Hello world! First official post on trail. This is being done via windows phone so if you see a typo it's not my fault. If you see grammatical errors, well I am a bio major for a reason. The flight down to San Diego went without a hitch. Met up with Kara and Liddell bought food and then played in a park. Not going to lie 80 degree weather is a nice change.
While waiting for Kara's friend Kristine to get off of work we were able to play in a park. During our time we did such activities as the museum of photographic arts (MOPA!) and stick prices of bark into road signs. After a quick tour of Whale's Vagina (as the Romans referred to San Diego) we crashed so we could ready us for the day ahead. On Thursday the journey began in style. We met up with Pancho the gentlemen extraordinaire who gave us a ride to Campo. Take a look at his business card it is pretty much the best one ever.
The hike was much simpler then I expected. I would say no more difficult than doing 20 miles in the West Hills near Portland Oregon. We actually lucked out and had a beautiful cloudy cool day to hike vs the heat you normally get, though that didn't stop me from burning.
The kick off has definitely been worth while to go to. Lots of information for hikers as well as free food, gear, community, and magic. You here a lot about "trial magic" when prepping for the PCT but you don't really understand until you are here. Trail magic is when people spend tons of time and money for you so that you can live your dream. I am getting free camping, food, and knowledge because of the generosity of the people at the ADZPCTKO (Annual Day Zero PCT Kick Off). There is a trail angel (a person gives magic) named Scout, his wife and others who took in over 200 through hiker hopefuls fed them and housed them because they wanted to. They even refused compensation when people tried to give it. That is trail magic.
Well tomorrow morning starts the real adventure. We are starting slow to avoid breaking our selves and avoid heat. Next post will probably be in Warner Springs.
Oh and awesome notes. There is a hiker this year named Peru. She is my botany professor from PSU (that is Lisa K. Fox and Hillary if you are reading this).
I am also volunteering to help with a pika study during my hike. I am sending in locations of evidence while I am on trail. So if I see them or evidence of them I contact adventures and scientists for conservation with info so they can use the data for climatic change research...COOL!
Pancho's card may come later, slow connection here.
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