PCT Vlog #2 - Days 4-6

I started to feel more comfortable in my new life as a nomadic turtle, carrying my home on my back and choosing a new spot to sleep each night. I spent my first night camped alone, accompanied only by the patter of rain falling on my tent.

I got some devastating news about a dear friend who had passed away back at home, and spent that day stomping through the rain to put as much distance behind me as I could. Soaked to the bone and nearing nightfall, I camped at Pioneer Mail, despite the notes on Guthook about mountain lion sightings nearby. I spent the night trying in vain to dry out my wet gear, and praying that the noises outside my tent were from the blustering wind and not the rumoured mountain cat.

Sunrise views over the lush, post-rain desert were some of the most beautiful I’ve seen to date. The sun came out to dry out my gear and boost my spirits as I continued in solitude for the rest of the day.

I set up camp on the crest of a mountain as the sun set purple over the valley below. Another night alone, but slowly becoming more confident.

The next morning was a soggy, cold slog into Julian. I arrived at the road crossing to a sight for sore eyes, a trail angel! Ghost is a retiree who volunteers his time to take smelly hikers like myself into Julian for resupply. I was wet and tired, and so grateful for such a sweet gesture from a complete stranger!