Journey Day 2 | PCT Day 2
Lake near Mexico border, California
4/18/85
Awaken to gray skies, rain-soaked tent.
Today’s hike in the mist brought to mind the Himalayas. Or at least my second-hand impression. Oriental mist, drizzle, gloom.
Walked out of the mountains around Moreno Lake and down a road.
We were resting on a bridge over a culvert when an old, toothless rancher pulled up in a beat truck and offered to show us to a path through his land. Walked through a meadow, rested, did some karate, came upon a moving stream.
After attempts at bridging, hiking partner Keith Jones managed to step across. I tried to follow suit, but ended up with a soaker. The day before I fell into gravel along the roadside. So this was my second spill in two days. Humbling, yet I was calm and moved on and into the mountains.
Camped at about 3,200 feet as my legs and shoulders gave out, and Keith gave in. Dried our wet gear and joked about our lack of progress, about nine miles in two days. Only 2,580 to go. We’re behind schedule, but the early days were to be slow.
Ate a caramel from Ed Todd, a friend from Midland, Texas.
Learning to use things effectively, to improvise so most things serve at least two purposes. I don’t miss civilization, but I do miss my girlfriend Mary. If I was with her, I would probably be yearning for the mountains.
Keith was asleep as soon as he laid down on the sleeping bag.
The sleeping bag is security to the backcountry hiker. As the day ends and cold comes quickly to the mountains, fatigue and chilled bones make this cocoon a haven. The mummy bag is efficient. I’d like more room in the bottom half so I could keep my fat thighs and warm feet apart. I learned this morning the synthetic fill keeps in heat when wet.
We’ve yet to see another hiker. Stan Fleming of Pocatello, Idaho, started the same day as we did, but before us. His goal is to earn $1.70-something per mile, $4,000, for his trudging.
It is interesting country and a great change from city life and travel by car. But so far this has been predominantly agonizing work with spices of brilliance.
