PCT day 1. Annnnnd we’re off.

Mile 0-15.4, Hauser Creek

High, 73. Low, 47. Winds light.

It’s finally began. All of this nervous anticipation. I still can’t believe I’m sitting here, on the Pacific Crest Trail. I/we were very nervous headed to the southern terminus. Someone named Chris helped us. He’s considered a “trail angel”. A trail angel is someone that volunteers their time to help hikers. One individual riding with me to the southern terminus is from Germany. He was astounded that we were only driving 75 in a 70. “But there are 2 free lanes “. He’s from near Berlin, Germany, and explained that he drives his diesel VW to work at 210 kilometers per hour every day!

I was extremely nervous for the first 5 miles before settling into my hike. The desert is extremely wet and green this year. We don’t have to carry water with us. I’m currently sitting around mile 30 typing this, and I haven’t gone 3 miles without coming to running water. There are flowers everywhere. They resemble tiny garden Phlox, in every color. There are many other larger flowers that resemble lilies and lilac. The descent down into Hauser Canyon and creek was full of grass, ferns and mosses.

I’ve been hiking over marble and granite rock. I got quite a scare yesterday, seeing 4 snakes, including a rattler that blocked the trail.

I ended the day in Hauser Creek and camp, talking with a number of other hikers. Discussion ranged from tomorrow’s strategy to nervous anticipation of the Sierra Mountains, 700 miles ahead. They’re socked in with well above average snow.

Tomorrow may be interesting because they’re forecasting 40-50 MPH winds.