PCT Week 4 – From Cabazon to Big Bear

PCT Week 4 – From Cabazon to Big Bear

The fourth week on the Pacific Crest Trail is over and I hiked from Cabazon at Mile 210 till a clearing after Big Bear at Mile 284 . What else happend in PCT Week 4 wou’ll find in this post. If you missed the third week’s contribution, here’s the link to the blogpost: PCT Week 3.

Map – Pacific Crest Trail Week 4

October 27, 2019 4:47 pm
  • Distance 114 km
  • Time 28 h 26 min
  • Speed 4.0 km/h
  • Min altitude 450 m
  • Peak 2666 m
  • Climb 4410 m
  • Descent 2696 m
  • Distance Instructions
Label

Day 22: Direction Whitewater River

Day: April 26th 2019
Distance: 12 mi, 19,2 km
Accumulated: 222.1 mi, 355.4 km

It starts early in the morning. The temperatures are rising rapidly and already around 9:30 a.m. it is almost impossible to continue. A short break behind a small bush in the shade helps to recharge our batteries. Since my water reserves are running low quickly, I have to continue towards Whitewater River.

1:00 p.m. I reach totally exhausted the only tree in the vicinity of miles. Nils (Trailname: The Oilking) lies under the tree and sleeps. I pack myself in and immediately fall asleep in the cool shade of the tree.

Around 4:00 p.m. I’m getting ready. Nils already moved on around 3:00 p.m. I arrive at the Whitewater River, fill my water bottles and see Nils coming around the corner. He got lost and walked up another mountain for an hour. Completely exhausted he sits down and tells what happened. His GPS on the phone didn’t work properly.

I take the opportunity of the Whitewater River and lie down in the cold water. The current is so strong that the dirt is washed off the skin almost by itself. At the same time there is no danger of being dragged along by the current. Optimal conditions. Afterwards we continue 2 miles to a campground. We meet Lila and Débo and are too lazy to set up our tents. Cowboycamping’s on again.

Day 23: The “Mission Creek” Chaos

Day: April 27th 2019
Distance: 13,4 mi, 21,4 km
Accumulated: 235.5 mi, 376.8 km

In 2018 a mudslide destroyed large parts of the PCT at the Whitewater Reservoir, so that the trail can only be guessed at in a few places. Actually, it only goes ahead with GPS. Until lunch break we cross smaller branches of the river several times and fight our way forward.

A lunch break in the shade of trees ensures that everyone falls asleep immediately. Nils wakes up after an hour and wants to go to the backpacks to get some food. The backpacks are three meters from us. What we have not noticed while sleeping is the rattlesnake that has joined us.

Nils almost steps on it, but the rattlesnake doesn’t move. She is deeply relaxed and enjoys our company. We can’t do anything but the same thing. Lunch with a rattlesnake as guest.

Afterwards we continue and I get lost shortly before the camp spot in the Missions Creek Labyrinth. After adjusting my GPS I see that I have lost my way, fill up my water bottles at the river and return to the trail. I meet Lila and we walk together to the camp spot where the others are already waiting. It’s cowboycamping again and I fall asleep exhausted but happy under a big tree with a view into the starry sky.

Day 24: The dream of good food

Day: April 28th 2019
Distance: 17,6 mi, 28,16 km
Accumulated: 253.1 mi, 404.96 km

The morning starts with a strong ascent of almost 2,000 feet (610 meters) and it mainly goes through burnt forests. I listen to the audio book Kangaroo Chronicles throughout the day and am happy and exhausted in the evening.

In the camp spot we sit cooking together and dream of good food, which we will prepare in Big Bear. Only healthy, fresh food and everyone makes suggestions about what we will buy. No protein bars, Snickers and Alfredo dry pasta from Knorr… right, genuine and healthy food. I fall asleep with a smile and a slight growl in my stomach.

Day 24: Arrival at Big Bear

Day: April 29th 2019
Distance: 13 mi, 20,8 km
Accumulated: 266.1 mi, 425.76 km

Today is a comparatively easy day with 13 miles on the program, as it is only downhill. Afterwards it goes to Big Bear with rest day.

After a few miles however it starts to hail quite strongly and I slip as fast as possible into my rain gear. I’m trying to walk faster because the storm is right above me. A thick thunder echoes down beside me and the lightning strike could not have been far away.

I finally arrive at Highway 18 towards Big Bear and four of us hitchhike with a nice lady to Big Bear. In Big Bear is fog and 1°C (33,8°F)… It is already late and we rent a Cabin over Airbnb. Then we go to the next Mexican Restaurant to eat and replenish the lost calories. I have a fat avocado burrito and a huge beer – again among the living Yiiiihaaaaa.

Day 26: Only good food on the table

Day: April 30th 2019
Distance: 0 mi, 0 km
Accumulated: 266.1 mi, 425.76 km

The next morning we all go shopping. Supplies for the next 5 days and fresh food to cook. Only the best comes out of the table today.

Débo makes shakshuka for breakfast, a speciality of North African and Israeli cuisine consisting of tomatoes, peppers and eggs. Then French crépe with Nutella, peanut butter and raspberry jam. For dinner Lila prepares fettuccine with tomatoes, feta, basil and pepperonis, Nils makes rice with beans and I create a Greek salad. The party can begin and for dinner Sarah and Jess will join us. Nobody can walk after dinner.

Day 27: Laundry and Relax at Big Bear Lake

Day: May 1st 2019
Distance: 1 mi, 1,6 km
Accumulated: 268.1 mi, 428.96 km

We have to check out 11:00 a.m. and are still all full of dinner. I’m on my way to the laundromat. Afterwards we will have breakfast at the Grizzly Manor Café and relax at the Big Bear Lake.

Around 4:00 p.m. we hitchhike back to Highway 18 and walk another relaxed mile on the trail to the next camp spot.

Day 28: A loud growl

Day: May 2nd 2019
Distance: 15,9 mi, 25,4 km
Accumulated: 284 mi, 454,4km

We continue along Big Bear Lake through beautiful nature to a camp spot where you can see a beautiful sunset. I cook Teriyaki dry pasta for dinner tonight and am satisfied with the result.

In the middle of the night I wake up, when Nils calls “Go Away” I ask if everything is alright. Something big growling is sitting in front of his tent. We decide to talk loudly from our tents and hope that the animal disappears again. It must have smelled the food in the tents. I was lucky to hang my food bag in a little tree.

When an animal growls in front of its own tent it is not a nice experience. I had my wild boar experience on the Rheinsteig and I know what goes through your head. At some point we fall asleep again and hope that it was only a coyote that got lost.


The fourth week on the Pacific Crest Trail is over and we’ve been recharging our batteries in Big Bear. Still, the growling of the animal in the camp spot was a little disturbing. Be curious what happens next. Here it goes directly to week 5.

If you liked this article, I’m happy about a Like, a heart or a smile on your face. If you have questions, suggestions or criticism, I look forward to your comments.

Greetings, Martin

PCT Week 3 – Paradise Valley Café to Cabazon

PCT Week 3 – Paradise Valley Café to Cabazon

In this post I write about my third week on the Pacific Crest Trail. I hiked from Paradise Valley Café Mile 156 to Cabazon Mile 210. In PCT Week 3 I had my first snow experience and my first heat extremes on the agenda. If you missed the second week’s article, here’s the link to the contribution: PCT Week 2.

Map – Pacific Crest Trail Week 3

October 25, 2019 1:45 pm
  • Distance 85 km
  • Time 21 h 8 min
  • Speed 4.0 km/h
  • Min altitude 364 m
  • Peak 2757 m
  • Climb 2850 m
  • Descent 3995 m
  • Distance Instructions
Label

Day 15: Early Wake Up

Day: April 19th 2019
Distance: 12,8 mi, 20,5 km
Accumulated: 168.5 mi, 269.1 km

It starts early and I’m low on water. After a few miles I have the opportunity to refill my water bottles. It goes half a mile from the trail downhill to a water trough. What a surprise: a dead mouse in a water tank… half as wild, I filter my water directly at the water outlet. Safe is safe.

Afterwards it goes up the mountains and through a bizarre landscape. A year ago a huge fire raged here, leaving only bare trees behind. Arriving at the camp spot we decide to go cowboy camping (sleep open air, without tent), because the wind is too strong and there is not enough space. As a reward of the day there is a great sunset and an incredible moonrise. By the way, it’s a full moon, pleasant dreams.

Day 16: The first snow and my trailname in Idyllwild

Day: April 20th 2019
Distance: 10,9 mi, 17,4 km
Accumulated: 179.4 mi, 287 km

After getting up, the trail continues uphill. The wind gets stronger and stronger and we come to snow depth. After a short time I meet Liran from Israel again, with whom I slept at Scout and Frodo in a tent. We are happy about the reunion and Liran tells me that he last saw snow when he was 9 years old. He’s on cloud nine.

Since I had not planned any microspikes for this section, I walk carefully over the ice. It’s super dangerous and the first ones start with postholing. Postholing is when the firm blanket of snow gives way and one or both legs bag knee or hip deep. No fun and very exhausting.

I also posthole several times and notice all of a sudden how my knee stretches over in a deep hole. A hell of a pain pervades my body. I’ll try to get out of the hole and finally make it. The limp continues. Suddenly I realize I can’t see the Trail anymore. Lila (Trailname: Rabitt Rabitt) gets map and compass out of her pocket and navigates our group of four successfully to Saddle Junction, the descent into the village Idyllwild.

In Idyllwild we have pizza, beer and the reunion with other hikers. To end the day reconciliatory we board a karaoke bar. The music is so well received that a few people at the counter pay for our beer and I get my trail name: Jukebox. A perfect ending to the day.

Day 17: Rest day in Idyllwild

Day: April 21st 2019
Distance: 0 mi, 0 km
Accumulated: 179.4 mi, 287 km

The first restday in Week 3 is on the agenda. Sleeping late and scrubbing the dirt off my body with a hot shower are at the top of my checklist. Afterwards it goes to the Sunday brunch in Tommy’s Kitchen. $17.99 all you can eat is a top offer for Hikers. I want healthy food: salad, humus, pasta, vegetables, fruit and everything my heart desires. After one hour everyone is full, satisfied and barely able to walk back to the campsite.

My knee still hurts and I decide to buy microspikes for the next stages. At the campsite I meet Tom, he is a physiotherapist and looks at my knee. Seems all right. I massage it with Tigerbalm and grant it with some peace.

Day 18: Back on the PCT

Day: April 22nd 2019
Distance: 0 mi, 0 km
Accumulated: 179.4 mi, 287 km

Before it goes back on the PCT the belly must be filled up with a proper breakfast. It goes to the Red Kettle and I order fruit, vegetables and an omelette. It’s fantastic and delicious. Afterwards the laundry must be washed. So I slip into my rain gear and wash all the clothes out of my backpack. Last but not least, we go to the supermarket. Resupply: Shopping for food for the next 6 days after Big Bear including the ascent to the summit of Mount San Jacinto.

Around 04:00 p.m. everything is done and two Trailangels drive our group of five back to the ascent. It goes up again on the mountain and icy temperatures await us.

Day 19: San Jacinto Summit

Day: April 23rd 2019
Distance: 8,1 mi, 13 km
Accumulated: 187.5 mi, 300 km

Today we go to the summit of San Jacinto (3,302 metres/ 10,834 feet). It’s an icy morning and we’re all torturing ourselves out of our sleeping bags. At 6:30 a.m. we start the ascent. After a few miles you can’t go on without microspikes. A few more miles later the deep snow is steep uphill and the trail can only be guessed by GPS. Arrived at the top there is a well deserved break at pleasant temperatures.

Summit of San Jacinto

Summit of San Jacinto

The descent is more difficult than expected. After a few meters I slip and come to a standstill only with difficulty and necessity. My stopping manoeuvre results in one of my walking sticks breaking through. The highest concentration is required for the descent.

Arrived at the campspot we are all flat and exhausted. The descent has not only pulled physical forces. My brain feels like after a crazy exam due to the high concentration during the descent. The strength to erect a tent is lacking. Cowboy camping with wet and cold feet. Just get out of those wet socks. Good night.

Day 20 The icy descent over the Fuller Ridge

Day: April 24th 2019
Distance: 9,8 mi, 15,7 km
Accumulated: 197.3 mi, 315.7 km,

Early in the morning I move into my half-frozen shoes. It’s damn cold again and it’s impossible to get ahead without microspikes. After a few hours of highest concentration we reach snow-free terrain over the Fuller Ridge and breathe a sigh of relief. I lost my GoPro at the postholing in deep snow, but I am happy to have finished this part of the PCT. It was just hard.

The temperatures rise suddenly the deeper we hike. From snow and water everywhere it changes smoothly into a dry desert climate. We’re targeting the nearest waterhole to replenish our supplies. The last miles lead to a camp spot which invites us again to cowboy camping.

Day 21: Down into hellish temperatures and food at Cabazon

Day: April 25th 2019
Distance: 12,8 mi, 20,5 km
Cumulative: 210.1 mi, 336.2 km,

It’s still downhill. Sun and heat are merciless. The climate forces many breaks, but there are few shade places. The fight with the inner self begins.

The last few miles lead through a dry riverbed. It’s like an oven. A thermometer indicates 132°F (55°C) in the sun. It must be broken… All the desert scenes from the Clint Eastwood movies shoot into my brain. “Don’t die of thirst cowboy, it’s only a few more miles” I say to myself and fight my way through the soft sand in the riverbed.

Finally I arrive totally finished at the bridge for Highway 10 – there are shadows here. There are also other hikers resting and protecting themselves from the sun. We decide four of us to hitchhike to Cabazon, go shopping and eat something. A big burrito fills up my empty batteries. Afterwards we hitchhike back onto the trail and look for a place to sleep.


I survived the third week on the Pacific Crest Trail. It wasn’t easy, but I could learn a lot of new things. Be curious what happens next. Here it goes directly to week 4.

If you liked this article, I’m happy about a Like, a heart or a smile on your face. If you have questions, suggestions or criticism, I look forward to your comments.

Greetings, Martin

PCT Week 2 – Julian Mile 77 to Paradise Valley Café Mile 155

PCT Week 2 – Julian Mile 77 to Paradise Valley Café Mile 155

The second week on the Pacific Crest Trail is over and ended up in the famous Paradise Valley Café. If you missed the first week’s contribution, here’s the link to the article: PCT Week 1.

Map – Pacific Crest Trail Week 2

October 25, 2019 11:39 am
  • Distance 121 km
  • Time 30 h 14 min
  • Speed 4.0 km/h
  • Min altitude 688 m
  • Peak 1715 m
  • Climb 3616 m
  • Descent 2737 m
  • Distance Instructions
Label

Day 8 – Breakfast first

Day: April 12th 2019
Distance: 9,6 mi, 15,4 km
Accumulated: 86.6 mi, 138.6 km

We all sleep until 7:00 a.m. and then fall over the delicious breakfast at Julian Lodge. Then it goes again to Moms Pie to drink a coffee. At the Postoffice an older woman takes us in her car for a hitch to the PCT.

Afterwards it goes again through the mountains with some rain. At 86.6 mile I pitch my tent. I have a small dinner and jump after into my sleeping bag.

Day 9 – Trailmagic at its best

Day: April 13th 2019
Distance: 14,6 mi, 23,4 km
Accumulated: 101.2 mi, 161.9 km

In the morning we continue through the mountains and great nature. Passing the 100 Mile takes a big load from my mind. The nearest camping spot is only 1.2 miles away.

What awaits the Hiker here is phenomenal. The former Thru-hiker Tommy (@twerkinthedirt on Instagram) came by with two friends and a small bus and celebrated Trailmagic. There were sandwiches, beer, sweets, snacks and much more for everyone. And all for nothing. Everyone got to know each other better and had a great evening. Later this fantastic photo was taken.

PCT Class 2019 by @twerkinthed at Instagramirt

PCT Class 2019 by @twerkinthed at Instagramirt

Day 10 – Eagle Rock and Warner Springs

Day: April 14th 2019
Distance: 8,3 mi,13,3 km
Accumulated: 109.5 mi, 175.2 km

After the trail party the night before there is only a short hiking day to Warner Springs. Some miles on the trail I stand in front of a big meadow and enjoy the wide view. All of a sudden there are cows standing around me and a young bull finds it fun to run at me. I turn around and wait for the situation to calm down. The cows lose interest in me and move on… lucky.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Tobias Werling (@tobiwerl) am

At the Eagle Rock a few photos are taken and it goes on. Arrived in Warner Springs I charge my batteries and relax. As the Post Office is closed on Sundays, I have to wait until Monday. I’m expecting a food package that I sent out from San Diego. The selection for a resupply with good food in Warner Springs is zero. So sending a package was the right decision.

Day 11 – Welcome to the Open Air Restaurant

Day: April 15th 2019
Distance: 10,1 mi,16,6 km
Accumulated: 119.6 mi, 191.4 km

The next morning we relax and continue around 1:00 p.m. in a small group of 5 hikers. It goes again through great nature and the mountains up and down.

Arrived at the campsite we cook and experience a fantastic sunset. The Open Air Restaurant serves the following dishes: starter: Snickers bar, main course: ramen noodles with cheese powder, dessert: Cliff bar. Afterwards everyone go into the sleeping bag.

Day 12 – Mike’s Place

Day: April 16th 2019
Distance: 15,2 mi, 24,3 km
Accumulated: 134.8 mi, 215.7 km

The next morning is cold, damp, stormy and foggy. I’m glad to have my rain gear with me. The surroundings look spooky and beautiful at the same time.

After about 8 miles we reach Mike’s Place. Here the two Trailangels “Strange” and “Cyclops” provide for the well-being of the Hikers. There are sandwiches, coffee, tea and stories to hear. In summary, one can only say that the two of them are two dearly crazy people. Afterwards we continue another 7 miles to a campground.

Day 13 – Burning Heat

Day: April 17th 2019
Distance: 10,6 mi, 17 km
Accumulated: 145.4, mi, 232.6 km

We take our time in the morning, because the daily goal is only 10 miles. But the heat of the day is killing us all. I reach the campground around 4:00 p.m. and the sun is still burning.

I treat myself to a small shower with a 5 litre bucket of water and scrub the coarsest dirt off my skin. The water is ice cold and refreshing at the same time. Afterwards we have pasta in bags for dinner. Everyone on the campground dreams of good food. The next day a mile from the PCT is the Paradise Valley Café, known for its good food.

Day 14 – Paradise Valley Café

Day: April 18th 2019
Distance: 10,5 mi, 16,6 km
Accumulated: 155.9 mi, 249.4 km

Let’s go to the Paradise Valley Café and eat good food. This is the motivation of all hikers. The 6 miles to the cafe stretch out and take no end. Finally arrived we order food: a Veggi hamburger with extra feta cheese and fries, a coffee and a big beer.

Three hours later we’re still at the Paradise Valley Café ordering the next round. Completely starved I order the next Veggiburger. Then we’ll do another four miles on the trail. The landscape is beautiful and I feel like in a fairytale landscape. The campground is a bit creepy, but that doesn’t bother any further. With a full stomach and a broad grin I fall asleep satisfied.


Also the second week on the Pacific Crest Trail is over. The next week is really tough, because there was the first snow at 2500 meters altitude. Be curious what happens next. Here it goes directly to week 3.

If you liked this article, I’m happy about a Like, a heart or a smile on your face. If you have questions, suggestions or criticism, I look forward to your comments.

Greetings Martin

PCT Week 1 – Campo Mile 0 to Julian Mile 77

PCT Week 1 – Campo Mile 0 to Julian Mile 77

The first week on the Pacific Crest Trail is over and I hiked from Campo to Julian. What else I experienced in PCT week 1 you can read in this article 🙂 Here it goes to my first post: PCT – Arrival in the USA.

Map – Pacific Crest Trail Week 1

October 18, 2019 5:14 pm
  • Distance 119 km
  • Time 29 h 41 min
  • Speed 4.0 km/h
  • Min altitude 688 m
  • Peak 1845 m
  • Climb 3184 m
  • Descent 3383 m
  • Distance Instructions
Label

Day 1: The start of the Pacific Crest Trail

Day: April 5th 2019
Distance: 11,4 mi, 18,2 km
Accumulated: 11.4 mi, 18.2 km

I am at the Monument, the southern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail and am excited, happy and impatient. I need to start, but before I have to take a few pictures.

Since it is a little drizzly I start in my rain jacket. Nevertheless, it is perfect hiking weather: not too warm, cloudy and a light breeze. After a short time it goes up- and downl. The trail will certainly not be easier. Thanks to the rain, there are many water sources that are normaly dry.

A lot of hikers rev up and have a hell of a pace. I am calm and run my pace. I have half a year ahead of me and my body has to get used to the strain. After 11.4 miles I decide to set up my tent and meet Nils, who was also at Scout and Frodos place. We chat, cook dinner and go to bed early.

Day 2: The first night in my tent

Day: April 6th 2019
Distance: 9,0 mi, 14,4 km
Accumulated: 20.4 mi, 32.6 km

The alarm goes off at 5:30 and I’ve slept more than 10 hours. Some condensate in the tent but nothing dramatic. I’ll run out and make breakfast at Hauser Creek. The sun comes out and the temperatures rise quickly. Perfect for drying my sleeping bag and my tent.

A steep ascent follows and I meet two trail runners who want to take a photo with me. Sure, no problem. Since the first day is still in my legs, I decide to stay at the campground in Lake Morena and treat myself to something to eat. Afterwards I Drink a few beers and sit at the campfire with other hikers.

Day 3: Lost on the PCT

Day: April 7th 2019
Distance: 12,2 mi, 19,5 km
Accumulated: 32.6 mi, 52.1 km

It starts early and I notice after a short time that I have lost my way. Behind me is Nils and we’re trying to get back on the trail. According to the map we only have to walk to a small stream, which crosses the PCT again later.

Arriving at the stream we notice that the plan is not so easy to implement and decide to wade through the ankle deep stream. Again on the PCT it goes through great nature. At Kitchen Creek a longer break is taken to refill water, to eat and to relax. Kitchen Creek is a paradise.

Afterwards it goes a few miles further to the Campsite.

Day 4: Some relaxation

Day: April 8th 2019
Distance: 8,9 mi, 14,2 km
Accumulated: 41.5 mi, 66.4 km

The next morning we walk through a breathtaking backdrop to the Campground of Mount Laguna. Here we buy food and I treat myself to a salad and a beer. Afterwards we talk to other hikers and relax.

A short day, but the body has to get used to the effort. The first hikers are already out after 3 days with tendinitis, because they had to run 36 miles (57 km) in the first two days.

Day 5: The Unexpected Storm

Day: April 9th 2019
Distance: 18,2 mi, 29,1 km
Accumulated: 59.7 mi, 95.5 km

I start a little later and enjoy a beer for breakfast, which a trailangel has left on the spot. It’s colder and stormier today.

The wind gets so strong, you can barely move forward. I can hardly enjoy the great views, as I have to be very careful with my steps.

After 15 miles (24 km) I notice that the all places for tents are empty. It’s impossible to set up a tent. Other Hiker have also moved on. The storm sweeps over the mountains at frightening speed, leaving an unpleasant feeling behind.

I stay calm and know the sun won’t go down for another two hours. So I still have time to find a place to sleep. Shortly before 6 pm I meet a place where several Hikers placed their tents with difficulty. I decide not to pitch my tent. It’s too late and too stormy.

Instead, I’m going cowboycamping. I place my mattress between two other tents, pack my sleeping bag into my waterproof bivi and try to sleep as sheltered from the wind as possible. The night is a grey one and nobody comes to rest. Around 11 pm, the storm calms down a bit and I fall asleep.

Day 6: The day after the storm

Day: April 10th 2019
Distance: 15,8 mi, 25,3 km
Accumulated: 75.5 mi, 120.8 km

The next morning they all look super dirty. The sand went into the tents and through the sleeping bags. Nevertheless, everyone is happy to have survived the night.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Martin “Jukebox” – Hike Junkie (@hike.junkie) am

The PCT continues through nature with breathtaking views. It feels like a western movie. Karl May described the scenery perfectly in his books, although he was never there – somehow impressive. Shortly before Scissors Crossing the camp is set up and I enjoy the sunset. A fantastic day.

Day 7: Rest day in Julian

Day: April 11th 2019
Distance: 1,5 mi, 2,4 km
Accumulated: 77 mi, 123.2 km

We walk a few miles to the road and hitchhike to Julian. My first hitche is super comfortable and I almost fall asleep on the mattress at the back of the car. Arrived in Julian “Moms Pie” offers free apple pie with ice cream for PCT Hiker.

The four of us Nils, Lila, Debo and myself share a room at Julian Lodge. Showering, washing clothes, buying food for the next days and relaxing. For dinner we have a big Mega Pizza.


The first week on the Pacific Crest Trail is over and tomorrow we continue towards Warner Springs. I’m curious to see what happens next. Here it goes directly to Week 2

If you liked this article, I’m happy about a Like, a heart or a smile on your face. If you have questions, suggestions or criticism, I look forward to your comments.

Best regards, Martin

PCT – Arrival in the USA

PCT – Arrival in the USA

My things are packed and I am ready to start my journey. It’s 5:00 am, I close the door behind me and make my way to Frankfurt Airport.

My biggest worry is that the Deutsche Bahn (Train System in Germany) will be late and I miss my flight. This does not happen – lucky. My flight blows up 10:00 am.

8,5h later I have a 4h stopover in Montreal with border control. The US official is very nice, looks at my visa, asks me a few questions and let me pass. I am now on US ground in Canada.

Montreal is still under snow and I get an SMS with the note: 0.99MB data volume can cost up to 59.90€… holy cow. I prefer the free WiFi fromMontreal Airport.

Artival is San Francisco

My second flight brings me to San Francisco, where I meet a part of my Camino family again. Caminoreunio No. 1 with sightseeing in San Francisco – you can’t wish for a better start. After that I have a beer with Mary-Lynn.

Further to Arroyo Grande

Afterwards we continue to Arroyo Grande to meet my Caminofriends Ken and Barb. This is about three important things:

  • having fun and drinking beer
  • dealing with the Jetlag and relaxing
  • doing the final preparations for the PCT

The Preparation

The preparations for the PCT really skyrocket with my camino friends Ken and Barb. These two are probably the most experienced hikers I know. Practice pitching tents, learn Clove Hitch (special knot) and Slipknot (to skilfully protect the food bag in the tree from animals), prepare food for the first days, plant and animal knowledge, gearcheck, clothing check and so on. The reunion is like a PCT bootcamp. I’m just grateful for that! At the same time, my head smokes like after a hard exam.

An important point in food preparation is the calorie density per gram, since I need calories but do not want to carry unnecessary extra weight. Ken introduces me into his own Excel spreadsheet. 120 kcal per oz are great… 1 oz = 28.34g. Now it’s time for mental arithmetic.

The resupply and bounce box strategy is also discussed. A Bouncebox is a box with things I don’t need directly on the trail. Here are for example my Maps for later sections, ice axe, microspikes and other small things in it. Since I need the things only later, I bounce the package in Front of me to the post offices before me.

PCT Caminofriends: Barb, Ken, Mary-Lynn and I

PCT Caminofriends: Barb, Ken, Mary-Lynn and I

Finally in San Diego

On 03 April I set off for San Diego to Scout and Frodo, two trail angles companies that give accommodation to PCT hikers and take them to the starting point in Campo on the Mexican border.

Between I meet my old Caminofriend Andrew

Caminoreunio with my Caminofriend Andrew

Caminoreunio with my Caminofriend Andrew

In the house of Scout and Frodo are already many other Hiker. Everyone is excited and euphoric. I can’t wait to start either. Scout tells stories about his hikes and gives tips and hints for the PCT. After a delicious dinner I go into my sleeping bag. The last night in civilization for an indefinite time. Tomorrow it starts.  Yiiiihaaaaa


The first week in the USA is over and we’re off on the trail.  I’m ready! If you liked this article, I’m happy about a Like, a heart or a smile on your face. If you have questions, suggestions or criticism, I look forward to your comments.

Greetings, Martin