Welcome to My World
My journey began on April 1st at the Mexican boarder in Campo, CA. My sister-in-law (Karen), my first “Trail Angel” (an awesome person who helps PCT’ers out of the goodness of their hearts) gave me a ride from her house in San Diego. We arrived around 8:30 AM and were met by hosts who “asked” if I had a permit, gave me a quick pop-quiz (yikes!!!), asked me to sign a log book, gave me a tag (to save rangers time asking for permits; more on that later 🙂 and took our pic.
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 | At this point I was in total shock. I couldn’t believe I was actually here, signing this book. My heart was racing with excitement; after years of dreaming about this day and wondering what it would be like it was finally here. Yahhh! So much anticipation, so many unknowns; will I meet anybody, get eaten by a bear, fall off a cliff, get poison oak, die of dehydration, starvation? Will it be miserably cold, hot, windy. Orrrr, will I have an amazing time and the experiencing of lifetime to add to my bucket list (check 🙂 |
| POP QUIZ | How many feet do you bury waste from the nearest water source? Ummm, unmm…200? Yes! Ding ding ding. What are the 3 signs of dehydration? Ummmm… headache… ummmm… lightheaded… ummmm… dinghy? Yes! I was thinking I was probably already dehydrated…lol. Then, how many miles to Canada? 2,650. Yes. Ding ding ding. Phew!!!! Passed the test. Cool. That would’ve been embarrassing to flunk the test and have to turn around and go home. The reward was a permanent tag for my pack which means no more permits needed!!! |
 | Then Karen gave me a good luck rock which is her infamous signature gift, handmade with love (in memory of her sister) for a permanent charm to be left at the Southern PCT Terminus. |
 | Next was the “Official” touch of the new Mexican “Trump” boarder wall (the unofficial starting line). Sooooooo UGLY; I was testing it. Yep, it works. Maybe if I let go now, it will fall down |
 | 3 miles down, 2,647 to go. Although I passed a few people who were very friendly, and, although it was peaceful hiking mostly on my own, I wondered if I would meet folks that I could actually hang out with and connect with |
 | The sign says “Pacific Crest Trail; Lake Morena 5.1 Mi; Highway 94 12.1 Mi; this was mile 15 (right before getting to Hauser Creek). I met a guy named Gavin around mile 10 (I think that was his name; I was incredibly dinghy that day; short term memory was non-existent). He was really nice; sort of a valley boy meets surfer dude from Denver then Modesto??? crap..can’t remember; very cute though. He was asking me questions about Visa systems and the next 5 miles went by incredibly quickly. We came across a couple near this sign and she was in tears. Her husband was in horrible pain due to a slipped disc. We asked if there was anything we could, but they said no, they had called for rescue using their Garmin mini (I have one too) |
| No Sleeping Bag | Mile 15.4: arrived at Hauser Creek at about 6:00 PM. I wish I would have taken a picture of everyone sitting at the big group campsite. There were about 15 of us that made there (several had already been hiking 2 or 3 days). The injured man made it there about 30 minutes later; his wife still in tears. We chatted in the big group and introduced ourselves. I started unpacking to set up my tent and…..Nooooo!!!!…. Oh Shit!!! No sleeping bag!!! April Fools? Nope; it was not joke. Luckily Finja rescued me and let me sleep in her tent/bag. It was 40 degrees. Soooo cold. |
 | So, I’m getting ready for bed and use this rock for the “ladies” room. Turn around to bury the TP and notice the shiny green plant. Double shit! Poison Oak. Oh God; Did I sit in it? Did I touch it? We’ll find out in a couple of days |
| See Video below | Rescue finally came about 3 hours after he called when everyone was tucked away in their tents. They only received a “beacon” signal (not sure what that meant). Luckily, it was next to a fire road, so they could drive in with emergency vehicles |
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John McCullough
April 23, 2022
I’m SO excited to follow you on this journey! (Remember me?)
I had no idea this was happening, but I’m giving good energy to you. Wow! You are amazing.
Debbie (Solomon) New
April 23, 2022
I’m so excited to follow your journey.
Paul Rhodes
April 23, 2022
Oh my gosh this is so cool, I am literally reading a nonfiction book where I and friends with the main character. I love it love it love it. I am not a huge reader, but this is easily the most interesting reading material. I’m en route to Sacramentofor my footballgame ( I’m not suiting up this game , I take games off every once in a while..want to save my bodyfor playoffs)
. I can see how you would be a great writer, it feels like I’m there with you.
Keep It up “Purple J” . We will pray for NO poison oak on the Heine LOL
Wendy
April 24, 2022
Go Jackie! Glad you found a sleeping bag to share and didn’t freeze. Yay! Also hope you go lucky with the poison oak. Keep up the blogging. So great to see what you are doing. Big Hugs!