Thursday, May 22, 2014

And the PCT Journey Begins!!!!


Day One
20.3 miles, US/Mexico Border to Lake Moreno
3157 ft elevation gain

What a perfect start to my hike. Had a sendoff at Pulse Endurance Sports yesterday, where I was able to reconnect with old friends and share details of my upcoming adventure, my mom surprised me by showing up as well! She flew in from MN to see me off. We then went to dinner at Laura's home, where I got to see more friends and fill everyone in on more details and answer lots of questions everyone had. It was so good to see everyone!!! Thank you to all those who showed up.

Woke up this morning and had coffee with my mom and Laura. Then hit the road to the trailhead. When I got out of the car, a feeling of greatness overwhelmed me as I looked from the border north into the horizon. What a journey this will be. I took a moment to soak it all in. Then I took more time taking pictures, signing the register, and saying goodbyes. By 8:30am I was on my way.
        Looking north from the border.
            3rd one to leave for the day.
                   Laura and me.
                     My mom!!!

The day was beautiful, weather perfect, I immediately felt at ease in my new environment, the trail felt like home to me and gave me comfort. My legs carried me 20 miles all went smoothly with no unforeseen events. The last 3 miles were difficult though due to fatigue, my pack feeling like a gazillion pounds, and my feet starting to ache. I checked into the campground, chatted with ranger Dale for a bit and then set up camp. After setting up I attended to my feet, noticing that I had a blister on each foot. The left on my pad at the base of my great toe and a much larger blood blister which had developed on my right heel. Neither had popped and the skin was all still in tact. Looks like this will be my biggest challenge for tomorrow, as my feet are feeling quite tender. After feeding myself I laid down elevated my feet and took some ibuprofen. 

All in all a successful first day on the trail!

         Heading out from the terminus





     The climb out of Hauser Canyon
Water Cache at bottom of Hauser Canyon
Mile 15...resting up before my climb out of the canyon.




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