PCT Day 36 – PCT mile 498.3 to mile 510.9

May 10, 2026

Total PCT miles: 12.7

Non PCT miles: 0.2

Total: 12.9 miles / 20.8 km

Total elevation gain: 2152 ft

Total elevation loss: 3517 ft

Steps: 32470

Walking up to a semi inflated air mattress is not my or anyone’s idea of a good time. But fortunately for some reason it never completely deflates and does maintain some semblance of comfort. Or maybe I’m just otherwise so generally sore I don’t notice the specific discomfort it causes me.

It was a later start today as I was hoping to give the rest of the group a chance to catch up. As a result I was treated to a magnificent sun rise view from my tent. I wasn’t looking to do too many miles today, just position myself close enough to Hikertown that I could do a quick resupply, have an afternoon siesta the start on the aqueduct section as the day gets cooler. The desert valley will be in excess of 35 C the next two days and no reasonable person wants to hike in that.

There are certain milestones on the Pacific Crest Trail that feel bigger than the number itself. The 500 mile mark is one of them. Not because it means you’re anywhere close to finished. Canada still feels impossibly far away but because somewhere along those first 500 miles, trail life starts to feel normal.

I reached the 500 mile marker just after 0800, only about 30 minutes after starting the day’s hike. I arrived alone, listening to I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers and, naturally, dancing my way down the trail. Honestly, there was no other acceptable way to cross that milestone.

A little while later Ness arrived, and the two of us ended up having a full-on dance party at the marker while The Proclaimers echoed through the desert. It was one of those ridiculous, joyful trail moments that probably makes absolutely no sense to anyone not out here, and somehow makes perfect sense to everyone who is.

I stayed there waiting for the rest of our group to arrive, hoping we could all celebrate the milestone together. By around 1030 though, the shade had disappeared, my water supply was getting lower than I was comfortable with, and the desert sun was quickly reminding me who was in charge. Eventually I packed up and continued north, leaving the others to hopefully catch up later down the trail

Five hundred miles down. Countless memories already made. And somehow, despite the exhaustion, sore feet, heat, cold, injuries and endless climbs… I’m still smiling while walking north.

I took my time the rest of the day going from shady spot to shady spot filling up water from a cement cistern in the desert. I am always completely amazed how quick the scenery turns from Chappell to pine forest to burned scared area. All day long I was accompanied by views of the desert valley below and it looks real hot down there.

I had to paramedic today and was able to help a fellow thru hiker who found themselves in a difficult situation. I stayed with them until they were later picked up by a trail angel. I’m confident they will be back on trail soon. The trail angel offered me a place to stay tonight but I declined opting instead to stick to the original plan. But I won’t lie it was hard to turn down the promise of a shower and cold drinks.

I was able to make it to the planned camp site – our group still split. Early morning scheduled tomorrow to beat the heat and hopefully enjoy some cold cola!