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We are tucked away tonight up in the Laguna Mountains under the dense cover of thick Manzanita and Ocean Spray shrubs.

The full moon rose up over the crest just northeast of our campsite just as we were ducking onto the tent for the night. Early tomorrow morning there is to be a lunar eclipse which we are planning on getting up an hiking through. The alarm is set for 4am. It is absolutely gorgeous out here tonight, perfectly quiet, a pleasant chill to the air at about 45 degrees.

We left the ADZPCTKO (Annual Day Zero PCT Kick-Off) event today at noon, eager to hit the trail after spending yesterday evening relaxing and visiting with some other hikers. The event was originally held by the PCT class of '77, and each year is put on by a small group of organizers, trail "alumni" from the past few years, and a few Trail Angels. It is an opportunity for current thru-hikers to meet each other, get information about current trail conditions, water caches, etc., and just a chance to celebrate and unwind at the commencement of this grand journey.

The kick-off took place at Lake Morena, which is one of San Diego's drinking water reservoirs, located 20 miles north up the PCT from the Mexican border.