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6 days to go
My countdown app says I start the PCT in six days, and I leave in three for San Diego. When I booked my flight, I wanted to spend a couple of days there before heading to trail. To see San Diego and its warm weather, walk on the beach, eat some good Mexican food, and drink a margarita or two. Mostly, I wanted to give myself space to detach from my normal life before starting the longest walk of my life.
5 days to go
The weather in Washington has been interesting. We’ve had some beautiful, sunny days, but now the rain is back. Thinking that in less than a week I’ll be out there is… scary. To be honest, I’m terrified.
I found out that the friend who was supposed to start the trail with me can’t come anymore due to personal reasons. That little feeling of safety I had is gone. I always knew this was my hike, that it would be me and myself no matter what. But knowing I had a familiar face by my side gave me comfort. Now, it’s really just me. In every way.
This feels so personal to share, but I’ve been learning that writing helps me process my fears and feelings. And I can’t be the only one feeling this way, right?
It’s overwhelming. I’m scared to death. I keep wondering: what if I don’t make any friends out there? What if nobody likes me? What if I’m underprepared? What if I can’t do this? What if I miss my dogs too much or crave the comfort of home and safety?
3 days to go
I made it to San Diego. Didn’t get much sleep last night and had a very early flight from Seattle, so I’m exhausted. I feel a bit numb, to be honest. Like it doesn’t feel real yet. Maybe because I’m still in a familiar environment. I have a bed, a TV, clean clothes. I’m alone, and I feel alone.
2 days to go
Still in San Diego. I got here yesterday, but today is my first full day. I feel a little better. The anxiety is still lingering, but things are starting to feel more real. The numbness hasn’t fully left.
I’m staying at a hotel in Old Town. I wanted to get up early for breakfast, but ended up sleeping in. When I finally made it downstairs, there was just one guy sitting there. I wondered if he was a PCT hiker, he kind of looked like one. But how do you even tell? He was wearing normal clothes. I didn’t ask, didn’t want to embarrass myself.
Later, I went to visit La Jolla Cove, then spent the whole afternoon on the beach. I had amazing tacos and a margarita. Back at the hotel, I spent a good chunk of time organizing my gear and putting my food together. My pack felt sooo heavy, I couldn’t believe it. It felt like that Cheryl Strayed moment when she’s trying to pick her pack up but it was too heavy. haha ok, maybe not THAT much.
1 day to go
I can’t believe it’s finally here. My last night sleeping in a real bed for a while. Feeling clean. Feeling kind of suspended between two lives.
This morning, I got breakfast and that same guy from yesterday was there again. Something about him still made me think hiker. He was skinny, maybe in his 50s, Asian. A few hours later, I walked to the shuttle pick-up spot, which was just five minutes from the hotel, and guess who was there. Yup. Turns out hikers really can spot each other sometimes.
The shuttle took us first to REI in San Diego, which was such a fun little stop. They had a map where you could put a pin showing where you came from. I added two: one for Washington and one for Brazil. It made me feel emotional, honestly. Then we went to the post office real quick and I shipped a few things back to Washington, and made another stop at the Green Store, where I grabbed some snacks and last-minute food.
The drive to Campo was beautiful. There were seven of us: two girls from the Czech Republic, the Japanese guy, a woman from Germany, one from Texas, another American guy, and our shuttle driver, who was also a PCT hiker. Everyone was so kind and warm. It already started to feel like community.
The stay at CLEEF was lovely. I met so many cool people from all over the world. So many international hikers! We all signed the banner there, which felt like a small but meaningful ritual before the big start. I felt comforted by the energy around me. We’re all chasing the same dream, step by step.
Day 1 on trail (yahoo!)
I woke up so excited. We had pancakes and coffee at CLEEF before heading to the monument. A perfect sendoff.
We took our photos at the southern terminus and then we walked north. We aimed for 15 miles today. Not gonna lie, it was hard. The heat out here is brutal and my pack has been killing me. I don’t think I’ve got it adjusted quite right yet. Hoping I can figure that out over the next few days.
But wow. The views. The desert is gorgeous. It smells different, looks different, feels different. Soft purple flowers everywhere and the air feels alive. I’m kind of in love with it.
And the rattlesnakes… We passed right by one coiled on a rock and didn’t even see it. Two girls hiking behind us stopped and showed us a picture. Huge thing, just chilling. I’m not sure if I’m relieved or freaked out that we missed it, but now I’m keeping my eyes peeled on every rock. Oh by the way, when I say “us”, I mean myself and the german woman I met in the shuttle to the terminus!
End of day one on the trail, and I’m super tired. Got a headache, set up camp, made dinner, and I’m in my tent by 7:30 p.m. Hoping to take it a little easier tomorrow. Give my body time to catch up and adjust.
Right now, as I lay here, I can hear birds outside. The air is still. I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
I’ll bring more updates in a few days.
Happy Trails!
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