From Campo to Idyllwild

Everyone had told me that the hill up to Lake Morena was the first PCT challenge. I didn't find the climb all that hard, but 20 miles in the first day is no joke. I got into the campground and pretty much collapsed with all my new found friends. No one thought the first day was easy. It's the first day of big sun and desert heat. 

I loved taking an afternoon rest under a tree and then walking a bit and coming to the hill. The area had some beautiful yucca plants that were flowering and the wind was sweet with sage. 

The next day coming out of Lake Morena I followed a crew of turkey's. Two males were all fanned out and showing their feathers. There were a lot of bunnies in this area too.

All the climbs were long, I feel like the PCT is an endurance race. It's not as steep as east coast hiking but there also is no goal in sight. You hike up a moutain and down a mountain on the AT, but on the PCT you meander for long distances. It is a different head game.

The views are what surprised me the most. Everyone told me it was the most scenic but no one described to me how literally ever mile was gorgeous. The heat, sun, and water are tiring but I can't be sad yet. Just look. 

I love seeing the flowers in bloom. It is a lot less desert-like than I expected. 

But there is a mountain coming out of scissors crossing that is long and hot and  there is no shade. Definitely glad it was windy that day. 

The terrain goes back to brush as you climb up into Idyllwild. There was hail up above so I went to paradise caffe and hitched to Idyllwild.

Day one

Southern terminus! I was afraid of the too much sun, waterless stretches, and feet. Well my outfit keeps me cool and protects me from the sun, the water is alright as long as you plan, carry extra, and are ok with the extra weight, and my feet hurt. They probably will continue. I'm thinking of getting an insert at the next gear shop and maybe switching my shoes if that doesn't help the blisters on the bottom of my feet. 

The Day Before Departure

Life is movement. I have unpacked and repacked my life a few times a year every year since graduating college. I enjoy sifting every item into growing keep or donate piles. The hardest part is never getting everything together, it's the little stuff that is hard. Like today, I have to take down my maps. Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain NP; all fond memories of 2013. They made my room feel mine and now I have to sleep here one more night but the walls will be bare. Onward to the next adventure, with no shortage of maps.