Sleepless Night and Hunting for Energy
Today kicked off at 6 AM, but don’t mistake that for being well-rested – I was wide awake from midnight until about three in the morning. No idea why. Maybe I’m low on magnesium? If anyone has any tips, I’m all ears. I’ll try to grab a supplement at the next opportunity, hoping it helps.
We hit the trail around 7:30 AM, and it was clear from the get-go that this was going to be a tough one.
21 Miles and the Endless Search for Water
Today officially goes down as my longest day on the PCT so far – a solid 21 miles, with an extra 2 tacked on because we were hunting for water. Our original plan was to stay put at one campsite, but the water we needed just wasn’t there. So, we had to keep pushing on.
The hike was brutal. Not just because of the heat, but the terrain too – rocks everywhere, steep climbs and descents, switchbacks at every turn. The views were epic, no doubt, but they definitely took their toll.
An interesting observation today: my current boots look way worse after 170 kilometers than my previous pair, which lasted for 1,600 kilometers. Not sure if it’s a quality difference or just this brutal terrain wearing them down.
First Crisis on the Trail
Today, I felt completely wiped – physically and mentally. All those miles, the heat, and the fact that you can’t exactly have deep conversations on the trail, even when you try and other hikers are game. Everyone’s been awesome and genuinely helpful, but still, the first real crisis hit me.
Hoping tomorrow turns things around. My plan: a shower, laundry, and a proper meal – that should fix things right up.
Daily Summary
- On the Trail Today: 19 miles
- Total PCT Distance Remaining: Still 2,564 miles to go
- Highlight of the Day: Longest distance covered on the trail, but also a serious test of willpower and resilience.
