The light from the sunrise cast it’s golden glow over the area as I skipped breakfast, packed my gear, and started down towards my first Trail Town: Morena Village

Morena Village was a small village adjacent to Lake Morena. Once I reached it, I walked down towards the local malt shop past this odd collection of buildings. Can you say “Tourist trap”?

Since it was only the third day of this long trek, I didn’t really need to resupply yet or even get a break from the trail.

But the local Malt Shop was a common stop for PCT hikers since it was in the first Trail Town and the first shop and restaurant after leaving Campo.

I skipped breakfast that morning just to so I could get this breakfast of non-rehydrated food and a big strawberry milkshake. I also bought a few trail snacks and can of Diet Coke to enjoy on the trail.

Call it my first taste of Trail Towns on the PCT.

Then it was back to the trail!

Another mileage sign reminding hikers of the goal.

The hike up from Lake Morena was warm, but by midday was hot enough for me to get out my umbrella. Wasn’t raining, but the umbrella can be positioned to block sun and make my head and shoulders feel a lot cooler than the ambient air. One of the PCT hacks that I learned during planning.

The PCT ran directly THROUGH Boulder Oaks Campground before hitting the first Freeway of the trek (Interstate 8). Got my first taste of Trail Magic there. Trail Magic is provided by non-through hikers (although many are former through hikers) along the trail to help hikers in various ways. Snacks and a can of Root Beer in this case, but it can be anything from snacks, drinks, resupply food, gear, rides into Trail Towns, water caches, or even just a break from the desert sun under some shade trees.

Fortunately, we don’t have to cross the lanes of traffic on the freeway. 😀

Needless to say, you welcome any water sources to can find in the desert. I ended up near Kitchen Creek Falls. Enjoyed a quick dip in the pool at the base of the Falls and then climbed back up and set up camp.

Mile 18.9 to 29.8 – 10.6 miles total hiked on PCT