PCT Day 42 – PCT mile 587.5 to Landers Meadow Camp (Mile 610.1)

May 16, 2026

Total PCT miles: 22.6

Non PCT miles: 0.6

Total: 23.4 miles / 37.7 km

Total elevation gain: 5699 ft

Total elevation loss: 4190 ft

Steps: 52973

The new air mattress is amazing. Not waking up in the middle of the night to a semi deflated bed really helps improve one’s sleep. Over all I slept well due to being sheltered from the wind but the sounds of whirling wind turbines were certainly abundant throughout the night. I think today was the first time I hit snooze multiple times on this hike. My first alarm went off around 0430 but I didn’t start to get ready until closer to 0530. I probably could have slept for a few more hours which leads me to believe I likely should have taken a second zero in Tehachapi.

I made good time on the first miles of the day hiking 10 miles by 10:30. The landscape slowly changed from desert chaparral to pine forest. The winds still gusted but as I moved in the forest I was generally well protected from them. I think I’ve seen the last view down to the desert valley and they windmills they contain. From 10 miles onwards I struggled as my body protested and demanded more sleep. I took lots of small breaks and consumed more caffeine.

I finally reached Robin Bird Spring at 1300 thus ending my 20 mile water carry. For the next fee miles there are water sources. After that there are 2 water caches. Without those caches it would be over 30 miles until the next source in trail. Other than that the day was what it was. One foot in front of the other and try not to die.

Shortly after I passed the 600 mile mark on the PCT – that’s almost 1000 kms and nearing a quarter of the trail completed!

I ended my day at Landers Meadow Camp a few miles short of my goal. Here I met two hikers from Quebec and two from Oregon. This camp is accessible by vehicles and there were a significant number of them here. A large group was having their annual retreat. I was just about to start cooking a camp meal when one of them come over and offered me and the other hikers here the left overs. Burgers With all the fixings, chilli, watermelon, and cookies. They come here once a year and alway offer up what’s left to PCT hikers. I am grateful I got to partake this year hopefully they are not to loud tho.