This is Southern California!?

Day 2, Mile: 20

The rain started around midnight, off and on. By the time I broke camp and hit the trail at 0830, it was a constant light rain. The hiking was relatively easy (at first) and the temps were in the low 40’s. Due to a mental error, I realized I had to hike 13 miles today (my plan was 10/day for the first couple of weeks). I had a reservaation I didn’t want to lose, so I didn’t take many breaks. The rain wouldn’t allow it anyway.

I met Shannon early in the morning, hiking with an umbrella. After talking, I realized I read her blog last fall. While not updating it now, she still a fascinating story. Considering she was only hiking 6 or 7 miles today, she’s going to have another wet night. Once I reached the ridge over Hauser Creek, the wind and rain really opened up. I got wet. Luckily, everything in the pack is nice and dry. Hiking into the wind on the exposed dirt road was bordering on dangerous in these conditions for me. Thankfully, the trail dropped back into the tress and scrub, out of the wind. Or was it a creek? Water issues are not a problem this week on the PCT. Nearing Lake Morena, I caught up to a gentleman that had noticeable scarring on his legs. Turns out, his doctors said he wouldn’t walk again without a cane after getting run over by a bus. He and his wife hiking the PCT is his big middle finger to the docs. That’s true grit, my man. Good on ya!

The worry of the COVID-19 affecting trail life extends to stores having supplies and the USPS staying open to accept and deliver resupply packages. And also campgrounds, come to find out. Lake Morena has heated cabins, one of which I reserved before leaving once I looked at the forecast. I was cold, wet and really worried that San Diego County Parks would shut down like California State Parks did just a day or so ago. If so, there would be no other option to get out of the weather except for my tent. Needless to say, I was motivated to keep moving, get to Lake Morena. Find out where I stand with lodging and to see if the Malt Shop had supplies to buy.

So, dripping wet, 4 of us stepped into the Ranger Station, me to claim my reservation, the other to inquire about availability (none to be had). Since the cabins sleep 4, I ended up with 2 roomates. Miranda from Denmark and Ola from Poland. The cabin is warm, has electricity for charging, and can also be used as a sauna when wet gear starts drying out. They’ve chosen to grab a cabin for another night, me I’m moving on. If I don’t make it to Mt. Laguna before early Saturday morning to shop and ship supplies, I’ll have to hang there until Monday.

So, I’ve had some of my PCT firsts. Day 2 incuded my first trail crap, with the added bonus of it being in the rain. All I have to say is, ponchos rock! I gave my first trail name to Miranda. We passed each other a couple of times the last two days, her sometimes going south. Not trying to advertise my blog or anything, but Wrong Way sounds appropriate. She gets to decide. My first cheeseburger for dinner from the Malt Shop. Since we can’t eat there, I packed food back to the cabin. So it wasn’t the hottest it could be. And yes, I got my first hiking in the rain out of the way.

So I’m off this morning, back to the Malt Shop. Buy some supplies, eat some more food, and then hit the trail, dodging downpours. The rain is supposed to end this evening, and the average temps are supposed to start climbing, but so is my elevation.

Life on the trail. It’s not a bad place at all.

2. Climbing away from camp, before the heavy rains.

1. Climbing out of Hauser Creek, and then the sun came out!

3. Dropping into Hauser Creek, in a creek....err on the trail.

4. Home is were you hang your hat.