Day 0: PDX to SLT

Preflight check. Planning complete. Packing done and resupply set for Sonora Pass, Tuolomne Meadows, Muir Trail Ranch, and Kennedy Meadows.

I flew from PDX to Reno this morning to begin the PCT Central California SOBO section hike. After arriving in Reno, I rented a car and contacted Heavy, a hiker who posted that he was in need of a ride from Reno to Truckee in a Facebook PCT group. After dropping him near Donner Summit, I drove south to the Carson Pass Information Station to get my permit for the trip. A southbound permit was the only way to do this section this year at this late time because of the quota system along the John Muir Trail. At Carson Pass, I met a Brazilian woman who lives in Bend completing a double Triple Crown (PCT, AT, CDT). She’d already hiked 1075+ miles since June 2. I’m OK doing my own pace.

After picking up my permit, I headed into South Lake Tahoe for some last minute shopping, checked into a motel for the night, had dinner near Stateline, and lost $17 on the slots.

Tomorrow: Day 1 begins from Echo Summit.