Its been a fun* first week on the trail!

(*Fun = physical challenge, meeting many great people, camping miles from    anyone, desert heat, surprise midnight ice storms, eating 3 meals before noon, and walking until you hurt. Your definition of fun may vary.)

Now, some details. The PCT is generally a smooth trail with only gradual inclines, made possible by more switchbacks than you can shake a stick at. So, very enjoyable walking, and you can look at the scenery instead of your feet & next steps. Here are some photos to illustrate!

 
Day 1: Monday 4/6/2015, 17.8mi/28.6km

Day 2: Tuesday 4/7/2015, 19.3mi/31.0km

Day 3: Wednesday 4/8/2015, 18.8mi/30.3km

Day 4: Thursday 4/9/2015, 21.1mi/34.0km

Day 5: Friday 4/10/2015, 21.0mi/33.8km

Day 6: Saturday 4/11/2015, 11.5mi/18.5km

While photos are good at summarizing the good stuff, they don’t convey that it happens against the backdrop of a sufferfest. Think walking a marathon  every day, while carefully rationing your food and water. And not walking too far/fast, or else your body breaks down faster than it can heal itself.
But its an amazing place, lots of super awesome people ( both hikers and locals), and its been 100% sunny 7 days straight. I didn’t think that kind of weather was even possible.
Till next week– happy trails!

I spent the morning doing some final packing, tweaking of gear, and eating waaay too much (2 lumberjack slams!)

Here is all my gear and food laid out-

And after some finesse and sweet- talking, it all went into my pack!

For those interested, here is a link to my gear list:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3Q6yC8veFqwTDNTOVRyWW1HY18tRl9OSDBid2dvTDVMdXNv/edit?usp=docslist_api

I’m probably bringing too much, but only time will tell what can be eliminated.
Can’t wait!

I decided to create a place where friends and family can follow my shenanigans on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). I plan to start on Monday, April 6th, and finish the 2,650-mile trail at the end of August! I hope to have regular updates, occasionally some pictures, and a site that ‘really whips the llama’s ass’.

-Moose