Lotus - Pacific Crest Trail Journal - 2012

On the trail!

(taken from an email i sent to family and freinds on our 3rd day..

It's the evening of our 3rd day on the PCT -We're camped out in a pine forest tonight which is drastically different from the mountainous dessert terrain we've been hiking through the past 3 days. There was a lot more vegetation than I expected- including eucalyptus trees, sage, rosemary, lots of wild flowers and cactus. We've encountered a rattle snake, rabbits, iguanas, lizards, toads and vultures in this short time. I think the flat, barren dessert that I had in mind is soon to follow..

So far we've hiked 38 miles and my pack is getting much lighter as I am consuming the contents. We pick up a mail drop at a camp ground tomorrow that we sent out here before we left with more food, as there are no stores to resupply in the near future. My muscles have been really sore since Day 1, mostly due to a near 40 lb pack when fully stocked with food and 6 liters if water, but I'm told that in a few weeks my body will be much better acclimated and 20 mile days will feel natural. Im hanging in till then, working on keeping my physical hardship separate from my peace of mind and it's proving to be pretty effective. Having a great hiking parter helps too! I wouldn't trade these last few days for any other.

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