Miles Hiked 15.4
Elevation 2,323 feet
Miles Hiked Today 15.4
What is the Pacific Crest Trail? This from the Pacific Crest Trail Association:
“The Pacific Crest Trail spans 2,650 miles (4,265 kilometers) from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. It is a National Scenic Trail. It reveals the beauty of the desert, unfolds the glaciated expanses of the Sierra Nevada, travels deep forests, and provides commanding vistas of volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range. The trail symbolizes everything there is to love—and protect—in the Western United States.
Untold thousands of hikers and equestrians enjoy this international treasure each year. Some only travel a few miles, while others complete every mile in a single season. Tying the trail together is a community of volunteers and passionate outdoor enthusiasts. Together, we explore, create and support one of the best experiences on Earth.”
Today is the day! Everyone at Scout and Frodo’s house woke up at at 5 AM. We packed up our backpacks and had breakfast. At 6 AM sharp, we boarded our transport to Campo and the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail.
We arrived about 7:15 and posed for several pictures at the southern terminus monument. Afterwards we got a little speech by representatives of the PCTA. Then I was off down the trail.
I fell in with a group from the house. They were all faster than me, but we kept crossing paths. The group consisted of the following: James from the UK; Clare, an American; Dorine from Belgium; Laura from Germany; Laura was hiking with a German man whose name slipped by me; Evie from the Netherlands; Melissa Marie, an American; and Ben Peters (trail name Unfiltered because he drank unfiltered water during his AT thru-hike). Melissa and Ben are married.
The day was difficult. Even though I had just finished the Arizona Trail in November, my trail legs were not 100%. Still, the day went okay and I joined the group at the Hauser Creek campsite at the end of the day. Although I never felt unsafe camping alone on the Colorado Trail or the Arizona Trail, there is something comforting to having other hikers around at camp. I put my tent up, ate dinner and was sleeping by 9 PM.
