Expect the unexpected?

May 17, approximately 14 miles

I guess they aren't lying when they say every night is a cold night on the PCT and to be prepared for anything! Cold night, I was pretty good in my 10deg bag but I definitely felt the chill. Josh apparently had a hard time sleeping b/c of the cold. His 30deg bag just wasn't quite enough and he didn't think about throwing on his pillow (down jacket!) right away :) He's thinking it got down into the 20's.

Neither of us expected the weather we've been getting here in this SoCal section so far. We awoke to a somewhat cool but nice morning. Looking up we could see that the ridge/peak we were about to climb was in the clouds and we were both looking forward to hiking in them and cooler temps. What started out as cool and misty, which we were enthusiastically loving, ended up turning into a pretty chilly rain for most of the day. It didn't 'dampen' my spirits too much though :) But I have to say that my six plus year old rain jacket is done, it's definitely no longer waterproof and will need replacing when I next get the chance! But with a couple layers underneath and by continually eating, drinking and moving I was able to endure. Glad to have the pieces of gear that did end up working well; an OR Sun Shower hat (excellent last second find/purchase!) - a wide-brimmed hat which is super breathable but also has a waterproof liner that fits onto it as needed, a Novara cycling cap I found (kindof a wind-resistant shell with a subtle brushed/fleecy lining that has a great shape/fit that covers the ears- thin and lightweight but adds warmth - also slightly oversized which will allow me to layer my wool hat underneath) a Marmot Driclime windshirt (a PCT thru-hiker favorite) which has a little more insulation than a normal wind-breaker and worked well underneath the not-so-waterproof rain jacket, and the same old home-made Polartec mitten my Mama sewed for me :) Before my first hike I was looking for a lightweight thermal pant and found one on clearance at REI. But all were 'tall' sized. So I cut the bottoms off and thought mittens would be awesome to have. Two hikes later they're still doing an excellent job of keepin my hands warm even when wet! :)

Anyway, am now in warm dry clothes underneath the tarp and in my warm bag :) Eating an MRE that Reggie gave me :) Reporting back on it: Reggie, the heating pad didn't really work, but maybe i did something wrong..? Elizabeth, even cold the veggie manicotti in marinara sauce is actually pretty good :)

The cold and wet aside, it was another beautiful day on the trail. The vegitation and scenery constantly change and it's all so beautiful! I was SOOOO glad to have a waterproof camera!!! Couldn't stop takin pics! I'm seriously loving this trail so far and I know it's not only just begun, but what's ahead will be even better :)

Hmmm.. what else..? First cat hole this morn :) Anybody averse to potty humor can skip ahead :D Anyway, dug a great hole, 6-8 deep and wide, just about filled the thing up! lol Must be all the food we have to eat out here on the trail ;) Note to self: dig a bigger hole :D

The difference of having shelters and privies on the AT is definitely being felt.. They definitely make life a little easier, but I'm sure the cat holes and tarp pitching will come easier with time/practice. And when they do I'll appreciate camping out wherever I want, whenever I want, and not having to deal with mice all the time or the occasional loud snorer or sketchy character :)

Time to sleeeep, 'night y'all! :)

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Location:Mile 30?