4) Trail Magic, Zero Days, Snow & Hiker Hunger – Week Two on the PCT

My second week on the Pacific Crest Trail flew by, yet I experienced quite a lot. One of the highlights was my first encounter with trail magic.

Trail Magic

Trail magic is a term that carries a special meaning on the PCT (and other long trails). It describes unexpected gestures of kindness from people who bring joy to hikers along the way. This can be anything: a cold drink, fresh fruit, a ride into town, or, in my case, pancakes. “Legend” and “Bee,” two incredibly kind-hearted people, surprised us one morning. They were there with a small gas stove, making pancakes for a group of happy hikers. Moments like these give you renewed energy and make the trail so special.

Zero Days

Another term every thru-hiker knows: Zero. It means a complete rest day – zero miles hiked. I took my first zero in Idyllwild, a charming small mountain town surrounded by tall trees and fresh mountain air. I treated myself to a hot shower, pizza, burgers, and restocked my food supplies. After this day off, I felt ready for new adventures.

Snow

The timing of my zero day also had to do with the weather. It was cold, windy, rainy, and snow was expected. I had planned to climb San Jacinto, a mountain over 3,000 meters high. It isn’t directly on the PCT, so it required a small detour. The day after my zero, the sky cleared, the sun shone, and the air was fresh. Off I went! The climb was challenging but breathtakingly beautiful – truly a highlight of my journey so far.

Hiker Hunger

This week I also met a new companion that will likely stick with me for a long time: hiker hunger. This is the sudden, massive appetite that sets in after a few days or weeks on the trail. My body seems to realize that I’m demanding thousands of calories from it daily and insists on more – lots more. I had to discipline myself not to eat all the energy bars in the morning. Rationing becomes an art and a daily mental exercise.

All in all, week two was marked by encounters, rest days, little miracles, and a growling stomach. The trail teaches me something new every day – about the world, about others, and especially about myself.

By the way – I’ve now reached Big Bear Lake. That means 10 percent of the PCT is already behind me.