Day 1 - PCT 2024

Trail Miles hiked: 10.7

Total ascent: 2,598.1 ft.

Total descent: 1907.5 ft. 

I awoke at CLEEF with a tent full of condensation. It was freezing overnight. I couldn’t get warm enough. Didn’t help that I forgot my merino gloves at home. I tossed and turned a lot. 5:45am came early when a pile of border control agents drove quickly down the road beside CLEEF. I definitely heard a couple helicopters overnight as well which I assumed to be border control. Breakfast was served at 6am and I rushed to grab a cup of coffee. Thank goodness for coffee. 

I wiped down my tent as best I could with my shammy but packed away my wet tent. Got the rest of my gear packed up and left camp with Troy. He ditched out during the road walk to find the post office but we met up again later on trail. 

I was on my own for the majority of my hike today. I actually enjoyed that because I didn’t feel like I needed to keep someone else’s pace. I took a break at mile 4 for a quick snack and Krista joined. I left before her. 

Miles 1-4 were simple. I loved the desert terrain. Mile one was nifty. Crossing that made it feel real. The rail crossing and posted mileage sign was certainly a highlight. Canada is so far away. But one mile at a time. 

Miles 4-8 were an uphill climb. It was so great to reach the stream at mile 6 and stretch out for a while. I took my socks and shoes off, laid on my foam pad and chilled. Eventually Krista, and then Troy showed up and we ate lunch together. A spinach tortilla with packaged tuna and mayo. I’m carrying too much food. It’s heavy and unnecessary but I guess I’ve learned a lesson. I filtered some stream water and carried on without the crew.  

The views during the hike up were spectacular. I’m in awe. 

I strolled into our agreed upon camp (the group arranged this the night prior) at mile 11.4 to find Kyle stretched out on a rock in the shade and Jim resting his sore back in his tent. Third to arrive. Not too shabby. Took me 7 hours and 9 minutes (including the long lunch break). My plan is slow and steady.  

One by one the group arrived, including some new hiker friends that just started today. We all pitched our tents and I got here early enough that the sun dried mine out nicely before I set everything inside up. 

Dinner was fun. The group bonded over a leftover hefty notebook a previous hiker left behind. There were some mad ramblings and lots of gun drawings. We all came up with some horror stories. 

We walked down trail to watch the sunset before hitting bed early. It’s not as cold tonight so I’m going to attempt to leave my vestibule open to prevent condensation. We’ll see. 

Day 1 was a huge success.