Day 8 - Zero in Julian - PCT 2024

Trail Miles Hiked: 0

Total Ascent: 0 ft.

Total Descent: 0 ft. 

I decided to take a zero day (a day without any trail hiking) in Julian. I wanted to continue sorting through my gear. Wear my new shoes around. Check out some stores in Julian. Etc. Jo and Dean decided to take a zero to try to fix their tent zipper. Matt was on the fence about taking a zero but decided to as well. It was a great day for a zero as the weather was all over the place today. Sunny, rain, hail, back to sun and then rain again. 

I stopped for pie again at Apple Alley. How could I not?! I definitely don’t have hiker hunger yet, thankfully, so just a slice and a half sandwich filled me until dinner. 

As I near mile 151, the start of the San Jacinto mountains, I’m starting to pay close attention to the weather reports. Going up to 9000ft in March can be dangerous. A storm just went through there and left a lot of fresh, dry snow but the temperatures this week should be warm enough to melt some of it. I’ll likely take a zero when I arrive this weekend (there abouts) to prepare. Malcolm mailed my ice axe and microspikes to Paradise Valley so I’ll be sure to scoop that package before entering. 

Don’t mind the mess! It’s wild seeing all of my gear out of my pack. To think I’m carrying all of this on my back for weeks, and months, is a pretty neat feeling. I dried out all my stuff. My tent especially. It’s been so wet on trail. 

Matt showed up at my room with a bottle of wine as a gift for dinner last night. I’m grateful. 

Tomorrow I’ll be heading back to trail.