Day 19: The long descent down San Jacinto (Miles 190.4 – 209.6)

Today, I woke up at 5.40AM and it was STILL raining and cold. My hands froze trying to put together my tent. Coldest day on the PCT yet with 4 degrees Celsius and coldest night – first night I could leave my sleeping bag closed.

Hiked 31km mostly down San Jacinto. The last part from the bottom of the mountain from the water pipe along the desert towards I-10 was horrible in the wind. I had to pee really bad but couldn’t because it would have sprinkled everywhere. 🫣 we finally made it to Kristin’s, an Airbnb right on trail. Lovely place. She greeted us with Gatorade with Ice 🫶 great to shower and do laundry. Left foot blister under my foot, right foot took the tape off that Morgan put on and have to put it on again tomorrow, potentially on both feet and do exercises. Several times a day to prevent injury.

Passed the 200 mile marker today but noticed I am not that excited about it: I am waiting for the 265.54 mile (427.34km) marker to reach the 10% 🙂 in a few days I’ll get there. Still the longest I have ever walked. So an achievement for sure!

Stats:

Miles walked 19.8

Descent: 2253m ‼️⚠️⛔️

Ascent: 312m

Steps: 43.828

Max elevation: 2368m

P.S.: I read that descents don’t hurt your knees, they only reveal your weaknesses – this was my queue to start stretching even more – every two hours on trail now.