Storm Approaching
My Therma Rest Neo Air X lite sleeping mattress is a great piece of gear. I am very happy with it, as it is soft, lightweight and I sleep surprisingly well on it.
But it can get holes.
Thirst and Wind
I am so very thirsty!! Big time thirsty!!
I know, in my last post I happily stated that we were so lucky this year and have plenty of water. But one has only plenty of water if one is smart enough to thoroughly plan ahead!
Water
So yes, the PCT Class 2017 is lucky.
The streams in the desert, which are usually dry, have plenty of water this year.
Beauty and Blisters
I am for the first time in my life in a desert!!
Little did I know what to expect. Sure I read blogs of former thru hikers but nothing prepared me for this.
The Path of Totality
.
Right. So I am getting there!
I think I have almost everything under control so far.
All the planning and researching for gear, visa, permits, resupply options, maps and apps is done. And I have slept a few test-sleeps in my new cool little tent (in my mum’s garden) under windy and freezing conditions. I was not too cold and the tent could withstand the wind.
Awesome!
I have hiked a few test hikes with a fully loaded pack on steep slopes with snow on them. I have gulped my first Ibuprofen out of my “hospital size Ibuprofen PCT pack ” as the last hike shook all my muscles around.
Too scared to hike the PCT?
.
„Are you going alone?“
„Yes.“
„But are you not scared?”
“There will be other people on the trail!”
“But what about bears?”
Twofold Troubles
.
Well.
Initially, I wanted to write about my feet today.
As I seem to have a problem with them. Even before I start in Campo.
Historical Snow Fall in the Sierra Nevada 2017
.
It is snowing heavily in California this winter.
The US newspapers headlines read:
- “Sierra Nevada snowpack is biggest in 22 years.”
- “Sierra Nevada historical snow fall.”
These are good news. As all this snow probably will set an end to the drought in California.
Excellent!
But…