I had no idea what to expect. The last time I went backpacking i had sworn to never do it again. But Jenn was gung-ho on this PCT thing and adventure is adventure so I jumped on board. My lack of planning pissed her off, but I could tell she was happy I'd be by her side.
We were at the boarder fence by 7:00am. Jenn and I were tense with anxiety. There were small groups of hikers showing up to the southern Terminous and from what the internet had told me, I didn't want anything to do with them. I come from a culture of kooky people (bikes), but hikers, specifically PCT enthusiast are so next level. I haven't decided if it's good or bad yet. Definitely entertaining, but from a distance. In the first 5 miles we came across mad hatter, Cam, and Casey. Mad hatter was a nice older gentleman, Casey was a fully tattooed vagabond with a gallon sized bag of weed. We also came across a lady who we named the tortoise. Dressed in full safari attire, this extremely timid woman, who looked like Whoopie Goldberg, had twisted her ankle and refused my help. She hobbled on behind me, ever so slow, and it inspired me. I can be a pretty synical person, mean even, but something about these people who probably have a difficult time waking around their block, flying out to take on the PCT gets me stoked.
I don't remember much of the terrain on day 1. I was focused on getting my pack to fit right, making sure I didn't roll my ankle again, and figuring out the trekking poles. It all came together around mile 10 and lasted up and over the most daunting switchbacks until we got into Lake Morena. I looked at the map and couldn't believe I had hiked 21 miles.
At lake morena we secured a campsite, pitched the tent and then wandered into the small town for liquor store pizza and coors. By the time we returned many of the hikers who had set off that morning were limping in. A homeless guy who claimed to be a hiker had lured them over to a neighboring site with a bonfire and natty ice. About a dozen middle aged men, lost and alone, all wearing different shades of the same outfit, filled the night with hacks and nervous laughter.
As the sun set the food coma took over and i was out. I fell asleep smiling and proud that I'd not let life talk me out of being here.
Sincerely, Matt.
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