PCT day 9 on the trail had to wait another day. I decided to spend another day in Julian and take a Zero Day. So no hiking and just shopping for resupply gear and food.

And enjoy more real food and comforts of civilization. A little earlier than I expected to have to take a Zero Day, but you do what you have to do on the trail to get through. That includes taking a day off-trail to rest.

Sunday, April 5th, 2026

So after a nice breakfast in Julian, I got a ride to Scissors Crossing and I restarted my hike on the PCT.

Mostly a big climb to start and then some in and outs along the ridge line.

It was the first time seeing traditional cacti since I started hiking in the desert 9 days earlier.

Saw another Horny Toad under the bushes.

You can kind of see how ‘Scissors Crossing’ got it’s name in a few of the following photos.

Although I had wanted to get to the water cache at 14 Mile mark came up a little short and only managed to do 12 miles this day.

Nice day overall, sunset was pretty nice, and it was nice to get back on the trail. My feet and legs would beg to differ. 😀

I also took the chance to use my Ace Pro2 to capture some star trails in the cloudless night sky.

Mile 77 to 89.7 – 12.7 miles hiked on the PCT

+1 Zero Day = 1 total Zero Day

PCT 2026 Day 9 Photos and Movies

Flickr collection of all PCT 2026 Photos and Movies, Organized by Trail Day: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wanderingjim/collections/72157727360883240