Appreciation: for Beverly for the ride to the SFO airport. I would have missed my plane without her help! For Francis for picking me up at San Diego airport and giving me a ride to the trailhead and for his parents for letting me stay for the night before the trip and feeding me dinner. Trail angels for water cache!! It literally SAVED MY LIFE. Water is life! For those who put trail signs, and for those who are unrecognized for the work they put in to make this trail accessible. 

Best learnings: avoid bushwhacking through desert chaparral. I have a habit of off-trail hiking for the last part of my day to find a camp. I found an awesome site on day 1 at the Lake Moreno. Well, the next day, I spent 2.5 hours to move a 1.5 miles off-trail terrain with chaparral, boulders and meadow to get back on trail. That was a quite work first thing in the morning. I need to remember that I’m doing the PCT!

Challenges: heat. Rattle snakes. Water scarcity. On day 4, I carried 5.5 liters of water in the afternoon desert heat, knowing that there is no reliable water supply for the next 32.7 miles. That was brutal.

Disappointments: so far, no BIPOC PCT hikers. Also, my new tent. 

Euphoric moments: now! Just submerged my whole body in the cold creek and sitting solo next to and listening to the soothing sound of water in the shade after resupply. Stunning desert view with flowers. Janaki’s dal for dinner. I would eat it everyday if I can!