Sometimes, the journey reveals more than just scenic views or challenging climbs—it uncovers deep personal moments and unexpected encounters. But here's where it gets controversial... This entry recounts the adventures and emotional highs and lows of Day 117 on the Pacific Crest Trail heading southbound, illustrating how every step can be unpredictable and filled with surprises.
Day 117 Overview
Starting point: Agua Dulce at mile 2201.4
Ending point: A designated tent site at mile 2225.2
Total miles covered: 23.8 miles
Sleep was elusive last night; restless worrying kept my mind active—specifically fears about being targeted or kidnapped. As a result, I woke up exhausted but determined to start early. My first stop was a nearby grocery store, where I grabbed a swift breakfast and a few supplies to keep me going to my next destination.
Just as I set out onto the trail, I unexpectedly crossed paths with Sun, a familiar face I had anticipated seeing soon. He had stayed overnight at a local hostel after his water filter broke, and now he was heading to a larger town nearby to get a new one. I was a bit disappointed, hoping we might hike together for a while, but I understood the urgency. Since I wasn’t in favor of taking another rest day, I bid farewell and pressed on, confident that our paths would cross again in the coming days.
One of the main sights today was Vasquez Rocks—an iconic spot famous for its unique rock formations and countless filming scenes. I explored the small museum exhibit there and wandered through the rocky terrain for a bit before moving on. The rocks were impressive, but I found myself more captivated by the cool, fresh air circulating through the canyon that followed.
Today’s weather was another scorcher. The trail was largely exposed, and I spent considerable time climbing uphill. To break up the steepness, I paused for lunch at an RV park, where I treated myself to a cold Coke alongside my usual sandwich. Since it was the tail end of the season, the park wasn’t crowded, allowing me to relax without feeling rushed.
Although I wasn’t thrilled about the next portion of my hike, I knew it was unavoidable. According to my map, I had roughly 15 miles to go, with about 5,000 feet of elevation gain over that distance. That sounds daunting, but breaking it down into manageable segments made it less intimidating. The terrain included flat sections in between the climbs, giving me opportunities to catch my breath and rest.
Water availability was still limited in this region, but a huge help came from Todd, the caretaker at North Fork Ranger Station. He kept a large jug full of water ready for hikers, and generously offered us rice krispy treats and Gatorade—an unexpected boost of morale and energy. It was nice to share this moment with fellow hikers, reminding me of how important community is on the trail.
After refueling, I tackled what I knew was my last climb of the day. The higher elevation brought a noticeable drop in temperature, and cloud cover started to roll in from the west. A few isolated clouds even released some rain in the distance, hinting at changing weather conditions.
I continued hiking into the evening, eager to reach the summit where a campground awaited. The city lights shimmered in the distance, and the faint glow of car headlights traced a winding route between the mountains below—constant reminders of civilization far off in the distance.
Finally, I stopped just before Messenger Flats Campground, set up my tent in the growing wind, and enjoyed the much cooler, wind-blown air compared to earlier today. After a warm dinner of macaroni and cheese with tuna, I crawled into my tent and drifted off to sleep, reflecting on a day full of contrasts—hot and cold, busy and solitary.
And that’s just a typical day for a southbound PCT hiker—filled with challenges, surprises, and moments that test both endurance and spirit!
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