Day 2-4: First Rattlesnake and Magic Trail

The reality of camp availability and water resources had us hiking more miles per day than we had planned.

On Day 2, we «celebrated» hiking 1% of the PCT at Boulder Oaks Campground with other hikers while we rested and refilled water. A volunteer there shared tips and advice for the days ahead, very kind of her. We camped at mile 32.4 having covered probably too many miles that day.

We carried food for 5 or 6 days on the road, enough to reach Julian without needing to resupply at Lake Morena or Mount Laguna.

Although we did stop at Pine House Cafe & Tavern in Mt. Laguna for a burger and an ice cold beer. Delicious and exactly what we needed on day 3. While eating, we met some fellow hikers and called it a day after about 10 miles. We camped at mile 42 campground with the others. Lots of laughter, hiker chatter, and ice cold showers. It was a great night and a much needed rest.

Day 4 began among the pines as the sun rose, something we weren’t expecting. Ditte was starting to get some pretty nasty blisters on her feet (a lot). The excitement was still through the roof and yet the smiles were still big. But the blisters, aside from constantly being vigilant and avoiding that damn poison oak, were still pretty annoying. Lots of bad words for those little bastards trying to sneak onto the trail and get us. No, thanks.

We stopped at kilometer 52.4 to take a break and get water. Some fellow hikers joined us. Benjamin said he had been dreaming of a cold soda on the road. And if you know, Wade and Kristin showed up literally two minutes later. They track angels in this area every year during Mother’s Day weekend. Our first magical trail!!! Cold soft drinks, fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, chocolate, everything!!!

We probably thanked them many times, but we were really grateful. Such kind and wonderful people.

Just before we got back on the trail, we hikers were talking about rattlesnakes and how we hadn’t seen any yet. Well… we cursed him. At mile 53.8, there was a big one right next to the trail. We had no way of avoiding it. We passed by once it was no longer so close to the trail. I fully admit that it was a pretty scary moment. Phew.

The day ended in a dry desert landscape with cacti and dust covering us. Now we really looked like hikers. Definitely the most beautiful scenery we had seen so far on the road. Just wow.

In fact, we ran into Wade and Kristin again around mile 59. They insisted we bring some food to have dinner at camp. Day 4 was unreal. Scary and amazing. That day it seemed as if our PCT adventure began in earnest, both on good and bad terms. Hard to explain. But it was a great feeling we shared before going to sleep just after sunset.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.