Day 95: mile 1728.4-1750.4
Condensation covered the inside and outside of my tent this morning, so I blame that for not getting on the trail early like I’d planned. I was going to attempt to keep my pre 8 am starts going even though I was back to camping alone. Farmers Market and Tropicana stayed an extra day and Joe Dirt left earlier than me. I’m guessing without them I’ll be back to 9-10 starts on the regular. 😂
Just before I started hiking, I was peppered with questions from a man who didn’t seem prepared to be out here hiking. I first ran into him yesterday when he asked about where to find water, then again today. He wasn’t sure where he got his info from or how up to date it was. Oh man, not good, especially because a lot of water sources in the area have recently dried up. I let him know where the next one was and told him a few things to download so he could have the info himself. I left worried about him since the service isn’t great. I thought about him throughout the day, and how I probably should’ve given him the location of multiple sources. Don’t be this guy, preparation is important!
I headed uphill a bit and then the next 10 miles or so were flat or downhill. It was amazing. I was flying threw miles. Even with my 9:30 start I could still make some decent progress at this rate.
The trail was busier with day hikers than PCT hikers. I passed parking lot after parking lot, each with at least a few cars. People of all ages passed me going the other direction on the trail.
I stopped off for water and a quick break at a campground just off trail. The campground has RUNNING water, picnic tables, fire pits, an outlet to charge my phone, and I can even take a shower if I want to. My break quickly turned into me staying the night. Like I’d pass this up. I’m currently sitting next to my fire, waiting out 8:30-8:45 before I put my tent up. Technically there’s a fee to stay here ($20, whoa!), and I can camp free 2 minutes from here. Fingers crossed no one comes. The people around here are friendly at least, I was already offered vegan marshmallows (they were delicious for those of you who cringed 😂) from a fellow hiker and beers from the only other people camping here. Normally a beer would sound amazing, but walking over to the campsite seems so far. 😂 My body is probably still recovering from the 4th of July so I don’t need a drink anyway! I’m going to sit and enjoy my fire, and the one and only time I’ve eaten hot food on trail! Look at the crisp on that tortillas! Only 15 more minutes until tent time! Fingers crossed.
Goodnight!
XOXO Becks