150 miles in …

… and I’m still alive and kickin’. Indeed, you might even say I’m thriving. But that would be stretching things. Instead, let’s say that I’m doing pretty good. Not as fast as some, and not as slow as others; and relatively comfortable so far. The only thing fighting my attempts at more miles are the near-desert conditions. Extreme dryness, high winds, unrelenting sun–all these things combine to slow me down. But all in all, I am very much enjoying this Pacific Crest Trail at this point.

I am zeroing today in Idyllwild, California. That means I’m not hiking any official miles. Unofficially, I’ve been all over town, taking care of various necessities and not-so-necessaries. The outfitter, no less than three restaurants, laundry mat, post office, grocery store, campground, and motel were all frequented by myself. All in all, Idyllwild is a great trailtown.

Now, I am getting ready to enter the San Jacinto area, some of the first really high stuff on the trail. I should see some snow and real alpine stuff, as the trail gets somewhere around 10,800 feet. But first, I have to wait on my new, larger backpack to arrive, since my old one was too small and starting to tear apart. I’ll need the extra space for later on the trail, when resupplies become fewer and farther between.

Next trailtown: Big Bear Lake. Look for some pictures and perhaps other things to be put up here. Until then …