A Night of Condensation
Another rough night. It rained the whole time, and the condensation inside the tent was so insane that water droplets were falling straight onto my face. Add to that a cold wind blowing directly at the tent. The combination of cold and damp meant I had to put on wet, cold clothes in the morning, which is absolutely no fun. Plus, I had to pack up a completely wet tent and gear. That definitely doesn’t boost your mood.
Another Milestone: 100 Miles!
Even though the morning wasn’t great, the day turned out to be a success. I hit one of the first big milestones on the trail – 100 miles on the PCT! That’s a fantastic feeling and a great motivator to keep going.
Trekking Across Plains and the Famous Eagle Rock
After descending from the mountains, we continued across the plains. Honestly, I like these sections – no big climbs or tough terrain, just a pleasant walk through open country. Along the way, we reached Eagle Rock, a well-known rock formation shaped like an eagle, which was a great spot for a photo and a moment to rest.
Rest Stop at Mile 17
At 2 PM, I took a longer break to dry out my feet, socks, and boots a bit. After 17 miles on the trail, my feet were pretty beat up, but the feeling of relief when you let them breathe for a while is priceless.
First Night Alone on the Trail
Looks like I’ve outrun everyone today. A lot of people headed to Warner Springs for their resupply boxes, but I didn’t send anything and I still have enough food. So, I kept going and arrived at a beautiful spot by the water. This is the first time I’ll be sleeping completely alone on the trail. On one hand, I have a bit of respect for it, on the other, it’s a nice feeling of peace.
It’s ideal here by the water – I have plenty of water for cooking, washing, and for starting tomorrow. I arrived at the spot at 4 PM and tried to dry out as many things as possible. Dark clouds were gathering overhead, but luckily, it hasn’t rained yet. Hopefully, it stays that way through the night. I’m just a little worried it might get really cold by the water.
Daily Summary:
- Miles Today: 13.19 miles (21.23 km)
- Total PCT Distance: Still 2,525 miles to go
- Day’s Highlight: 100 miles on the trail and the famous Eagle Rock
- Goal for the Next Few Days: Enjoy the first solo night on the trail and start dry in the morning (weather permitting).
