Mile 335.64 of the PCT.
I was dropped off at Cajon Pass on I-15 just after noon. Despite hating most fast food I had a burger and fries at the iconic McDonald’s there. $3.45, the only money I’d spent that day putting me well under my $10 a day hiking budget.
I hiked down to the PCT and considered my options. North or south to camp on the trail, either way would probably mean 16 degree F overnights the closer I got to either Big Bear Lake or Wrightwood.
For whatever reason I chose south, maybe the fact that it was still just the very beginning of February had some sway.
Only I forgot to go to the bathroom.
I was too excited about taking my first steps on the Pacific Crest Trail. A trail that it had been my elusive dream to hike for the last three years.
For only the third time in the last five years I was forced to dig a hole and go to the bathroom. I felt like I had failed, I hadn’t listened to my body, I’d just wanted to be hiking.
And why is it the recommended six to eight inches never looks deep enough to me?
Not sure what to expect, the trail was far more hilly than I’d anticipated. Still, it felt good. And there was no one out here.
No cell signal either but I set up my tent. The sun dropped below the mountain horizon in the west. The cold crept in fast and I could feel it in my fingers and toes.
And it was only just after 5pm.
Put on my long johns, eat a leftover macaroon fudge brownie and wait for it to get dark.