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Michael Spies
Michael Spies

Michael Spies

📍 Mauritania Les mer🇩🇪Icking
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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies

    SOS = slower, older, smarter

    7. juni 2023, Forente stater ⋅ 🌙 5 °C

    Today I found this on Facebook. It fits my trail perfectly. (Unfortunately in German)

    Ein A380 ist auf dem Weg über den Atlantik. Er fliegt gleichbleibend mit 800 km/h in 30.000 Fuß Höhe, als plötzlich ein Eurofighter mit Tempo Mach 2 auftaucht. Der Pilot des Kampfjets bremst ab, fliegt neben dem Airbus her und grüßt den Piloten des Passagierflugzeugs per Funk: „Langweiliger Flug, was? Dann pass mal auf!“
    Er rollt seinen Jet auf den Rücken, beschleunigt, durchbricht die Schallmauer, steigt rasant in eine schwindelerregende Höhe, nur um gleich darauf in einem atemberaubenden Sturzflug fast bis hinunter auf Meereshöhe zu stürzen. Mit einem Looping kehrt er neben den A380 zurück und fragt: „Na, wie war das?“

    Der Pilot des Airbus antwortet: „Sehr beeindruckend. Aber jetzt schau du mal her!“

    Der Jetpilot beobachtet die Passagiermaschine, aber es passiert nichts. Sie fliegt weiter stur geradeaus, mit immer gleichem Tempo. Nach fünf Minuten meldet sich der A380-Pilot per Funk: „Na, was sagst Du jetzt!?“

    Der Jetpilot fragt irritiert: „Was hast du denn gemacht?“ Der andere lacht und sagt: „Ich bin aufgestanden, habe mir die Beine vertreten, bin nach hinten auf die Toilette gegangen, dann habe ich mir einen Kaffee und eine Zimtschnecke geholt und mich für die nächsten drei Nächte mit der Stewardess verabredet – in einem 5-Sterne-Hotel, das von meinem Arbeitgeber bezahlt wird.“

    Die Moral der Geschichte ist:

    Wenn du jung bist, scheinen Geschwindigkeit und Adrenalin etwas tolles zu sein. Aber wenn du älter und klüger wirst, sind Bequemlichkeit und Ruhe auch nicht zu verachten.

    Man nennt das S.O.S.: slower, older, smarter.

    Gewidmet allen meinen Freunden, die sich wie ich dem S.O.S. nähern... 😉    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    "Buttrfly" and "Catterpillar" gleaming their joy into the world
    This man with a t week old baby was rocking it gently while humming to itThis water cache was supposed to hold water but all bottles were empty.But the mice had chopped up all lables on the bottles to make a nest for their babiesBeautiful humming bird approaching a flower

    A day of colours and wonders

    7. juni 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    This morning as I returned to the trail I again passed Mc Donalds and decided to pop in for a coffee and there were once again "Butterfly" and "catterpillar" having breakfast. There joy of life and smiles followed me all day. And by god did I need it. Today was 30km and 1800m altitude climb. I hiked from 08:30 till 20:00hrs with only a short break! And the whole time it went only one direction; UP!
    But the weather was cool and the trail full of flowers and other beautiful surprises. Such as the photograph of the humming bird. These tiny 4cm long birds fly so fast from flower to flower that I have never managed to photograph one.
    Opposite us at Mc Donald's, I witnessed a very moving image: a man whose neck was as wide as the upper part of my thigh was holding this maybe 2 week old baby and rocking to-and-fro humming to it. It was so loving and gentle that I nearly cried.
    And then there were the incredible views from 2800m into the valleys as the sun set that once again reminded me how beautiful this world is.
    How privileged I am.    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    Radley Troy from Britain, we camped together last night
    And up we go to cross the next mountainsAnd then suddenly Elisabeth from Amsterdam walked by!Poison oak, if you brush past an oil causes serious blisters on the skinNatuee showing off its amazing ability to camoflageThe last km to Mc Donalds, everyone accelerating!Elisabeth virtually jogging the last metersHighway 66 cuts through cajon passAll over Mc Donalds, hikers sleeping on the tables or here two french girls schmoozing each other.Lucky girl!And Elisabeth dives into her second burger!

    Great joy and deep disappointment

    6. juni 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Today I had a great day hiking to Cajon pass separating two mountain ranges, hiking partly together with Elisabeth from Amsterdam, who suddenly apeared while I took a rest with two hikers "butterfly" and "caterpillar". What joy to see her again!
    Today the whole trail had one common goal; Mc Donalds at Cajon pass. All energy and talk was focused on this one goal with hikers getting faster and faster in the last kms. Mc Donalds was loaded full of hikers, many whom I had not seen for days. Elisabeth and I entered
    singing the song "Allways look on the brighter side of life" accompanied by the music on Spotify. As we danced in the middle of the restaurant, the people around us joined in the singing. What fun! What joy!
    Among other I was thrilled to see Mary-Jo there, but then totally shocked when she hardly reacted to my greeting, as if I were an unknown person. Two days previously we had been talking for a whole day about her cancer, about death of parents,, children and divorce, the most personal of subjects from the heart, and here was this person now behaving as if she hardly knew me. I was totally confused and hurt and noticed how the topic worked in me all evening. It was nice to have a friend like Elisabeth there to talk to, who like me, had decided not to continue this afternoon up the next mountain (1.200m) amidst an extremely strong, ice cold wind. We walked to the local motel on the highway and split the costs of a room.
    I was amazed that the majority of hikers continued this afternoon under ice cold conditions. again under time stress to make a 30mile (45 km) day!
    Crazy!    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    Bear tracks of a black bear next to my tentAnd suddenly this naked hiker with ring through his penis comes by, I didn't believe my eyes!The bear on the wall at Joshua innThe Joshua Inn stories teamJoshua Inn

    Gone as quickly as she apeared!

    5. juni 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    I woke up at 5 in the morning to hear Mary-Joe packing her tent and came out just as she was leaving!. Oh shit I thought.
    It was a strange farewell, a short "see you" and she was gone.
    Once again, I was alone!
    I just don't understand the hurry that people are in. Just because of this target to reach Canada this year people are in an incredible stress, setting mileage targets for each day and having no time to taste the beauty of the landscape we are walking through. I keep on hearing the most horrific stories of young people taking sleeping pills to be able to sleep and taking several Iboprofene each day over long periods to calm the pain they are experiencing in their bones and joints. Isn't that totally insane! All just for the sake of getting to Canada before the snow falls!
    I have.long given up this vision.. When I calculated the trail, I took my 35 km daily average from the camino, a grave mistake!. This trail has nothing to do with the camino. These are rocky, mountain tracks with a lot of climbing, carrying food, and a tent and lots of water. My average is closer to 25km per day. I have given up Canada and will walk as far as I can while enjoying this incredible nature!

    And this morning, after Mary-Jo had left, I went down to the river and just sat there listening to the water. And then I saw the footprints! A black bear had been walking around our tents and down to the water where he had been digging in the sand.
    Now, how nice is that!

    All day, I hiked along the canyon in which the river flowed, criss crossing over bridges to finally arrive at Joshua Inn, a typical pub/sandwich bar at the end of the world, in front, huge pick-up's, inside the weirdest characters I have ever seen drinking, playing billiard and talking tall stories. With my pictures of snakes ready to strike and bear paws next to my tent I dominated the conversation all evening because each had their own snake and bear story to tell!
    By the way, Joshua Inn was KM 505!!!!!!    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    This rattle snake meant serious business with me. Ready to strike!Mary Joe from Sacremento, finally someone to talk toThe second rattle snake of the dayIncredible views as we follow the mountain stream, lower and lower

    Wow, what a day of extremes

    4. juni 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Today was a day of extremes!
    I woke up in the morning feeling depressed and extremely lonely. The evening before with three hikers had depressed me. Converstion was hollow and meaningless, and I noticed this is not my world nor generation, and makes me feel even more alone than I already am. The age group on trail is between 20-30 years old. They are at the beginning of their lives with little life experience. I am yearning to meet people closer to my age and life experience, and I am yearning to meet someone who walks my pace with whom I can share the beauty of this trail.
    Beauty is twice as beautiful when you can share it with someone.
    I gathered together my energy, buried my sorrow, and set off walking to be met by the most unbelievable flowers on trail to remind me that beauty is all around.
    Then suddenly there was loud rustling in a bush next to me as I passed. I jumped forward instinctively and turned around. There was a huge black rattle snake, wound up like a spring, 1/3 of his body in the air ready to strike. I showed the photographs to a local who confirmed that this snake meant business and that I was extremely lucky.
    Later on in the day, I stepped past a large boulder and again saw a rattle snake in the corner of my eye, curled up. I agai lept 3 meters, but this one was fast asleep and didn't react at all. As I walk, I am constantly on alert for their rattle and checking the path ahead. And yet, one does not see them till the last moment. And if they don't rattle? What to do then?
    And then in the afternoon, as if organized by my angel, a 49 year old lady from sacraments called Mary Joe. A homeopath, according to Hanamann, two grown-up daughters, and just came out of breast cancer. And miracle, she walks more or less at my pace! We had incredible discussions all afternoon and evening about life, children, sickness, and a million other topics.
    The evening, we set camp next to a mountain stream with the roaring of water and the sound of frogs while we each cooked our meals.
    What a beautiful day!    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    Back into the dry prickly country!The brother of the cactus I fell into a few days agoTrees blocking the trail everywhereTime for a lunchtime breakThe view from where I am lyingThousands of purple flowers along the pathTwo trees in love, intertwined and connectedHiking along a ridge with view on Bigbear lakeTent site tonight

    Everyone is gone, and I am at Kenney's

    3. juni 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Everyone left again yesterday, I decided to stay another night and moved to the house of a trail angel Kenny, to have time to write this blog and order a new sleeping bag.
    Kenny Anderson is a crazy guy. He seems to be a well known country singer (Duke Anderson band) , has this large house stuffed to the rim with "things" and which seems to not have been cleaned since his divorce 4 years ago. Every day approx 10 hikers stay here. It is chaos and mess, but with a HUGE HEART!
    Went and had dinner with him alone last night (He is my age) and I got a wonderful insight into a typical American country life.
    This morning, a huge breakfast and then back to trail. 5-7 days of walking waiting for me!
    Back into the prickly country!    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    Walking at sun rise to make it to breakfast by 9 in Big Bear
    Happy breakfast in a tiny hiker joint packed to the rimBlue berry pancake, as much as you can eat3"North pole fudge and Ice cream company", a death trap of sugar. Like Roald Dahl's Grubber store o1Death by sugar!

    Big Bear Lake at last, and a warm bed

    1. juni 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    Most hikers went all the way to Big Bear, I decided to spend the night on a hill overlooking the lake 10km before town. The late afternoon sun shone down on me as I cooked my "Pad Thai" camping meal and I felt at peace with myself and the world in the middle of this incredible nature.
    The next morning I started walking at 05:30 to make it to Big Bear by 09:30 when several hikers planned to meet for breakfast. I made it!
    A joyous round followed with bacon and eggs and blue berry pan cakes interspaced with as much coffee as we could drink while everyone chatted about their lives and trail.
    Life is great!
    The post office followed to pick up my new, slightly larger shoes. Maybe my blisters will now stop.
    Then something terrible happened, I discovered the "North pole fudge and ice cream company". I entered and was hardly able to exit again, but I made it, with a monstrous ice cream and about 2 kg of jelly bears.    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesGypsies on the moveMichael Spies
    Home sweet home
    Träumen........Sprinti wartet auf seinem neuen Stellplatz schon auf das nächste Erlebnis

    Die Heimat wartet schon

    31. mai 2023, Tyskland ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Nach einem Shopping und Genusstag in Verona höre ich in der Ferne den Ruf von daheim. Ich genieße, nach relativ wenig Schlaf, (die Teenies freun sich an dieser tollen Location gerne Nachts des Lebens) noch meinen Morgenkaffee mit Traumsicht. Dann pack ich zusammen und mache mich auf den Weg.
    Diese Strecke zwischen Verona und dem Brenner ist immer sehr nervenaufreibend, die LKWs eindeutig in der Überzahl.
    Wow, unsere Alpen und unsere Wälder, sehr hoch, sehr grün und auch sehr anders.
    Bin schon etwas aufgeregt doch freudig und das Wiedersehn ist sehr berührend.
    Ich setzte mich erstmal auf die Bank der vorderen Terrasse und schaue und dann lege ich mich in die Hängematte auf der hinteren Terrasse und Träume.....    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    A group of czechs taking down their tents
    Magic morning light1Freezing but happy

    Ice cold and beautiful

    31. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 4 °C

    Last night, as the sun wend down an ice cold fog came down the slopes dropping temps to just above zero. These temperatures followed us the next day. Once again I froze all night and decided that the time has come to get another sleeping bag which I shall order when we get to big bear.
    The other side of ice cold air is that it is totally clear making for beautiful landscapes.    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    This is not grass but an insect
    Burnt slopesAndrew with me at Mission creekA stream in paradise, just right to take a bathThese guys love blocking the way!

    Up, up, up to mission creek

    30. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    And up up up we climb back to 2700m and Mission creek. A beautiful site with a spring coming out of a cave.
    A one moment 14 hikers were there, but then decided to hike on. Among them, one called "Trip" a crazy young guy hiking with his girl friend. He took his flute to the spring and played to the water. Hearing this sound drifting through the trees and mountains touched me deeply.
    Such magical moments.
    My body was still battling with my cactus wounds and I decided to call an early stop.    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    Andrew, my savior, operating the thorns out.
    Taking a bath with all clothes onStacy from Darwin, Australia

    A prickly night

    29. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Never a quite moment!
    When I got up last night to have a pee I tripped over a rock and onto a catus. My whole leg full of big thorns and a blood bath. Most of the thorns came out easily but four had broken off and were deeply embedded creating endless pain. The problem is, they dont come out but go deeper and deeper with each movement.
    The next morning, surrounded by hikers, Andrew did "hiker surgery" cutting the holes open with a pocket knife and then going deep inside with very pointed tweezers. Endless time later we had four 1/2 cm thorns out. And I was a sweating wreck miles from nowhere. This was a moment where I seriously considered quitting the trail.
    I was through!
    All this hardship, freezing nights and now this! I had had enough.
    These are the moments where it is so beautiful to have buddies around.
    I carried on!
    We spent the whole day hiking up a river valley, criss crossing the stream. At first I took my shoes off and then reaching the third crossing just walked through. 14 crossings followed! Ever seen feet that have been walking all day in soaked shoes and socks??????    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    Leaving the highway for the San Bernadino mountains
    The shade structure built by a trail angelSimon from GermanyElisabeth from NetherlandsAndrew from KentuckyLouise from ParisComming down into the river valley.Crossing the river1Happy and satisfied

    Over san Bernadino valley on to Big Bear

    28. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ 🌬 20 °C

    After two dubious nights in a motel directly next to the highway, an UBER brought me back to the trail.
    We had come down from the San Jacinto mountain range, had crossed the San Bernadino valley, and are now walking up the San Bernadino mountains on the other side, heading towards Big bear. While this also leads up to 3.000m, the terrain is not as steep and dangerous and is therefore less stressful.
    After the first hours, I arrived at a small roof construction that a trail Angel had constructed in cooperation with a wind farm to supply shade to hikers. How nice! And even nicer was that I meet several hikers there that I haven't seen for days: Elisabeth, Simon, Louise, and Andrew. What a nice reunion.
    The path leads higher and higher over a mountain and into a valley with a fast flowing river. This will be our first river crossing among many.
    Once, on the other side, I set up camp near the river bank listening to the roaring of the river all night. This is the most beautiful tent site I have experienced so far, and my heart is filled with gratefulness. I am in the middle of god's garden.
    I take a bath in the river, lying down in the raging stream. WOW! WHAT A FEELING!    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesGypsies on the moveMichael Spies
    Schildkrötenrettunggrasig, bitter, scharf1

    Auf nach Igoumenitsa und Ancona

    28. mai 2023, Italia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    weiterhin auf Nebenstrecken um möglichst nah an dieser traumhaften Natur zu bleiben.
    Dann gönn ich mir noch ein leckeres Fischessen und einen Großeinkauf bestes Olivenoel von einem start up in Plataria. Ein letzter Schwimm und auf gehts in den Hafen.
    An diesem Wochenende gab es ein großes Harley Davidson Treffen in Igoumenitsa und viele von Ihnen kommen jetzt mit auf die Fähre. Was für ein Sound.
    Und ein Swen mit seinem Sprinter ist gleich vor mir. Mit ihm wird die Überfahrt dann recht kurzweilig.
    Nach 21 Std. erreichen wir bei Sonnenuntergang Ancona. Wow, schon fast daheim.
    Und jetzt bin ich hier in Verona, my last destination... sitze auf der Mauer am Kastell, schaue über die Stadt und realisiere
    ... nach 8 Monaten geht diese faszinierende, wunderschöne, anstrengende und herausfordernde Reise nun zu Ende.
    Ich nehme einen großen Schatz mit in meinen Alltag.    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    In the distance, the mountains I will be climbing next "Big Bear" rangeI slowly descend back into desert drynessMount San Jacinto, where I come fromThis snake had probably eaten a lizard in the hole and couldn't get out anymore when I touched him wAbsolutely gigantic wind farms document; this valley always has windLooking back at San JacintoIncredible wind gusts bowl me over again and again

    25km and 1800m decent

    26. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C

    Today we come off the San Jacinto mountain range down into the desert plain of Palm Springs to then go up the other side into the Big Bear mountains.
    But I am exhausted. The last 4 days have been the most strenuous of my whole life and I need a break. But first we have to descend 1800m and walk 25 km. What initially looks like a three hour hike is actually a 10hour hike in extremely rocky terrain and with a gale force wind whith gusts so strong that I am thrown off the trail twice, thank god in the direction of the mountain. I can hardly walk a straight line. Once again a superlative. I have never experienced such a strong wind. I am sick of superlatives, I want a normal trail again!
    Again, totally exhausted and 10 hours later I arrive at the foot of the mountain hoping to pitch my tent. NO CHANCE! The wind is so strong that my tent would not last 5 minutes. I simply have to get to Cabazon where there is a hotel. The highway is 5 km away. I start walking but am thrown over several times. I am on the verge of tears. Furious, exhausted, sick and tired. Then a car suddenly appears. A toothless Mexican with a warm heart drives me the 15km to the hotel that was recommended to me at 90 dollars a night. At the reception I fall over. 470 USD per night! It is long weekend. I am about to scream!
    Many phone calls later, and 40 taxi kms later I arrived at a motel directly next to the highway (20m) .
    The rest of the night I listened to honking trucks!
    When is this going to end?    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesGypsies on the moveMichael Spies
    11

    Meteora heißt in der Luft schwebend

    26. mai 2023, Hellas ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Die Klöster wurden auf Felsnadeln gebaut um Gott möglichst nahe zu sein.
    Zum Großteil sind sie heute noch von Mönchen oder Nonnen bewohnt, zurückgezogen hinter dem Ansturm der Touristen.
    Ich finde es dort oben sooo schön, möchte auch schweben, dass ich das Risiko Nachts von der Polizei vertrieben zu werden eingehe. Im ganzen Meteorabereich ist campen verboten ... und ... ich habe Glück und ein wunderbar ruhiger Morgen wird mir geschenkt.Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    Continuous snow cover
    Another huge tree, 150 ringsPhillipe, a portrait photographer from Monpelier, Yu-huan, choreographer from TaiwanThe two cooking their dinner

    Snow fields and lost orientation

    25. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C

    In the mean time I am walking in snow the whole time, on extremely steep, slippery slopes, wet cold feet, and constantly loosing the trail. I am exhausted and a state of panic is rising up in me. I am alone and if I slip here there is no stopping and no one to help me. Again and again I loose the trail and suddenly find myself 50m above or below it and have to battle over fallen trees, huge boulders or wet slippery snow to regain the right location.
    Suddenly I realise that I am seeing the same boulders and trees I saw 10 minutes ago. Oh my god! I am walking in circles! I try to sort myself and notice that the gps is doing the opposite to what it should. I reboot my phone and notice that it is doing an update. But the problem doesn't change. Then suddenly I realise, I have mistakenly crossed over a ridge, this explains why everything is the opposite.
    I am on the verge of panic.
    Then Phillippe and Yu-huan, call to me from 50m away. They are also lost. Together we orientate ourselves and walk together for the rest of the afternoon.
    Yu-huan slips and shoots down the slope to be caught by a tree. We are all exhausted and decide that we must stop.
    At the next free piece of ground we pitch camp. Me again with rocks to not slide down the slope.
    Another Ice cold night follows. This has been the most strenuous day of my life.    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    The Terrain is getting steeper and wilder
    Burnt slopes that will probably never carry pines againAs we get closer to 3000m snow patches everywhereSnow covering the trail and making it extremely difficult to followThe pine trees grow in a spiral to make the trunks stronger in the extreme windsHuge fallen trees make hiking even more difficult.It starts getting dark, this site on a slope was the only I foundI placed rocks on the slopes side to stop me slipping downhill in the night

    2900m, just under the San Jacinto peak

    24. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    As I get closer to 3000m, the slopes get steeper and wilder, and snow fields start covering the already stony and difficult trail and making navigation really hard.
    It starts getting dark and really cold and I am desperate. I take the only free space on a slope for my tent and make a row of large rocks to prevent me from sliding down the slope.
    Another really cold night at -5degrees without sleep!    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesGypsies on the moveMichael Spies
    Auf dem Spaziergang am Strand
    Typisches BergdorfDer Olymp hüllt sich mit seinen Göttern gern in WolkenZoom in, dann kannst Du Sprinti erkennenAm nächsten Morgen zeigt er sich dann dochWälder so dicht wie ein Teppichschauenstaunenriechen1Berggipfel nit Kapellen

    Und weiter Richtung Heimat

    24. mai 2023, Hellas ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Noch eine Nacht am Strand und dann durch das atemberaubende Hinterland von Thesalloniki nach Igoumenitsa.
    Es ist als möchte meine Seele fliegen.
    Olymos Oros der höchste Berg Griechenlands und der Berg auf dem die Götter wohnen. Umgeben von berstend grünen Wäldern, blühenden Wiesen und kleinen Kapellen. Ich kurble die Fenster ganz herunter um den Duft von Ginster und Thymian zu atmen.Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    Burnt bushesWhole slopes with burnt treesA charcoaled trunkMy tent embedded amongst low shrubs to protect from the windLooking happy, but bloody cold1Andy and Elke's "emergency ration"Howling wind

    Higher and higher, San Jacinto mountains

    23. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Throughout the day I climbed up, then down and then up again. This is a typical PCT Trail which is connecting together various existing trails in various naure reserves and state parks. The result is that you weave around mountains, through valleys and over peaks walking many kms and altitude meters.
    The whole region I walked through must have been victim to a huge fire several years ago, because whole slopes were covered with the burnt stubs of trees and bushes. A sad sight, but also how nature functions with many pine trees only sowing their seeds when fire comes. But when I stop and count the rings of a fallen tree, I notice that the first 50 years the rings were wide indicating good growth and water, then they became narrower and narrower, indicating less water. It seems this region is getting dryer and dryer which might also be the region why the fire could do such vast damage.
    In the afternoon the ice cold wind picked up again, but this time I knew what was needed and luckily found a site embedded among low bushes that prevented the wind from getting at the tent. None the less temps dropped below zero, and despite me wearing all the clothes I possessed I froze bitterly.
    A short video at night records the howling wind over my head.
    To bring light into my life, I opened the "emergency ration" which Andy and Elke Hoyler had given me in Saudi Arabia, before I left for the PCT. What a delight in the howling cold.
    Thank you you two!    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    Elisabeth Hofman from the Netherlands on a sabatical from her job
    Don Grey, 67 years from Portland, on a section hikeRivers of water apearing in minutes in the thunderstormAnd then clear skyHigher and higherCamping at 2000m1

    Idlewild and up, up, up we go

    22. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    In Idlewild, I found lodging in the cutest of small lodges, with a bathtub into which I sank immediately, not before taking a shower however, because I was black with grime. Even after showering the following bath ended up leaving black rims of dirt. I dont think I have ever been so dirty!
    In exhaustion I fell into bed and slept like an angel.
    The next morning I met Elisabeth from Holland and Don from Portland and had a wonderful Hiker breakfast together. They were both staying on for a second night, I decided to get a ride back to the trail despite the thunderstorm that was brewing. And so it was, one hour in, all hell broke loose. I opened my umbrella and just stood still watching the rain and streams becoming rivers within minutes.
    An hour later the air cleared and I continued climbing up the 700m in a good flow of energy.
    The night was different, a gale force wind developed and temperatures dropped real low. I froze and listened to the tent rattling all night while I mused on how stupid I was not to have stayed another night in Idlewild!    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesGypsies on the moveMichael Spies
    Kalamitsi
    Wildes summen in prächtugen Körbenjetzt bräucht ich nur noch Stella, unser Kajak und ein Fahrradauf einer Waderung in HinterlandWie prächtig Du bistNeos Marmarasmeine Nachtwache

    Ich hab ihn wiedergefunden

    22. mai 2023, Hellas ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    den Ort an dem ich vor 39 Jahren mit Lisa war. Kalamitsi. Heute etwas anders doch der Strand ist noch ebenso golden wie damals, mit der kleinen Insel davor.
    Mit Rucksack und Zelt, mein 2 1/2 jähriges Kind auf der langen Zugfahrt von MUC nach Thesalloniki auf dem Schoß. Mit dem Bus weiter zum südlichsten Ende des mittleren Fingers von Chalkidiki.
    Ha, was macht man nicht alles wenn man jung ist.
    Das macht mich heute so richtig glücklich. Ich genieße den Tag an diesem Ort, bevor es weitergeht nach Neos Marmaras.    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies

    When the world passes you by

    21. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Its great passing by others, you have things under your control, how fast you go by and who you talk with.
    But my reality is different, the world passes me by, constantly!
    These young kids, and the occasional older one, who make up 90% of the hikers all seem to be walking twice as fast as me. It feels like standing on the roadside watching the cars go by.
    THAT IS DEPRESSING!
    Constantly I am reminded of my age, but worse still it is impossible to take up contact with any one, because you never get beyond saying "hi, where do you come from?" And then they are gone!
    That is sad and makes me lonely!
    But yesterday I noticed that some young kids have the same problem. I met "purple". Purple had just walked 50km in one day and when he arrived at "Tule spring" in the afternoon, and was still bouncing like a young springbok. His speed fascinated me and simultaneously angered me because it showed me once again how slow I am. In the discussion that followed he confided that he is lonely because his speed prevents him from ever getting beyond the" hi how are you? where do you come from?"
    Now! That's a new view on the problem!!!!!
    Another lady I spoke with, mentioned: "the trail teaches you to stop comparing yourself to others".
    When will I stop comparing myself to those racing by, and just do my thing? And simply trust that at some stage someone will appear who walks just as fast as me?    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    Rising up above the valley, hikers below just waking up
    Trail Angel Mary's place, water and shade

    Hikers cafe, civilization at last, km244

    21. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    The alarm rang at 04:45, by 05:30 I was walking. As soon as the sun came up my magic umbrella went up and turned the next 20kms and 760m climb into relatively good walking.
    The incredible sun could no longer get at me and I stayed sane.
    And then comming down, I could see the "hikers cafe", and from a distance of 3 km's feel the ice cold beer going down my gullet and the juicy Hamburger between my teeth. My phantasy flourished and reality did not dissappoint!
    Feeling like a king after the second ice cold beer I decided to take my first "ZERO" day to wash my body, wash my clothes, and sleep in a soft bed. A trail Angel drove me up to Idlewild to a cute lodge where I now write these words. Tonight I will sleep, and how!    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    1My magic umbrella!DawnWalking at night

    Nightmare night followed by daymare day

    20. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    At 2am the wind ripped my tent out of the ground with me simply holding on to everything I possessed and somehow getting it into my rucksack. The only option was to start walking, with a headlight, which I did. As soon as we started walking the wind dropped! BASTARD!
    A beautiful sunrise followed. And then the sun hit us! By 9am the had heat set in without the slightest possibility to hide all day, on top, no water along the route. It was hell.
    At 5pm I arrived at "Tule spring" the only water source of the day, reddish water in a reddish brown trickle with a silvery shine on the surface. We had no choice, the next water was 16km away.
    As I left, Scott, whose trail name is "trip" for good reasons, asked me why I was not using my sun umbrella and showed me how to mount it. The effect was incredible with I lowering the temp underneath significantly. I walked another 3 km's before finding a calm place for my tent after a gruelling day!    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies

    On to "lost valley spring" km190

    19. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    This day was walking paradise with the trail taking me across open prairie fields and then ever higher along a stream lined with ancient trees offering shaded walking. After 3pm we came out of the trees and climbed 700m up to lost spring. But the morning had been so cool that the afternoon in the sun was ok to handle. The spring at 1700m, and source of our water was only a trickle. About 5 hikers set up tent as the sun went down on a totally calm evening.
    And then all hell broke loose!
    I had just gone to be at 07pm when a breeze started this getting stronger and stronger till gale force at around 2am blowing fine sand into my tent. And then it happened, at first "honey bee's tent collapsed, shortly after mine followed with my main tent peg, that had been hammered into rock hard ground, shooting out of the ground like a bullet and hitting the guy behind me who had just started packing his things. Total chaos broke loose with me trying to gather my things, get them into my rucksack and then start walking with headlight at 3am in the morning. I hadn't slept all night, and what followed was a 30km day in searing heat without shade.
    A total nightmare!    Les mer

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  • Michael SpiesBald eagle goes a walkingMichael Spies
    "Honey Bee" from EdinburghHiding from the sun in a tiny holeMy small hole, to hide from the noonday sun

    And on to Barrel Spring

    18. mai 2023, Forente stater ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Today walking led through extremely dry territory in a glaring sun that had no mercy. The worst was that nowhere was shade. The tiny bushes on steep slopes offered no respite from the incredible sun that shone on us from 06 in the morning till 07 at night. This is for me the worst thing about this hike, not being able to escape from the sun. We measure temperature in the shade, how do we measure temperature in non-stop sun for 12 hours????
    At around 1pm I found a small shaded "slot" in a curve and disappeared into it for two hours to then continue at three, walking until sunset which brought me into a valley with trees called "Barrel Spring" named after a half-barel with a spring running into it. One after the next the hikers lept into the bereits to cool off and wash. Lets not talk about the hygiene of this!
    I also met Honey Bee from Edinburgh today, a game ranger in the castle park on "leave of absence" to do the PCT. This small girl astounded me. In her pack she had a french coffee maker among numerous other utensils!    Les mer

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