PCT Day 1 Trail Notes: Southern Terminus to Hauser Creek
High Point of the Day: Seeing the southern terminus, and walking the first few miles with my mom, closely followed by seeing the first two iconic signs, "Mile 1" and the rail crossing sign at 3 miles
Low Point of the Day: Definitely hiking down into Hauser Creek and carrying 7 liters of water
Section: A
PCT Miles: 0 to 15.4
Distance Walked Today*: 15.9
Steps for the Day*: 37729
Temperature (Perception): Very warm, especially walking along the ridge near mile 11
Wind (Perception): light breeze, off and on throughout the day
Cloud Cover: no clouds what so ever
Precipitation: dry
Trail Surface: wide easy walking, some overgrown sections, and some rocky places
Terrain: felt like rolling hills
⭐⭐⭐ Weather
⭐⭐ Difficulty
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Physical Energy
⭐⭐⭐ Scenery
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mental State
Number of photos for the day: 154
Total time-lapse sequences: Started the first one just before I went to bed
Number of video clips: 15? One for each mile
Overview:
Started my trek today, and made it to Hauser Creek for my first campsite (the creek was dry). Had my first fall, within the first mile of trail, fortunately no injuries, I wasn't paying attention to the trail, but staring at the scenery. Somehow, I forgot the first rule of hiking. Feet first, scenery second.
It was a little warm just after mile 11.4, and my knees were definitely feeling the descent to Hauser. My feet are a little sore, probably due to shoes and pack weight.
Observations (wildlife, plants, views, etc.)
One very small creek that was barely flowing around mile 4
Several vultures, a couple hawks, one bunny, innumerable lizards, none stayed still for a photo
People on the Trail:
- Pepper, GeoDude and Triple B
- Polar Barb from Alaska with a friend
- Camped with Scorch also from Alaska
Random Notes:
Signed the register at the terminus
Cheers & Jeers (Gear, Food, etc.):
I'm missing my load lifters from my Osprey, I hope the lighter carry tomorrow helps
I'm not super impressed with my Arsenal. I feel like I should have taken the time to get used to it earlier, maybe it's an issue with my power bank. Either way, I didn't use it for the first time-lapse.
What did I listen to?
Several podcasts: including
- How to Hike the AT by Backpacker Radio,
- Buried by Ken Wylie on the Sharp End
- Wild Places with Adam Foss on By Land
