Day 55 - PCT 2024
Miles Hiked: 10.8
Total Ascent: 1,811.7 ft.
Total Descent: 1,496.7 ft.
We got up early to start hiking. This morning was cool, cloudy and breezy. The perfect hiking weather, I reckon. I was thrilled to have such a light pack. I shipped all of my snow gear up the trail while in LA and swapped out my sleeping bag liner with a lighter one. I made some other minor gear changes as well. With today's hike being an easier 10 miles, I only brought a handful of small snacks. Lightest food bag yet! I’m proud of myself for not overpacking.
On the climb up from Acton, a father/son duo passed me. Later on down the trail the son yelled over to me to watch for the rattlesnake blocking the trail. Damn snake wasn’t moving so I hopped over it. I doubt I’ll ever get used to seeing rattlesnakes. I would have been completely okay to have never seen one but this is the desert after all. They’re interesting creatures.
My friend wasn’t prepared for what the PCT would throw at her and was quite far behind. I kept stopping to have her catch up so the hike took much longer than it should have. It’s true what fellow thru hikers say when family and friends want to join for a section; it’ll slow you down. It’s surreal to think I’ve hiked over 400 miles so far. And with that comes strength and endurance. I’m a far better hiker than when I started the trail. Seems so small in the grand scheme of things but what a monstrous feat! I did that! Lots of unexpected albeit necessary zeros so I’m certainly behind on my timeline but who cares? I’m having the time of my life and that’s all that matters. I’m far from the fastest hiker but I hold my own.
There was a tunnel under Highway 14 that leads into Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. Once in the park, I happily checked out all the rock formations and spent a good chunk of time chatting with other hikers, both day and thru alike. They film a ton of movies in the park, being so close to LA and all. Makes sense with the stunning scenery. None of us could get over the beauty of the rocks and I must have stopped and said, “wow” about 100 times as I hiked through there.
I found a picnic bench and decided to hang out to wait for my friend when Legend and Bee walked by. “Legend!” I called out. He was thrilled to have caught up to me. He’s the hiker I met back at the spaghetti dinner in Warner Springs that is hiking shorter daily miles with plenty of zeros due to having plantar fasciitis. We never thought we’d run into each other again. The trail provides. Seeing a friendly face gave me such a jolt of energy! While most of the OG tramily is much further ahead on trail, I’m cool with being in the lower mileage camp for a while.
We all stopped in at the Visitor Centre to use a proper washroom and fill up on water. I checked out the museum and discovered they filmed some of the Star Trek movies here. Neat! While the original plan was to continue hiking, once we reached Agua Dulce, my friend and I decided it was best that she not continue. We took an Uber to Lancaster for the evening so she could arrange a flight home. More zeros. 😜
I never planned to have anyone hike with me. Not saying I wouldn’t love the company but part of this journey is one of self discovery. It’s harder to do that with friends. I admire the couples out here hiking the PCT together and maybe one day, if someone is insane enough to tackle a large scale hike like this, I’d be open to a hiking partner, but the PCT (at least right now) just isn’t that hike. I love hiking the PCT solo. Alone, but not alone, as there are so many friendly hikers that come and go. I’ve met wonderful people that I’ve had a blast sharing moments with. I hope that continues.
Yet again in a hotel for a couple nights but really longing for the trail.
