PCT Trail Journal: Hauser Creek to Boulder Oaks Campground (Miles 15.1 to 26) Overview

On day 2 (Hauser Creek to Boulder Oaks Campground) I learned that blisters really suck and that hiking friends are awesome.

It was a pretty rough day. I didn’t sleep well and felt pretty tired in the morning. It rained a ton and my tent was under a big tree. There were a lot of loud drops. Coffee and food made me feel human again. Everything in my tent stayed dry. I packed my sleeping bags and clothes in a garbage bag because I was afraid of them getting wet. I put my wet tent on the outside of my backpack and it worked pretty well.

When I opened my tent, I was the only one there. I was the last one to leave Hauser Creek.

My hips are very sore and achy. I have blisters on:

-The bottom of my left pinky toe
-Left inner heel
-Right inner heel

My feet were not happy today.

The trail was wet. I was smart and put on my waterproof socks and rain pants to try to stay a little dry.

The climb out of Hauser Creek was about 1000 feet and in a cloud. I started hiking with two older folks, Happy 6 and 20 D. They were really nice and I hiked with them they whole day. We just talked and talked and it made the miles fly by. They hiked 1500 miles of the PCT last year and were back for more. They had a lot of great advice and I loved hiking with them.

We hiked 5 miles to Lake Morena Cafe and I ordered a breakfast crossiant with bacon, egg, and cheese. It was nice to sit inside where it was warm. We talked to a general contractor and his family. He asked a lot of questions about hiking on the trail. The breakfast croissant was life changing.  So good!

We walked by Lake Morena and it was really scenic. It was mostly cloudy but the sun popped out. It was nice to get warmed up. And for our stuff to start to dry.

We hiked another 6 miles to Boulder Oaks campground. There was one road walk on a bridge to avoid a water crossing and a wet crossing. I took my shoes off for it. The water was freezing.

I was having a lot of positive thoughts today about how good I was doing even though things were killing me. I am really proud of myself.

I’m so glad I found folks to hike with. I don’t think I would have made it as far without them.

✨3 Things I’m Grateful For

1. Hiking with Happy 6 and D 20.

2. My gear seems to be working pretty well. I haven’t gotten cold.

3. Town food!

✨3 Things I’m Excited About

1. Just being here on this trail and starting to get it figured out.

2. Warmer, nicer weather coming. I want to the sun and warmer nights.

3. More hiking.

🌟How Was Today? Did I enjoy it?

It was a rough day but also good. I am glad I am here. I was really tired and low energy today and am really proud how far I made it. 26 miles in 2 days! Go me!

⛺How Was My Gear?

My new mattress is super warm. I like it. Don’t know about the inflating bag. I stayed dry and warm last night so that was a win. There is a hole in the mesh of my tent so that’s a big bummer city. I need to figure out how to fix that. My rain gear worked well when hiking in the cloud.

I love my tent!

💪How did my Body Feel?

Not a good body day today. Both hips were very achy and sore. Plus the blisters on my feet were killing me. On a more positive note my right neck and shoulder aren’t hurting.

🍴How was my food situation?

Food worked out well. Didn’t eat too much after the breakfast crossiant. I love the olive oil packets. They taste so good!

🤔What did I learn and how will I take action?

I didn’t take a lot of breaks. The same as when I am at work. Need to work on this. It’s cool to take breaks!