It begins!

We started! Finally.

Before learning about our trip, I should probably introduce a character of our trip. Nathan. 

He is one of my friends from middle school. He decided to join the trip about a month before the start date. He will hang around, until he can't put up with our pace :) 

Back to the trail! 

After enjoying an evening at a trail angel's home in San Diego we got up early and drove to Campo with a full van of hikers. We busted out the gates with 15 miles in a flash. I think we felt we had something to prove. Luckily we did most of the hiking before the heat. Suddenly I was stuck going up a hill in the heat of the day with little shade and 15 miles on my feet. After hugging a couple rocks for shade and going slower than a snail we finally made it to camp. 

For me, the first day was a struggle. It was realizing how different this life is. It becomes so overwhelming to think of the trail as a whole. It is a ton to think about waking up and walking for so long but as my companions pointed out you just have to enjoy the beauty along the way. Everyday you get to see something beautiful. This hike allows the opportunity to enjoy each mile for its beauty. It forces you to take the time to appreciate it all. 

Also, the community on this trail is beautiful. From the trail angels, trail magic, to people on or around the trail, they form a real community. This 18" wide trail has become a home with a community reaching around the global. It is quite beautiful. 

Back to the trail. 

We survived Day 1 and trucked on to Day 2 

This day was similar. Heat, elevation, beautiful sights, and general pain. But this is the day we learned Emily had a blister issue. A fellow thru hiker Perry aka PerBear treated her blisters in hope of helping them callus over. Unfortunately the blisters haven't gone away yet, but Emily is becoming callous to the pain.... Sorta...

Part of being on the trail is understanding how far to push yourself and how far your body is willing to go. We have been learning this balance the first few days. Sometimes you can harness the pain to become better at hiking and sometimes the pain is debilitating and it is the best to just rest. The balance is a challenge to find.

Day 3

We made it 50 miles!!!! 

This day we found out what it was like to be in the clouds: cold, wet, and windy. The views reminded me of Ireland. It was hilly but beautiful. We also made it into town. We found fellow hikers, food, cell service, and trail magic (free beer).

Needless to say, towns are nice.

The day ended trying to find a windless campsite in a picnic area. We partially succeeded. It led to eating in tents and music by Emily all crammed into one tent. 

That has been the beginning of the trip. Challenging but filled with so much fun and so much beauty. The terrain is always changing and stunning. We are always learning.

Until next time!

Shelly