Day 62 - PCT 2024
Miles Hiked: 9.5
Total Ascent: 866.8 ft.
Total Descent: 2,677.8 ft.
I woke up with my knee feeling good. After yesterday I was a bit concerned that it wouldn’t feel as good as it did. I stretched and then got packed up. I could have used a coffee this morning. That’s one thing I’m really missing on trail. I didn’t sleep well and I was tired.
Today was a huge down hill section. And about a mile into today’s hike, my knee was sore. I tried to keep my pace, knowing today’s hike was shorter and I’d be reaching Hiker Town, a trail angel property set up to support hikers before entering the flat desert LA aqueduct section. As I continued, my pain became agonizing. Somewhere between 2 and 3 miles into my hike I stopped quickly to take 800mg of ibuprofen. I knew that was going to be the only way I could get off this mountain. I was praying it would kick in quickly as I knew stopping for any significant time would just slow me down even more. I kept hiking. At about the 4 mile mark, I knew something was really wrong. By this time, my pain went from a 6 out of 10 to a 9 out of 10 and I was in hysterics. I couldn’t contain my composure. I’m so glad I was alone on the mountain and no other hikers passed me because I’d never want someone to see me like that. It was bad and I was worried I wasn’t going to make it to Hiker Town. Every time there was a switch back, I’m not sure if it was the angle of the slope or what, but my knee would send shockwaves through my hip and glute and I’d scream out in pain. I probably should have stopped but I couldn’t. I was going to make it to Hiker Town.
Despite being in a lot of pain, I admired the view down. I reminded myself how far I’ve come and how amazing that accomplishment is. I made it over 500 miles and I’m still hiking. Of course the dream and the goal is to complete the PCT but the hardest part and the greatest achievement is just getting here. Being present and experiencing the trail has been a blessing. I can’t really explain it but the PCT is part of me now, even if I can’t walk another mile.
I texted Dr. Morgan earlier while on the mountain and she suggested I make my way into a larger city with more amenities. I knew I wasn’t going to be hiking out tomorrow and I agreed. I need time off trail to evaluate my IT band and to focus on rehab. The Sierras are too snow packed and stormy right now anyway. Two hikers fell to their deaths on Mount Whitney just a couple days ago, and the entire hiking community felt a sense of loss. Myself included. Those two hikers had mountaineering experience whereas I don’t. It doesn’t matter though. The snow is dangerous. Slowing down and focusing on my healing journey while I await the snow melt is the right thing to do even if the thought of temporarily leaving trail makes me sad.
As I neared Hiker Town, I saw a horse grazing and fields of wildflowers. It was peaceful and I tried to focus in on that moment. I know I’ll be okay despite feeling all kinds of emotions right now. I’m not in a great place mentally today as I navigate my next steps and that’s okay.
I arrived at Hiker Town to so many wonderful people that I met over the last few days. Legend saw me and instantly came over to greet me. He could tell something was off and gave me a huge hug. Bee said I looked really rough. I definitely did. I was the grossest I’d ever been in my entire life. True hiker trash. You didn’t want to smell me, lol. But I guess I had dirt and tear streaks all over my cheeks. Drats. I dropped my bag, cleaned my face in the sink, changed into my somewhat clean tank top and hung out for a while with the crew before finding a ride into town.
Hiker Town is an unusual place. All sorts of out buildings designed to be the old mid west, I guess. Only few of them you can enter and they’re private rooms you can rent. The washroom didn’t have a working sink. Laundry was done in an outside sink. Camping was toward the back without any shade, all squished together. Less than ideal. But there was a huge space in the front yard to hang out by some shady trees. The owners of the property were bizarre with the husband not particularly liking hikers but you could tell he was forced into this by his wife. Janky really is the best way to describe Hiker Town. But it was a good spot nonetheless. Sometimes you just need a place for hikers to hang out together. I’m so glad I made it. I picked up a package I shipped to myself and donated most of the food to the hiker box, knowing I was going to be off trail for a few weeks. I said bye to everyone. They were all heading out on a late night aqueduct party later this evening and needed an afternoon nap.
Hound Dog gave me a ride into town. He dropped me off at a hotel and I’ll figure things out as I go. But at least I can have a shower, do some laundry and eat a hot meal. Malcolm sensed I needed a friend and we just got off the phone after chatting for 7 hours. You read that right. 7. I felt like I was in high school again with my own phone line because I was always on the phone, lol. But I’m so grateful. I really needed that chat today. And now I’m feeling much better about my decision to leave trail for a bit to work on healing my IT band. I’m in it for the long haul and to do that, I need my IT band to be in tip top shape. So while I’m off trail, I’ll work on strengthening my legs and knees and I’ll be back before you know it!
All is good. As long as real life doesn’t get in the way, lol. I’m not ready to go home yet. 💪🥾
