First week on the trail: days 0 to 10

This was my first week of trail…

Day 0

I took the morning South Terminus Shuttle from San Diego to Campo, where I met the people who would become my tram: Marieke, Tichard, and Heidi.

We arrived at CLEEF around noon, where we met other hikers (including Hank, who would also be part of our tram), received valuable water and first aid tips from CLEEF volunteers, and camped for the night.

This is where I realized that, for me, setting up camp might be more difficult than the hike itself.

Day 1

The morning of the trail start, we checked our permits, got our official PCT tag, and the CLEEF volunteers made us an amazing breakfast. Then it was time to head to the south terminal and get started.

At the terminal and at the border wall we had to have a small photo session before starting the walk. Emotions were definitely running high as for all of us this was a long-time dream that was finally coming true.

The first day we covered seven and a half miles and every step was beautiful! The not so precious part was when Marieke scared a rattlesnake with her umbrella and the rattle made us all scream. At least our first encounter with a snake was just its sound.

That night we decided to camp for the first time and let me tell you, sleeping under the stars with a beautiful view of the crescent moon was an incredible experience.

On this day I called Heidi “Bunny” because she is like the bunny of energizers, she just has a lot of energy.

Day 2

The sunrise from our campsite was so beautiful! I’m not sure this photo does it justice.

The day was quite hot, but the excitement of the trail made it bearable. However, the excitement of the hike didn’t stop me from cursing the hill several times.

That day we had to use our first water tank. Thanks to Papa Bear from CLEEF for keeping it stocked. Without it, many of us would not be able to complete this first section.

We hiked eight miles and the cowboys camped at this beautiful spot near Hausser Creek.

Richard became Joda that day. He carries a little Joda that he’s had for years and takes pictures of it at interesting places along the way.

Day 3

The weather outside Hausser Creek was brutal, but we made it! So we rewarded ourselves with a nero in Lake Morena. After four and a half miles, a meal and a malt at the malthouse at Lake Morena tasted like heaven!

At Lake Morena we were also able to shower and wash our camp clothes for the first time. I never thought a shower and clean clothes could feel so good!

Here we met Claire, who asked to join our group.

Marieke became Eagle Eyes because she can detect all types of wildlife from very far away.

Day 4

This was our first long walk. We rode 12 miles, mostly uphill. Once the heat wave passed, this day was almost cold, so no cowboys camped for us. Which turned out to be a good decision since it rained a little early in the morning.

Claire became Kiddo because she is the youngest of all of us. Electrolyte also joined our group that day.

Day 5

This day was eight miles with still a lot of uphill. The surprise was when the desert turned into a pine forest. It felt surreal. That day we arrived at Mount Laguna.

Since my foot joints and Bunny’s plantar fasciitis were hurting a lot, we decided to make a zero in the small community of houses so we could rest, shower, and do laundry.

The experience in the tiny house was a little strange as our room was also the office and communal kitchen, but sleeping inside after a hot shower made it worth it.

Day 6

Since this was our zero, we started the morning with a delicious brunch at the Pine House Cafe. The food was delicious, the portions were huge and the price was reasonable. I definitely recommend it.

After brunch, Eagle Eyes got us a ride to Mount Laguna Campground, where Hank had decided to spend the night before.

Hank built a big fire, we ate cupcakes, and met more awesome hikers. Including fellow Trek bloggers Ian and Do It.

Day 7

The joints in my feet were killing me at mile seven, so even though I was behind my tram I had to stop and camp alone. Morale was definitely low, not only did I hurt, but I had gotten used to being part of a pack. Being alone suddenly affected me a lot.

Day 8

I woke up to Joda and Hank’s voice. They had come back just to check on him. Apparently Bunny had also come to see me the night before but couldn’t find me.

That really lifted my spirits! I felt loved and supported by my friends.

The bad news was that I was still in a lot of pain, which meant I had to get off the trail to rest and hopefully heal.

That meant a grueling three and a half miles of total agony. My biggest fear was “what if I can’t walk anymore?” The idea of ​​calling 911 seemed very embarrassing, but the pain was unreal.

Fortunately, I made it to the road under my own power and was able to get a fix on my second try. Julie, her husband Maurice and their dog Freckle were amazing! Not only did they take me to the city, but they also prayed for me and helped me carry my backpack to The Legion when my feet could barely move.

Day 9

I stayed at The Legion taking ibuprofen, not standing and counting the hours until I could see my tram again.

They arrived in Julian around noon and I was very happy to see them.

Day 10

Another day in Julian trying to get my feet in walking shape. God, I hope this heals! My tram leaves tomorrow and it hurts me not to be able to go with them.

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