100 miles

One week in, I am thoroughly impressed with the PCT. I can honestly say there is nothing else I would rather be doing right now. 

It started off with a fantastic road trip from Wenatchee all the way south to San Diego. Kyle was a wonderful driving buddy and we were lucky enough to find a few gem campsites as well as a lot of generous friends to crash with. Shout out to Vinny, Emily, Aunt Ginny and Anna, Alex, Colin, other Colin, and of course the trail angels Scout and Frodo. The road trip gave me a preview of my hike north as well as valuable transition time from home life (i.e. Galena Lodge) to transient life. It also gave me time to acclimatize which turned out to be quite valuable (glad the AC didn't work). 

The drive to the border and first day on the trail were a bit surreal. After 6 months of planning it was hard to believe we were actually doing it. But we were! Scout and Frodo made the logistics unbelievably smooth and by 7:00 am three vehicles full of hikers had all assembled at the southern terminus monument in Campo California (a tiny town south east of San Diego). We lined up for a group photo and many people took turns climbing on top of the five cement pillars for a classic thru-hiker photo. I got one for posterity's sake but was much more intrigued by the 8 foot grey-green fence dividing Mexico and the US. Border patrol cruised by several times on the wide dirt road just inside the fence and the panels were labeled with spray paint numbers to make communication easier during "security breeches." It was fascinating to see the border that has caused such hype and passionate debate over the past year. 

We finally hit the trail and began the first steps of our long journey north. Seeing familiar names materialize from ideas into actual places was extremely gratifying. As was realizing that though neither Hannah nor I had done much training, we were still in the top 10% in terms of fitness and preparedness. Turns out running and backcountry skiing are fine substitutes. Kyle joined us for the first three days so we were a trio of young happy-go-lucky hikers. I was a little taken aback by how many people didn't seem to know what they had gotten themselves into. Nearly half of the hikers I've met are international and this is their first visit to the US. Another large proportion are American but have never seen west coast mountains or are just learning how to backpack. It is inspiring to see these folks get outside but occasionally a little scary as well. The first afternoon and evening we spent helping a new friend who was suffering rather severe heat exhaustion. He ended up leaving the trail the following day. 

Anyway here are a plethora of pictures and another post with expectations verses reality in the desert is on its way. 

Hike on!

Chelan

My favorite trailside flowers still peaking their heads out bravely despite the snow... they give me the confidence to keep on walking!

Well, if snow is really here then we might as well celebrate!

Peaking outside the tent on day four to find an inch or two of SNOW! Is this really May 8th?

The dry Anza Borrego state park. Spectacular trail contours for miles offering these views as well as gorgeous blooming cacti.

Strange creatures such as this red butted beetle can be found all over the desert if you spend the time to look closely

A wonderful trail angel named Ed gave us a hitch from the little town of Julian back to the PCT. He is retired and spends his summers helping PCT hikers however he can.

An example of the kind and generous trial angels who open their homes to PCT hikers every year

The strangest shower I have ever taken was squatting in this sink at Carmens restaurant... this is standard for all PCT hikers who visit her...

Giant agave plant reaching toward the sky. Unlike their cousin the yucca, agave plants only bloom once, so they wait for ideal conditions such as this very watery spring.

Taking advantage of the last snow after the storm had passed, I made this little friend to greet other hikers along the trail.

Sunrise after two days of snow and 30 mile an hour winds... what a relief

Eagle rock: the very iconic and rather patriotic rock formation that entices most PCT hikers for a rest break and photo op

In the dry grassy areas where cattle tracks may confuse the way, rugged wooden signs such as this one are blazed with the letter PCT to assure hikers they are on the correct path.

First 100 miles! Time to celebrate.

Walking through a cloud, tiny droplets of water condense on everything including packs, grasses, and even spider webs.