Day 58 - PCT 2024
Miles Hiked: 13.5
Total Ascent: 3,161.4 ft.
Total Descent: 1,752.3 ft.
I didn’t sleep well last night. I tossed and turned. The guys were up chatting and drinking until 2:30 in the morning so I’m not sure anyone nearby got much sleep. I tried to get back to sleep around 6:00 this morning without success so I got up, slowly packed my stuff and started hiking. Thankfully I did because the sun was hot. Two sleepless nights in a row makes for a hard trail day.
I’m trying to find my trail legs post LA break. It’s funny how quickly you lose momentum. This section of trail is supposed to be “flat” in comparison to the previous sections but todays climb kicked my ass. Over 3000 feet of gain with the sun beating down. Typical PCT style, totally exposed without much shade.
The trail was overgrown for much of the morning ridge climb which made it a bit more challenging. I managed to stop for a couple of short breaks in shady spots. Gotta seize the opportunity when you have it!
Toward the end, the last half a mile to camp, I started to think I wasn’t going to make it. I was exhausted and the climb was never ending. My body was sore. My knee did pretty well all day but I think with my exhaustion, my knee wanted to give out. The last couple of days have been stressful and coupled with a lack of sleep, it’s no wonder my body wasn’t having it. I had a bit of a cry on my last 0.3 miles up. I was short on water and knowing tonight’s camp is a dry camp, means I’m conserving water. But there’s no way I can push on. So while I wish I could have chugged a litre or two of water, I’m rationing. I had enough to make dinner. And I’m actually feeling hungry today which is strange since I normally don’t feel hungry on trail. And I have about a litre that I can drink for the rest of the evening. I’ll be thrilled to fill up in 2.7 miles tomorrow morning.
It took way longer than I thought it would to hike 13.5 miles. I know I’m nursing an injury so slow and steady wins the race but it’s frustrating. I just want to hit those 20 mile days. I know it’ll come. No need to rush. The Sierras are still getting a beating with snow so most hikers that arrive in Kennedy Meadows are leaving the trail to wait for snow melt. I’m still hundreds of miles from Kennedy Meadows (mile 703). But honestly, today was the first day I actually thought about going home. The urge was overwhelming during the last part of my climb into camp. Thankfully I had some support just a text away.
I set up my tent and got to enjoy dinner alone before a few hikers showed up and started setting up camp. It’s hard to camp alone sometimes. I’m not feeling overly social so I think it’s an early bedtime for me. I’m doomed if I don’t sleep well tonight.
