PCT Day 8 – PCT Mile 115.0 to Mile 136.7

Rain in the desert.

April 12, 2025

Total PCT miles: 21.7

Non PCT miles: 0.3

Total: 22 miles / 35.3 km

Total elevation gain: 4229

Steps: 50489

Today was the first time I have had the esteemed pleasure of suffering through rain while on the PCT and boy did Mother Nature not disappoint.

Because I knew it was going to be cooler and cloudy I slept in today and started hiking at 0715 instead Of 0600-0630. I know I shouldn’t be so kind to myself. There isn’t much water on this stretch so I’m quite happy with the cooler temperature (high of 10 celcious). The forecast was calling for a 30% chance of rain totaling about 3mm. This is part of a much larger weather system bringing a non insignificant and much needed snow in the sierras.

The morning went by quickly. I crossed paths with a hiker I’ve named rocket man. He’s a 67 year old Asian man who has one speed and swears a lot. He is doing a few hundred mile section hike so he typically only spends 1/2 the day walking.

My first stop of the days was at Mikes place. Here you can fill up on water. In some years the owner or a care taker is around and pizza can often appear. Unfortunately this is not one of those years. But fortunately as I was leaving a trail angle named One Way Mike showed up in his truck with an amazing assortment of drinks and food. He wasn’t prepared for the cold so he was wearing a garbage bag turned into wind breaker.

Soon the clouds rolled in and enveloped us and the rain began to fall. Because of the weather he wasn’t likely to stay long so I was really lucky to partake in this trail magic!!!

From mikes it’s pretty much downhill the rest of the day from 5500 ft to 3500ft. I need to be more careful on the downhill, evenmore so when the view of the trail is obscured by growth and you can’t see all the rocks. I was going along at a pretty good pace when with my right leg I stepped awkwardly on a rock twisting my ankle and I heard a pop. I stopped suddenly and my heart sank. Did I just do it again? Did I just sprain my ankle do I need to push my SOS button. Fortunately I seemingly had no pain and after a few moments of testing everything out to make sure I was okay I was able to continue on without any issues.

The rain continued on and off all afternoon quite annoyingly. I would get dry just in time for the rain to start again. Much more rain that I believe the forecast called for. But I did get to see two rainbows. So i guess that’s something.

I had reception in the late afternoon so I’ve called and booked a hotel in Idyllwild for my first zero. I should arrive early Wednesday and get to spend two well earned nights in a real bed! I was desperately trying to avoid arring in Idyllwild on the weekend because the prices are more than double the weekday prices and it appears I will have succeeded!

I should have stopped when the sun was out and I was dried off from the earlier rain and I passed nice camping spots. But alas I did not. I kept going and the rain started again and when I was finally done my camp site selection was less than ideal.

I managed to keep everything inside the tent dry as I set up for the night. If I can do 15 miles before 1500 hrs I’ll get to paradise valley caffee for what is known as the best burgers on trail. It will have to be an early morning to be successful.