Life on the Open Road (April 2006 - May 2008)

The continuing saga of a single fulltime RVer who travels the western US. This is part one of my journey, from April 2006, when the blog started, to May 2008, when the blog continues at www.lifeontheopenroad.blogspot.com

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I have been a full-time RVer for 20 years, primarily "boondocking," camping free without hookups, in the Western US. My batteries are charged solely by solar panels. I welcome your comments and emails. I also make trips to other countries, although not usually with the RV.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Walking from Mexico to Canada


Parked near the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail, one could expect great hikers and adventurers to pass. And so Todd Galewski, trail name "Burning Man," walked by, pausing a few minutes to answer our questions:

He began at the Mexican border on April 27, walking up to 30 miles per day.

He's not afraid of bears; considers them scardy cats. "They run away if you yell at them." Cougars, however, are something to fear. Hiking one night, his headlamp reflected menacing eyes that didn't run away. Instead they stalked him for 2 miles. He quickly slipped into his tent, but didn't sleep all night.

After being alone a few days, he became "rattled" by normal city traffic and noise. However, being alone made him keenly aware of the value of human contact.

Experienced hikers don't wear cotton; polyester is better.

There are people who prepare elaborate meals and wait by the trail to share with hikers.

His overall, overwhelming trip conclusion is that people are astoundingly nice and generous.

To read his journal from part of his trip, click here.

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Interesting! Randy did a good interview.

7:54 PM  
Blogger sally said...

2650 mile hike? WOW. I whined the whole way on my recent 3 mile hike.
Yes, good interview Randy!!

6:10 PM  
Blogger Desert Diva said...

Now that's one brave and determined man!

10:14 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Thank you Diana. It was very special to Google my name, after my hike, and see this. Very nice blog you have here, I'm a big fan.

Hike update: Hiked 2,006 miles from Mexico to Santiam Pass Oregon, when snow knocked me off the trail. Came into Bend to see friends, was offered a great job and just kinda stayed. Of the good places to live in the world, Bend is one of the best.

Hope all is well with you.
Thank you again.
BurningMan

2:05 AM  

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