Welcome to My World
I woke up next to Finja and did manage to get some sleep. At first I tried to sleep next to her since it was warm in the tent without have to get into her sleeping bag, but by 12:00 AM it was way too cold, so had to wake her up. She unzipped her bag and made it into a blanket; I managed to sleep with the extra warmth but it was still a bit chilly since it didn’t really fit over both of us. She was SUCH a life saver!!! The next order of business was trying to figure out how to get a sleeping bag before days end.
The hikers who knew what they were doing and were on a mission to complete the PCT in one season were up and out by dawn within 15 minutes of waking up. The newbie’s like me were futzing around for at least an hour figuring out how to repack everything. About 3 miles into the trail, I met up with a guy that was passing us (we had a fun group that morning all going about the same pace) who overheard my sleeping bag dilemma. He gave me the name of a Trail Angel who’s husband is the camp “host” at Boulder Oaks campground. My destination for the day. He said that he drives a shuttle everyday from mile 0 to to REI at 10:00 and 1:00 (it was 9:00 AM and I had cell service!!! Hallelujah!!! I called and Paul was able to pick up a new bag for me and bring it to Boulder Oaks. I gave him a nice tip and had my own bag on night 2. Yahhh! Finja was even more thrilled than I :-). It was about a 10 mile hike for the day (from Hauser Creek to Boulder Oaks camp ground) with a stop near Lake Moreno. I had packed 5 liters of water (12 pounds) and 12 pounds of food on day 1 because I didn’t realize there were plenty of water supplies along the way. Then, someone introduced me to the “FarOut” app. Another life saver.
My pack started at 44 pounds (20 pounds base weight; 24 pounds of food/water)!!! Total amateur move. So, day two was feeling a little better since I ate a couple pounds of food and drank about 7 pounds of water. 37 pound pack is still wayyyy too heavy, though.
I started out on the trail around 7:00 AM and took this video at 8:15 AM
Then was rewarded, shortly after with a view of Lake Moreno
Lake Moreno camp ground was the 5 mile goal because they had flush toilets, potable water, and a restaurant near by. When we got there (I was hiking with Finja for the most part but several others had joined us off and on) a man showed me his tick bite!!! I urged him to get an antibiotic to prevent lime disease. The group listening thought I was crazy, but he looked it up and got realized it was possible and that it was horrific to get it, so he got a trail angel to pick him up and saw a doctor. Several of us stayed at the camp for about 2 hours, then headed off to Boulder Oaks to make sure to get there before it got dark
By 3:22 PM a 15 minutes or so, made it to here
A few miles later and 6:00 PM… yikes… going to get dark soon and still need to get my sleeping bag at Boulder Oaks—->
On the way to Boulder Oaks
The last 2 miles were mostly down hill and my right knee was NOT happy. I’ve never had knee issue before but every step it was more sore than the step before. It had started so gradually and was at about a pain level 3 by the time I finally made it to Boulder Oaks around 7:00. I need to get my tent setup but forgot how; Finja had the same tent and came to my rescue again….lol… Finja is from Germany and 23 years old. Totally taking care of me; so funny. Such a doll!!! I was sooooo dinghy out there (even more so than usual); she really wanted my trail name to be Dingy J. Good thing I already made a trail name for myself!!!
Luckily, there were nice benches and nice big area, just for PCT hikers at this camp, so I was able to boil water and eat dinner in the dark. Most hikers are in their tent sleeping by 7:30 PM!!! Ughh! I was struggling to fall asleep by 12:00 AM, but at least waking up early. Maybe I’ll adjust one of these days….
Good night and peace out
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Craig Lewis
April 23, 2022
Beautiful pictures that will last a lifetime.
Sheila Ross
April 23, 2022
I heard you were doing this and glad you included me in the read! I had the right knee issue going downhill. Painful, so take care! Beautiful country – lived the video!
Bill Pollak
May 5, 2022
Wow…what a journey Jackie! You are an adventurer and love a challenge. I am sure you will keep learning the ropes and move ahead. Look forward to seeing more posts!