Thanks for visiting.
Ben Racine I3enhamin@hotmail.com
Estero, FL - July 28, 2005
Holy cow you guys are organized. Must have been wonderful to not have to worry about anything (I mean much) once you guys got out there. Even though I've planned my 2006 hike in a lot of detail, I think I just might throw your itinerary in my bounce box for backup.
Mark mmcdonald@aptidev.com
Issaquah, WA - April 29, 2005
Your journal is very helpful and very well done - thank you! In April 2006 my four children and I plan to thru-hike the PCT.
Michael Gosnell michaelgosnell@hotmail.com
Glendora, CA - November 23, 2004
Congrats on your finish! Section hiker and a guesser to your flower page.
Mike Farrell mike@kargoil.com
Carlsbad, CA - October 29, 2004
Hello, I've always been interested in hiking the trail. I read your journal as you did it. I want to thank you for putting up such a great journal and allowing us to experience the hike along with you. You both seem like really nice people and I hope all is well. Thank you! -Mike
Joseph Shelley intertrail@yahoo.com
San Diego, Ca - October 15, 2004
I think I remember you guys from the zero launch 2004. Your site is great!. Your writing had me in tears at times. I'm doing the trail 2005. After a long 25years in the US Navy I am retiring and giving up the sea for the trail life (I can't wait). Maybe some day I will see you guys on the CDT or AT. If your coming to the zero launch in 2005 I will look you up. My trail name is Intertrail.
Marge Prothman (The Old Gal) marge@prothman.org
Hailey, Idaho USA - October 09, 2004
Hello Dave and Lexi, Congratulations on completing the PTC. I followed your journals and think I took every step with you. I am so glad the final section was good wether for you.
Again, Good Job. Cheers, Marge
Bailey
Washington, DC, - October 07, 2004
FYI to all, the watercolors are painted by Dave. I can attest personally to the fact that Lexi is a terrific knitter, however, so the artistic talents are throughout the family!
David and Cindy hikeon@surewest.net
Roseville, California - October 06, 2004
Dave and Lexi,
Great journal and website. My husband and I are contemplating a thru hike in 2006. Your pictures and journals are verying inspiring and encouraging. Lexi, your watercolors are beautiful.
Congratulations on completing your hike!
Thia Artemis EcoEquine@yahoo.com
Montpelier, VT - September 30, 2004
Hay Packman and Wildflower,
As the foliage begins to run madly into its party dress and to leap off the sugar maples, we wonder when will you 2 be home to see it?? Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with us who read avidly and drooled over the pix, at least those with the gorgeous views! Thanks for the warning that you'll be returning anti-horse, pro-goat! I'm seriously contemplating getting a llama to keep my horse company, will introduce you to it while teaching my horse to spit! Hope to hear you're home safe soon, after enjoying Canada eh??
OXen, Thia
Jill Aspinall & Rick Molz
Montpelier, Vermont - September 29, 2004
We know your step into Canada is so imminent, or has it happened today? It is so exciting, and clearly not just for you. Congratulations seems so blasé, so do tell what your thoughts are!
We are eager to hear, and can’t wait to welcome you home. Thank you both for sharing so much of your journey, and having it be so real for so many of us. Now what’s next on that fridge door?
Bailey and Doug
Washington DC - September 29, 2004
I keep dreaming about you. Hope you're done safely and happily by now (sometime on the 29th). I almost expected the news yesterday. We can't wait to talk and hear more about the great journey. Love and hugs, B & D
Pete Blumenthal
Rowley, MA - September 28, 2004
Dave and Lexi, I'm really proud of your accomplishments. Many become overwhelmed with the humdrum of everyday, but the way you both work hard everyday to follow your dreams is really inspirational. I really hope you enjoy several foot massages to rest those haggard feet, and I look forward to the next great chapter in your adventures in life.
Mystic
Montezuma, CO - September 28, 2004
Yeehaw! I'm sure you're done by the time you're reading this - congrats! Just wanted to let you know i'm thinking of you and trusting the trail treated you at least as well as it treated me (and hopefully better for Goat Rocks - Southpaw and I didn't see much of ANYthing...). All the best.
Steve Setzer "Scrote"
Boulder, CO - September 28, 2004
Packman and Wildflower! Ha! I'm warm and dry and you're cold and wet. Actually you're probably done by now. Iceman and I finished on the 18th after two nights of semi-heavy snow (the passes got about 5 inches each night). I was glad to be done. True and Cicely B finished right around us as well. I'll get in touch with you by email to see how you ended up.
Fred and Nancy Jordan
Montpelier, Vermont - September 27, 2004
As we look at "The Trail" and see what you two have accomplished, it's truly an outstanding feat and so proud of you both. WOW! You'll have many wonderful memories, and all of us at the GMC look forward to hearing about your trek. When you were at Snoqualmie Pass, wished it could have worked for you to visit with our son in Seattle, but his job had taken him away from the area at that time. Just think how you both are going to feel when you can turn to each other and say, "WE DID IT!"
Margery Whiteman mwhiteman@inovativeresourcesgroup.com
Albany, NY - September 20, 2004
Dear Lexi and Dave, Your phone call the day before Tanya and Stephen's wedding came at such a perfect moment, right after they had signed the beautiful marriage contract they created together. It was a beautiful little ceremony, with just immediate family and witnesses. Your call spoke of love and friendship across the miles and somehow reinforced the meaning of their contract. We all were deeply touched, though we did not have the joy of hearing your voices.
I have had such fun and amazement at reading your journal. I've felt excitement, awe, fear, and laughter feeling so close to your adventure. It has been a privilege to be able to travel with you. I have been inspired by your faithfulness to your journal as well. Thank you for this wonderful addition to my summer. I hope we will see you before too long and be able to experience, if only for a short time, your sense of accomplishment at such a long road travelled.
Lots of love from all of us Whitemans
Lisa (Cadence) northerncadence@hotmail.com
Ontario, Canada - September 18, 2004
Hi Dave & Lexi,
You are so close now to the end of your wondrous journey. My thoughts are with you both. Cheers to your final footsteps! Thanks for keeping such a great journal - it has been wonderful to read along as you hike.
Best wishes, Lisa
Eliza elizawhiteman@hotmail.com
Albany, NY - September 09, 2004
It was so nice to hear from you guys (through stephen) this past weekend! I have really enjoyed catching glimpes of your adventures and look forward to hearing more stories in person. I hear you might be hanging out in the northwest a bit after you finish? I'm moving out to Olympia, Washington next week (should be there by the 18th) and would love to see you if you'll be around. Email or call me at 518-281-1877. Safe and happy travels!
Bailey and Doug
Marlboro, VT - September 06, 2004
Thank you both so much for thinking of us and calling on the 4th to speak to Stephen, and wish him well before the wedding. As will not surprise you, the whole wedding weekend was delightful and joyful. Stephen and Tanya glowed the entire time. You were missed, but we shared details of your adventures with many. Love, hugs, and safe travels as you complete your current journey.
Deb
Washington DC - September 01, 2004
Treacherous days make for great writing; your August 24 journal entry was absolutely gripping. Glad the snacks came in handy. Stay safe and have fun on these last 400 miles.
Alex Irving (Iceman) alexgirving@hotmail.com
Salem, OR - August 17, 2004
Hey you two, it's been a while since I've seen you, before shasta I think. Anyway, I'm off in Salem for a couple days, and you'll probably pass me. Hope to see you again!
Peter peterv@harbornet.com
- August 02, 2004
Dave and Lexi. Your journals are very interesting to read. Since I am not in a position to hike the pct, I must do so vicariously. Your journals help me do this. Enjoy the rest of your hike, especially the PCT near Mt. Rainier and in the Alpine lakes wilderness (my stomping grounds). Keep at it and have fun. Thanks again. PJV
Jean Jean.Luce@comcast.net
Westfield, NJ/USA - August 01, 2004
Your entries are wonderful - your experiences have opened my eyes to the ups and downs of this adventure. I was touched by the notion of melancholy creeping in when you (Dave) think of leaving the trail life. Onward to Canada . . . Jean (friend of Jenni and Ralph)
JoAnn Michael jomike47@earthlink.net
Weed, CA - July 22, 2004
At this moment we are waiting to receive a phone call from you two saying you are safely off The Mountain (Mt.Shasta). You'll be with us again this afternoon. Lance and company is waiting to ride the race till you get back this afternoon :) I'm planning dinner in my head and the trailer awaits your arrival. We'll be glad to have you with us. Thank you for letting me ask all those questions.
JoAnn and Emory, along with Jake and Lacey
Margery Whiteman mwhiteman@innovativeresourcesgroup.com
Albany, NY - July 18, 2004
Dear Lexi and Dave-
I read your daily entries with interest and wonder at all you must be discovering. Do you ever think: I must renmember exactly this because I will never be here again? Or do you just enjoy all that you are seeing and hearing and not think about how transitory it is? I am amazed at your ability to keep all of us arm chair hikers up to date. Hope weather and all other aspects continue to be favorable. thanks for all the news.
Back here in the east, we are getting ready for Stephen's wedding and finding it a big job. If you get back earlier than planned, let us know. We'd love to have you there to help us celebrate. If not, hope we'll get a visit later in the fall to hear a bit about a fabulous journey. Love to you both, margery
Helen Hill blomhill@iprimus.com.au
Perth, Australia - July 14, 2004
Hello Lexi and Dave,
Dave, your father, a distant cousin of mine, told me of your hike a few weeks ago and I've been following your trail since then. Some undertaking!! Suprising to read snow caps the mountains even in mid-summer. In Western Australia midwinter has come and gone and not a sign of snow anywhere. Well your half-way there, keep it up! Helen Hill (nee Blumenthal)
Ross Pushinaitis rosstafari@thepub.com
San Jose, CA - July 13, 2004
I am happy to hear that the two of you are getting along just fine. I look forward to the pictures of triumphant jubilation in Manning Park as well all of the stories along the way. I miss you guys and hope to see you on some trail, somewhere, sometime. Take care and live large!
Cheers, Beer Snob
Plato kboniface54@yahoo.com
Antwerp, Belgium - July 09, 2004
I just "caught" up with you and loved reading every word! Congrats on summiting Whitney. I am so envious - please do this trail again when I can join you for the entire walk. It's my last day in Belgium! Off to London for 10 days and then onto Malaysia. Miss you both! Plato
Jeff Pollack jeffreympollack@yahoo.com
Richmond, VA - July 04, 2004
Thinking of you both and missing you lots! Can't wait to catch up and see how it was! Love, Jeff
Jane Walczykowski jwalczykowski@hotmail.com
Poultney, VT - June 15, 2004
Following yout trip of a lifetime...Three of us are hiking the John Muir trail in August ....can't wait for the description...be safe, ..most of all enjoy....jane, stark, erika
Cynthia Fleming cynthia_fleming@tws.org
Boston, MA - June 09, 2004
Heather, Ryan and I, here at The Wilderness Society Boston office, have been living vicariously through you both and loving your journal entries! It sounds like you guys are doing great and having the experience of a lifetime. Give Yosemite a big hello for me and enjoy the wildflowers! Cyn
Keith "Plato" Boniface kboniface54@yahoo.com
Antwerp, Belgium - June 09, 2004
Oh wow and sigh. Your journal made me miss you more. The photos and paintings are great! We're up to our thighs in boxes getting ready for Malaysia (where you will visit one day!!) Keep on keeping on - I wish I were still there!! Hugs!
Barbara Shields barbara.shields@therightbank.com
Eugene, OR - June 01, 2004
I plan to hike the PCT for my 50th birthday. Your journal is a great inspiration! A few years ago I hiked the AT from Massachusetts to Maine with my mother (almost 70) and my 12 year-old daughter. I'm hoping to get at least one of them to accompany me part of the way in 2006. In the meantime, I'll do my Walter Middy daydream on your trip. If you need or want anything when you get close to HWY 20 (Hoodoo Ski Bowl) give me a few days warning and it will be there. Thanks!
Rob Boudewijn ghill@maine.rr.com
Por, Maine - June 01, 2004
Saw your article in Vermont Sports, en route to the Burlington marathon. Beautiful. Did the John Muir Trail when I turned 50 and hope to do the PCT sometime, but your article, pictures are just fantastic and I can only wish you the ultimate in enjoyment, challenge and good health. Keep well, hoa binh (peace in Vietnamese) Rob.
Radha Vaidyanathan
- May 27, 2004
Hi Dave and Lexi,
I am a colleague of Jenni at Schering-Plough. Saw some of the pictures and the preparation and the trail. Very impressive and a wonderful job! All the best to you two.
Kurt, Noreen, and Sarah kurt_rosenkrantz@yahoo.com
Berkeley, California - May 24, 2004
Hey guys!
Wow! Sounds like you are having an amazing time on the trail! We read your journal and there seemed to be a pattern--"this is the hardest day yet" "I think this was probably the most difficult section so far" etc. And next the Mojave! We got a tiny taste when we went to Death Valley with Sarah in April--an amazing landscape. We look forward to seeing you in the Sierras!
Barry barry_318@msn.com
VT - May 19, 2004
Glad things are going so well. We are thinking of you, and pleased that you are fulfilling another adventure from the life list.
Love, Barry & Kathleen
Dean dgrover@wcvt.com
- May 15, 2004
Hey you two!
Life on the trail looks great, based on the photos. Lots more diversity than I had imagined. I love the plant photos.
Henry and I were thinking of you in late-April. We Grovers were all in California. Nancy's younger brother's wife, Rocky, had twin girls. While there Henry and I dashed to Yosemite and hiked up Half Dome. We got a very early start (1am) due to my screw-up with my watch and the time zones. We got into a bit of snow at 3 am (at 7,500 to 8,000 ft) so had to hang out in below-freezing conditions for a few hours while the sun came up. Stars were outstanding, as was the sunrise halfway up the cables. The best part was that we had the entire mountain to ourselves. This was a serious departure from the last mile of the descent, when we passed about 500 "hikers" approaching Vernal Falls.
Be well on the trail. Keep the news coming.
Dean
Thomas M. Blumenthal tblum1@mindspring.com
Skokie, IL - May 15, 2004
Dear Dave and Lexi,
We're following your updates and they are awesome; your desert pictures are great! We're enjoying reading about your adventures and seeing the mountains and the desert through your eyes. Thanks for bringing us along,
Love, Aunt Bette and Uncle Tom
Missy Foote Foote@middlebury.edu
- May 14, 2004
Dave and Lexi,
Greetings from Middlebury. I've been reading your updates imagining that my son, Rob,(Wholesome) is about 2 weeks behind you and literally following in your footsteps. Thanks for letting me know what its like out there. Keep on "walkin" proudly!
Mom and Dad
Holmdel, NJ, - May 11, 2004
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEXI
How was your dessert? What did Dave find?
Bailey Whiteman
Washington, I don't have representation! - May 11, 2004
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!!!! Thought I'd post this a day early, since I don't know when you may look at the website, if at all. The news ya'll send is great. It's not as good as being there, but a terrific second option! Love, Bailey
Mad Monte Dodge montedodge@msn.com
Olympia, Washington - May 07, 2004
Great meeting and hiking with you folks on the PCT. I was sorry to leave the trail at Warner and go back to work. Your homemade gear looks awesome you are a very " Together Couple" in terms of doing your homework for this trail! No one ever does this trail and says, " What a waste of time"!! You will have a lifetime of memories to fall back on. Take care and enjoy each day on the trail!!! Monte
Julie Iffland julie.iffland@tpl.org
Montpelier, VT - May 07, 2004
Thinking of you puttin' one foot in front of the other while we're sittin' at our desks. We're all missing you at TPL, Lexi! Hope you're having a great time.
Crow Towanda Crow@towanda.com
Loveland, CO - May 02, 2004
I left Morena at the same time and no suprise got to Warner with blistered battered feet. Two days off the trail and I'm hoping they heal.
Enjoyed your presentations at the Gear contest and even voted for ya. Good luck on this journey, hope to see ya on the trail. --Crow
Fred & Nancy Jordan jordan29fn@msn.com
Montpelier, Vermont - May 01, 2004
Thinking of two courageous people and hope all is going well. Sure is beautiful country in the west. 81 degrees here in Vermont today, May 1st. Good Luck to you both.
David Maynard & Vonnie Coombs vrcoombs@yahoo.com
San Diego, CA - April 25, 2004
We met you at the kick off and were so impressed with all you creativity. You've inspired us and we've looked at the outfitters you recommended for purchasing fabrics. We'll follow you on your journey. You're an inspiration to us both. David & Vonnie
Missy Foote foote@middlebury.edu
Middlebury, Vermont - April 25, 2004
Dave, I am the "mom" from Middlebury who emailed you about my son who is hiking the PCT this summer also.(leaving May 12). I've been thinking about you both and wondering how the start of your trip has gone. I'm sending you strength from the Vermont hills.
Jess Bossert jess_bossert@hotmail.com
Ottawa, ON - April 25, 2004
I just read the beginnings of your journal and wanted to wish you well. I hiked as far as Kennedy Meadows in 2001 and every year at this time I get the itch to set everything aside and go out again. Enjoy and take advantage of it to the fullest.
Mom and Dad blumenthals@comcast.net
Holmdel, NJ - April 22, 2004
Good Luck and may all your dreams for this adventure come true.
Bailey Whiteman
Washington DC - April 21, 2004
Great to see you here in DC. May the spirits be with you, smiling and supporting your every step! We love you and are massively proud to know you. When you're tired, remember those clambering monkeys.
Willy Towanda Willy@towanda.com
Loveland, CO - April 08, 2004
Your journal looks great. The set up is particularly warm and inviting. I'll see you at the kick-off. I'll be at site 66.
Stillroaming junk@DelNorteResort.Com
Crescent City, California, USA - March 30, 2004
Savor the anticipation. This you'll never experience again when preparing for a long trail.
Excellent web site!
Lee Ann Clark lacamas@msn.com
Roy, WA - March 23, 2004
Great site :), we are section hikers in living in western washington, contact us if you need any help up in this area. Good Luck, hope to see you on the trail this summer.
Simon
London, UK - March 22, 2004
Thanks for such detailed info on your gear. I'd love to see a review on the usefulness of the items you took and a 'wish I'd had' list too.
You are both very inspirational people, thanks.
Robert and Tamara Petty and girls and dog tammy4770@aol.com
Big Bear Lake, CA. - March 21, 2004
.....we left the snow and are "on the road" and planning to hike the trail for only a few days (since a 11 yr. old and 12 yr. old are in tow)AND LOVED YOUR WEB SITE........
John Buddington john@buddington.net
North Middlesex, Vermont - March 20, 2004
Don't forget to take plenty of photos of the blisters, rain, snow, hail, sunburn, thirst, scummy water, bedraggled fellow-hikers. As you retell the story in 2040 you will remember only the good parts--inducing others to emulate you and thus clogging up a good trail with whiners (!)
Paul Henninge
Burlington, VT - March 17, 2004
Izzzzzz toooooo mutttch! Why so long, this is what cars are for..(just kidding) Have a great trip and please return to Vermont
hugs, Paul
Jillian and Eric Liner jmb249@cornell.edu
Ithaca, New York - March 17, 2004
Wowser. We really admire you both for taking on such an incredible adventure. We look forward to hearing all the tales! J and E
Sue Drapp sdrdsd@aol.com
Duxbury, Vt Washington - March 17, 2004
Thanks for letting me live vicariously through your adventures. Be thinking of you both...many happy trails, may the feet be with you!
Nickolai Cowell ncowell@frontier.net
Telluride, CO U.S. - March 17, 2004
You coupla crazy kids-- you're my heroes. Remember to always carry a compass, a forest abrasivenessometer, and a bucket of hammers. May the PCT smile on you.
Michael & Jennifer Blumenthal family at blumenthalit dot com
Buffalo Grove, IL USA - March 16, 2004
Have a great trip!
Paul "Chilkoot" Houchens phouchens@adelphia.net
South Burlington, VT USA - March 01, 2004
I'm proud to be the first to leave an entry in your guest book. Despite being about as jealous a someone could possibly be, I wish you the most awesome of trips. I can't think of two people who are better prepared or more well-suited to make the trip than you are. Have fun and return safely (so you can paddle the Yukon with us in 2005)!
Dave
Montpelier, VT - December 15, 2003
The guestbook works fine!