Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kickoff (ADZPCTKO)

Tis the season for backpacking. More specifically, the Pacific Crest Trail, the long wilderness trail that spans 2665 miles from Mexico to Canada.  This past weekend was the annual kickoff, a 600 plus member send-off to all the current hikers making their journey North located at Lake Morena, mile 21 of the PCT.  It's an inspiring weekend where past hikers reminisce and future hikers dream of taking their first step on an amazing journey.

Leaving the PCT only 155 miles into it in 2009 left a bitter taste in my mouth.  However, I must say that I ended up having an awesome summer in the Alps, which ironically is where this summer's 450 mile backpacking trip is going to take place.

Megan and I had a great time at the kick-off where we reconnected with TheOnion, Ducky, Tomato, Meadow Ed, Nitro, Squatch, and Sky.  We ran the 21 miles from the border to Lake Morena saturday morning and the desert wildflower-filled trail (thanks to a huge water year) only deepened our secret inner desire to drop everything and hike north to Canada. Alas, patience reigned at that moment in time, but we have it inked (non-erasable) in for April 2013.  

Other than that, we let the weekend inspire us with all the different presenters, starry nights, wonderful lake, and awesome short films at night.  

Squatch:Courtesy of One Pan Wonder

A lovely evening on the Lake:Courtesy of One Pan Wonder