Tiny Travelers

Pacific Crest Trail Progress:

Total Distance Traveled: 1698 miles

Total Time on Trail: 110 Days

Photo by Gavin “Zen” Morris.

Trail Tales

       When the sun starts to go down and it’s almost time to stop hiking for the day, Wampus and I get excited to see our good friends, the bats! Bats are extremely interesting trail creatures… and not only because they eat mosquitoes (some of our worst enemies on the trail). We recently spoke with our good friend about one particular type of bat that seems to be following us up the trail. Meet the Hoary Bat!

-Zen

Wild Things of the PCT

Hoary Bat held in leather glove.

HOARY BAT (Lasiurus cinereus)

• Only about 3% of bat species migrate, the hoary bat being one of them

This species may travel more than 4,000 miles as it migrates back and forth across North America

• Although it has a wingspan of about 15 inches, the hoary bat weighs on average only 1 ounce (20-35 grams)
  

  Hawai’ian Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus)

• This bat is named for its frosted (hoary), white-tipped fur

• Although it mainly feeds on moths, the hoary bat may feed on other insects,and even smaller species bats!

• Bats use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate during nighttime flight

Hawai’ian Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus semotus)

• This bat is the only land mammal endemic (native) to the Hawai’ian islands, known locally as ōpeʻapeʻa

• Although Hoary bats are widespread across the U.S., this sub-species is currently listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act

Next Week’s Adventure

Join Wampus Cat and Zen next week as they hike father into the Cascades of Oregon. They will be passing over many volcanoes as they progress along this part of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Check out next week’s “Wild Things”, featuring the Northern Flying Squirrel! We will also learn about Oregon’s famous Crater Lake National Park.

Trail Thoughts

Why do you think bats are nocturnal (active at night)? What are some things bats are capable of that help them in the darkness?

Are you or anybody you know afraid of bats? What is it about these fuzzy flyers that you think people find so creepy?

More, Please!

Are you curious about what it’s like to hike along the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you like to know more about the different plants and animals they encounter? Feel free post any comments or questions about today’s post!

“To those devoid of imagination a blank place on the map is a useless waste; to others, the most valuable part.” -Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac.

Sources Used: [7], [10]

The Heat is On!

Pacific Crest Trail Progress:

Total Distance Traveled: 1425 Miles

Total Time on Trail: 99 Days

Photo by Gavin “Zen” Morris.

Trail Tales

    After several days of hiking through dense forest, Zen and I were excited this week to climb above the trees and see a large snowy peak up ahead. We soon learned that it was not a mountain, but Lassen Peak, the first volcano of many that are located along the trail. The PCT takes hikers through Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California, which is home not only to Lassen Peak, but many other interesting sites. We saw a large geyser, that spewed steam and boiling hot water out of the ground. There was also a strangely-colored pond that bubbled from the heat. Lassen National Park was unlike any other place we have hiked yet and has made us interested in learning more about volcanism.

– Wampus Cat and Zen

Wild Things of the PCT

Kings Creek, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

• This 165-square-mile national park attracts millions of visitors a year to see Lassen Peak and the many hydrothermal (hot water) features

• Lassen Volcanic NP first began as two separate National Monuments, Cinder Cone and Lassen Peak, which were designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907

• Lassen Peak last erupted in 1915, and is among 17 volcanoes which are scattered along the Cascade Mountain Range

• Among the features which decorate the landscape are fumaroles, which are vents that shoot out steam and volcanic-gas at high speeds, at temperatures up to 322°F (161°C)

• The heated waters of the boiling pools and other features are usually very acidic (a liquid having a low pH). Click here for more information!

Fumaroles of Bumpass Hell, in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California. Photo by Daniel Mayer. October 2003.

The Ring of Fire

Pacific Ring of Fire

• About 75% of Earth’s active and dormant volcanoes and nearly 90% of earthquakes occur along the region known as the Pacific Ring (or Circle) of Fire, making it the most volcanically and seismically active region on the planet!

• Magma from the melted crust of Earth rises up through vents, and creates volcanoes where the magma breaks through like those at Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Volcanoes lie along the edges of the pacific ocean where the Pacific and other tectonic plates are pushed beneath other plates. Among the mountains which have formed along the ring are the Cascades of North America and the Andes of South America

• Click here for more information about the “Ring of Fire”, or click here for more information about plate tectonics.

Next Week’s Adventure

Join Wampus Cat and Zen as they hike further along the Pacific Crest Trail. Next week they will be climbing further into the Cascade mountain range!

Check out next week’s post to watch Wampus Cat and Zen’s interview of Dr. Paul Cryan of the U.S. Geological Survey, and learn about Hoary Bats!

Trail Thoughts

Organisms called thermophiles (“heat loving”) live in the super heated hydrothermal features, like those found at Lassen Volcanic National Park. These organisms thrive at temperatures between 113 and 252°F (45-122°C). They do not require any air or sunlight for energy– so how do you think they get their energy? (Hint– what element makes many of the thermals features stink like rotten eggs?)

More, Please!

Are you curious about what it’s like to hike along the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you like to know more about the different plants and animals they encounter? Feel free post any comments or questions about today’s post!

“The worst of all fears is the fear of living.” – Theodore Roosevelt, “An Autobiography” (1913)

Sources Used: [15]

Bear Necessities

Pacific Crest Trail Progress:

Total Distance Traveled: 1235 Miles

Total Time on Trail: 86 Days

California Sierra Mountains. Photo by Gavin “Zen” Morris.

Trail Tales

          Are you afraid of bears? Did you know most of them are terrified of humans?! Still, when Wampus and I are in areas that have bears, we need to make sure they can’t eat our food while we sleep. We do this using a couple different methods. First, we can carry a large, strong jar, called a bear canister, which a bear can’t open. Second, we can put all of our food and toiletries in a bag and hoist it up into a tree, just out of reach of a hungry bear. If we see a bear on the trail or in camp, we make a lot of noise to make sure the bear knows we’re nearby. They will usually walk, or even run, away! So far, Wampus and I have only seen one bear on the Pacific Crest Trail and we made sure he couldn’t take our food, even though it meant walking late into the night.

– Wampus Cat and Zen

Wild Things of the PCT

Cinnamon-colored black bear in Yellowstone National Park. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

Image courtesy of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Kermode black bear, also known as “The Spirit Bear”. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.

BLACK BEAR (Ursus americanus)

• Despite it’s name, black bears can be one of a variety of colors, ranging from black, cinnamon, brown, blonde, bluish, and others.

• Are usually active during the day in the wilderness, but tend to be nocturnal (active during the night) in places with a lot of human activity

• Can run up to 35 miles per hour (56 km/h), and are very good climbers

• Live in a den placed in hollow trees, roots, or caves

• In northern parts of the U.S., black bears hibernate for up to 7 months. In the south, only pregnant females hibernate

• Black bears are generally shy, and usually do not like to be around humans (only their food!)

Safety in Black Bear Country

Preventing an Encounter while Camping/Hiking

• NEVER approach or feed a bear. Make sure to ALWAYS report any bear sighting to local authorities.

• Bears fed by humans (whether intentionally or not) are more likely to be aggressive. Make sure to put trash in bear-safe dumpsters (if available), and clean off all tables, dishes, and grills after use.

• Bears have an amazing sense of smell, so always store food, drinks, and scented items like lotions, sunscreen, toothpaste, etc. in a secure place- like a bear-safe container, tree, or in the car. Do not store these items in your tent (or anywhere you’ll be sleeping.)

• When hiking, put all food and scented items in airtight plastic bags.

• Hike and camp in groups, and make noise while moving through dense vegetation. Noise helps warn any bears nearby of your presence, and will likely scare them away.

• Stay extra alert at dawn and dusk when bears are most active, and make sure to stay far away from any animal carcasses (animal remains).

Black Bear Encounter

• Stand your ground. Do not lie down, back up, or play dead. Be ready to use your bear spray, which should already be in hand or very close by. (You don’t want to have to dig around your backpack for bear spray if/when you need it.)

• Do not run away or climb a tree. Humans cannot out-run or out-climb bears.

• Know how bears behave. A bear that stands up and makes noises- like grunts or snorts- is not being aggressive, but is being curious and trying to get a better look.

Black Bear Attack

• Use bear spray in a sweeping motion to create a wall of spray, and then leave the area. Studies have shown spray to be over 90% effective at deterring bear attacks. Be aware of wind direction, you don’t want the spray to blow back into your face.

• Always fight back, and don’t give up! People have defended themselves from bears with anything from rocks, water bottles, backpacks, and even just using their hands and feet.

• Click here for more information about black bear safety, or click here to watch a short video.

Next Week’s Adventure

Join Wampus Cat and Zen as they travel further along the Pacific Crest Trail. Next week, they will moving out of the Sierras and into the Cascade mountains.

Check out next week’s “Wild Things” to learn about Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the amazing “Pacific Ring of Fire” that fuels this little known National Park.

Trail Thoughts

Do you wish you could hibernate for the winter? Can you name any other animals that hibernate?

Have you ever lived or camped in “bear country”? What special safety steps did you or your family take to prevent an encounter with a bear?

More, Please!

Are you curious about what it’s like to hike along the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you like to know more about the different plants and animals they encounter? Feel free post any comments or questions about today’s post!

“When a pine needle falls in the forest, the eagle sees it; the deer hears it, and the bear smells it.” – an old First Nations saying

Sources Used: [7], [14]

“Citizen of the Universe”

Pacific Crest Trail Progress:

Total Distance Traveled: 1117 Miles

Total Time on Trail: 75 Days

Hiking through the Sierra Mountains. Photo by Gavin “Zen” Morris

Trail Tales

      When Wampus and I are hiking along the PCT we have the luxury of walking on established trails through some of the most amazing and wild parts of the country. We have many people to thank for that! For starters, there was a man named John Muir who studied the California terrain and started the Sierra Club to help preserve it. He spoke with Congress and helped them establish the National Parks system, that helps to preserve these amazing places. Read more about John Muir below! We also benefit from the work of thousands of volunteers who keep the trails maintained.

          -Wampus Cat and Zen

“Wild Ones” – *Explorer Edition*

John Muir. Image courtesy of The Sierra Club.

John Muir (1838-1914)

Introduction

• According to the Sierra Club, people have called him the “Wilderness Prophet,” “Citizen of the Universe,”  and “Father of Our National Parks System.”

• Muir was an inventor, explorer, author, naturalist, and the most famous conservation figure of his time.

• His writings were not only inspiring to readers, but influenced the U.S. government in creating National Parks across the west (including  Sequoia, Petrified Forest, and Grand Canyon).

• Many places in California bear his name, including the Muir Woods National Monument, the John Muir Trail, and John Muir College (University of California, San Diego).

• Has been the inspiration for dozens of publications and songs, including “Mountain Days: The John Muir Musical.”

The Early Years

• Was born in Dunbar, Scotland. His family left together on a ship to the United States when Muir was 11 years old.

• He worked tirelessly (and unpaid) on his father’s farm in Wisconsin until age 21.

• Muir was self-instructed in subjects ranging from math to philosophy, and was particularly interested in “poetry and literature”.

• He did not have formal schooling until he began attending the University of Wisconsin at age 23.

• Muir worked several industry jobs at placed like sawmills and factories; also spent his time taking long explorations and trying to protect natural areas.

• After an accident left him temporarily blind, Muir decided quit industrial work to focus on studying the natural world.
  
  

  U.S. President (1901-1909) Theodore Roosevelt [left] and John Muir [right] at Yosemite National Park. Image courtesy of The Sierra Club.

Man Becomes Legend

• Following his recovery, Muir takes off on a “1000-mile walk” from Indiana to Florida, then to Cuba. Click here to see a map of his route.

• Muir spent his remaining years exploring- from deserts to swamps, at the top of mountains and the bottom of canyons- all across the U.S. and around the globe.

• He published dozens of articles, essays, and books, and (in part) inspired President Theodore Roosevelt’s environmental efforts, including the creation of America’s first National Monuments.

• John Muir (and many others) created the Sierra Club in 1892, and he served as the President of the Club until his death in 1914.

About the Sierra Club

• The Sierra Club is a non-profit organization that seeks to influence policy  and promote for “a safe and healthy community in which to live, smart energy solutions to combat global warming, and an enduring legacy for America’s wild places.”

• It is now the “largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization” in the U.S., and has successfully aided in the creation of many National Parks in addition to a National Wilderness Preservation System.

• The club (as of July 2012) has over 1.4 million members (and it’s own magazine), with chapters in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Click here for more information about the Sierra Club.

Next Week’s Adventure

Join Wampus Cat and Zen as they venture deeper into the Sierra Mountains. Check out next week’s “Wild Ones” to discover all about black bears! Learn about how Wampus and Zen are staying safe while hiking though “bear country.”

Trail Thoughts

John Muir often wrote about how being in nature and experiencing the outdoors made him feel. How does it make you feel? Do you have a favorite spot you like to play outside?

Take 5-10 minutes to make something creative to express your feelings about nature. Try anything you want, from writing a poem, drawing a picture, to creating something with clay. Share your creation with others!

More, Please!

Are you curious about what it’s like to hike along the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you like to know more about the different plants and animals they encounter? Feel free post any comments or questions about today’s post!

“All that the sun shines on is beautiful, so long as it is wild.” – John Muir

Sources Used: [12], [13]

A Living Legend

Pacific Crest Trail Progress:

Total Distance Traveled: 925 Miles

Total Time on Trail: 63 Days

In the Sierras of Central California. Photo by Gavin “Zen” Morris.

Trail Tales

     The Sierra mountains of central California are full of beautiful snowy peaks and blue alpine lakes. Instead of lizards and snakes, we now share the trail with black bears and deer. The sandy terrain and cacti we saw in the desert are gone, and instead the trail has become more rocky and is surrounded by towering trees and leafy vegetation.

In fact, some of the world’s largest trees grow here! During this first week in the mountains, the Pacific Crest Trail has led us through wet meadows and valleys as well as up and over high alpine passes. It is tiring work but so beautiful! We cannot wait to see more and share it with you! Read below to learn about the towering Giant Sequoia.

– Wampus Cat and Zen

Wild Things of the PCT

Rather than try to remove the giant, the National Park Service carved a tunnel through this sequoia which stood 275 feet high before it fell in 1937.
(Source: TLC Family, a Discovery Company)

GIANT SEQUOIA TREE                                                      (Sequoiadendron giganteum)

• The biggest trees (by volume) in the world can be found in Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Parks located in central California

• The largest among them are as tall as a 26-story building, and as wide as a typical city street

• The exact ages of these colossal trees are unknown, although experts estimate them to be between 1800 and 2700 years old

“General Sherman”, Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park

Meet The General

• The General Sherman Tree is the largest living tree (by volume) on record, and some scientists argue is the largest living thing on the planet!

• Based on measurements taken in 1975, its volume was calculated to be approximately 52,500 cubic feet (1,486.6 cubic meters)

• “General Sherman” stands at 275 feet tall (84 meters), and is 36.5 feet wide (11 meters) at the base

• This towering tree is estimated to be 2,300-2,700 years old, and is thought to be the oldest of its species

• It is important to note that while it IS the largest by volume, it is NOT the tallest, widest, or oldest tree in the world.

• It is located at the north end of the well named Giant Forest within Sequoia National Park

• Click here to visit the National Park Service website and learn more about General Sherman and the other giant sequoias of California.

Next Week’s Adventure

Join Wampus Cat and Zen as they hike further along the Pacific Crest Trail. Next week they will be climbing deeper into the Sierras.

Check out next week’s post, where we will be learning about John Muir- the author, explorer and conservationist (among other things)- who is often called the “Father of Our National Park System”.

Trail Thoughts

A tree’s age is determined (quite accurately) by counting the rings of the trunk. Famous trees like “General Sherman” are protected, and so persons are not permitted to take core samples in order to count the rings. How do you think scientists estimated the age of the tree?

More, Please!

Are you curious about what it’s like to hike along the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you like to know more about the different plants and animals they encounter? Feel free post any comments or questions about today’s post!

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.” – John Muir

Sources Used: [11]

Amazing Adaptations

Pacific Crest Trail Progress:

Total Distance Traveled: 700 Miles

Total Time on Trail: 45 Days

Photo by Gavin “Zen” Morris

Trail Tales

The final 200 miles of the desert hiking are finally over! They included a 25 mile stretch of the Mojave Desert through several large windfarms that was some of the hottest and most difficult we’ve experienced. In order to avoid the heat we woke up at 1 in the morning and started hiking across the desert floor in the dark. Along the trail we saw lots of little eyes glowing in the light of our headlamps and realized that there were bouncing kangaroo rats. You can learn more about out fellow night hikers and the interesting pupfish below! Next week we’ll be reporting from the mountains of the High Sierra!

          – Wampus Cat and Zen

Wild Things of the PCT

Photo by John N. Rinne

DESERT PUPFISH (Cyprinodon macularius)

• Listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Click here for more information

• A playful species closely related to the guppy, desert pupfish are found in pools and streams of Arizona, California and Mexico

• Can tolerate water with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees, and that’s more than twice as salty as the ocean

• As livestock grazing and water diversions threaten habitat, desert pupfish struggle to compete with nonnative species to survive

Rockin’  Rodents

Ord’s Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys ordii)
Photo courtesy of Todd Green

KANGAROO RAT (Dipodomys spp.)

• Named for it’s kangaroo-like way of moving around, hopping on its two large hind feet, using its tail for balance and quick changes in direction

• Kangaroo rats are nocturnal (active at night), and do not hibernate during winter months

• Feeds on a variety of seeds, which the critter picks off the plant or the ground. The kangaroo rat stuffs the seeds into its cheek pouches, and transports them to the burrowing system for storage

• Does not require any free standing water, but rather uses water created by its body as a byproduct of digestion

• So efficient at using water, the kangaroo rat often does not urinate fluid but rather “urine pellets”

Next Week’s Adventure

Join Wampus Cat and Zen as they travel further along the Pacific Crest Trail. Next week, they will be out of the desert and hiking through the mountains of Central California.

Check out next week’s “Wild Things”, featuring “General Sherman,” the world’s largest tree (by volume), and learn more about California’s famous giant sequoias.

Trail Thoughts

Have you ever had any experiences in a desert environment? Describe what the temperature was like, and what you did to cope with the conditions.

What do you think are the advantages to being able to hop around like the kangaroo rat? Disadvantages?

More, Please!

Are you curious about what it’s like to hike along the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you like to know more about the different plants and animals they encounter? Feel free post any comments or questions about today’s post!

“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Lectures and Biographical Sketches”

Sources Used: [7], [8], [9], [10]

I would do anything for food.. but I won’t eat that.

Pacific Crest Trail Progress:

Total Distance Traveled: 500 Miles

Total Time on Trail: 31 Days

500 mile mark, as marked by fellow hikers, near Agua Dulce, CA. Photo by Gavin “Zen” Morris

Trail Tales

The days are getting longer and hotter here in the desert of southern California . But we are now almost finished with this part of the trail! This week we made it to the 500 mile mark!
Recently we’ve noticed lots more desert horned lizards. They are so well camouflaged that you can’t see them until they move out of the way! One hiker picked one of them up and learned all about the lizard’s interesting way of defending itself. Learn more below! Hiking in the evenings is a good way to avoid the heat. It’s also a good time to spot coyotes. We have been lucky enough to see two of them this week! One more week in the desert to go. Wish us luck!

          – Wampus Cat and Zen

Wild Things of the PCT

HORNED LIZARDS (Phrynosoma spp.)

Horned lizard, Southern California. Photo by Gavin “Zen” Morris.

Horned lizard, Southern California. Photo by Gavin “Zen” Morris.

Can you spot the horned lizard in each picture?

• Referred to (incorrectly) as “horny toads”

• Variety of colors to match their environment: black on dark lava flows, and rufous (reddish), brown, gray or nearly white depending on the color of the soil where they live

• Feed on ants and other insects, spiders, and sometimes berries and other plant materials

• Some species can squirt blood from their eyes, to a distance of several feet, which repels predators like coyotes and foxes

 Sign, sign, everywhere a sign..

“Sign” is a term which refers to that evidence found of an animal, for example scat (droppings), tracks (footprints), burrows, etc. that can sometimes be used to identify the animal who likely left it there.

Do you hear what I hear??

COYOTE (Canis latrans)

• Hear howling in the distance?! Coyotes vocalize for many reasons, mainly to keep connected to their family groups, and to ward potential trespassers away from their territories. Click here for more info about why coyotes howl

• So was it a coyote you heard? Click here to listen to a coyote howling!

• Although all canines, including wolves and foxes, have 5 toes on the front foot and 4 toes on the back foot, however ALL tracks are 4-toed, because the 5th toes of the front feet are not used to bear weight.

• Coyote tracks are very similar to those domestic dogs, but leave prints that are more pointed in overall appearance, and are usually about 1.75-2 inches wide. How do you know if those prints in the mud belong to a dog or coyote? Click here for pictures and more information

Next Week’s Adventure

Join Wampus Cat and Zen as they travel further along the Pacific Crest Trail. Next week, they will be crossing the San Andreas Fault Zone, and hiking through the western arm of the Mojave Desert.

Check out next week’s “Wild Things”, featuring the Desert Pupfish, which survives the extreme conditions of the Mojave Desert!

Trail Thoughts

In what are some other ways that animals avoid being seen (camouflage) in their environment? Can you think of any examples?

Have you ever heard coyotes howling in the wild? Where were you? Did they sound close to you or far away?

More, Please!

Are you curious about what it’s like to hike along the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you like to know more about the different plants and animals they encounter? Feel free post any comments or questions about today’s post!

“A desert is a place without expectation.” – Nadine Gordimer

Sources Used: [1], [7]

Fly Away Home

Pacific Crest Trail Progress:

Total Distance Traveled: 370 miles

Total Time on Trail: 24 Days

View of Mount San Jacinto from near the PCT
(from the north, after already climbing the mountain)
Photo by Wattewyl

Trail Tales

Hi friends! Thank you for following us on this hike and for all of your comments and questions about the tarantula. We love to hear from you!

We have hiked 370 miles along the Pacific Crest Trail since setting out 3 weeks ago. In addition to all of the interesting reptiles we’ve seen in the desert, there are many large birds of prey. Sometimes we spot 5 or even 6 of them flying together overhead while we hike. Birds of prey include hawks, eagles, and owls. They are powerful predators with eyesight that allows them to see small animals like mice and lizards while they soar over the desert.

Our hike has been difficult but very interesting. The trail led us from the desert floor way up to the rocky top of Mount San Jacinto! As we hiked up the mountain the temperature changed and we noticed that the habitats around us were very different. For example, we began climbing through the heat and sand but ended in a shady green forest. We even hiked over some snow! It was fascinating to see all of the different plants and animals that can live so close together in these different habitats.

We hope to hear from you soon and will write again next week about what else we encounter along the Pacific Crest Trail!

-Wampus and Zen

Wild Things of the PCT

SWAINSON’S HAWK (Buteo swainsoni)

• Named after the English naturalist William Swainson (1789-1855). Click here for more information

• Considered to be a medium-sized hawk, this species only weighs between 1.5-3 pounds (24.4-48.2 ounces)

• One of the longest migrations of any American bird of prey, they travel up to 17,000 miles round-trip every year (that’s more than 6 times the length of the Pacific Crest Trail), flying from Canada to Argentina, and back again

• Swainson’s Hawks spend the winter in South America. They can travel there in less than two months, averaging nearly 124 miles per day! That is much faster than Wampus and Zen could ever hike.

Wild Encounters

Photo by Chris Brown

SOUTHERN PACIFIC RATTLESNAKE (Crotalus viridis helleri)

• Subspecies of Western Rattlesnake, grows to length of 22-40 in (55-102 cm)

• Venomous like all other “pit vipers,” which are so-named for the temperature-sensitive pits on both sides of the face, used to locate prey

• Eats mainly small mammals and birds, sometimes lizards, frogs and other prey

• Series of loosely interlocking segments at the end of tail, which rattlesnakes use to produce a rattling sound when alarmed

SAFETY TIPS

• A nervous species that will aggressively defend itself when annoyed; DO NOT handle

• If you hear a rattlesnake, stand still until you have located it

• Avoid jumping and running blindly

• Be careful with dead rattlesnakes, you are still at risk of being envenomated (bitten)

Nature’s Toolbox

• Kumeyaay Native Americans would seasonally migrate to the mountains of Southern California

• Would collect acorns from oak trees, which were a staple part of their diet

• Please visit http://www.kumeyaay.info or http://www.kumeyaay.com for more information

Next Week’s Adventure

Follow along next week as Wampus and Zen continue to travel northward along the PCT. They will be moving further past the hot deserts of southern California, towards the mountainous terrain and beautiful forests of Central California.

Check out next week’s “Wild Thing” the Desert Horned Lizard, and hear more stories from Wampus Cat and Zen about their journey along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Trail Thoughts

Have you seen birds of prey traveling or hunting where you live? What were they doing?

Why do you think the Swainson’s Hawk is light on bottom, and dark on top? Think about when a hawk is flying and hunting from above, sitting perched in a tree, etc.

More, Please!

Are you curious about what it’s like to hike along the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you like to know more about the different plants and animals they encounter? Feel free post any comments or questions about today’s post!

“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Confucius

Sources used: [1], [5], [6]

Gentle Giants

Pacific Crest Trail Progress:

Total Distance Traveled: 267 Miles

Total Time on Trail: 13 Days

View from PCT, California
(Yucca flowers in foreground)
Photo by Gavin “Zen” Morris

Trail Tales

Hello from mile 267 of the Pacific Crest Trail! This week has been hot like all the rest of the desert, but with many more creeks and rivers. We have been enjoying these chances to swim and do some laundry. The creeks are also good places to rest and soak our tired feet. We rarely see water like this! In 2 weeks of hiking it has not rained yet.

In the desert you have to be careful where you walk! There are lots of cacti and other plants with needles that hurt, and, of course, you have to be careful not to step on any of the lizards. After hiking all of these miles we both have some blisters on our feet. Hiking in the desert is hard work, but we are having a great time enjoying the sunshine and beautiful mountains. Our feet are healing quickly and will keep walking north toward Canada!

We are looking forward to hearing from you soon! Talk to you next week.

-Wampus and Zen

Wild Things of the PCT

TARANTULA (Class: Arachnida– Not an insect!)

Average size relative to tea cup
Tarantula, NatGeo Wild

• 20-30 species of tarantulas native to North America

• Have hairs on their abdomen that act as a natural “itch powder”, which they kick off with their back legs to deter predators in pursuit

• Tarantulas are carnivores, and eat mostly insects, but may also feed on frogs, toads, mice, and even small birds

• The venom of a tarantula is weaker than that of a honeybee, and is harmless to humans (unless you have an allergy)
  

  Yucca species, Weld County, Colorado
  Image courtesy of Todd Green

Nature’s Toolbox

• Nearly 50 species of yucca range across the hot and dry (arid) regions of North, Central and South America, and the Caribbean

• Yucca plants have a mutualistic relationship with yucca moths, who purposefully pollinate the plants as they lay their eggs in the flowers

• The moth’s eggs will hatch, and the larvae will feed on yucca seeds, but will leave enough of the seeds left over so that the yucca can reproduce

• Native Americans would utilize yucca for several purposes, including making shampoo from roots of the soaptree yucca (Yucca elata)

• The tough filaments and pointed tips of the leaves of several species were used for sewing, and sometimes for hanging meat to dry

Next Week’s Adventure

Join Wampus Cat and Zen as they head father north along the Pacific Crest Trail, and learn out about the Native American tribes who would seasonally migrate from the coast to the mountains in order to collect acorns, which made up a large portion of their diet.

Check out next week’s “Wild Things”, and find out about rattlesnakes, and what to do if you encounter one while outdoors!

Trail Thoughts

What have your experiences with spiders been like? Describe the different spiders and spider webs that you’ve seen. In what ways are spiders helpful to humans? (Hint: Think about what spiders eat!)

Besides eating them, what are some ways that you use plants in your daily life? Think about your clothes, products like perfumes and soaps, school supplies, and things you see in your house and other places.

More, Please!

Are you curious about what it’s like to hike along the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you like to know more about the different plants and animals they encounter? Feel free post any comments or questions about this week’s post!

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” -Albert Einstein

Sources used: [3],[4]

Desert Dwellers

Pacific Crest Trail Progress:

Total Distance Traveled: 111 miles

Total Time on Trail: 6 Days

Southern California Desert
Photo courtesy of Gavin “Zen” Morris.

Trail Tales

Greetings from mile 111 of the Pacific Crest Trail! Our adventure began 6 days ago in Campo, California at the US/Mexico border, where we began walking northward. The desert is hot and dry. But we have been surprised to see all of the beautiful flowers and plants that can grow here. There are also lots of lizards on the trail, including the desert horned lizard, which Wampus was very excited to see.

Wampus was less excited to run into two rattlesnakes this week! We have also learned how cold and windy the desert can be at night. One night was so windy that it blew Wampus’ tent down while she was asleep! Water is also hard to come by, but very important to stay healthy, so we have been carrying quite a bit between each source. We can’t wait to find out what happens this week!

                                                     –Wampus and Zen

Wild Things of the PCT

DESERT IGUANA (Dipsosaurus dorsalis)

• Most heat tolerant lizard in the Southwestern United States.

• Average active body temp: 107° F, Max tolerance: 115° F.

• Mostly plant-eating, but will also eat insects, dead animals, and it’s own poop.

• This iguana is cooling off in the shade with its mouth is open and its body wide for max heat loss.

Next Week’s Adventure

Join Wampus Cat and Zen as they hike further along the Pacific Crest Trail. Next week they will be climbing through the San Jacinto Mountains. In this section, they will top out at an elevation of 9,030 feet, shortly before plunging to a low point of 1,190′.

Check out next week’s “Wild Things”, featuring creepy critters like tarantulas! We will also learn about plants that can survive in the desert heat.

Trail Thoughts

What kind of lizards have you seen at home or places you visit? What was the weather like, and what were they doing?

What do you do to stay cool on a hot day similar to a Desert Iguana? What do you do differently?

More, Please!

Are you curious about what it’s like to hike along the Pacific Crest Trail? Would you like to know more about the different plants and animals they encounter? Feel free post any comments or questions about today’s post!

“There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.” -Aldo Leopold, “A Sand County Almanac”

Sources Used: [1]