Day 1. WOW, Trees and Flowers

15 miles
0 to 15
4/8/14

This was my first day on the PCT. We arrived at Campo with about 10-15 other hikers that stayed at Scout and Frodo's house or with Girl Scout. They are trail angels who host hikers, were highly organized and very hospitable, provided an incredible dinner and then a frittata breakfast, and transported us from the airport to their house and then to the trailhead. All without accepting even a donation. Incredible! 

Susan checking out the flowers.

It was awkward doing all the photos at the border- I just wanted to get on the trail. But soon enough we started walking. At first, we hiked with some other women, then the groups spread out and it was less uncrowded, and I relaxed. I was amazed at how peaceful it was, birds chirping, quiet, except for our excited chatter.

I could not stop saying WOW at all the flowers and trees.   Frodo said there were fewer flowers due to the drought, but we were still impressed with the diversity and abundance.  Wow, purple flowers, crimson flowers, orange flowers, blue flowers that I don't know the names for.  Wow, yucca and Indian paintbrush, cottonwood and live oak.  Other hikers on the trail are already asking if we are 'the botanists'- I guess it's because we ask everyone we meet if the know any names of these plants.  Susan and I know east coast plants, but most of these here are unfamiliar, though we figure out some to family at least.  We stop and take tons of pictures and point new ones to each other.  Anyone know what these are?

Towards evening,  Susan exclaimed that she hadn't made notes about the leaf arrangements of some flowers so we can look the up.  "But we can always do that tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after that."  We laughed because it hadn't sunk in that we aren't going back to Georgia at the end of a week.  That the PCT is now our new home.

I felt so happy all day.   I am thrilled to be out here starting this journey.  No more anxiety. Everything feels right, especially being on the west coast again.

Other hikers are wearing skirts (or kilts) and dirty girl gaiters, carrying umbrellas, and are as excited to be out here too.  This makes me feel like I've found 'my tribe.'

Far Out, Me, and Pathfinder (Renee)

Tonight we are camped at Hauser Creek with Far Out, a guy who wears a kilt he sewed himself. The 15 miles we hiked were fairly easy, but we are trying to pace ourselves and not overdo it especially when  carrying 6 1/2 liters of water and in the 88 degree heat. We took a two hour siesta under the shade of manzanita during the heat of the day so that really helped.  Now I am hanging in my hammock and it's nice and cool perfect sleeping weather.  What a great day!

Hanging at Hauser Creek