PCT Day 1

Southern Terminus to Lake Morena (Trail Miles 0 to 20)

Pack was ready to go as my sister Mary gave me a ride to mile 0. Thought there would be a few others starting out on the trail today but thought that by driving out at 0600 would get me there first. It did, kinda, but ahead of the horde by only by a few minutes. Mary was able to get a photo of me alone at the monument, something that would not have been possible 10 minutes later. Cool temp, clear sky and no wind to start this trip. Because of all the warnings I have read I carried extra water, 6 liters (12 lbs worth) to start my trip. Pack started right at 40 total pounds. It could only get lighter as the days passed.

Southern Terminus of the PCT

 I was only 1/4 mile down the trail as the hikers started getting dropped off en mass. Later in the afternoon I was told that well over 100 hikers started today. I passed an easy 25 people and was only passed myself by one. I think it took a bit for the herd to get pics and to get started.

Trail mile 1 has a highway marker, so just as every other PCT hiker does, I took a selfie when I got to it. 1 mile down, lots more to go.

Only 2,649 or so to go

As the day progressed it warmed right up. The first 15 miles flew by and I got my first rattlesnake sighting out of the way. Then the climb out of Hauser canyon started. No shade and it had warmed up. Sweat was a commodity that I had plenty of. Less Than 1 mile of flat to downhill to go after the climb when I passed a young hiker being attended to by fire rescue. Thought the heat might have gotten to him but they looked to have things well in hand.

Arrived at the lake by 2:30 and found where I was to set my camp spot. No tent for me so I was set up in a few moments. It was early enough that check in for ADZPCTKO wasn't open yet so I walked the mile round trip to a local camp store so that the refreshing taste of a Mountain Dew could find its way inside me. It tasted really good. I was able to watch hikers flow into the campground all afternoon and evening. More little tents popped up than I ever saw at any scout jamboree. I concluded we are an interesting, kinda scary segment of society. I like it.