Mountains and Great Company
So the big question is:
“Shall I heave myself and my backpack up Mount Baden-Powell or should I better play safe and take the detour around it?”
Snow in May
Alright… Laying in my tent, it is 5pm! Never made camp so early. But have never been in a PCT storm before either!
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.
Trail Angels
Right.
So here I am, sitting on a rock by the trail and weep. The pain in my feet is so bad. Three miles to go still until I reach my next destination, but the pain is too overwhelming.
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!
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.
So ready to go!
Ready to go!
I am at Scout & Frodo. A famous Trailangel couple who hosts PCT hikers. They have put up 3 big tents in their garden, each sleeps 6 hikers, they cook for us and drive all of us to the Southern Monument in Campo tomorrow.
California!
California!
The last good-byes are said, tears are shed. It will be a while until I see my mum, family, and friends again. Oh dear.
The flight goes smooth though, I only just have to nearly almost throw up once.
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.
