Date: April 10, 2017
Mile 0-11.4
It was pretty exciting to drive up to the border this morning and see the Southern Terminus of the PCT come into view. Mom and I were both a little emotional, so I signed the trail register quickly, we took a few photos, and had our hugs and goodbyes. It all felt a bit surreal to finally be standing there. I checked in with “Terminus Tom”, the Forest Service trailhead volunteer, and got the water report and a quick rundown of restrictions and LNT principles. Then he said, “Ok now, get walking,” so I did – after he pointed out which way the trail went. In my defense, it wasn’t obvious.
I didn’t get started until 10:30 am, and by that time it was pretty warm. The sound of a border patrol helicopter drowned out all other sounds for a few miles, then was replaced by bird songs and the breeze through bushes and flowers.
I stopped for lunch at a stream located around mile 4, and I realized that I totally forgot to take a picture of Pusheen at the trailhead, so she joined me for a quick photo op.
I hiked on for another 7 miles until I found a nice little campsite big enough for me and the two other people already camped there, Skye and Jake. We spent a really nice evening getting to know each other a bit, and when the mosquitos started coming out, we retreated to our tents and hit the hay.
Overall it was a good first day…the desert is a lot greener than I expected it to be and there are a lot of flowers and little critters running around. I’m looking forward my second, and to getting to Lake Moreno tomorrow to enjoy some good food and a shower.
“I do not insist,” answered Don Quixote, “that this is a full adventure, but it is the beginning of one, for this is the way adventures begin.”
Following you from afar–and wishing you a deep and wonderful journey!
Hey Jennifer, super excited to see you’re making this journey and happy to see day 1 is in the books. Many more good days to come for sure and looking forward to following your travels north. Be safe and happy trails!
-Jerry
This post brings such happy tears to my eyes!! Beautiful pictures.. you go JJ! XO
I’m looking forward to your blog posts becoming progressively unhinged over time like Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now.
Aww, thanks Erky, I love you too. ❤️?
If there was a way to “like” this comment, I definitely would.
That’s hilarious!
I remember first night in Fiji…wanted to sleep with doors open onto the lagoon and just drink it all in…then the skeeters started dive bombing…you can put a man on the moon…
Wowza ! Beautiful pictures!!!!! Vicariously living through your updates ? Much protection, strength and endurance to you.
I think that Horny Toad was my cousin………..