Mile 1018.1 to 1028.2 – 10.1 miles total hiked on PCT

And a new section (California section J) lays ahead of me! 87.4 miles to South Lake Tahoe. Just about the same mileage as section I. Not as much elevation gain/loss though.

By taking a zero day at Kenedy Meadows I was fully able to rest and relax for this new section.

I did get on the trail later than normal since I had to take a shower, have a real breakfast, drink a last diet Coke, and get a shuttle ride up to the start of the section trailhead.

First part of it trail was a fairly steep climb that wound up the side of some ridges with some interesting rock formations. Rough climb, but not that bad in the long run. Once I got to the top of the crest, I was able to go down the canyon with a trail that was a little rocky and twisty at first, but eventually became a gentle descent.

I almost stopped at a campsite before another big climb, but it was buggy and had no view.

So I forced myself to start the climb and found a campsite with a glorious view for the night.

Like PCT California section I, I almost reached my day 2 campsite that I used in 2022 when I first did this section. Encouraging progress.