Day 7 - PCT 2024
Trail Miles Hiked:11.6
Total Ascent: 1,335.3 ft
Total Descent: 3, 243.1 ft
The condensation in my tent is a real problem. Michiel also has a single walled tent and said he’s having the same issue. It’s frustrating because I wake up to the inside of my tent wet and all of my stuff, including my quilt, wet. I’m going to do some more research on this. I know not to camp near streams, on grass, etc. Last night, none of that, yet still condensation. I’m so excited to get a warmer quilt when I get to Julian though. Who would have thought the desert is this cold?! The sunrise was pretty!
The hike today went quickly. About 5 hours. I just envisioned trail town food; pie really and I hauled. I definitely wanted to make it to the gear shop, 2foot Adventures, before it closed at 5pm. I descended quite a bit but it was nothing steep like yesterday. Switch back after switch back, along the ridges. Today was definitely a ridge day. I was running out of water when I stumbled upon my first water tank. I was so grateful.
I noticed that my blisters were getting worse upon descending. My little toe on my left foot was taking a beating. I stopped to do some first aid and bandaged it as best I could. I’d figure it out in Julian.
I passed Air Drop as he was getting ready to start his day at Mike 71, I was there early. Town day I kept telling myself. Air Drop didn’t want to hitch into Julian so I knew this would be the last time I saw him for a while. I wished him the best and kept hiking.
As I descended to the desert floor, I ran into 3 ladies section hiking. We said our pleasantries and I passed them. Two miles from my first hitch hike and I was nervous but the thought of a new quilt, and pie, kept me going.
As I approached the trail paralleling the road, so close to reaching mile 77.3, I stumbled upon a couple walking their dog. They asked if I was hiking the PCT and I nodded. They were curious because they saw the PCT signs but didn’t know much about the trail overall except that it went to Canada. It piqued their interest and we had a great chat about the trail. They asked where I was headed and I mentioned I was about to hitch hike into Julian. They offered to drive me and I was thrilled! No hitch hiking!! We chatted as we walked to their camper van. Nick and Vi, unfortunately I forgot their dog’s name, such kind people. I offered gas money but they refused. I felt truly grateful for their generosity. They drove me all the way to the Julian Lodge where I was staying.
I tried to check into my hotel but my room wasn’t ready. I left my bag at the front desk and made my way to 2Foot Adventures gear shop. For a tiny shop, it packed a huge amount of gear perfect for the PCT. I bought a new zero degree quilt, and mailed my 10 degree quilt to Backcountry Foodie just in case I need it in the summer. I actually tried to pawn it off on other hikers but everyone was pretty set up and there’s no hiker box in Julian, at least that I could find, unfortunately. But maybe I’ll need it when summer hits. I also got a compression sleeve for my knee which I think will help on those rocky descents. I tried on new shoes. Altra Olympus. They have the most cushioning of all the Altras and my custom insoles fit into them perfectly. I love the wide toe box. But I’m cautious because of the zero drop. I decided to get them but I’m going to carry my New Balance shoes in my pack for the first two days into Ranchita Bodega before making my final decision. The extra weight sucks but I need to be careful with my feet. I just need to solve these gnarly blisters.
After the gear shop I went and had pie at Apple Alley which serves gluten free pie and gluten free sandwiches! So tasty!
Jo, Dean, Matt and I went for dinner at Romano’s which was delightful and hiker friendly! Trust me, you can tell who the hikers are around here, lol!
Overall, a successful, albeit expensive, town stop!
