We packed up my newly gifted keyboard, had sushi, burgers, and pizza with friends, and said, “Bye for now” to our furry companions. We’ve been planning this (hiking the PCT) for months and years, but reality is setting in as we finish our preparations in Florida. We’re up early today. We take our last trip to the storage unit and pick up the trailer that will tote our resupply boxes of food and shoes across the country.

The kid (in his early twenties) was still hungover (his words) as he checked that the lights on the trailer worked before sending us on our way. Since Caleb is still recovering from double carpal tunnel release surgery, of which both wrists got infected but are on the mend with antibiotics and having the stitches removed, a bit aggressively, I will be driving forward and letting him handle any reversing.

We’re able to borrow a hand cart from one of the maintenance guys to get the freeze dryer downstairs once we air up the tires. Thanks, Nick. I carry all the food down, getting some elevation practice (just kidding), and Caleb will use his handmade box net to hold them in place, especially since none of the boxes are closed yet in case of needed adjustments while on the trail.

I drop the keys off at 1030, and we’re on the road minutes later. The usual breaks are still taken, but our mileage-to-empty-guesser (not the official term) is slow at first to adjust to the added weight, which is affecting our miles per gallon. I think we averaged 18 mpg once I could set cruise control on the highway, even with the random bits of congestion for no reason.

Our goal for today was to get to Georgia since we didn’t know when we would leave. We succeeded and added 40 miles to our estimated stopping point, so we are closer to our first activity tomorrow. Driving with this trailer is way less stressful than the uncomfortable truck and trailer that Caleb had to deal with. I look forward to the rest of our trip (as I always do!)