Brief Summary
The video documents the first week of a Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hike. It covers the initial miles from the Mexican border, detailing daily mileage, resupply stops in towns like Mount Laguna, Julian, and Warner Springs, and the challenges of desert hiking, including water scarcity and temperature fluctuations. The hiker reflects on the experience, the people met, and the landmarks passed, such as the 100-mile marker and Eagle Rock.
- The journey begins at the Mexican border, heading north.
- Encounters challenges like sunburn, cold nights, and water scarcity.
- Resupply stops in Mount Laguna, Julian, and Warner Springs.
- Reaches the 100-mile marker and Eagle Rock.
- Completes the first week with 119 miles covered.
Day 1 & 2: Starting the PCT
The hiker starts his PCT journey from Camp Locket, near the Mexican border. He visits the official starting point, takes photos, and begins hiking north, still within sight of the border fence. On day two, he plans a shorter 12-mile hike, starting from Lake Marina Campground. He notes that his nose is already sunburnt. The initial plan was to hike 21 miles, but the intended campground is closed for the summer.
Day 3: Mount Laguna
The hiker plans to celebrate his birthday with lunch in Mount Laguna, aiming for a restaurant meal instead of typical backpacker food. He intends to hike about 8-9 miles to Mount Laguna for lunch and then continue another 6 miles to the Mount Laguna campground. He is currently at Cibbitz Flat Campground, mile 32.6. The landscape is starting to change.
Day 4: Cold Nights and Desert Views
The night was very cold, with temperatures dropping to 33°F (less than 1°C). He started early at 6:30 AM and aims to hike between 18.2 and 20.8 miles. He is walking on the side of a hill with a view of the Sultan Sea, though visibility is currently limited. The trail goes around a large rock formation. He ends the day with a view down to the desert floor.
Day 5: Julian Resupply
The hiker plans a half-day hike of 9 miles into Julian, starting around 7:00 AM. He looks forward to resupplying, showering, and relaxing in town. He resupplies, eats pie at Mom's Pie Shop, has lunch at the brewery, and camps at the Stage Coach RV Park, styled like an old west town.
Day 6: Scissors Crossing and Water Scarcity
The hiker covers 24 miles from Scissors Crossing, reaching the crossing around 7:30 AM, a bit later than planned due to waiting for a ride. The terrain was challenging, with constant elevation changes. The only water source for the day was at mile 14, a water cage maintained by the PCTA.
Day 7 & End of Week 1: Warner Springs
The hiker reaches the 100-mile marker and plans to visit Eagle Rock at mile 106. He heads into Warner Springs to resupply and charge devices. The next day involves a relatively flat climb from the campsite to Warner Springs, spending a couple of hours at the community center, followed by another 10 miles, with the last 5 miles being uphill, totaling about 18.4 miles. The plan for day eight is approximately 20 miles, leaving 10 miles to the Paradise Valley Cafe. The first week is over, with 119 miles covered.
