PCT 2023: Day 3

Trail Miles: 24.6

Elevation +: 2030

Elevation -: 5054

Woke up before my alarm and Shane was up and packing. I got ready and we hiked out together. Lots of water calculations today. I carried 3 L two times today. It was really hot and exposed. Stopped at Sunshine trailhead for our first water source. Hiked on to Rodriguez Road for a weird/sketchy looking water source but it was on trail and flowed clear. Had lunch hidden under some shade there. We saw 2 hikers there.

It was scorching hot for the last section to Scissors Crossing. Exposed in the sun the entire way. My legs were burning from the sun. I ran out of sun block this morning. We saw one more hiker on the last 0.5 miles to Scissors Crossing. We took a break under the overpass. Just under 25 miles by 5pm.

Once I was coherent I went up to the road to hitch into Julian. Some hikers at the underpass said I could sleep at the American Legion Hall for free. A red Jeep pulled over and this couple have me a ride. They knew a lot about the PCT. They said they come to Julian to visit and give hikers rides. I felt sort of sick in the car.

They dropped me off and I got the run down from CJ at the Hall. I set up my cot outside in the back patio. Now there are 5 other hikers here. They allow up to 10, so I heard. It’s all free. Cot, power outlets, bathroom and water (at least until the bar inside closes I presume). I had some dinner and a few cookies.

I talked to Silvia again and it felt good to hear from her and laugh. At her suggestion I might try lowering my miles for a day or two and see if that helps increase my enjoyment or satisfaction on the trail. I hiked with Shane all day which was great. We chatted a lot in the morning but as the sun heated up we didn’t talk almost at all by the end haha. He slept at the road crossing and is planning to hike out tomorrow morning. I have to wait until Two Foot Adventures opens up at 10am and then I can try and hitch back to the trailhead.

My feet and ankles are pretty tired and achy. Shoulders might be the worst. I developed bad acne where my shoulder straps sit. It’s pretty painful when my pack is on or donning and doffing it. Time for sleep. It is now hiker midnight.