Do you know Dave Tondu?
Category: PCT
Yeah that's right. I own an Ice Axe. Never thought I'd say that. But with the heavier than average snowfall out west this year I have a feeling it may come in handy. What will I be using it for, you ask? Well the main purpose is for self arresting; or in layman's terms, stopping … Continue reading I own an Ice Axe!?
He may be stealing other picanic baskets, but he won't be stealing mine! For the areas with bear warnings, I have a bear container from BearVault. I got mine today! It is a very hard poly-carbonate (plastic) container. It is bear resistant. I will be storing all my food stuff and any scented items, like … Continue reading Yogi Bears picanic basket
With the onset of this crazy warm February weather in Chicago-land I've been able to get outside and train. Such a relief and such a difference. Fresh air and sunshine feel so much better than climbing the stair-master to nowhere, or walking forward on the treadmill staring at your computer stats, or even making circuits … Continue reading Training Day(s)
Although I had applied for my permit on Jan 24th, my start date of April 23rd was not official until receiving last Wednesdays email with my approved permit file. I noticed the email while I was behind the bar working. I was so excited I excused myself and went into our walk-in beer cooler and let … Continue reading Officially Official.
Spreadsheets, USPS accounts, bank cards, patience, GPS tracker, masterful organization skills, a touch of OCD, PCT guidebook, determination, adaptation, sense of humor, sense of adventure, a 'rolodex' filled w important contacts and websites, boxes, bags, tape, trustworthiness, reliability, lateral thinking..... these are just Some of the tools my Re-Supply Strategist, and good friend Melissa, has … Continue reading The Re-Supply Strategist
After Over an hour, and continual server crashes I was finally able to apply for my permit. I will not be issued my actual permit until near the end of February, but I was able to get the date I wanted. And yep, It was JUST like getting concert tickets. At 12:30 I got in … Continue reading Signed, David’s Mother
I'm at work and I'm super antsy! Tomorrow at 12:30pm the PCT thru-hike permits are released! And to answer; yep I need a permit. They have them for anyone who hikes over 500 miles on the trail. And no, they do not cost anything. However, since I have not applied for one before I'm not … Continue reading Permission Slip Required!
The simple answer. Because I can. The not so simple answer, and the one I've been pondering for almost 2 months now. I have flashes of memory from one of my first camping trips as a little tyke. It was with my Mom, Dad and Sister in a Southern IL campground. (Yes, Mom and Dad, I really … Continue reading Why?
So as I revisit, yet again, my 'Why?' blog today I realize that there was more to be said than I ever expected. I thought it was going to be simple... hell it starts with the phrase 'The simple answer.' I was trying to keep it brief and not too wordy, but as some of … Continue reading Side Note…
Me. Just me... and about 3000 other people I don't know yet. There is a saying in hiking and it's 'Hike Your Own Hike' or HYOH. This means that you alone are the sole decision maker in your hike without any mandatory compromises. E.g. If I wanted to hike 1 mile more or 1 mile … Continue reading Who?
I Know Dave Tondu 