Day 3 - PCT 2024
Trail Miles hiked: 12
Total ascent: 2,575.5 ft
Total descent: 1,419.9 ft
I can’t remember the last time I shared a room with so many people. It felt like summer camp. There weren’t enough bunks so Krista got top bunk. I took the bottom bunk. Kyle and Riley shared the double and Jo and Dean got the floor. It was raining this morning when I got up. I was glad to have dry gear inside.
We all lingered around the cabin for a while this morning before setting off. Dime Bag had an extra inflatable pillow so I grabbed it to try under my knees. I think it’ll be worth the weight. I got out on trail around 8:30am. I had cell reception so I was trying to get a few texts out while walking and missed a trail turn. I followed the wrong trail for a while before seeing Kyle over on the correct trail. I backtracked to the PCT. Lesson learned to pay attention.
Today was sunny and hot. I kept wishing for a breeze and loving each time the sun went behind a cloud. It’s March and it’s hot. I can’t even imagine starting in May.
There were so many beautiful views from the trail today. The trail was rocky and steep in parts. I ended up cutting open the bottom of my foot somehow. It’s not bad but I was so thankful to make it into Boulder Oaks campground to do some first aid on it.
The hike up was gorgeous. I’m heading into Mount Laguna so gaining a pile of elevation over the next two days. Often times there’s snow in Mount Laguna but I’m hoping to avoid that. I’ll be dealing with snow soon enough.
I was still climbing and Radovan, now officially known as Air Drop, passed me. By mile 30, I was beat and just ready to get to camp at mile 32. The uphills are exhausting in the sun. And that last stretch of trail before camp is on a ridge. I was starting to think I went the wrong way and had to check my FarOut map. Thankfully I was on track and eventually, on the last half mile, the trail turned off the ridge and into a beautiful canyon.
There’s tons of hikers here at Fred Canyon, mile 32 tonight. Our tramily of 8, and so many I’ve never met before. I recommend this as a campsite. It’s gorgeous with beautiful trees, a small stream perfect for replenishing your water, and even a little fire pit. Of course we had an evening fire. I’m definitely feeling aches and pains. My body is sore. I’m trying to keep up with the stretching but I think I’m going to take an Advil as a precaution tonight. My body is still adjusting to everything I’m throwing at it.
Hoping to get into Mount Laguna tomorrow.
