Miles: 20.6 

Total Trail Miles: 1217.1 

Ascent/Descent: 4870/2409 ft 

Start Time: 08:57 

End Time: 16:13 

Temperature: 27°C (81°F)

I woke feeling sad, knowing I would have to say bye to Marcus in the next couple of hours. I didn't want to get out of our bed as it would make it all real but we had to get up and ready to leave for 8am when the trail angel Tom was due to pick him up and was going to drop me at the trailhead on the way. I welled up a few times throughout the morning but we tried to enjoy it too, eating breakfast out on the balcony. Tom messages to say he was running 40 mins late so that gave us some more time. He picked us up outside the general store and dropped me and the trail a few minutes after. It was really hard saying goodbye, knowing I wouldn't get to see him for another 2 months after getting used to having him with me on trail. I set off all teary trying to channel the emotion into my walking. I had a 8 mile climb ahead of me and wanted to get up it before it got too hot. I met a day hiker who had completed the PCT in 2021 so we chatted briefly was we climbed which was a good distraction. The first 3.5 miles were in the shade of the trees which helped and the last section although exposed had a nice breeze so it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. There were lovely views up the top and although I felt sad I felt determination too, making it to Canada had to be my main focus now and making it there would mean being back with Marcus again too. It was hot but I got into a rhythm and tried to enjoy the views over the mountains and lakes and ended up hiking until almost 2 before stopping for lunch. A PCT hiker, Dad Bod or DB hiked up and stopped with me for a bit and chatted, we realised we were aiming for the same camp spot so when I set off again I knew I would see him there. There was just 4 miles left so I arrived shortly after 4, I considered going further but the next spot didn't have water and I didn't want to overdo it on my first solo day so set up camp. DB arrived shortly after and we sat in the shade sharing stories, after dinner another Brit rocked up, Trip Hazard. We all sat out chatting until I retreated into my tent at 7:30