Warner Springs CA

Had to start the trip off on the right foot with the airline sending my bag to Chicago while I went to San Diego. I was able to pick it up later thanks to my ride (Carolyn and Cush). First time I have checked my bag in 5 years!! So my ride to the trailhead began with being dropped off at the border in Campo, CA. I had to see at least 30 border patrol SUV's and 1 ATV. They asked me to see the bottom of my shoe. Apparently they 1) drive the length of the border leaving treadmarks 2)patrol the same road with the unmanned airplane mounted with a camera checking for footprints on those same treadmarks. They were looking at my shoes to make sure I did not match anyone they were looking for that night. This all occured at 7:00 pm, almost dark. So I hiked for 4 miles to reach a creek for camping. Woke up early and headed into Lake Morena 17 miles later. The desert was in full bloom due to the high rain fall this year. The next 5 days of mileage were: 19, 23, 18, 24, and 8 miles into Warner Springs.
Interesting names: On these long distance trails, hikers are usually given a name to use while they are on the trail. It usually is based on some embarrassing moment. Here are a few: Karma, Cow Whisperer, Jester, Balls, Smiles, and the most memorable so far, Assface.
Interesting stories:
1) I bought a pair of hiking shorts with an underwear liner in them. Well, these cause me to "chafe" so I had to cut them out. The strange part is that I did this while the shorts were still on, very carefully.
2) I was hiking along the trail and came across a fellow hiker sitting down. He had claimed to have a tick in his belly button and asked if I knew a way to get him out. I responded with 2 answers, pull it out or apply heat to it to make it back out. He chose both and heated up his tweezers and tried to pull it out. He ended up burning half of the body with the tick still embedded. Unsatisfied with the results, he pulled out his lighter and tried to apply a direct flame to the tick! One try and he burned half the hair on his stomach, that's when I left.

Animal list: 1 rattle snake, 3 humming birds, tons of lizards, heard the howl of some wolves, red tail hawks, coyotes barking, and lots of small birds.

Well that is all for now. There are some sketchy sections of trail that have some ice and snow, so I had my mom mail me my ice axe. Also this computer doesn't have a USB port access so no pics yet. Til next time!!

Mexican Border Tomorrow!!!

Hola!! Well, after leaving Sarasota, I stopped in Orlando and Gainesville to see friends. My friends fiance in Orlando asked me a question I have never been asked about backpacking: So, do you lock up your tent @ night? After a good laugh I said no, a knife would make access to the tent around the lock. Now I am in Knoxville, TN hanging out with my folks. I went zip-lining with my mom today and then a hike in the afternoon. My flight is tomorrow and I will arrive in San Diego @ 1:00 pm. My ride, which I am grateful for, is dropping me off @ the Mexican border. I'll hike a few miles til sunset, and then the rest of the way to Lake Morena on Friday.

There is a festival called the Kick Off every year for the PCT. It is a place for former and current hikers to get together and talk about the trail, gear, and have a few beers. I will be there Friday and part of Saturday.

Next post I will put put up some photos to show my setup of pack and tent. Less than 24 hours and I'll be on the trail!!!! Few more beers and some sleep b4 I set off!