5.16.22 || Day 2: 20.0 - 41.5miles

tldr; Lake Morena to Mount Laguna, saw the lunar eclipse, long hot ascent into breezy pine forest + got my first blister 

We stayed in a PCT hiker campground last night for $5 each, it was amazing. Not too crowded or windy, water, pit toilets, the works :) The stars were incredibly bright even though we weren’t far outside San Diego. But then a hiker nearby pointed out the lunar eclipse — so crazy. I remember waking up with my whole dorm at 2am to see one in high school and here we just happened upon one.

Thought it was a sign but when the actual full moon came out it was as bright as day and I think slept for a total of two hours. Woke up, ate cold soaked oats, and started walking around 8am. The first six miles to the next water went really fast, easy hiking. Then we went another 4 or so to the next water at Kitchen Creek. Ty scrambled down to fill our bladders ♥️ and I just sat in the shade and cheered him on.

The next stretch up to Long Canyon (the next water, if you’re seeing a trend) was brutal. Mostly uphill, sweltering (ok maybe like 85 but it was a warm 85). I was really lagging so I popped in my headphones and listened to some Armchair Expert and tried to ignore my feet. The Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul) episode was oddly very inspiring, highly recommend. 

I was nervous about the last 4 into camp, but they were actually amazing. After a few hundred feet of exposed climbing, it leveled out into pine forest. Breezy, shaded, purple flowers everywhere. It was my favorite hiking so far. Stayed at a campground just off trail. Ate quinoa and tuna for dinner. Yumm. 

It’s been two days but it feels like 2 weeks, in good ways and bad haha I can’t even think about the whole thing yet, just focused on getting to our first resupply at Warner Springs. 

Today I noticed that only my fingers are getting tan because of the thumb holes on my sun hoodie. 🥴

🎵: Armchair Expert, Bob Odenkirk