Day one was a wonderful start to thetrail. About 30 of us started at the Mexico border. It was weird hikingwithborder patrol helicopters overhead.
The first 14 miles were steady, gradual climbs to the rocky ridges filled with brush and flower and the occasional cactus
After mile 14, we had a steep descent to a meadow with cottonwood trees. Many people from the group ended up camping here for the nite at Hauser Creek campsite. (Nice spot!)
I wa ahead of the pack with Victor ( young guy from Colorado with a super lightweight pack. He was very fast and light. He lost us about mile 16) and Steve (retired schoolteacher with a heavier pack. I list him around mile 17)
After the campsite, we had a 1200 or so foot climb over the mountain in the middle distance in the above photo. It's pretty clear that this is NOT the AT- the trail snaked its way up the mountain for 4 miles. ( the AT would have gone straight up) definitely different.
Then the trail dipped down about 400 feet to Lake Moreno- site of the PCT kickoff celebration.
I was quite pleased with the 20 waterless miles in 9 hours with 6 liters carried. Though once I got to the campground in Lake Moreno, I realized how tired I was! I bought a cheeseburger at the campground and was too tired to eat it! ( don't worry- I took it onto the tent with me and ate it in the middle of the night)
So far, this is looking like a great time.
Peace, love and trail magic!
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