Sunday – April 25
The noise from previous years hikers partying into the night made sleep come slowly last night. But the cries of the neighbor’s peacock was an early wakeup call. The kick off breakfast and goodbyes after were a tearful send off, leaving behind friends new and old.
Full of bacon, eggs, hasbrowns and leftover Ceaser Salad, we were well fueled for a fast paced morning hike. Despite our fairly late, 8:30 ish start we made good time and covered the almost 22 miles to the Burnt Rancheria campground on top of Mt Laguna by 6pm. We stayed in the same site that my dad and I used in ’94, only this time the campground is open, the water turnd on and there are 15 to 29 other hikers in several neary sites.
On the trail today we encountered or knew of at least 50 other thru hikers who all left Lake Morena this morning, as well as one video crew, a ten person trail crew and a half dozen day hikers. The PCT is no longer unknown.
The incredible display of wildflowers continues, with stunning Ceonothus, Mariposa Lillies, Desert Indain Paintbrush, and many many more. Of course all the blooms bring birds and we saw swallows, thrushes, and others to quick to be sure. At one point five Acorn wodpeckers descended on a stand of several snags.
I was also amazed by how much I remembered of the trail. Many bends and switchbacks brought familiar scenes.
The Carrot developed a leg rash similar to the one she had sometimes on the AT. We’re not sure if its a reaction to some plant, the heat or an allergy from hiking with me (of course not). Stoic as always she doesn’t really complain.
The pack is riding nice, and I notice the difference with hiking when there is only 20 to 25 pounds. So much lighter and esier to make the miles.
