PCT: Days 7-10

Days 7-9 took us from Mount Laguna to Scissors Crossing where we caught a ride into Julian for a resupply and what turned into a zero.  This stretch started cold and very windy and ended with our hottest day yet.  Despite being a mostly downhill stretch, the 11 miles we did on the last day were probably the hardest on us of anything we’ve done yet. 

We made it to Scissors Crossing and hung out under the overpass with another hiker, Darin, and enjoyed fresh fruit and drinks left by Trail Angels.  Within about half an hour of our arrival we caught a ride into Julian with Professor.  He’s one of multiple Trail Angels in the Julian area that spends his days driving hikers back and forth from town to the trail.  We’re less than two weeks in but have been blessed with this kind of generosity over and over again.  It’s had an impact on the kids too.  Bat Boy has decided we should take a vacation next year to return the favor and help next year’s hikers.

Once in Julian we took care of the most important piece of business first and walked straight to Mom’s Pies for the free slice of pie, ice cream, and drink they offer to all PCT hikers.  We ran into Cuz and a few other hikers and caught up on the last few days and strategized over the next stretch which starts with a 14 mile water carry, up a big climb, with no shade.

We decided to take a zero in Julian and booked a second night in our hotel.  We spent the zero grocery shopping, mailing unused to gear to shave more weight, and relaxing.