First Day Southern California. 7 May 2018

I awoke at 4:50am at Scout and Fordo’s backyard.  I immediately got up and started packing up my gear as we had to be ready for breakfast by 5:30am and departure for the Souther Terminus at 6:00am. I had filled my water bottles the night before and would be starting the hike with 6.5 liters - 13 pounds of water.  This is the most water I have ever carried.  And it was heavy.

The hikers and I all sat around the table eating the prepared breakfast our eyes blazing with the anticipation of finally seeing the monument that we had seen only in images and videos.  A group of trail angels stopped by to ferry us all to Campo in various cars.  I was feeling relatively calm but suddenly overcome with bursts of nervous anxiety.  The driver of our car had done the PCT in 2006.  I asked him a lot of questions along the way and was somewhat comforted by our exchange.

And then we arrived.  And then I was walking up the hill toward the monument.  And then there it was, white square wooden pillars of various heights firm in the ground, stoic and representing thousands of dreams of hikers from the past and hikers yet to come.  But today it was me.  Today I was that hiker. We took group photos and then individual shots.  Everyone seemed to want to linger and make sure they were really ready to start.  The air was still relatively cool but the sun was beginning to shine and I could already feel the heat starting to rise.

And then I just started.  But before I began at the first PCT sign that signified the start of the trail.  I went up to the terminus one last time and ran my hand along it’s rough edges.

Today was very hard.  I started off strong and managed to get through the first 5 miles in 1.5 hours.  But it wasn’t that hot yet and I was running on adrenaline.  I did however manage to lightly pull my right calf muscles within the first 2 miles.  It hurt with each step but I felt that I could keep going so I just continued on.

I hiked alone most of the day, leap frogging over some of the same hikers as we each chose separate moments to rest in what shade was available.  The views were astounding and the occasional breeze was bliss.  I was feeling very good and confident 8 miles in.  But then the heat started to rise and the air became still. I realized I was feeling dehydrated.  I was drinking all along the way but not having hiked in this heat and climate before  - added to the number of miles I planned to do the first day - I began to feel depleted.  My calf muscles began to seize. I wondered if I was having complications due to early heat exhaustion.  The trail was very sandy in spots and then became more like baked dirt - hard and solid.  There were some rocks but for the most part it was relatively well graded.

Toward the middle of the day, I stood atop a cliff face and looked out in the waiting canyon below - Hauser Canyon with the Hauser Creek completely dry.  I had the PCT Water Report with me so I knew where I could get water along the path.

At mile 15 I met up with a group of hikers and we all decided to dry camp at mile 15 before completing the last 4.3 miles to Lake Morena.  Those miles involved a gradual 1200 foot climb out of Hauser Canyon.  I honestly don’t know if I could have done it today and I was relieved that there were other hikers to spend the first night.

So now I am at one for the camp sites near Hauser Creek.  And I will soon have dinner.  And the heat of the day is diminishing.  And I am feeling better.  And I am looking forward to tomorrow.  The loose soil wouldn’t hold my tent stakes and I didn’t want to go searching for rocks to hold the guy lines in place so I am just going to cowboy camp tonight and sleep under the large branches of a nearby tree with the stars peeking through high overhead.  

The trail is harder than I thought.  It’s due to the heat and harsh blazing light from the sun.  I can’t seem to get enough water to quench my thirst.  It has me worried.  But I will see what the PCT will bring me tomorrow.  I plan on getting up at 5am to start hiking before the heat.  The air is turning cooler so I am going to get into my sleeping bag and close my eyes and let the cool night air surround me with comfort.