Frazz by Jef Mallett for June 29, 2023

Huh?

He already has his excuses lined up.

You know, I was going to hike the John Muir trail. But then something came up. Then it was one more thing after another (sigh)

Why does he work all summer??

Dr. Spaetzle, the Principal, where is your coffee mug?

‘Downed twig?’ More like a series of pot holes. The older one gets, the more of them there are. They are filed under the heading ‘revelations.’

If their are enough places for water along the trail, I"d enjoy 211 miles of mountain hiking. Any stream or puddle will do, with my ceramic filter. I’m 78, but I could do it. Can I take my dog?

Is Frazz quoting something famous like “To Build a Fire” or is he hoping to coin a famous phrase?

I bet Jef makes Frazz work all summer too.

I hope Dr. Spaetzle does it.

I was hoping he would do the JMT but there are oodles of trails in his area, I just bet he could be a day-hiker//weekend warrior quite close to home? Right Jef???

Having to work all summer might be a problem .. figuring out the problems and a way around them is a beginning. Looks like this is the start of a plan!

He could take a mistress and hike the Appalachian Trail.

https://politicaldictionary.com/words/hiking-the-appalachian-trail/

I wonder how many among us commenters here also then go to Frazz’ FB page. Lots of interesting discussion elicited by today’s strip.

My wife and I hiked from Crested Butte to Aspen, just 14 miles, but over a mountain pass. We were 73 and 71. We carried, and used, a bottle of oxygen because the pass is 12,500 feet above sea level and we had only trained at up to 9,000 feet. (The O2 bottles are sold at sporting goods stores.) On our way down into Aspen we were passed by four young ladies. Half an hour later we caught up to them resting beside the trail. Half an hour later they passed us again, and again, in another half hour, we caught up with them. This game of leap frog went on almost to the bus stop. I think they were concerned for our health and safety.

How’s about start training to do the hike next summer? Baby steps…

It is better to hike that trail from north to south. Start in Yosemite Park and finish at the Summit of Mt Whitney. Have fun.

I like that!

In all fairness, it looks like you don’t necessarily have to hike the entire 211 miles: https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/john-muir-trail/ BTW John Muir was a fascinating character. His books are all available for free on Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/180). I’d especially recommend “The Yosemite.”

And it’s unlikely he’ll be able to get a permit at this late date…

Twig? I think that’s “redwood tree.”