Timothy Lake by mid-day today

Well it's Wednesday the 14th at 1:18pm and we've just gotten a SPOT transmission from Harold and Derek.  This SPOT location puts them at Timothy Lake. That's about 40 miles for their starting point at Breitenbush, and with all rough walking.  This 'very close' to doubles their last year's attempt of just over 20 miles. They've been out for a full week, and we can't wait to hear how their week went.
Here is the link to today's SPOT transmission.
http://fms.ws/7JAQr/45.11456N/121.80705W

Another day like yesterday.

I can't help but believe that with it 'dusting' the valley with snow, Harold and Derek must be wading in it.  You don't have to go much 'up' to have a snow covered car.  But there they are... moving north towards Timothy Lake.  As the T-Shirt says, 'It's all good'.
http://fms.ws/7IjrC/45.06749N/121.77258W

Yahhh Baby!!!

Well, as suspected, they must have gotten under a canopy of trees, and not been able to get a signal out. Today, at 5:40pm, we received the signal we were waiting for.  Here is where they are.
http://fms.ws/7IAed/44.99255N/121.78185W

Getting ever so close to Hwy 26... Go Get Em Guys!

Hmmmmmmm

There was no message received from Harold and Derek's SPOT transmitter on Sunday.  That's odd, but knowing what they faced last trip, it makes sense.  Last trip about this time they got into a canopy that didn't allow signals to be transmitted out.  We're hoping that is the case now. We will be monitoring this closely to see if they make their way to a clearing and transmit again.

Let's be thinking about our two gladiators, and sending them good thoughts.
Things that make you say, 'hmmmm'.

Saturday's weather turns wet

Well, looking at the weather map, its going to get colder and wetter all this week.  Much more like a winter weather pattern then a spring pattern.  With the snow level coming down to 1000' tonight, it may not be a fun few days for Harold and Derek.
I'm thinking that their loss of an hour sleep tonight will affect them much, do you?  Don't forget to turn your clocks forward an hour tonight.

Here is the latest updated location link from today.
http://fms.ws/7HAPY/44.81426N/121.79042W

They are on their way !!!

Harold and Derek got off to a 'slightly late' start on Tuesday morning, the 6th of March.  Of all the silly things that could have happened in the month of March, it snowed down to the valley floor, and it made things a little slick down here.  But, off they went.
Here is a link to see where they started...
http://fms.ws/7Esix/44.80251N/121.88953W

...and here is a link where they transmitted from tonight.
http://fms.ws/7Gcsy/44.76897N/121.78345W

Now that I've regained access to the Blog (silly me), I'll post the links of their progress as they proceed on their trek.

Let's all be thinking of Harold and Derek as they do great things for the E.S.C.A.P.E. program.

E.S.C.A.P.E EXPOSED: Gear Gallery

Take a look inside E.S.C.A.P.E Survival Challenge. Harold opens his pack to show what it takes to be self-sufficient on a long distant hike over a wintry mountain range. Derek also opens up about his passion for the outdoors.

Five Men to load the pack. One man to carry it over the Cascades.

Self contained catalytic camp stove with pot.

One cup that separates into two - one for food, one for drink, fold up spoon inside. The spoon has an extra long handle to stir food while in the cook pot.

Derek has always been outdoorsy . . .

Spot II satellite transmitter allows adventurers to send a location to support team as well as help/emergency signals to search and rescue teams.

Garmin GPS allows the team to veer off the trail and find their way right back on track. Elevation, mileage, way points, and trail can all be tracked accurately.

A bin full of all the little essentials - journal, knife, suspenders, batteries, etc.

Re-rolled duct tape.

Not just for scaring off raccoons, although it works for that too!

Jacket lined with light weight omni-heat reflective liner, which has the highest heat retention per gram of any liner out there.

Waterproof sealed seams on all outer-layers including jacket and snow pants.

Gators - neoprene socks that go over soft fabric socks while in camp.

Crocodiles - heavy guards that keep the snow and gravel out of boots.

Felt sack Harold stuffs with extra clothes to make a pillow. Harold sewed the Velcro on after the first attempt to keep the stuffing from falling out.

Completely waterproof gear bag that holds extra clothes, bivey sac, sleeping bag, and other gear. The bag then slips into the main cavity of the backpack.

The right undies. So important. Longer leg = less chaffing.

Food! Each meal is contained in one Ziploc sandwich bag. Harold and Derek chose foods that offered the most calories per ounce. Dehydrated soups, beans and rice, and mashed potatoes along with pop tarts and energy bars make up many of the meals.

Lunch and Dinner

Harold's weather-proof sack and backpack.

Derek pulling the self-modified sled on Attempt 1.

Harold's infamous backpack complete with shovel bungee-corded to the back.