PCT 2023 | DAYS 7-9 JUST PAST MT LAGUNA TO JULIAN

DAY 7

Miles Hiked: 14.6 miles

The day starts with a steep drop into the canyon, broken up by multiple streams. I am still amazed at how much water there is this year. A great “beach” along the creek at the bottom of the canyon was perfect for a morning break. Today was the first afternoon that really felt warm. I am so thankful for my Jolly Gear sun shirt—the hood is so large, creating a wind tunnel as I walk. I reached the last water source before Scissor’s Crossing much earlier than expected, so I took a long siesta. I could continue for a few more miles than planned and dry camp, with many hours of sunlight left, or I could camp at the water source. By 4:00PM, I decided to start hiking again. In another mile, there were multiple campsites for a long stretch. I ended up finding an amazing campsite that offered a small amount of shelter from potential wind.

First night solo camping on trail this year.

DAYS 8-9

Miles Hiked: 6.5 miles

Town day! Just over six miles of downhill until I again reached Scissor’s Crossing. I hiked with Dana, who I had met a few days prior at Cibbets Flat, and two Frech Hikers. Tumbleweed got her trail name on the way down, with an epic landing to a downhill slide. The four of us passed through the underpass and made our way to a spot on the road to hitch into Julian. After twice avoiding the “PCT Taxi” people warned about on Far Out, we secured a ride with two different vehicles. It turns out another group had a less-than-pleasant encounter with him a few moments later. We met Cowbell at the post office, where I traded out some gear (and sent a few things home). We then headed to Mom’s Pie for our free pie and ice cream. I was able to leave my pack at the Inn until check-in and got lots of cat/dog snuggles from the resident pets. I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around town until I got a text from Jill saying she was nearby and wanted to meet up. I hadn’t seen Jill in nearly two years—since we parted ways at Lower Palisade in the Sierra. The next day I spent a zero in town to resupply, do other hiker chores, and eat more pie! I had a second round of pie with Dory, whom I had been mistaken for four times.