Tag 0 - 1: from departure to abandonment

Day 0: The evening in CLEEF was exactly what I needed. Legend, a former thru-hiker, is building a hiker hostel here, which opened five days ago, and every evening he treats the starting hikers of the next day with spaghetti. But more importantly, he talks a lot about the trail and what it can mean for each individual. One reason why there has been no excitement so far is probably because I have planned the trail so much that I was trapped in an executive mode. Legend's speech and getting to know the many other hikers reminded me of what a special undertaking the PCT is and what it's all about. I can't wait to stand at the Southern Terminus tomorrow and start the trail.

Day 1: The first day holds many surprises, and there are definitely some I could have done without. The start from the terminus is incredible, only now do I realize the distance ahead of me. But after the first mile, it feels like any other tour. It's a very hot day, but due to the strong wind, it doesn't feel like it.

 After 4.4 miles, it's time to get water for the next 16. Before leaving, my filter was clogged, I managed to clear it somewhat, but the flow is nothing compared to the new ones of my hiking colleagues. I regret not replacing it. So, initially, I borrow the filter from another German hiker, and shortly thereafter, a Scottish guy comes to the source, whom I met yesterday. He couldn't decide between the larger and the smaller model, and when he hears about my difficulties, he gives me the smaller one. I am very grateful to him because he saves me several hours that I would have needed to filter water until I could have replaced the filter. So, the saying 'The Trail provides' is already proving true for me on Day 1. The rest of the day's route is beautiful and just fun.

 But about a mile before the campsite where I want to stay tonight, I suddenly feel dizzy and my arms go numb. I'm with another hiker. We take a short break, and when I feel better, I continue walking. Shortly afterwards, I feel dizzy again, and suddenly I have to vomit. Brandon gives me electrolytes, and we wait to see what happens. After a while, another hiker joins us. When I don't feel any better and I have to vomit two more times, the two of them convince me to get help. Luckily, we are on a road at this point. Just before an officer of the border patrol and firefighters arrive, another car stops. A man and a woman help me by cooling me down with water and giving me more electrolytes. Meanwhile, I'm slowly feeling better. The paramedics check my vital signs and conclude that apart from a slight heat stroke, there is nothing wrong with me and give me the option to stay on the trail. As a precaution, I decide to ride back to CLEEF with the officer and decide how to proceed from there. Meanwhile, I feel very good again, and Legend will take me back to the spot where I had to stop tomorrow morning. So, I don't even lose time. However, the experience has taken a toll on me. I expected something like this to happen, but I would never have expected it on the first day. I am infinitely grateful to everyone who helped me today. When I go back on the trail tomorrow, I will definitely have more respect for the heat and not let the wind deceive me. And I will get electrolytes at the next opportunity.
Until then.