Until and until day 1

The adventure begins with an early morning walk at 3 and some sad goodbyes to my man’s best friend. I arrived at BWI after some bad GPS advice. I said goodbye to mom and left.

Baggage checked through the kiosk, part of the cost of my flight. I went through TSA quickly, it was 4:30 in the morning on a random Tuesday, what else could have been the case? I arrived at the terminal with 40 minutes to spare. I slept the entire flight and suddenly found myself in Charlotte.

An hour layover in Charlotte NC, then a 6 hour flight to arrive in SAN at 11 PDT. I slept a little more and caught up on Survivor 50. I also saw another plane go by, my God, the speed when you realize how fast you’re going. The plane landed and I walked over the luggage. I checked my suitcase and fortunately everything inside was completely fine; except for my permit falling apart (something inevitable anyway).

I unpacked the duffel bag to the side of the baggage claim area and filled my backpack with everything I needed to break down the duffel I took it out of. I saw an old man with a backpack looking like he was heading to the trail, and also a guy introduced himself (Peter) and said he was going to start on Friday.

I discovered public transportation on the fly, found the app, hopped on a bus, then a streetcar, and then walked to Goodwill to donate my duffel bag. I won’t need it where I’m going.

I had 4 hours to kill at that point before checking into the hotel, so I decided to head to the beach. Initially took the wrong bus route, lessons learned. But public transportation in San Diego is pretty good, especially without a subway.

Exploring San Diego

The bus route to the beach, Gator Beach, was long and went through much of the city. San Diego is a beautiful city, but it feels strange to see all these nice buildings with tons of homeless people. Much more needs to be done for these people. It also feels weird since I look like a hobo with my backpack and I’m essentially LARPing being homeless in the woods for the next 5-6 months.

But I arrived at the Pacific Ocean. I got my feet wet and a little icon appeared in the corner of the screen «Pacific Ocean added to map.» The water wasn’t cold but I wasn’t swimming.

I got back on the bus and found my way to the Best Western. Perfect synchronization with public transport. I showed up at the hotel 5 minutes before check-in. The front desk didn’t seem to mind the slightly early check-in and I was falling asleep in the room within minutes.

I called mom, showered, unpacked, looked at what time I had to get up to catch the ferry. I was going to go to REI, but it’s an hour away on public transportation. So I decided to go to a mall, have dinner at a real restaurant (California Fireplace Pizza) and get fast service. Maybe because I already knew what I wanted when the waitress came to get my drink.

I walked to a gas station hoping to get two 1.5 liter Smartwater bottles, but left with just the regular 1 liter, but got another capacity of water. On the way back to the hotel I saw a gang of bikers. They also got organized, as two motorcyclists blocked traffic so the entire gang could leave the mall’s side parking lot.

I didn’t sleep much but I slept well.

Day 0 part 2

I got up early because I didn’t sleep much. I walked back to the gas station for some Snickers bars and toothpaste.

I was afraid I had lost my swelling while packing, it was right under my tent. I forgot to filter the bleach in my filter yesterday and I also did that before leaving the hotel room. He left after handing over the key, walked to the tram station, got on the tram for 2 stops and arrived at the meeting point 30 minutes early. Either he was first or he was lost. But I enjoyed the events of the world around me, a little calm.

My fears were eased when Marmalade, my shuttle driver, showed up and told me I was one of two! hikers on the ferry. I bought a Pop-Tart from the station, talked to Marmalade, before Ruby (the second hiker) showed up seconds before Marmalade left her.

We skipped visiting REI since the Campo Green store sold gas canisters and anything else Ruby or I needed. Ruby started at the terminal while I went to CLEFF (campground just before the terminal) where I did nothing for the next few hours alone while Marmalade went to pick up the 12 afternoon hikers.

During the trip, Marmalade pointed out many things and a lot of useful information. But there was also a chat with him and the other CLEEF volunteer staff, but the repetition is good.

I bought a sandwich at Green’s, which was so good I went back and had another one for dinner. But while playing solitaire he met the centrist name Kevin (soon nicknamed Space Age). Also, Papa Bear, the manager of CLEEF, a cool older guy.

I biked back to the store, all downhill. But it mostly stayed out of the sun and winds throughout Wednesday. I had a hard time setting up my tent because of how strong the winds were, but some older hikers helped me once more people arrived. Calm seas never made a good sailor.

I’ve fallen for the lie that my only experience is hiking 2 sections of the Long Trail, I’ve honestly forgotten that I’ve hiked the AT at times.

Little by little, people filtered in. Then, around dinner, wave after wave of people arrived. I honestly don’t know who I met and who I didn’t. Some from shuttles, others from UBER or trail angles. Lots of people from out of states or Cal.

It seems like most people aim for 10 miles on the first day, compared to my 15. We’ll see after 10 if I continue.

Day 1 – Sunrise Terminal

He started the day early. I slept well and woke up at 5 with the alarm clock. I packed up and arrived at the monument at dawn. The early morning was worth it. I saw the border patrol on my way to the monument.

I went back to CLEEF for pancakes, my PCT tag, and some electric charging. The PCTA people weren’t there until 7, so they left around 7:30, walking at a 2.5 mph pace. The sun was heating up quickly, so I took off my melay and put on my umbrella just after the 1 mile sign. The umbrella cools things down but blocks my view and is a little awkward to set up.

I walked a bit with TJ and Space Age, but mostly alone. Starting April 23, a sort of family of trails will form for fast hikers. Space Age and Jay moved further to try to reach Lake Morena tonight.

Otherwise, today was totally new territory for me. It’s hot but it’s not unbearable, it just helps me adapt to the desert. Although I am very happy about the water tank at mile 14 that CLEEF’s Papa Bear left, there are There is no water elsewhere at the beginning, a few miles between CLEEF and Lake Morena.

He started the first day with ~30 pounds, 10 of which were just water. My back and right leg hurt a little but it is what it is. Nothing I can’t adapt. He settled in Hauser Creek, completely dry as we were told.

There are no great spots, but with me there are about 10 more and lots of shade. I finished early as I don’t want to go beyond 15 miles for the first week or two.

I was with TJ, Robb (yes, two b’s), Sierra and a few others whose names still escape me. Too many people to remember. I’ve been knighted, Mash, short for Instant Mash Potatoes. Well, if it stays.

Looking forward to tomorrow and the following days.