Water, water where is the water?

The first part of the Pacific Crest Trail is brutal for several reasons.

 

One of them is that the desert stretch of the trail is so long and most of us are not used to the climate, the lack of water,  the heat or a heavy pack we must carry.  When you add in the fact that the change in elevation can be brutal, it is obvious why so many people quit the first few days of hiking the PCT.

You are anxious to start getting miles under you, but your body is not used to the punishment it can get on the trail.  The first 100 miles are a test of determination and will.  It can be cold one day and unbelievably hot the next.  Sometimes there are miles between water sources. The wind can whip your umbrella out of your hand or your tent off your back. You hear tales of rendezvous with rattlesnakes or getting an injury bad enough to have to leave the trail.  Having suffered an injury myself, the trail angels that help us to the next destination, take us to the doctor, or leave water caches along the way make a significant contribution to your hike. Thank them often for their help.

Water cache left by trail angels.

The conditions although harsh offer spectacular vistas.  You can see some of the pictures here. Sunrise and sunset is beautiful.  The scenery helps to make up for all the pains and aches you have from the day before. Tomorrow's post is about Trail names and what mine has become!