Day 8-10: Pain, Tears, and Unplanned Zeros
As I woke up, the pain was immediate and relentless. We had camped at mile 84.7, aiming to reach the water source at mile 101.3 by the end of the day. But my blisters, which had been manageable, suddenly worsened, covering my heels and both big toes with massive, painful blisters. Despite following all the advice from Blaze Physio, my right hip and knee started to ache, and even my shoulders hurt, despite our efforts to adjust my pack. It was clear that we had to get off the trail again.
The realization that my shoes were too big and that I needed a new pair and several days of rest was a gut-wrenching moment. The guilt was almost unbearable, knowing that this would slow us down and cost extra money. My fear of being the reason we wouldn't fully experience the PCT and reach Canada loomed, though Benjamin's unwavering support kept those thoughts at bay. I cried through the 17 miles we managed to hike before noon on Day 8, and even at the 100-mile marker, a significant milestone.
The kindness of others shone through when we reached Julian. Kamisha, a kind trail angel, responded to our Facebook post and offered us rides, cheaper accommodation, and even a place to send my new shoes. Despite the initial disappointment of not finding my size at 2 Foot Adventures, the positive vibes from the store staff helped lift our spirits. We ended up spending three unplanned but necessary days in Julian, allowing my feet to heal and waiting for my new shoes to arrive.
While the accommodation was nice, we both longed to be back on the trail. Now, with new shoes, we hope to resume our journey on Day 12. We are incredibly grateful for the help and kindness shown by Kamisha and everyone who has supported us along the way. The PCT community is filled with good people, and their support has been invaluable.
This experience highlights the challenges and unexpected turns that come with long-distance hiking. It's a reminder that even the most carefully planned adventures can take unexpected turns, and sometimes, the most valuable lessons are learned through adversity. As we continue our journey, we'll carry these lessons with us, appreciating the support of our fellow hikers and the kindness of strangers.
