Day 37Lakeshore, California

Vermilion Valley Resort is worth a visit. I am one of the very first PCT hikers of the season. Hiker boxes are full of food: bars, freeze-dried meals and other products are enough to redo all my supplies without buying.

The best surprise is 1 pair of Black Diamond Carbon Z sticks almost identical to mine. I get it for free and tighten a mechanism with the screwdriver of my little Swiss knife. After several days with a single stick, it’s a real luxury.

I have dinner and breakfast with Monk, Diji and Johannes (Your Highness), a German who has already completed a crossing. I finally wash and dry all my gear, call my family and deal with some messages after 8 days without service. A ride then brings me closer to the alternate trail on the other side of the lake.

I leave rested, well fed and with all the necessary equipment. The day foresees about 24 miles and nearly 2,000 meters of positive elevation, the late departure makes it ambitious, but my energy has come back.