Week one: the first of many

The first cool, crisp morning, the first murmurs around camp, the first release of air from my sleeping pad, the first camp collapse, the first day of excitement and energy, and so many other firsts. The most important thing is the first step.

But first, day 0…

Wednesday April 16, 2026.
My friends Will and Cody (Cody, who would also be starting his PCT trip a few days after me) dropped me off at CLEEF Campground in Campo, California. I spent the last few days and weeks selling my plants and possessions, putting some important things away in a mobile storage unit, quit my job, and said goodbye to my friends and my life in San Diego. 12 years of living in Southern California had come to an end. It was time for a new chapter, time for a new beginning, time for the Pacific Crest Trail.

Thursday, April 17, 2026. As I stood next to the south terminal, I took my first deep breath. I looked north, a direction I would look quite often over the next five months. I remembered reading Cheryl Strayed. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trailwhere this dream began. I had memories from multiple stages of my life and adventures from the past 14 years that led me to this moment. How grateful and lucky I am to be here, I thought. I shed a tear or two, took another deep breath, and took my first step on the Pacific Crest Trail.

This first week would witness many other firsts: my first water fountain at mile 4, first “river crossing,” first snake, first water tank, first magic trail in the form of cold soda, first strangers who would eventually become close friends, first camp, first sunset, first dream, and many more. Every corner I turned, there was another first moment. I wondered if these “first” moments would ever get old.

But they didn’t. At least not yet. He had a fresh body and fresh eyes, ready to enjoy every moment. My first trail friend, Cleo, from Canada. My first trail family that formed on day 1: Cleo, Paul from the UK and Tyler from Nebraska, USA. My absolutely incredible first day on the Pacific Crest Trail, which turned into my first unforgettable week. I was soaking up every moment as deeply as I could. I wanted to feel the deep impact of every rock, every drop of sweat, every step I took on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The trail was everything I had ever hoped for. And it was only the first week.

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