Days 1&2: miles 0 to 42

Mid afternoon on day 2, the end of todays hike, a relatively easy 16 miles, and check in at Laguna Mountain Lodge. Two amazing days of hiking barely scratch the surface but were way beyond expectation. Cool temperatures for the climbs, a light backpack with only just over a days food, a veggie burger at Lake Morena at mile 20 and continuing on to camp at mile 26 after chatting with another hiker for the stretch after my lunch break and camping with him and his group sharing experiences of the first stretch and plans for the next few days.

Although described as desert the first 40 miles are certainly dry but with mountains and so early in the year brush, pines and wildflowers parts of it felt more like Tahoe late summer. Eagles, hummingbirds and so many other types of bird (I’m clueless when it comes to identifying wildlife) but as yet no rattlesnake sightings.

With strong wind, rain and possibly snow overnight I’m glad for my rustic cabin - the only luxury is the bucket and soap powder they give you for laundry! With the weather forecast to be cool and bright for the next few days I can only hope my luck continues with fantastic hiking and meeting some great people.