We're just so excited to get going...with a tinge of sober awareness. Any true adventure should have a bit of danger. This one has some, but for all the ballyhoo, in the history of the PCT there has never been a death from a bear attack, or any animal*. Our dangers are more likely to be down to lack of available water, poise or stamina, and I'm certain we'll be strong in two out of those three areas.
The weather forecast has a heat wave and drought hitting California. Over the next three days of hiking, we'll spend two days hiking in 41 C / 100+ F degree weather, during which we'll hike 34 miles between water re-supply points. So that's almost literally a baptism by fire to start the hike, and hydration will be key.
While that makes me nervous, I also marvel at our modern world, and how we're able to know, and prepare, for this before we embark.
We're ready.
Of course, that's not going to stop the achingly beautiful nature of a mother's worry, wishing farewell at the airport.
Today was a big travel day, 19.5 hours in planes and airports. The last leg from San Fran to Redding was my favorite - there's something romantic about those smaller prop planes.
I'm now having a beer in the Hilton, and if I have another one, or a blog post, in the next 6 days, something's gone wrong. The hike starts in the morning, with a little supply shopping, followed by a little hitchhiking out to the trail.
Night.
*When bears and other wild creatures realize what easy prey we are, they head to far more populated areas than the PCT to enjoy their easy pickin's.
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