Mile 77.3, Day 7
Day 3 (3/31): hiking out of Lake Morena was a decent climb, but we finally got some great views. The California Poppies were beautiful, and the quote of the day was “Are we even in the desert?” by our French friend, Pierre. Kerrie and I saw our first rattlesnake (it was a baby); I freaked out and Kerrie said it was cute. We got to live the good life in a ‘regular’ established campground that night that had a water spigot and pit toilets. We ended up having a huge group with around 14 PCT hikers. It really feels like we’re in a big hiker bubble right now as we all keep leapfrogging each other throughout the day and camping nearby at night. I got my trail name, ‘Mother Goose’ or Goose for short, because apparently checking if everyone is doing ok and has been drinking enough water is too motherly to pass up a good trail name 🙂
Day 4 (4/1): Another town day woo! Kerrie, Hilary (trail name Rad), and I made incredible time up to Mt. Laguna, fueled by the thoughts of chicken tenders and croissants at the French restaurant. We ate lunch, charged our electronics, resupplied at an expensive general store, said ‘cwoissant’ in our best French accent at every opportunity, and hiked 3.5 more miles out to camp on a beautiful ridge. Our original group began to stretch out as a few stayed the night at Mt. Laguna, and a few joined us at camp. We had the best sunset views of the hike so far, and a stargazing session.
Day 5 (4/2): All day we had great views over the Anzo Borego Desert and to the neighboring mountains. The afternoon was quite exposed and hot. Only Hilary (Rad), Kerrie, and I made it to our planned camp as others decided to take a shorter day, but we still camped with other people since the hiker bubble makes camping competitive. It turned out to be a super foggy and wet night, and the next morning our tents were dripping and muddy.
Day 6 (4/3): We made good time to camp today and had more desert views. We spent hours trying to solve Rad’s riddle ‘a woman locks one shoe in a safe, why?’ Text me with guesses (hint: context matters so you’ll have to ask me a million questions first). We had our second snake crossing (not a rattlesnake), and Kerrie sacrificed herself by taking the lead. Many thanks.
Day 7 (4/4): We made it to town! We hiked 5 miles and got our first hitchhike into the town of Julian. Our friend Rad only stayed for a few hours and then hiked back out, we’re hoping to catch up to her again later! Kerrie and I were only planning on spending one night so we got to work resupplying, mailing a resupply forward to a remote area, doing laundry, taking our first shower, and checking out the gear shop. My cousin Desirae and second cousins Parker and Juniper visited us- and we got free pie for thru-hikers at a pie shop called Moms! Our Day 1 hiking group caught up, and unfortunately we had to say goodbye to our friend Nathanial/Boose who is exiting trail (but may come back!) Quote of the day was “I’ve never been to a restaurant in my pajamas” from Julie, because all of our hiking clothes were being washed. It’s a whole fashion look. Kerrie and I felt a little overwhelmed trying to get everything done in a half day, plus everyone else was taking a Zero Day the next day (hiking 0 miles), so we decided to do one more night in Julian and take our first Zero Day on Day 8. We are excited to relax 🙂
Grace Goes on a Walk 
15 responses to “Day 3-7: I’ve Never Eaten at a Restaurant in my Pajamas”
Today is the anniversary of your grandmother’s birthday. She would have been 94. She would have been very proud of your PCT goal as I am.
Enjoy the trip and keep safe.
LikeLike
Thank you Grandpa, that means a lot
LikeLike
Really a fun post. Lovely photos!
LikeLike
Wow! Great info! I love the pictures and comments! Yes, I like snakes, but not those kind!!
I’m so glad you got to get some French pastries and pie! Keep on trekking! You guys amaze me!!!
LikeLike
I love your trail name – it definitely fits you!! The photos are gorgeous and you’re making the whole thing sound pretty cush like anyone could do it – pie in your pajamas, zero days – I feel like I could do it, too. I know it’s not easy but you are seeing the positive, the fun, and the beauty in it. Take care!! Love reading your posts. If there is a resupply in Acton area where I can visit you I would love to – I will bring you pie 😋
LikeLike
Thanks Donnelle!! I think we will be in Acton at some point!
LikeLike
Hi Grace! Enjoying your journal for each day’s hiking along with photos and those hiking with you and Karrie.
Please keep hydrated, pacing yourselves( to build endurance) apply sunscreen and “Get er done “
Love, Grampa Regis
LikeLike
Thanks Grandpa!
LikeLike
Having hiked small hikes with you I can attest you are quite the mother goose (in the best way) so I approve of the nickname! Sounds like you’ve found a great group of people 🎉🎉
LikeLike
The woman locked one shoe in the safe because she had diamonds on the sole of her shoe 💎👟🎶
LikeLike
Nope!
LikeLike
Let me start by saying that snakes ARE NOT cute! They never will be. I think Kerrie may have been a little dehydrated and delirious with that thought process. Your trail name is apropos, Gracie. I’m glad you are making sure your group is well hydrated (NOTE: Except Kerrie, of course, with that “cute snake” comment). I love your pictures and the camaraderie you are experiencing out there. I know your next stretch is going to be a long one, so enjoy your down time today. Be careful and stay safe.
I love you and miss you.
~Yo’ Mama
LikeLike
Sounds like you’re having a blast Grace! And the weather sounds like it’s been good too. Great photos. Keep the blogs and photos coming! Your awesomeness is inspiring!!
LikeLike
Wahhh! I’d be just as scared and freak out if I saw a rattlesnake, even though it’s a baby! Haha! I’m glad you guys are able to relax 💕 the pictures are beautiful but I’m sure your view is much better! Stay safe always and looking forward to your next post 💕
LikeLike
How exciting Grace! Watch out for those nasty snakes! Yes- Thank you Kerrie for taking one/two for the team! 😉 and there is NOTHING cute about a snake. Keep drinking your water and using your sunblock and reapplying it through out the day. I really enjoy the pictures and posts! Stay Safe! Love You!
LikeLike