The Hike Begins
Rose at dawn to a heavy dew. Resorted the pack for the final time, and ate breakfast with the parents.
We drove to the border and gave a ride to “Dog Hiker”. Jersy Jim led the way.
The border is now marked with a solid metal fence and very frequent patrols. With the kick off event this weekend there are many hikers starting out today. As we arrived, Ert hiker and Trail Mix were just starting out, with their dog. And as of 8am, already 14 others had signed the register. Over 20 people started yesterday. What a contrast to 1994 when I was 3+ weeks into the trip before I came across another thru hiker!
My Parents waved goodby and off we started, under cool hazy skies. Jersy Jim met us at the first road crossing about a half mile in with a cold beer. Our worries of a dry hike abated and our thirsts quenched, we started off for real now.
The desert is in full bloom, with many wild flowers, shrubs, bushes and trees in buds and blooms. Birds abound, including flickers and an Acorn Woodpecker, finches, vireos, Steller Jays and many others.
We picked up 3 gallons of water from the fire station in Campo and headed north. At the road crosing we met more thru hikers Marisa and Lindsey, accompanied by a couple of their friends (Allen). We leap frogged with them for a couple hours.
We camped at Hauser Ck with them as well, Screeh and Megam, Do it yourself, Tony and Datto, and Conner. Our friend Lindy passed by on his way to lake Morena. Tall Paul and John s well as several others also passed thru. 2 older brothers camped nearby.
Overall the 15.9 miles felt fine, muscles no more sore than on a long day hike, the shoulders feel sore from the pack, as is normal on the first day or two. The only small problems are a couple areas of sun burned skin where the lotion missed its mark and a pre blister “hot spot” or two near the toes.
Alen’s Fajitas at our communal dinner were a big hit. As were our carrrot cookies and carrot leather. This trip we start with 4 kinds of carrots (we also have raw and dried).
Time now for some sleep as the sounds of border patrol helicopters overhead serenade us to sleep…..
