Day 1: 20 Miles from the Mexico/US Boarder to Campo, CA
It was a hot day reaching a high of 110 degrees F. We started in the morning and got into Campo in the evening (for the ADZPCTKO). The first day was pretty eventful, full of blisters (for steph), rattle snakes, people looking for a better life in the US, and running low on water. We met lots of fellow hikers. Steph made it out to the Boarder with the wrong pair of shoes and no hat or sunglasses...lathering on the sunscreen all day she narrowly escaped the sun rays. Will of course kept going like a rockstar.
Special Agent who had picked us up from the airport (and swung us by In & Out Burger for dinner) also took us to the boarder. He also picked Steph up a hat later in the day...thanks Special Agent.
Day 2: "Zero Day" Well a "Nero" Day we hiked 6 miles
The PCT Thru-hiker class of 2008 took a pic in the afternoon. Will and I picked up some last minute things from some of the vendors (Sunglasses for me, and trekking poles for Will). We said our goodbyes to Rico (who had been our trail mentor from Corvallis, OR). I decided to headed out with the two ladies from SanFran I met the day earlier. Will stayed for dinner and caught up with us later (bringing with him some yummy burgers from the bbq). We stayed the night at a horse camp, what a windy one!
Day 3: 15 Miles, Horse Campy to Burnt Ranchero Campground
I had pretty bad blisters forming. Wondering if I need new shoes? Hiked 10 miles in my 'crocs' (sandals) today as I couldn't shove my feet into my Keen shoes any longer. Of course my whole day was focused on my feet. But we made it to the next camp and had a good time hiking with a group.
Day 4: 12 miles Burnt Ranchero to Day Camp out of Laguna
We made it 12 miles today and camped near Laguna with a slew of other real nice hikers. Someone heard we were there and brought us by water (because the water source there was contaminated). Then he went back to town and bought more water for us! He was so generous...
We spent the evening hanging out by the campfire. Lots of picturesque moments today. (Hopefully we'll get those up soon) All of the Hiker crew we've met have been very genuine, remember your name, and really want to know how the hike is going for you. A really great group of individuals out here...
Day 5: Day Camp to FireWater 16 mi
Steph got up and left before everyone--Will caught up pretty quick. It was a slow day but Will & I hiked together for most of it. The last 4 miles were tough on the feet and we were both tired. We finally descended onto the "firewater" stop and found our SanFran friends. Julien for a break tomorrow!
Day 6: FireWater to Julien: 10 miles
Hell of a hike to Julien. We made good time in the morning to make the most of our day off. We got a ride with Mike who had just dropped off Brit & Kee--he also gave us his number and came and picked us up the next morning to take us back to the trail at 7AM! What a great Trail Angel.
We ate at a Buffalo Burger place until we were stuffed and picked up some more food in the little grocery store. All the places closed early so we didn't get dinner out--so we settled for some chips and various dips...a great substitute...
Day 7: 17 Miles: Julien to 1mi past 3rd Gate Cache
Miked picked us up as promised right from our hotel. Then we headed for the trail--A steep hot climb today. Up, up, up. We still made some good miles and hung out at the 3rd gate cache with fellow hikers in the early evening, before heading on to make camp. Found a great spot right off the trail...great finish to our first week...
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