PCT Vlog #3 - Days 7-11

After a couple of zero days off trail to dry out and regroup with a few new gear items, I start to hike again from Julian. I of course grab the obligatory piece of pie from Mom’s, before the steep climb out of Scissors Crossing.

I ran into my hiking buddies again, Jess and Jason, and together we made out way to Mountain Valley Retreat. It was a beautiful way to celebrate hitting 100 miles on trail! We had home-cooked meals, were led through hiker yoga by our gracious host Chery, and even did laundry and soaked our feet in buckets of hot water and epsom salts. Truly the boost we would need for what lie ahead.

North of Ranchita, the trail dips lower in elevation and opens up to expansive fields speckled with wildflowers. Despite our best efforts, we could not avoid the rain yet again. It seems as though the rain had joined our little tramily, and was intent on sticking with us. Jess and I had sent our packs ahead to Warner Springs and those 8 miles felt like we were flying! It’s amazing how much faster you can hike without 25lbs of food, water, and gear strapped to your back. Who would’ve thought?

We grabbed our packages from the post office in Warner Springs and hunkered down through yet another thunderstorm.