Thursday morning Girlscout drove us to the border, where we took the obligatory monument and border fence photos. Then it was a 20 mile stroll to Lake Morena.
The ADZPCTKO (Annual Day Zero PCT Kick-Off) has been fun. Tons of hikers converge for this annual event at the Lake Morena campground for various presentations, vendors, socializing, and of course food.
Like most of the herd, we plan to head out early Sunday morning to continue hiking.

16 miles in and I’m already filthy.


And now the real news. First night out, at Lake Morena, I went to make myself some instant polenta for dinner. Long story short, I earned myself a trail name, “Drop & Roll”. Kids, be careful with your alcohol stoves. Thankfully damage was minimal. I used up my supply of duct tape repairing my down jacket, and my pants have a few little holes. All for the better, I feel like seasoned hiker trash now.