Ensuring permits
Finally we decided to face the Pacific Crest Trail. This was an exciting moment. There was a lot to wait, and much to prepare. We were ready.
We begin to plan, read blogs, guides and watch the videos. We knew that our start dates, we had backup dates, the permits were our next step. Our anticipation grew. We recorded in the application process, updating the entrance tray too many times waiting for our tragamoneas ad. Finally, the email was in the Indox … But our slot, well, this was at the end of the window. Maybe, just maybe, there are still some of the 35 daily permits. We clicks the link as soon as we could, nothing.
It doesn’t matter. There was always the second round. We had hope. The second email of the announcement arrived. Once again, late in the time slot. We start session with a renewed determination … and again, nothing in our ideal dates range. Everything that was left was late in the May slots. We had read the horror stories of the heat of the desert. What do we do? It is now or never. We take the first available date and commit ourselves.
Sounding familiar? That we were, obtaining the late slot, behind the curve. What would this mean for our walk? At the end of May, on the PCT, a horror story to develop, would we be cooked alive, dry, alone?
An empty path
Starting late
It turns out that there are positive. As of May 21 it has been a disguised blessing. Many of the warnings and challenges published online do not take into account the advantages of our late beginning.
Chasing the curve these first weeks has taught us a lot. The fears of all our research had hidden the benefits.
The PCT, the jewel of the crown of long distance walks, attracts a large number of hikers. The trail community moves north in waves. Starting behind this group, behind bloggers, loaders, commentators, has given us an unexpected advantage.
Each step so far on our trip from Campo (0) to water fresh (454), we have had the latest conditions of paths at hand. Do not worry if the next water source has dried, there is fresh information from hikers just a few days. We have been confident in following the footprints of those who are in front, using their knowledge to relieve our path.
We also feared that a late beginning would mean the community. Would we be walking alone through the desert, with only lizards and snakes for the company? That could not be further from the truth. In any case, the placement of the main wave has improved the social side of our walk.
Training of the Family of Trails
With less hikers on the path, friendships and families of trails have formed rapidly. There is more time to really connect, less crowds at the starting point and a more personal sensation for the trail community.
Last along the way
Among the late holders, there are two groups. Those delayed by the commitments (graduations, work) and those like us who could not ensure an early space. None of us knew what it would be like behind the curve. But as we all talk, the benefits became clear.
Planning every day, choosing camps and discovering mileage, has been easier than expected. We have not had to compete with the curve for points. Only once so far we have arrived to find an already taken place. There has been no pressure to hurry to ensure a site. We can really walk our own walk, taking our time.
Our first zero with the family of the path
The city’s stops and advances have been another victory. Outside the high season, the accommodation has been available from hotel rooms to cabins and food on the shelves. There is no stress for the reservation ahead. The refueling points have been well stored. Free chargers, full hikers, trail magic in abundance.
Would we have taken a previous space, knowing what we know now? Honestly not. Yes, it has been hot and the water takes longer. But the information about whether the water is available, the consistency in the climate (without snow, without hail), the ability to move at our rhythm and the strength of the trail community has compensated.
We have been able to walk our own walk and so far we would change anything.
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