The morning started off with my anxiously checking my USPS tracking number for my charger replacement. It wasn’t until 8:30 am that I got notification it was in Joshua Tree and out for delivery. Now that I knew I was going to get it today, it was time to practice my patience, a skill I don’t naturally possess. 

The package was delivered at noon, and BAM -- I was out of the door walking eager to make it the 23 miles to the PCT before it got too dark. 

I’m not typically a fast walker, but I was mooooving to make up for lost time. I arrive in Morongo Valley shortly after 5pm, grabbed a burger, fries, and an ice cream cone, and then headed into the mountains to join the PCT. 

Since starting 460 miles ago, the route’s been own my design. The route’s had me do some mild trespassing to get water, so it was fitting my last cross country route to join the PCT ended with some mild trespassing to connect to some dirt trails. I climb the faint trails until I reached the crest and then had to down climb a harrowing 800 feet down the mountain. 

Now as I reach the 2 mile connector trail taking me to the PCT, I can’t stop smiling!  I’ve dreamed of the PCT often over the last few years. 

I joined the PCT as the day was turning from dusk to dark, but I made it!

Since it’d be another 2 miles on trail before I arrived at a place to camp, my first miles were night hiking with my headlamp. It felt right! 

Miles: 24.4