Start: 0645 - PCT mile 333-ish
End: 1200 - Cajon Pass (Best Western)
Miles (today): 9.5 (8.5 PCT, 1 off)
Miles (cumulative): 361 (285.5 PCT, 69.5 alternate, 6 off)
It's a nero day! As usual, I look forward to these days while on the trail but feel a little guilty once they arrive. I'm getting better at just enjoying the moment, though. :) I'm currently sitting in a hot tub and feeling pretty good - it's so relaxing. We're resting up for tomorrow. Tomorrow is going to be a test of sorts - we've just resupplied AND the next water source is 28 miles away. We'll have 6 days worth of food and ~8 liters of water in our packs (my pack will probably be 45 lbs and Nick's will probably be 50 lbs). We'll also be going uphill (or should I say upmountain?) I'm excited!? Nick and I have already promised to be extra nice and understanding to each other - we'll see how it works out. :)
along the trail
Our first stop today was McDonalds, where I'm willing to bet almost all hikers stop (if only for water - as I mentioned, the next water is about 28 miles from here. That being said, I highly doubt any hiker just gets water). It has been over 10 years since I've eaten at McDonalds. Thankfully, their menu has changed substantially since then. :)
There is actually a sign for McDonalds on the PCT - that's a little crazy
We got to McDonalds pretty early - around 1000 - so I was a little shocked to see so many hikers there. I should have known better. :) The first person we saw was Lindsey (Morning Kid) from the AT group - it was wonderful seeing her (and the whole AT group for that matter). We also ran into Tom again - I thought he was way ahead of us! Inside the restaurant there were so many hikers we knew it felt like a reunion. It was particularly comforting to see the AT group for some reason, probably because we met them on the very first day.
We saw Tom again!!!
Morning Kid and Bamboo - part of the AT group and the very first hikers we met. Oh, and they are NOT married like I originally thought- sorry, guys!
Shaman and Mash - also part of the AT group. (Bamboo, Morning Kid, Shaman, and Mash all hiked the AT together)
We spent quite a bit of time at the McDonalds while we waited for our hotel room to be ready. In fact, we ate breakfast AND lunch there. Like I said, I'm grateful the McDonalds menu has changed - they actually have decent breakfast bowls and I really enjoyed the salad I had for lunch. I'm also grateful the McDonalds staff are so understanding of hikers - there was a definite odor in the corner where we sat and packs were everywhere.
Proton, Gazelle, Mountain Man, and X'ing? - we recently met them and I hope to see them on the trail again soon!
Just as we were about to leave to go to the hotel who walks in but Ducky! It was very exciting- she is such a happy, fun, intelligent person! Today is her birthday and I'm really bummed we didn't get a chance to celebrate with her - she stayed at the Best Western last night and is on her way back to the trail this afternoon.
Ducky and me. (Wow, I look tired - hopefully a night sleeping on a legit bed will fix that)
Ducky and Shaman
These little reminders of how far we have yet to go are a little demoralizing
This is a little better ... But just a little.
It disturbs me there needs to be a sign for this
The day has been good. We talked to Mary, I called my parents, and we were even able to FaceTime with our nephew, Ben, and our sister Bess (and little niece Charlie). It was wonderful to connect with them!
Follow-ups:
1. My bee-stung hand is still a little swollen and sore but it's a lot better - it almost looks normal.
2. There were some pretty good campsites a few miles down the trail but I think we made a solid choice last night.