Pacific Crest Trail, Town Day in Julian

The first week on the PCT is behind me - it was both challenging and beautiful. The first three days I had stomach problems and struggled with the heavy backpack. That's why I decided to take a rest day in Mt Laguna. My stomach calmed down, I sorted out unnecessary luggage and was able to continue hiking the next days with renewed strength.

Then, a completely different challenge in the last night: a moderate wind turned into a severe storm. A tent from our group collapsed. Afraid of further damage, we decided to pack up our tents in the dark, pack our backpacks, and walk 2 miles to a road underpass. There, we laid down on our sleeping mats, sheltered from the wind, and fell asleep in our sleeping bags. The next morning, a trail angel discovered us there and brought us a warm breakfast from a well-known fast food chain. That's trail magic!

With a ride share, we then went to the nearby town of Julian. We were invited to a second breakfast at a restaurant by the parents of a hiker.

At Mom's Pies, PCT hikers get a warm apple pie with ice cream and a glass of apple cider for free. In the local outdoor store, I upgrade and buy a gas stove and a small pot. Just granola bars, nuts, and fruit are not enough in the long run.

Tonight, we are staying in a small cabin at a campground, which we share with three other hikers. We enjoy hot showers, wash our dusty clothes, and look forward to a real bed.