Across Endless Lava Fields

7:43 AM

Six degrees last night; try getting out of your sleeping bag then. It’s completely silent, and two deer kept me company—they just stopped short of nibbling on the tent.

Luckily I managed to get water yesterday. If that hadn’t worked out, I would have arrived at this lake where, as a PCT hiker, you’re not allowed to camp at all. Honestly, that restriction is downright ridiculous; if you ask me, rules like that should be scrapped quickly.

I immediately filtered 1.5 liters, so I’m set for a while again.

8:32 AM

9:22 AM

10:15 AM

The trail continues across the vast lava fields. By now there are holes forming around the edges of my shoes. The sharp little stones aren’t helping to prevent that. After emptying gravel from my shoes three times, I’m pretty much done with it. It’s no fun anyway, so I just keep walking. Whether that’s such a good idea again is another question. Now holes are appearing in my socks too 😂🤣. It looks ridiculous—hello there, I can see my big toes with every step.

12:00 PM

I’ve been walking for a while now between 1,800 and 2,100 meters. The valleys that open up are beautiful, but very different from Washington. The terrain here is volcanic with sandy soil. Water sources are much scarcer as well, and most of them are dry.

2:49 PM

4:05 PM

Camino del PCT 🧐

4:07 PM

Finally another water source. I immediately take 3 liters with me so I can calmly look for a campsite.

7:27 PM

A spot for one tent, a bit windy and somewhat too sandy, so I’m hoping the stakes will hold.

PS: Somehow I’ve lost two tent stakes and another one broke. I’ll manage for now, but nothing else is allowed to break.

Total: 35.91 km in 10:57 hours · 1,152 m ascent · 889 m descent