May 8th, 2009 - Hitting the Trail

Woke up at 4:30am & was at PCT South terminus by 6:15am. Parted ways with Girlscout (Thanks Girlscout for the fine hospitality). At 6:15am the temp was 75*. Pea kept on saying "it's going to be a hot one!" He wasn't kidding. The temps quickly escalated ~10*F per hour.

Before we knew it - we were going uphill. I thought the desert section was supposed to be "flat". Guess it's Sarbar's definition of "flat along the ridgeline" lol. Took occasional breaks in shady spots but tried not to daddle too much. As the temperature hit 100*, we saw our next doom - a descent down to the Hauser Creek (which of course was dry) and then the zig zag switchbacks up the other side.

In not the smartest move we decided to crank down & then back up the other side. We took a break at what we thought was the top - sucking down warm gatorade (not recommended). Turns out we were at a false summit of some sort.

More uphill & then downhill to Lake Morena State Park ~ 4 miles.We stumbled into the campground- pooped and ready to crash. The 1/4 mile walk to the Ranger station seemed like 2 miles. Got our permits and was instructed to walk to the other side of the campground.

Was stopped by a dude who couldn't stop talking about all the big rattlesnakes he has seen & about his dog. We tried not to be rude, but all we wanted to do was walk away. Guess we didn't look exhausted enough. The guy couldn't seem to get the hint.

Set up our tent & made a bee-line for the showers. A shower never felt so good! Now we're ready to crash out - it's only 6:30pm. Guess I got my wish to tucker myself out so I could sleep well tonight.