I slept pretty well on my first night. I got up around 6am, quickly packed my tent and had a small breakfast with coffee and a Cliff bar. Due to only two liters water remaining for the climb to Lake Morena with the next water source in 5 miles, I skipped the planned warm breakfast. The climb was not too much – about 1000 feet – and I was happy to enjoy the relatively cool morning. Only on top of the ridge I had sun on my face again. I was in good spirits, feeling that my feet, legs and shoulders had funny recovered during the sleep.
Coming into Lake Morena campground, I meet two other German PCT hikers. I filled my water and even made a (failing) attempt to get a shower. Around 1030am I walked to a nearby small store and restaurant where I found Johanna from Switzerland already buying supplies. We both enjoyed a warm meal and discussed the next water sources.
Boulder Campground was just another 6 miles away. So I took off with just 4 liters of water.
The Boulder Campground is really small with no shops, but I was happy to refill water there. By now I had decided to roughly head for 15 miles again today and according to the water report, there was a tent site at mile 30 with water. I discussed this plan with a few other hikers, but I ended up in that beautiful spot pitching my tent alone. So the second night in trail will be the first night camping alone. I will sleep without rain fly again to enjoy the view with stars at night time. The frogs from the creek are providing a nice background noise to fall asleep.
Tomorrow I plan to start early again. In just half a mile, another agressive bee hive was reported. I hope they will still be sleepy when I sneak by before 7am.
The world is big 