Day 1Campo, California

My 1st day on the PCT. I leave my hotel to catch the shuttle to Campo and the Southern Terminus. There are about 10 of us, with very different backgrounds: Americans, an Irish woman living in New Zealand, a Swiss-American living in Seattle and a Brazilian. The drive takes about 2 hours, with a stop at REI and then at Cleef Store to buy my last water bottles and a gas canister.

Only 3 of us are starting that same day. After taking photos in front of the terminus monument and walking over to the Mexican border, we set off. I quickly leave my starting companions behind because I am moving faster. I already pass a few hikers.

It is very hot, but the scenery is beautiful and I am happy to finally be here. At a water cache, I meet about 10 hikers just as a trail angel arrives to refill the jerry cans. Later, fatigue and jet lag make me miss a junction. I walk several kilometers in the wrong direction before retracing my steps.

At Lake Morena Campground, the last spots are taken. I continue farther uphill and find an isolated place with a beautiful sunset view. I sleep badly on a slope, waking several times to animal noises. Despite that, this 1st day confirms the feeling I had been waiting for so long: this time, the PCT has truly begun.