That was the initial feeling that hit us when we arrived at CLEEF before our big tour began on May 5th.
Actually, we realized it even earlier, when the sweetest angel named Xanthe picked us up at the bus stop. Instantly, all nerves calmed and pure calm took over. We chatted with her during the ride about the trail, the dogs and little things, just quiet things. We are so glad she was the first tracker angel we met. It still bothers us that we got so caught up in the excitement of getting to CLEEF that we forgot to ask for a photo. It would have been nice to have that memory.
Entering camp was everything we expected. Calm people, good vibes and simple surroundings. Just what we needed. The weeks leading up to this day had passed at full speed, with too much going on. So the tranquility was more than welcome.
The night before, Just Paul and One Speed gave “the trail talk,” covering topics like water, hitchhiking, heat safety, altitude, cold, and many other important things. The talk confirmed a lot of what we already knew, which was really reassuring. But we also learned some new things and shared some laughs (there’s always a funny story at the end; hint: «the trail provides» for those of you who’ve heard it. We won’t reveal it to the rest of you).
Midnight for hikers is 9 pm, so shortly after talking and laughing with other hikers over an ice-cold IPA, we headed to bed. Almost like little children on Christmas Eve. Butterflies in our stomach. Energy we couldn’t get rid of. Smug smiles on our faces. Fully aware that a great adventure was about to begin.
At 6am, Papa Bear, Just Paul and One Speed turned on the lights and heat, put on some feel good tunes and made an amazing breakfast of Papa Bear’s famous pancakes. Oh man, it was good. We ate more than we should have and regretted absolutely nothing. Pure joy, we tell you.
Everyone, including us, signed our names on the huge “PCT Class of 2026” sign hanging on the wall. We had done it the day before. Honestly, it felt great. The same was true for obtaining our official PCT hang tags from the PCTA. That was a great moment too.
And one by one, each hiker began their hiking adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail. There is nothing dramatic about it. We thought it would feel bigger somehow, although we don’t know why. But people would just leave when they felt ready and receive a “happy trail” or a “see you on the trail” as they walked toward the trail, which literally runs right next to the campground.
We took a photo with the aforementioned three (we learned from our mistake of not doing it with Xanthe). And damn… we left. On our biggest, craziest adventure yet. Hiking from Mexico to Canada.
We almost felt like little school kids being dismissed on their first day, with big, heavy backpacks on our backs. Dazed and ready to get moving.
Here we go, PCT!!! Finally!!!
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using the links in the 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.
