May 16
Susan is home from the first segment of her PCT 2010 experience and is catching up on her journal. Click on the link above to read more of her interesting journey and enjoy beautiful scenery through her pictures.

One of the most unique aspects of this first segment was the hospitality and help of Terry Kenny. Visit Terry's website www.taskfarms.org and learn more about this unique and entertaining California farm.

Susan is back on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2010. As I flew over the Sierra mountains on my way to a meeting in Modesto, CA I was in awe and proud of our founder and what she accomplished in 2009. Those of us that know her knew that that 'ol trail might be tough, but that Susan would be back to finish what she, Port and Issy started in 2009. Here is the plan for 2010:

THREE PARTS:
Part I: Southern Calif desert portions skipped in part due to fire. Beautiful this time of year.

Part II: The portion in Oregon below Crater Lake and on to Washington

Finally - PART III: The High Sierra over the high passes ( Susan contracted a packer to guide her and haul the supplies since it will be many days without coming out of the mountains.) There was a lot of snow this year, so August should be a good time for this section.

Susan wil go home in between times and let Issy rest and recoup then head out when times are optimum.

Susan is back in the saddle and you can "ride" with her through her journal by clicking on the "Susan's Journal" link above.

October 16, 2009Susan is back home in Arkansas and we will get the journal updated as soon as we get a glitch in the journal administration window repaired. Read what is posted up to now and keep coming back for updated entries.

CLICK HERE TO SEE SUSAN'S LOCATION THURSDAY 9-24 ABOUT 5 KILOMETERS FROM THE CANADIAN BORDER

Susan continues toward the Canadian Border.
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHERE SUSAN WAS ON WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23.

Susan is riding to the Canadian border then will ride South from Canada to cover the northern portion of the PCT before the snows begin. CLICK HERE TO SEE SUSAN'S LOCATION ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20.

The journal is now updated through July 26 -- Included in this most recent update are bear sightings, skinny dipping, beautiful water falls and a missed connection that resulted in Susan and Issy spending a night on the trail. Remember to go to Pay Pal and make your third quarter contribution if you haven't already done so.

Hey Sue,
I've been reading all your updates but I haven't seen any new ones since July. Hope all is well with you. That is some amazing journey you are on.
Take care, be safe.

Paul Liberty

Hi Susan,
I'm the one who helped at Mountaineer with the Elite classes and drove you around. What a oourageous and exciting adventure you are on. It is such a huge undertaking but it looks like you have all the right ingredients to get it done. Keep safe and have a great ride.

Susan Gracie

Sue,
I have enjoyed reviewing your log entries. When I fly over the areas you are riding across i have always been amazed that anyone would or could ride over the rough terrain. Tell Burton hello, we miss you guys.
Your Texas friend,
connie

Hi Susan, I met you on July 31st in Mt. Shasta at Soda Creek as you were cooling off Issy, what a beautiful horse he is. Thank you for the info on your exciting trip. May God be with you, your husband and horses for a safe journey. I'll keep up with you along your trail.

Glad to hear from you all. I appreciate your kind words! I rode into the Squaw Creek Area today for just a short 8 mile ride tomorrow it will be 17 miles then 32 again. Stay in touch!

Sue - A big HOORAY shout out from H-town: Byron and I both are following your adventures/progress on the PCT. We are both amazed and very proud of your pluck and determination. Congrats to you(& Horses, & Buton and your Trail Angels/Team too. HALF WAY - Whoo Hoo!!!! Carry On!!!!

Joan

I finally found you. There seems to be alot of changes since we last spoke. I will keep track of your progress and am very proud of your accomplishment.

Vic

After a few days in camp waiting on some papers for Burton's signature, Susan is back on the trail again.

Click here to see where Susan was around 3 on July 22

Susan keeps moving on. Click here to see where she was around noon on July 15

My "old" computer "Duke", with cracks in his frame has been a good traveling companion for 4 years. But, it was time for him to "retire" and stay home. This weekend I was transferring data to my new Dell laptop. I'll have the journal updated sometime before midnight PDT so check back for the details of Susan's interesting journey.

WHERE SUSAN WAS ON JULY 11-12

Susan is covering a lot of ground. Some of the higher elevations still are snow covered so she is going around those and will backtrack to cover them. (See her journal by clicking on the link above for details.)

LOCATION ON JULY 8

JULY 9TH AT 1:00 PM

Where Susan was on July 7.

Susan keeps moving on. On July 3rd was located HERE

Where Susan was on Thursday morning July 2

Susan updated the journal through June 15th. Check out the "smokey" trip down the mountain and how ISSY had Susan wishing that Port was back on the trail.
Click on this link to see Where Susan was on July 1

Susan and Port and his "understudy" ISSY are back on the trail. She is once again traveling narrow ribbon of loose rock covered trail. Susan is hoping to send weekly emails with journal entries for that week. I just posted the entries for June 1 -4. Check them out on the Journal by clicking on the link above. Pictures will also be forthcoming and I will add them to the journal entries as they arrive. Email all of your contacts and send them the link to this page as Susan needs our support and encouragement and she, Port and Issy continue to face the challenge of the Pacific Crest Trail.

CLICK HERE to see where Susan & the boys were Friday

Sue & Issy -

Can't believe you're already 'back in the saddle' again. I was chewing my nails until Trailmaster Reid published the updates to your Journal and I finally(!) found out how you and Port got out of the ravine! So glad you both came out with only minor scratches and hurts (I'm not counting the "mental" scars). I remember "Issy" when he was a only a yearling on the farm years ago. He's got big shoes to fill with Port taking a breather after your ordeal. Take heart and take care as you forge ahead - we are all rooting for you to 'thru-ride' the PCT.

p/s - I will be L.A. the weekend of June 17th/21st but you will be north of us by then by my calculations. Any chance I can cross paths with you and Burton/the "trail angels" you have assisting you along the way while I'm out there?

Cheering you on ---
Joan, Byron (and "the horses: "Dora" & "Cora" send out big "whinnies" to you and Issy).

Susan has returned to the Pacific Crest Trail and was just on the edge of the Mojave River Forks Regional Park on Wednesday morning ready to resume.

The most recent Journal posts (click on the link above) tell about the aftermath of the fall. Also note the plan to RESUME the ride.

Hello Susan,
I have been anxiously awaiting an update as to how you and Port are doing after your fall............Please take care!
Karen

My journal can be found at:

trailjournals.com/bchavez

I was most grateful for your concern and help on the trail that day. Sadly Warner Springs was the end of the line for this year.

I am nervous about what I'll be able to do after the surgery in terms of hiking and how much I will be able to carry. There are some other things, like infection, that make deciding what to do more complicated.

What a great thing you are doing for these horses. Got any ideas for an old horse like me?

Bill

Click on the link to Susan's Journal above and read about the harrowing experience as Susan and Port slipped on the scree and fell into a fifty foot ravine. How did they get out? Are they ok? Read the journal to find out.

Sue -

I see where you have crossed I-10 and must be some distance north now high in the rocky barren mountains that tower above Desert Palm Springs and it\'s associated communities. I can well imagine how rugged the going is as I\'ve driven the I-10 west to Los Angeles route from Houston many times and those mountains you and Port are in stagger the mind in their steepness and apparent lack of water/resources to sustain all but the hardiest of life. I know you\'re probabally already to Morengo Valley area by now as you were making very good time on the Trail. Take care and travel well - Byron and I hope for your continued perserverance and safety under such \'thin\' conditions. Thinking of you and where you might be every day.

Joan (and Byron; and Noon Time Dora and Commandora - the horses are AMAZED that you and Port are attempting this!)

Hi Susan,

I am Bill the fellow you helped out on the trail near Morris Meadow.

I tried to e-mail you but the address on the card didn't work for some reason. below is my note to you.

Hi Susan,

As I said previously in person and in an earlier e-mail I was very happy to get help from you when we met on the trail so thanks again. I just read your journal today and I think it needs some adjustments.

You said:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So on we go finally catching up with a very tired and dismayed looking hiker about my age. He said he wanted to make it to Morris Meadow but I know he didn’t realize that was almost 3 more miles and all up. He looked desperate. So, I offered to put his pack on Port saying I would drop it off for him at the meadow. He thanked me in disbelief and introduced himself as Cottonmouth Bill (the trail hikers name each other and my name is….guess what? “Grayhair” good grief!) So with Port loaded with an extra 40 pounds I am walking again. Janice and I move out but try to keep an eye on Bill who is awfully slow and stumbling. I call to Janice and tell her that Bill is in worse shape than we thought. We decide to get Bill to grab Janice’s horse’s tail and allow Jur to pull Bill up the mountain. Jur leans into it like a pro and I watch them as Bill stumbles along holding steadfast to Jur’s tail. Finally after having to slow our pace to a snail’s pace to accommodate Bill we get to Morris Meadow. Bill looks like he is almost about to collapse but is revived when he sees a cache of water bottle placed for the hikes by some kind soul ( usually called trail angels) and decides to camp right there. We unload Port and with eyed welled Bill tells us that this is the end of his dream to get to Canada, he just doesn’t have what it take and it is sad to get at this place with him knowing that we are close in age and it could have been me. Knowing Cottonmouth Bill is safe we trudge on to meet the trailers and 3 hours later we finally do get to camp.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All of this is true and I did "end" my hike but it was at Warner Springs not at Morris Meadow. Even when I left WS my plan was to recuperate and return to the trail. The hike wasn't officially over for me until I got the report that I needed surgery. Someone else may say, or pass judgement on me and say, "he just doesn’t have what it take" but I would never say this of myself. I have not given up on my "dream." I suggest you read my journal, it may help you to get a better perspective of me my current situation and my future trail plans. You can find my journal at:
trailjournals.com/bchavez

Your readers may have a greater appreciation of me and my situation if you refer them to my journal as well. Please note that I am only expressing this to you.

Bill

May 16 - Now read the detailed journal entries as they are posted by clicking on the "Susan's Journal" link above. Susan and Port are going to get caught up on some rest and recuperation for a few days. Read the details on the Journal pages as she will be submitting an entry every day this week getting caught up. Then come back here and let her know you are supporting her by making an entry in this log.

You just popped into my mind this morning ! Wonder where you are today?
You amaze me. Take care. Connie

See Susan's log entry below. Check back regularly for the journal entries of the harrowing experience. They made it to the Heart Bar Campgrounds at 8000 feet and 5 days ahead of schedule. Maybe she can take a day to rest and recoup.

Hey girl!!! Know that you are having the time of your life seeing and living a very long dream come true. You are in our thoughts and prayers, Port too and Burton. You keep safe and we will keep on checking on you and looking for your safe return to Arkansas. Sydney said to say HI, when I got a chance. God Bless and be safe.
Your Arkansas Backpacking buddies.
Tom and Janet

The crew made good time Wednesday through Friday of this week and passed I-10 between White Water and Cabazon on Friday night. That was the 210 mile mark on the PCT and they are about 6 days ahead on a timetable that will get them to Canada by October 15. Today they are moving along the White Water River and climbing from 1700 feet at I-10 to about 8000 feet at Heart Bar over next two days. This is not your ordinary "day ride".
Where Susan is now

Susan and Port continue to make good time and were well past the Warner Springs goal for May 6. They are over 120 miles into the trail on Wednesday. Susan will provide a major update this weekend. Thank you for your comments and support. Click this link to see where Susan is now. Where Susan was May 6

I met a member of your team in Jacumba,Ca..That's where I got the info to your website.I am amazed by your attempt to be the first woman to complete such a difficult task.Having cycled cross country on a bicycle,I am uniquely qualified to offer suggestions on human endurance issues.Hammer Nutrition has those principles posted on their website as well.Your energy levels and clear thinking become the most difficult things to overcome.I wish you godspeed in your travels and above all success on your quest.God Bless,ED

Wow Aunt Suz, you have a lofty trek ahead of you! Congrats on realizing your dream. Onward to the trail of extreme beauty and one of a kind experiences. Enjoy the meandering nomadic life while those of us in a more fixed routine cheer proudly for you from the sidelines!!! Lotsa love and admiration are with you along the way.

Hey Susan.hello from Pa! I am following you all the way girl.Stay safe!!!!!
Give Port a scratch for me!

Susan was on the trail today -- Covering 20 miles from the Mexican border to Lake Moreno State Park where the "kick off" events will be held this weekend. Scroll on down to read her posts from this weekend. Share this exciting challenge with your friends, any horse clubs or publications you know. Let's get $10 per mile pledged. Right now we are close to $1.00 per mile. Where Susan was April 27 at 4:00 PDT

Hello Sue, looking around the groom elite site recently, i seen you were going on this amazing journey. I truely wish you and Port the best of luck and safety throughout your trip. Hope you guys have a great time.-Josh

At 6 PM Monday night Susan, Burton and Port passed within 10 miles of the Mexican Border on I8. They are in the PCT gathering area near Lake Moreno. Where Susan is now

We pulled into a Casino RV Park just outside of Star City, New Mexico Saturday night. Port must have been the first horse to go gambling there as the casino patrons were quite surprised when I unloaded him and took him for a walk down a dirt road.

Port was glad to stretch his legs and tried to eat the dried grass between the sticker weeds, he rolled and then just stood there like "Who would live here with no grass?" We're "only" 800 miles, so we moved out early Sunday morning. Burton is not driving, but he is great company and since I hadn't expected him along I am thrilled to be able to spend some time with him before I take him to LAX later this week. I will not see him again until July when he flies out for a month to help move my trailer north.

Susan was 800 miles west of Mena, AR and overnighted in New Mexico. At 9:00 Sunday morning GPS had her located at the following link:
Where Susan Is Now

I'll be thinking about you and Port. Hope this trip is everything you dreamed it would be!!!!!

Susan and Port,

This is such an amazing thing that y'all are doing. Most have only a faint hope of riding this distance in our lifetime and you are doing it in one year!

Even though I can't physically be with you on your journey, know that I and others are with you in spirit.

You continue to amaze and inspire me!

Love,
Marie