Day 1: Friday, April 28

(Stud) Our first day of hiking on the PCT and we have much to tell-but are totally drained of all energy. We got a lift to the trailhead from Tattoo Joe with several other hikers, and after the prerequisite picture taking at the marker for the southern terminous--started hiking around 7am. Several other thru hikers started today as well--maybe as many as 30. The temperature was 62 at 7--and was 94 by 9:30. The high was around 96--and surprisingly there was some breeze most of the day.

The desert had much more plant diversity than I expected with wild flowers of numerous types in colors in peak bloom. I drained one camera battery taking pictures.

We leaped frogged other hikers all day--as we each took turns taking breaks wherever we could snatch a bit of shade.

Around mile 15 we managed to miss the only signed turn in the section. Luckily, with the openess of the terrain, we spotted hikers in the distance obviously on another trail--and retraced our steps back to the missed turn.

The uphill section from Hawser creek around mile 16 was definitely the most challenging part of the day with an elevation gain of 1000 feet in 1/2 ml. We did this at the hottest part of the day with no shade to be found. When we reached the top I sat down on a rock to rest--then nearly passed out. I noticed there were 2 buzzards circling low. They probably hang out there waiting for fallen hikers. Elevating my feet, resting 20 minutes, drinking some water and eating a snack got me back on track and rest of hike went fine.

We arrived back at Lake Morena around 5--just in time to cop a free meal from 2005 thru hikers. Then on to the showers. I do believe my feet and legs have never been dirtier. (The trail was so dusty, everyone looked like Pig Pen going down the trail.)

All in all, a good start...oh, and no blisters for either one of us.