In late April each year the Pacific Crest Trail has a gathering of aspiring thru hikers, trail angels, lightweight backpacking gear vendors and former hikers. It is held at Lake Morena Country Park in southern California and is known by the comically lengthy name of Annual Day Zero Pacific Crest Trail Kick Off (ADZPCTO).
A wonderful fusion of new and old, enthusiasm and accumulated wisdom, 2013 represented the first time I had attended the Kickoff. After spending the week in San Diego, I was dropped off at the US/Mexican border on Friday afternoon (April 26) and walked the 20 miles from Campo to the festivities at Lake Morena. I wasn’t really sure how I would enjoy camping out with so many hikers in the one area. Turns out I had a great time! Catching up with old friends and making some new ones, it was a memorable experience, one which I will hopefully have the opportunity to revisit in years to come.
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