A quick note I forgot to mention yesterday: I did run across some illegals trying to navigate the border crossing. In the meadow right before I-8 I noticed some movement off in the bushes. I looked over and saw a Mexican man trying to hide. When he realized that I was a lone hiker, he made a gesture and 6 more Mexicans came out of hiding. We said nothing as I passed, but I found it interesting to note that the PCT is apparently a prime route for border crossing.
Ok, on to today. The first 13 miles were a gradual uphill. Nothing strenuous, just wearying. Yesterday I hiked 27 miles with a 45 lb pack, so my body was already hurting. Actually, given the soreness of the muscles around my knees, the uphill was probably the best thing for me. Most of the way the trail winds through manzanita and scrub brush, working it's way to progressively higher ridges. The monotony is broken by a small ravine, where I stopped to top off my water and wash off in the stream. Afterward, the trail winds on, but around my 11th mile it turned into Lower Morris Meadow. I was teated to a grassy meadow, overlooked by an observatory. A few miles on you wind through oaks and pines in the Mt. Laguna recreation area. The trail takes you by Desert View campground (picture included). I took a short rest before passing the town of Mt. Laguna. A few more miles of relatively flat trail bring you to the edge of the mountain, and to a breathtaking view of the desert to the North.
I pushed on until about 4:30, when exhaustion set in. I wanted a few hours of daylight to eat, set up camp, and treat some blisters. I am camped out just before Garnet Peak, about 52 miles in. To celebrate passing the 50 mile mark, and my copious amounts of blisters, I treated myself to codeine. Now I can stretch my muscles relatively pain-free. I have included a picture of the view from my campsite (the one without the trees).
I must say that the second day was a challenge. The first day you are fresh and excited. Today the reality of the enormity of the task hit home. As did soreness. Plus I began thinking about friends and family and what I would be missing while on the trail. Still, the amazing scenery and the rush at thinking how far I've come already has me looking forward to another day of hiking... right after I sit here and relax for a few hours!
