenting!
Wow!!!! Bucket and Sage be safe out there. I cannot imagine how inhaling all that smoke is affecting you guys. Excellent update Fire Chaser!!
Hi Misty – Bucket here – Sage and I hope all the smoke does not have any long term effects. We don’t know how people who live here handle this year after year. Thank you for your comments!