PCT, Day 2

The night temperature was 6 degrees, as my tent neighbor "Silverstreak" informed me. By the end of the evening, there were quite a lot of tents set up.

I start at 7:20 with an easy walk up the mountain. Unlike in New Zealand, the trails in the US aren't as steep, they use a lot of switchbacks and with that climbs are more gradual. I'm enjoying the walk. The sky is blue, and the sun is hot, with temperatures around 30 degrees.

After 2.5 hours, I reach a small settlement: Lake Morena.

There's a store where I order fries, grab some drinks, and a banana.

I sit with Ulli from Stuttgart and Chuck from San Diego. Later, Martin from Czechoslovakia joins us. I stay there for quite a while before setting off again in the midday heat.

I stop for a while in the shade at a simple campground where there is water available. I drink my fill ("camel up") before tackling the last 4 kilometers mostly uphill.

Two small rivers are to cross and I get the New Zealand feeling again: wet shoes and socks.

I arrive around 4 PM and choose a spot to stay. Tent sites are limited, and I didn't want to walk further. I covered 21 kilometers today, which is enough for my feet, especially considering the next water source is about 15 kilometers away.

To collect water for tonight, I have to descend the mountain for about 15 minutes. Water is precious out here, but I'm managing well. Everything is going smoothly, and the trail is well-marked. I still haven't quite settled into the journey ("arrive"), but I'm confident it will happen soon.