Revising the old 2026 PCT posts starting at day 1 – Revised posts will start with a ` symbol.

After flying down to San Diego, I spent the day before my PCT trek would begin working remotely from a San Diego hotel room (and the pool 😀 ). I also did a final check and pack of my gear to be ready to catch the shuttle to Campo the next morning. I also picked up a Isopropane Gas canister from a local sports store (you can’t fly with gas canisters).

Ready…

After a BIG breakfast the next morning, I went to the shuttle pickup spot with the home I’d be living out of for the next 5-7 months (my backpack).

The last vehicle I’d be in for quite a while… 😀

During the ride to Campo and the Mexican Border, I got a nice view of Southern California from the shuttle van.

Set…

GO!!!

On my way to Canada!! (towards it at least)

One mile closer…

I came across a relic of ancient communications methods…

3 miles down… oh… you get the idea…

As the day started to draw to a close, I came upon some other hikers setting up their camp.

No tents… they call this “Cowboy Camping”. Tarp, air/foam mattress of some kind, and a sleeping bag. Basically, what cowboys on horseback used to do when they camped in the old west.

But, I was not quite ready to go that primitive. I preferred a tent around me at night. Small luxuries.

Mile 0 to 7.5 – 7.5 miles total hiked on PCT

Not bad for a mid-day start in the desert.

Goodnight…