PCT: Campo to Idyllwild

An early morning flight to San Diego meant little sleep along with a bad case of pre-hike nerves. I spent the evening at legendary San Diego trail angels, Scout and Frodo’s home along with 20 other hikers. We slept in big tents in their back garden and enjoyed their amazing hospitality and an excellent dinner and breakfast before being shuttled to the trailhead at Campo on the Mexican border. They will not accept any donations for their incredible kindnesses other than encouragement to purchase Scout’s book about their own PCT hike, Journeys North

Interestingly, Dine N Dash on the left hiked the CDT last year with a hiking acquaintance’s daughter and is now in pursuit of his triple crown, earned by hiking all 3 major long distance trails. His luxury item in his pack is a lightweight ukulele. I met Rolling Thunder on the right on my AT hike several years ago. Coincidentally several days later I ran into Tom(?) who I distinctly remember meeting in Maine on the AT, though am unsure of his name.

Rather than writing detailed accounts of my days on the trail as I have done in the past I’m going to just write about the highlights and post lots of photos. At least for now, since I’m finding it quite challenging to just hike through the hot desert lugging lots of water to stay hydrated.

Water is the biggest challenge and often requires a long carry between sources. Water is life in the desert but soo heavy!!

Yes, I gathered water from this trough and lived to tell about it. Actually it filtered quite clear and tasted great.

Trail Angels are amazing generous folks who selflessly help us hikers out. They provide anything from water, food, a couple of oranges to the all important ride into town or back to the trail. I cannot express enough my gratitude to these wonderful people I have met and who have assisted me while hiking.

I took a night off trail in Julian for a much needed shower and laundry and to enjoy the complimentary slice of pie provided to all hikers at Mom’s Pies. Wow it was delicious with cinnamon ice cream!

So interesting to see all the different desert ecosystems! The view is constantly changing.

I often feel like I’m walking through a botanical garden. I’m pretty lost on identifying the plants though sometimes correct or at least get the family right.

Lots of lizards and snakes. Only one tiny rattler sighting so far.

Stopped at Mike’s Place for water and ended up camping there. Rumor has it that lots of shenanigans occur on the weekend but quiet enough during my visit. Very interesting place for sure.

An iconic stop for PCT hikers is Paradise Valley Cafe. Enjoyed a yummy American burger and fizzy ginger beer before heading into new territory and some of the most treacherous trail so far. Hiked up to elevations of 8000 feet before dropping down to Idyllwild via Devils Slide Trail for my first zero day of no hiking. Yes, that is snow!

I am loving this hike despite how difficult it can be. The views are fantastic! I have been surprised by the elevation changes, but the grade is gentle. Some observations I have noted are that hikers in my bubble are definitely of a younger demographic and most seem to be European. A couple of young fellows in the room next to me were speaking a language I didn’t recognize and told me they were from Israel when asked. When I told them I was from South Carolina they jokingly replied “How exotic…you are from the US”. We had a good laugh!

179.4 miles hiked!