This is my first attempt at blogging from the trail.
You’re welcome.
Actually, I’m more sort of near the trail, at the Lake Morena campground for the aforementioned ADZPCTKO gathering.
So far, it’s been a little strange. I arrived late, so nearly everyone who is here for the start was already settled in, and in the darkness it’s difficult to greet fellow hikers. I’m in a campsite with half a dozen other folks–mostly young men if a cooler vintage than I. I am ensconced in my wee tent, listening to shifting and shuffling all around. I have interacted with few people, and of course, from outside, everyone seems more experienced and confident than I feel.
I fully expect tomorrow to be more convivial, though, and it’s been nice to see that there’s a wide range of ages represented, so I don’t feel like the only non-college-age fellow here.
The weather is great, clear and pleasant, so I was surprised to see almost everyone else wearing jackets and knit caps. Maybe it’s a hiker fashion statement; maybe after some time on the trail, it just becomes your go-to evening wear. I’ll have to ask tomorrow.
Since I have no cell reception here, we’ll see if this posts when I’m in technological range. Wish me luck.
A shot from the morning following this post.
Your host, heading for volunteer duty.
Professor Errant 
Praying you meet some great folks and have an encouraging experience!
Have a wonderful adventure and stay healthy. I am doing an Oregon section hike in August maybe I will run into you.
I look forward to meeting anyone so friendly and with so excellent a trail name. Keep your eyes open up there!
I SOOOO covet that backpack
Ha ha! I win!
Thou hast already endured much, by way of living. I wish you well on your noble quest, the same which I shall commence one year hence. Beware dragons (in the form of mossies-that’s Aussie for mosquitoes), the dark woods (poodle-dog brush) and the treachery of the Old Knees……(errrrr……just old knees really). Seriously, I’ve enjoyed your posts thus far and wish you all the best that the PCT can offer. Kind regards from an Australian 2015 hiker……carry on and dam the torpedoes!
Many thanks, m’lady. I find it delightful that much of my inspiration for this blog and my attitude toward the journey came from a fellow citizen of the Land Down Under, and now other Aussies are following me. Save me a spot to hike down there (and in NZ) one day. Lord willing, I can help illuminate your path next year (and possibly offer angeling service, as we’re only a few miles off the trail up here).
Dragons have never really liked my flavor, so I’m hoping they will not devour me. People have played up the danger of poodle dog bush so fiercely that now it ranks above mountain lions, hillbilly cannibals, and alien abduction in terms of fear. Thanks for the encouragement!
Wait.. are you actually hiking in some sort of period costume?
I wore the vest and frock coat that I used for my promotional photos because I thought that would make me more recognizable at the event. What happened (predictably) was that everyone asked if I was going to be hiking in it. It was not in my plan, but I started thinking (1) it would be in character; (2) it might make getting rides into town easier (how many dangerous loners look like a reject from a Victorian caroling party gone wrong?); and (3) it would be fun. I’m still not positive I’ll take it, but it’s a distinct possibility.