After a several months of literally dreaming about what Pacific Crest Trail southern terminus monument might look like in person, I found myself standing awkwardly in front of it. “Well, there it is,” I thought to myself as I peered up at the wooden structure. It felt somewhat surreal and slightly overwhelming. Luckily, this time I had someone to talk to about all of my excitement and fears. Perk, a member of my Appalachian Trail trail family, also decided to thru-hike the PCT this year. We had agreed to begin the same day, hoping to stick together for a little while at least.
Perk and I ready to take on the second leg of the Triple Crown of Hiking.
I figured all of my nervousness and pre-trail jitters would fade away quickly. After all, the backpacking lifestyle is kind of like riding a bicycle. You might get a little rusty if you don’t do it for a bit, but you never really forget how to do it. As expected, within the first mile or so, the dirt below my feet and the trekking poles in my hands began to have the familiarity of old friends.
Feeling back in my natural habitat at Mile 1!
I didn’t necessarily have a targeted mileage to complete on the first day, but I prefer to camp near water which limited me to a 5 or 15-mile day. I opted for the 15-miler. Within the first few miles, Perk and I met our first rattle snake. He never rattled, but we gave him plenty of time and space to slither off the trail at his leisure.
First rattler–eek!
Throughout the day, we took several breaks and enjoyed water as we crossed it. I promised myself that on this trail I would try to take better care of my feet from the beginning. After a bad bought of plantar fasciitis on the AT, I’m aiming to stretch and massage my feet daily and also soak them in cold water as often as I can. These acts alone saved my AT thru-hike.
Attempting to be proactive against the plantar fasciitis I battled on the AT.
As the day went on, I realized my first impression of the desert was not exactly what I had expected. Sure, it had an arid feel and with every step came a cloud of dust, and I wondered how any life form could thrive in the conditions before me. What I didn’t anticipate, though, was how beautiful the rugged terrain would be. With every corner I turned a new landscape seemed to emerge, even more beautiful than the one before. It was completely different than the green tunnel I had grown accustomed to on the AT, but both the forest and the desert seem to have their own charming features.
There was about a mile or so of daylight left when Perk and I arrived at Hauser Creek which was our final destination for the day. Several of the hikers we had met at Scout and Frodo’s were already there and set up. We all chatted a bit about our first day while cooking dinner.
There were four veteran AT, thru-hikers at camp including Perk and I. We discussed how each of us had aimed to start the PCT with no particular expectations because we knew this was a different trail with new experiences, yet we couldn’t help but compare the first day of the PCT to our first day on the AT. Â The opposing aspects that immediately stuck out was the lack of water, presence of horses, intense sunlight, different vegetation, absence of shelters and the excess of switchbacks. We all agreed, though, that we were looking forward to the challenges the PCT had to offer including the scorching-hot desert and snow-packed Sierra’s. After some light reminiscing about the AT, I finally climbed into my tent excited to see what the following day might bring.
AT Class of 2015 Veterans enjoying the PCT – (Perk, me, and Wookie)
The next morning, one of the other hikers who sectioned about 700 miles of the PCT last year mentioned that Lake Morena had wonderful breakfast burritos. I haven’t had a decent breakfast burrito since living in Colorado, so I decided making it there before 11am would be my first personal challenge of the PCT. Although it had only been a little over 24 hours since I had eaten town food, you can certainly always motivate a thru-hiker with the mention of a delicious meal.
If you’re ever near Lake Moreno, CA, try one of the breakfast burritos. Seriously.
After our first steep climb, we made it to Lake Morena and I’m happy to report the burrito did not disappoint! Perk and I ate and then relaxed on the front porch of the little convenience store. While he sat bandaging some blisters, I realized how normal everything felt after only a day on trail. My dirty hands and feet. Everything I need in my pack. Enjoying little victories and the simplicity of trail life. It’s almost as if the time that passed between my last days on the AT and my first on the PCT was just a strange blur.
Perk’s version of blister repair.
As Perk finished his duct tape patch work, I looked at him and said, “Perk. We’re really doing it–we’re actually on the PCT.” He smiled and said, “Yep, now let’s get to hiking!”
Below are some of the other pictures I took during this stretch of trail:
Check back check back soon for another update. Happy Trails!
-Dixie
What a fantastic start to your journey! Looking forward to seeing the pct thru your eyes!
Great photos. Be safe.
Thanks for a great update
Yes, thanks for taking the time to share. Photos are awesome.
Princess Quadraped )Trail name) and I followed your AT trip and enjoyed every video. We are proud a southern girl has been able to accomplish so much. We are praying for you and your tramily.
Currently section hiking the A.T. and hoping to get on the PCT with my son who lives out west someday. Taking it all in and enjoying your travels!
Love the pictures, worth the wait.
Thank you!
AMAZING VIEWS and SHOTS so far!! Looking forward to following you on your new adventure. What device(s) are you using this trip for video and still shots?
Thank you! My iPhone 7 🙂
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Found your YouTube channel a month or so ago and just finished watching your AT thru-hike. I’m excited to follow along on your PCT trip! As I start getting back into backpacking, you’re proving quite the inspiration. Keep it up, and good luck!
First, happy birthday and second, War Eagle (class of way back when). Catching up on the AT videos and noticed that one of your family (not tramily) members wore on Alpha Phi Omega shirt – my old group. Love the videos. Living vicariously through the updates. Keep on keeping on!
Awww, War Eagle! Yeah, that’s my sister who is at AUM 🙂
So much fun watching your videos. I show all of my friends and coworkers. The PCT has been a dream of mine since I watched your videos of the AT. I really want to Trail Angel some where before Wrightwood.
Good luck
Be safe
Awww, that’s awesome! Trail angels are definitely one of the best parts of the trail. If you can’t hike it next year, you should for sure do some trail magic 🙂
Just found your blog and videos. Going to do some binge watching/reading to catch up – really looking forward to keeping up with you.
Enjoy the adventure!! Look forward to seeing your trip, like your AT one!!!
Thank you, Christopher!
Thanks for sharing your adventures. It almost feel like I’m there with you. Good luck & joyful trails.
Thank you!
Hi, my wife and I have been watching your videos and learning a lot. We plan on thru hiking the pct next year. Just out of curiosity, how much water did you have to carry on your first day before you came to a water source? I’ve been checking out the guthook app and I can’t quite understand how far away some of the first water sources are on the first day.
I think I only carried a couple liters. I recommend not only Guthooks, but google “PCTA Water Report” and you should find some good info there as well. It is highly subject to change from year to year! Glad y’all are getting out there and going for it 🙂
After reading “Wild” and watching all you PCT videos I’m so so dedicate to thru-hike the PCT one day. You’re so inspirational!