Start: 0630 - Mile 30
End: 1530 - Laguna Campground
Miles (today) - 16
Miles (cumulative) - 46
Let me tell you about how awesome cowboy camping could be. Getting all cozy in a nice warm sleeping bag, feeling the cool breeze on your face, and falling asleep while looking up at the stars seems like a splendid experience. And it was..for about an hour. Then the clouds came in and obstructed my view of the stars. I thought, "oh well, the clouds will make it warmer" and nodded off. Just before midnight, I awoke to a cold, wet breeze blowing on my face and an ominous pitter-patter on my sleeping bag. At first I thought it couldn't possibly be rain (this is supposed to be the desert) and so I attempted to fall back asleep. But my denial didn't change anything - it was definitely raining. I looked to where Nick was sleeping, saw his headlamp on, and hoped he had a plan. He did, of course (he always does). He brought his stuff over to me and covered us and our packs with the tent (which was pretty much just a tarp at this point). I managed to get some sleep but it wasn't what I had hoped for (Nick was once again snoring in my ear and I felt a little suffocated.)
In the morning Nick couldn't stop apologizing. He blames himself for forgetting the tent stakes and felt as if he ruined my night. I tried to assure him that we both forgot the stakes. I reminded him that we are in this together and that I should have double checked the area better. I also told him that he didn't ruin my night at all - in fact, he saved me from the rain. :)
Hmmm... I guess I won't stop to pee here.
Along the trail.
Since neither of of slept very well, we got an early start. Hiking was really easy today - we got in 12 miles before 11 (the pack was really light and the cool weather was great for hiking). At 1100 we walked into Mount Laguna and made our way directly to Laguna Mountain Sports, where we bought new tent stakes. :) I also decided to get new shoes - I've been hiking in my marathon shoes (Brooks Ghost) but I can tell they are near the end of their life. I am now sporting a pair of Altra Lone Peaks, which seem to be all the rage with hikers on the PCT. They are pretty comfy but, as I've only hiked 2 miles in them, the jury is still out. I sent my beloved Brooks ahead to Warner Springs (our next resupply) just in case the Altras don't work out.
After that, we had lunch at Laguna Cafe along with a lot of other hikers. I got to eat a salad AND and apple!!!! It was heavenly!!! Nick was able to indulge, too - he ordered a few double IPAs. We were both happy.
After lunch we went to pick up our resupply boxes. Getting these boxes is bittersweet- I love getting new food but the thought of carrying it makes me tired.
Another cruel joke - as if we need a reminder about how far we have to go. Thanks USPS.
Our first resupply boxes.
We are spending the night at Mount Laguna Campground. I took a $1.50, 6 minute, hot shower and it was heavenly! There are a lot of hikers staying here tonight. So many hikers!!! It's nice but at the same time a little overwhelming.