Day 2, 22 miles
April 10th
There has been a 4 year drought here in S California, so this cool wet weather is a blessing. Yesterday’s 20 mile waterless stretch is one of several I will have to hike. We were told to carry a minimum of 7 liters of water, but I carried 4 and Paul 5. He drank less than one.
It rained all night last night. We shuffled around with all the other hikers, we camped with last night, and enjoyed a lively breakfast together. Paul and I finally set off at 9:15am. A late start, but we don’t have to rush to avoid the typically hot weather.
The first 6 miles was a gentle trail through desert shrubs and meadows. We saw the cutest small bunnys scurrying along the trail.
The next 16 miles was a gradual up hill climb. We looked down into canyons to see meandering streams and lush green oasis. Not the dry hot desert I was expecting.
We arrived at our intended camp spot, after 18 miles at 5 pm. It was damp and sad. We checked app info for the amenities at Mt Laguna, 5 miles up trail. Store, Cafe, Tavern?! Sold! We popped a few magic beans, peanut M&Ms, and with the promise of a burger and beer, sped up and up into the mist and drizzle. Paul took off ahead like a horse to the barn. Thank you Michelle from Village Physio, you’re a star. Up we climbed. Way up the mountain to 6000 ft. The same elevation as Whistler Roundhouse. It was already cold all day, now only 2 degrees.
Tomorrow we will hike less miles as my body needs to adjust to hiking every day, 8 hours a day, for week, after week, month after month.
Keep up the good work and attitude. Love you.
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Thx Cathalynn.
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Nice trail path! Hope you hit the sunny weather soon to keep you warm and cheerful. Love to you both.
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Thx Amy. Yes, the heat is coming. Love to you.
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Did you find the tavern and burger?!
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Yes! So yummy.
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Gee, you guys are crushing the miles. Shepherd.
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Maybe wise to slow down a bit
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Love the posts and sharing this with us! Glad Paul is feeling Amy’s horse to the barn spirit and doing so well! Big Hugs!!
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Hugs to you guys too. Wiki and Molly xox
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How many miles per day are you expecting to hike?
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To start I want to average 17. Sounds doable but it’s getting tough.
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SALLY! your there – so exciting – I’m sharing your blog with my sister Yvonne who hiked the PCT in 1977 –
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Thx Louise. Remember our hiking back in high school?
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What a grand adventure, ,, I believe Nicolas Kristoff, who writes op eds in the NY Times, did this hike with his daughter.
I am enjoying reading your blog
Brian from Bowen
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