Bouncer’s Mom here…
Reading your blog on the Oregon border campsite. Maybe it was “As you Wish” who made the comment about getting her husband back as she was meeting her husband in Ashland the next day. She and Bouncer had hiked together from Etna to Ashland. Bouncer is 46 years old- not 19.
We met Bouncer and Storytime at Steven’s Pass on Sunday, Oct.14. They came off the trail soaking wet in a drenching rain. We went to Skykomish and they stayed in the hotel there. I’m Fine came in about the same time so all 3 bunked together. Next day we went to the Dinsmore’s for their packages. On Tuesday we left for the pass- it was snowing hard and very nasty. After sittting in the RV for an hour Bouncer’s decision was to go back to the Dinsmores. Next day was sunny and the two set off- I’m Fine not ready yet. They made it about 30 miles in- then bad weather set in and they stayed all day Friday in their tents. The snow had piled up to 2 feet deep and the PCT was getting hard to follow with 3 steep passes still ahead. On Saturday Bouncer found a side trail that went downhill and they came out between Index and Skykomish, exhilarated to be off trail and alive with all fingers and toes accounted for. Later the elation turned to disappointment about failing to finish. But we are home in Oregon again and warm and out of that maelstrom of snow and wind. Hearing reports of 5 hikers who went in to Winthrop to rent snowshoes to make a desperate attempt to get to Canada. Concern about I’m Fine and Gonzo who are on trail heading for Stehekin. Even if they get that far they still have another 74 miles to go with deeper snow.
Wolverine and Astro made it to Canada.
I don’t even know you and I’ve been checking your blog twice a day for the last 10 days hoping to see an update. I sure am glad to hear that you’re OK, after reading about how you nearly died of hypothermia, and then WENT RIGHT BACK OUT IN THE RAIN AGAIN!! Please don’t forget to provide the promised details — I’ve really enjoyed following your blog so I’m looking forward to reading about the trauma-less (yay!) drama of your final days on the PCT.
Congrats Joe! We’re relieved. While out cycling today in cold 41 degree rain down here at sea level, Carrie and I were just saying, “I hope Joe makes it out OK.”. Congratulations on getting as far as you did. I don’t know of anyone else who could have done what you did.
Joe: I think your story would make a great book. Check out http://www.eye-books.com Eye Books specializes in publishing first time authors who have great adventure stories to tell (and do a great job telling the story, like you do).
Hi Joey, the suspense is killing me! Since I know that nothing this side of death would stop you from reaching your goals…..
So happy to hear you are safe. Such an incredible feat. I am very happy for you – to live your life and get to do your dreams is a rare thing. I am glad you embraced it. And I agree with all others’ that this would make a great book! You have inspired me to get out and backpack again!!
Joebarbera's Blog 
Bouncer’s Mom here…
Reading your blog on the Oregon border campsite. Maybe it was “As you Wish” who made the comment about getting her husband back as she was meeting her husband in Ashland the next day. She and Bouncer had hiked together from Etna to Ashland. Bouncer is 46 years old- not 19.
We met Bouncer and Storytime at Steven’s Pass on Sunday, Oct.14. They came off the trail soaking wet in a drenching rain. We went to Skykomish and they stayed in the hotel there. I’m Fine came in about the same time so all 3 bunked together. Next day we went to the Dinsmore’s for their packages. On Tuesday we left for the pass- it was snowing hard and very nasty. After sittting in the RV for an hour Bouncer’s decision was to go back to the Dinsmores. Next day was sunny and the two set off- I’m Fine not ready yet. They made it about 30 miles in- then bad weather set in and they stayed all day Friday in their tents. The snow had piled up to 2 feet deep and the PCT was getting hard to follow with 3 steep passes still ahead. On Saturday Bouncer found a side trail that went downhill and they came out between Index and Skykomish, exhilarated to be off trail and alive with all fingers and toes accounted for. Later the elation turned to disappointment about failing to finish. But we are home in Oregon again and warm and out of that maelstrom of snow and wind. Hearing reports of 5 hikers who went in to Winthrop to rent snowshoes to make a desperate attempt to get to Canada. Concern about I’m Fine and Gonzo who are on trail heading for Stehekin. Even if they get that far they still have another 74 miles to go with deeper snow.
Wolverine and Astro made it to Canada.
I don’t even know you and I’ve been checking your blog twice a day for the last 10 days hoping to see an update. I sure am glad to hear that you’re OK, after reading about how you nearly died of hypothermia, and then WENT RIGHT BACK OUT IN THE RAIN AGAIN!! Please don’t forget to provide the promised details — I’ve really enjoyed following your blog so I’m looking forward to reading about the trauma-less (yay!) drama of your final days on the PCT.
Congrats Joe! We’re relieved. While out cycling today in cold 41 degree rain down here at sea level, Carrie and I were just saying, “I hope Joe makes it out OK.”. Congratulations on getting as far as you did. I don’t know of anyone else who could have done what you did.
Joe: I think your story would make a great book. Check out http://www.eye-books.com Eye Books specializes in publishing first time authors who have great adventure stories to tell (and do a great job telling the story, like you do).
Joe, we are pulling for you, checking the weather daily and waiting for your update.
Janice and Chris, Dan’s folks
Hi Joey, the suspense is killing me! Since I know that nothing this side of death would stop you from reaching your goals…..
So happy to hear you are safe. Such an incredible feat. I am very happy for you – to live your life and get to do your dreams is a rare thing. I am glad you embraced it. And I agree with all others’ that this would make a great book! You have inspired me to get out and backpack again!!