Today was the push to the trail. I spent a leisurely morning at the hostel charging my devices, buying snacks at CVS, and organizing my pack. People in the hostel were interested in my hike, and the regulars seemed to see a lot of PCT hikers.

I caught a bus to Old Town where I was to meet the shuttle. In the heat of the day, I walked very hot and smoggy stroads to get to Big 5 Sporting Goods and Big Lots for the last couple of items. I didn’t find a small stove canister, so I will try cold soaking my food (later I found one at REI but the decision had already been made).

The PCT Southern Terminus Shuttle picked up me and five other hikers at Okd Town Transit Center at two PM. The driver acted as a guide, giving us advice as he drove us to the San Diego REI, Campo Post Office, Campo Green Store, and ultimately the terminus. Everyone has advice on this trail. They all want us to succeed.

All of our destinations that night was CLEEF (Camp Locket Equestrian & Event Center) where the Trail Angels named Legend & Patrick had set up a campground and hostel for PCT hikers. CLEEF is a 1/2 mile down the PCT from the terminus statue, so we elected to take our photos at the terminus and log our first half mile tonight.

The terminus is right on the border. 30 yards to the left of the monument is the border wall fence. We took the opportunity to touch Mexico. Throughout the evening and morning Border Patrol vehicles were coming and going along the road alongside the wall.

CLEEF was perfect. Legend and Patrick cooked us spaghetti dinner under the gazebo as they regaled us with stories of the PCT, lessons on LNT, and endless encouragement. Legend led us in an exercise to literally put the love and magic of the PCT into our hearts.

The eight other hikers with me last night had a lot of questions for Legend and our shuttle driver. I asked a couple of questions but not too many. It was useful to listen to the answers they gave everyone, but honestly I just felt ready to start.

They asked us to choose three words to describe our current mood. In one word I feel reverent.

After dinner was a campfire and then early to bed. First day tomorrow!