Day Zero - PCT 2024
I spent last night at the Western Inn in Old Town, San Diego. Not a bad place to rest up before the start of a big hike! But, with Daylight Savings and losing an hour of sleep coupled with nerves, jitters and excitement, I didn’t sleep overly well. I probably got about 3 hours of sleep.
I checked out early and made my way through Old Town toward the transit centre. This is where the shuttle bus picks up PCT hikers and takes them to the Southern Terminus. I definitely looked out of place with my backpack/gear and it was easy to spot the other hikers.
I wasn’t the first hiker there waiting. Jim, a fellow from Vancouver, was the first to arrive and we struck up a conversation. Slowly, more and more hikers arrived. Krista, Kyle, Troy, Jo, Dean and lastly Radovan. We were all quite excited and beaming with energy. When the shuttle bus arrived, the true excitement began. Sky Walker, a PCT alumni was our driver and she shared a ton of information about the trail on our journey toward the Terminus.
As we got closer, all of our excitement increased. It was such good energy! The drive to Campo was beautiful. Everything is so green here right now and today’s weather was beautiful; warm and sunny! As we approached Trump’s Mexico border wall (seriously, it’s a thing here!), we knew we were moments away.
The PCTA greeted us at the Southern Terminus monument where they provided us with hang tags for our packs and gave us some Leave No Trace (pack out all garbage, etc) information. We then got to sign the logbook, take photos, touch the Trump wall to officially begin our hike!!
Of course I had to stick my foot through the wall to physically touch Mexico before heading north toward Canada.
Jim, Jo and Dean took the shuttle back to CLEEF but Krista, Radovan, Kyle, Troy, and I decided to begin our hike (me a day early) and make the 0.7 mile trek down the trail to CLEEF. I suppose this is my first near-o (technically hiking on trail but not very far).
CLEEF is a campground on trail run by hikers for hikers. They also run the PCT Shuttle. Hikers connect and bond for the afternoon/evening until the hosts Dee, Paul, Poppa Bear and Sky Walker do a fireside chat at 6:30pm to discuss the trail and what to expect. I met a number of hikers, including Matt, who brought a 49lb pack to start and insisted REI led him astray. We managed to get his weight down to 38lbs after a gear shakedown. I can’t imagine hiking the PCT before the invention of lightweight gear.
Putting up my new tent was fun. It’s going to take some practice but I’ll get it. Troy has the same Durston tent I do. We both struggled so I don’t feel so bad about not mastering my pitch before now.
CLEEF is the end of Day Zero. Tomorrow, the fun truly begins. 🥾
