Day 1

Hot. Amazing. Grueling. Peaceful. Sore. Cathartic. Long. Magical.

We made it through day 1, 20 miles to Lake Morena and the famous malt shop. We are exhausted, but so fulfilled! We started the day with a ride from the most amazing trail angels who hosted us yesterday night and got a group shot with others who were hosted with us with the same start date! Got a quick talk from a local PCT preservationist, then got our PCT badge at the border. We got some pictures at the terminus, touched Mexico, and were off!

We underestimated the elevation gains and losses in the desert, and I sit here now in total awe of both the landscape and my body. The heat was rough; no shade when you truly need it most. I can’t imagine how hikers do this on dates after ours. The first 10 miles were a treat, but the final 10 in the heat of the day, and in particular the final 4 up the south side of a mini-mountain were nothing short of exhausting.

However, there were endless wildflowers, we had all the water and food we needed, no rattlesnakes seen or heard, and we ended the day with a burger. Can’t complain! We are so excited to be outside and to be calling nature and the PCT itself home for the next five months.