Week 2: Hiker Privilege, Water Reservoirs, and Adaptability

I arrived at Idyllwild! It’s amazing to remember that I was able to walk so far. In addition to the miles covered, I’m starting to experience firsthand what life on the trails is like. I’m about to take a look at the reality of hiking and the privileges I get as a hiker.

Hikers Privilege

I would call this a privilege because you certainly wouldn’t receive it without PCT hiker status. It’s fascinating how the community around the trail is so supportive and helpful. They would not hesitate to lend their hand to support the hikers.

I can get a ride from the trail to town easily. I don’t even need to put my thumb on the road. This happened both when I went to Julian and Idyllwild. When I was at the Scissors junction, a trail angel passed by and asked if anyone needed a ride. Without hesitation I say yes and that’s it, they take me to the city! Likewise, there was a day hiker who hiked with me and offered to take me to Idyllwild. Again, I don’t need to do anything. The favor comes by itself.

Hanging out at Scissors Crossing got me a ride. No need to remove your thumb.

Plus, there are plenty of freebies, discounts and perks in all the cities near the PCT. One of the best known is the free pies from Moms Pie House. All I have to do is wave my PCT permit and there you have it, free cakes! Plus, I also received free apple cider and chocolates from Julian Cedar Mill. Again, I just need to say that I am a PCT hiker (also obvious from how I smell and look) and viola! Free snacks and drinks!

Here’s the receipt from Mom’s Pie House. It’s a good memory.

It’s so good! Best cake yet on the road!

I got a snack from Julian Cider Mill. I kept it to power my climb from Scissors Crossing.

Staying in hotels can be expensive, so I decided to stay at the American Legion. For 10 dollars I have a cot, a place to stay, I wash clothes and take a shower with a bucket. Although not as convenient as hotels, it adequately provided what I needed. It’s the only membership association, but they make an exception for PCT hikers like me.

If I’m not a PCT hiker, will I ever have these privileges? I don’t think so. Did it make any difference to me? Oh, absolutely! Community support takes on the entire burden, no matter how small or large the help may be. Now I’m starting to understand why every experienced hiker would advise the new generation of hikers not to think about it too much. Help is really present throughout the trail.

Trail towns are very welcoming to PCT hikers.

water hiding places

Carrying water is one of the main considerations when hiking in the desert. The availability of water sources can be a challenge, especially in remote areas. Fortunately, thanks to the work of the angels in the area, they were able to improve this logistical problem.

I can’t imagine how much water I need to carry on some dry stretches on trails without water reservoirs in the middle. For example, the next water source at mile 62 without water tanks would be at mile 101. That’s almost 40 miles of water transportation! With the generosity of the trail angels, they were able to place water reservoirs in the middle of mile 77 and mile 91. That reduces the water transport to 10 to 14 miles. That puts a huge logistical burden on hikers! I am really grateful to the tracker angels for doing this. It helps us hikers a lot.

Water cache at mile 91. As they say, the trail delivers!

Body conditions and injuries.

At mile 180 and no injuries so far! Although there is no major concern, my knees and feet almost always hurt at the end of the hike. Surprisingly, my body was able to recover easily with ample rest and low mileage days the next day. I always feel restored the next morning when I wake up. So far my body is cooperating with what I need along the way. I expect my recovery rate to be the same at all times.

Crossing my first 100 miles on the trail!

The more days spent on the trail, the more able my body is to withstand the pounding of the trail. I could feel my legs and feet getting stronger and my fitness level progressively improving. Walking 15 miles now feels like the routine walks of my normal life. At this point, I think I could do more than 15 or even 20 miles a day consistently. At the same time, I am careful to increase mileage at a slow, controllable pace.

I often just walk until I get tired and that includes a bit of evening walking. Getting caught in a sunset is one of the most surprising parts of a night hike.

As I follow the trail routine, I’ve also noticed that I’m sleeping much better compared to last week. I can sleep 8-9 hours with 1-2 interruptions most of the time. That’s much better than last week when I was waking up every hour. I am very conscious of how I sleep on the road. I know how vital sleep is for physical and mental recovery. I didn’t need to change out of any sleepwear to be comfortable. I just let my body get used to what I have and it happily adapts. It is simply amazing how the human body adapts.

Finishing strong up San Jacinto Peak before heading into town. I just felt like I could walk more, so I pushed harder.

Going strong and gratitude

Overall, I’m happy to be able to do it and still adjust to life on the trails from a desk job. I guess patience and self-control work especially in the first few weeks of riding. Just as my body responds positively to stress on the trail, so does my overall confidence and morale. To the trail angels who give their time, money, and energy to help hikers, thank you for all your help! I really appreciate all the things you do to support hikers.

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