PCT SOBO DAY 123 – Deflated

Day 123

Start: DirtRoad, off mile marker 2323.5

End: Deep Creek, mile 2354.5

Miles driven: 31 miles

I woke up and felt like I was looking forward to a quiet morning this morning. I got up a little later than usual, packed my bags and had breakfast on a rock in the sun. I made a cup of tea and drank it while watching the traffic go by in the distance.

It was another day of intermittent walking. As I continued along the trail, the heat became more intense. With very little tree cover, it was difficult to escape the sun. From time to time I would find a patch of shade in one of the folds of the mountain where I could stop and rest.

Luckily today there was not much of a climb. After lunch, I got up and stayed there for the rest of the day. The trail took me above a canyon where the echoes of people playing in the stream bounced off the mountain walls. Part of me wanted to join them, but another part wanted to go miles.

About an hour before sunset, I arrived at Deep Creek Hot Springs, but was discouraged by the naked locals around me. Plus, I didn’t feel like losing momentum. If I went a few more miles, I could be in Big Bear tomorrow.

I kept going, along the mountains and into the darkness. The sun had set and all I had to light the way was my trusty headlamp. It felt nice to walk around at night. The air was cool and still. Thinking about the potentially steep slopes that I couldn’t see gave me a little anxiety, but I just focused on steady steps on the trail in front of me.

I finally found my campsite just before 8pm, a nice flat spot with easy access to water, just what I needed in this section! As I was getting ready for bed, tragedy occurred. My air mattress exploded! The plug had been very difficult to open and close and I guess I pulled too hard this time. Damned! That meant that tonight I would have to sleep on the floor.

I dug out a small depression under my tent so I could lie comfortably on my side. I tried to add some extra insulation by putting all my clothes on underneath, but it was still a little uncomfortable. However, I made it work and was able to fall asleep in my makeshift bed.

And that’s a day in the life of a PCT SOBO hiker!

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