Monday, April 22, 2013

The Wonders of the PCT


Well, it’s been a few crazy, joyous, sad and wonderful days. On Friday morning at 6:30am I said “good-­‐bye” to the boys at the border. The trail is pretty amazing. Thanks to all of the PCTA volunteers that keep this trail in such great condition.

As we drove to Campo, we stopped at Warner Springs to check out the spot where I would be picking up Shane. There we met WALL-­‐E. I knew he was a thru-­‐hiker before we even met him, as he was rubbing his feet and looking pretty worn. What a nice guy. Smoke Jumper for 30+ years out of McCall, Idaho. Nice to know Kevin may be walking with him at times. While camping in Lake Moreno, I met so many nice people. There was Tracker (from Alaska) and the Tres-­‐Amigo’s, and Mr. Happy, and the 2 girls for Colorado, who were so excited when I offered them homemade cookies!!! There was Buzz (short for Buzz LightYear), who is walking in flip-­‐flops – Teva looking like sandals! My friend, Nancy would be proud to know there are other wierdo’s out there that walk in flip-­‐flops! Everyone was more than nice, each one so happy to be on the trail and so helpful to other hikers. Really, you are not alone if you don’t want to be.
Shane started out a bit fast the first 20 miles, but slowed down for Kevin! They made it to Lake Morena within 6 hours. It was pretty hot and no water. So they each carried 6 litres. Made for a heavy pack day. Looking pretty good when they arrived.

Day 2 they were up at out of camp at 6:30am. Going just shy of Mt. Laguna (19 miles). I received the location around 5:00 this evening...so they took it a bit slower! Didn’t help that Kevin’s eye was almost swollen shut from his bee sting at mile 3!

I’m so glad that Shane is able to hike with his Dad for these first 115 miles. I think it is a nice transition for Kevin and great for them to spend time together.

So the journey begins.....off to Canada.

Maureen

Signing the log book at Start

The PCT Logbook