A Night by the Kitchen Counter
This was one of those nights I’ll remember. I slept on the floor, right by the kitchen counter, and it cost me 42 bucks. But hey, when you’re being a bit of a nuisance, I guess you can’t complain too much. Even though it wasn’t exactly a five-star sleep, I managed to get some shut-eye. I was up by 5:30 AM to make sure we were at the pickup spot by 6:30. A guy picked us up there and drove us back to where we’d started our journey to Julian on Friday.
Back on the Trail in Foul Weather
The weather was absolutely brutal today, just as the forecast predicted. It was a constant battle between strong winds, pouring rain, and the sun trying its best to peek through. It felt like nature couldn’t make up its mind what it wanted to do with us. We spent the entire day trekking through desert and mountains dotted with cacti – a beautiful but unforgiving landscape.
Hail as a Welcome Gift
I feel like I’ve experienced every type of weather the trail has to offer. Sunburn on my legs, a refreshing breeze, biting icy winds, rain, snow, and hail. And today, hail greeted me just moments after I’d finished setting up my tent and crawled inside. Luckily, I made it just in time.
Hiking My Own Pace and Thinking About Recovery
Today, I hiked most of the route alone, at my own pace, which actually suited me quite well. I had time to think, but honestly, I still feel pretty wiped out. I don’t feel like I’ve fully recovered, and I’m amazed my body is still holding up. I’m considering booking a room in Idyllwild, which is about 6–8 days away. A day off and some solid sleep would be a lifesaver.
Evening in the Tent
My tent is set up, it’s still raining outside, and I’m cooking dinner inside. I treated myself to some Haribo bears for dessert, so it’s not all bad. I’m just dreading heading out in the morning – my boots and socks are completely soaked. Putting them back on is going to be a real “joy.”
Daily Summary:
- Miles Today: 18.22 miles
- Total PCT Miles: Still 2,546 miles to go
- Day’s Highlight: The hail was a surprise, but the sense of peace while hiking alone was priceless.
- Next Few Days’ Goal: Keep the pace, but don’t forget proper recovery. Maybe that room in Idyllwild is a good idea!
