Entries RSS(Editor’s Note: Kristin is able to send us her blog entries when she comes to a town with internet access. As a result, the entries are published as they are received rather than on the day the events actually took place.)
On May 11th my Aunt, Grandmother, and cousin drove me to the Mexican border and at 6:30 I turned north and began my walk to Canada. The three of them hiked the first couple of miles with me and it was strange to be standing there alone in the wilderness when they turned back. I have been planning for this adventure for such a long time I still cannot believe that it is really happening. Even now, seven days into the trip, I have to stop and think “Wow, I am really here, this is really happening.”
The desert in the morning is perfect. Cool and full of life. It is only the first week of my hike and I have already seen three hummingbirds, a horny toad and a bobcat. Unfortunately, the cool weather of the mornings does not last very long. You can see dawn’s ribbon of light approaching long before it hits. It may be beautiful, but it is a reminder of the heat to come. I have been trying to get as many miles in during the mornings as possible. I usually start walking at around 5:30 after a quick breakfast, stop at noon for a siesta and set up camp at 7.
There have not been a lot of people out on the trail and after the first two days of my hike I did not see a single person for the next 48 hours. It is nice to have the trail to myself but I am definitely looking forward to catching up to other thru-hikers who started earlier than me. The trail has been so beautiful and the views so varied that there is no opportunity for boredom. I am so excited to see what is around the next corner that I have to force myself to rest when it is time to take a break.
Two days ago I passed through what is called Scissors Crossing, a notoriously hot and exposed piece of desert. Even by eight thirty the sun was so brutal, I felt the need to take out the umbrella I keep in my pack so that I could walk under a little bit of shade. As I was approaching the road, I saw a wooden structure off to my left with a sign on it that read “Welcome PCT 2008 hikers.” It was filled to the brim with gallon jugs of water. After three days of extreme heat, it was pretty much the most beautiful thing you could have put before me. If I hadn’t been so tired I probably would have jumped up and down.
Yesterday afternoon I made it to Warner Springs (mile 110) and tonight I will be heading back out onto the trail. I feel safe and happy and cannot wait to see what lies ahead.
