Thing Valley Road (Mile 40) to Laguna Campground (Mile 47.5) and back
(16 miles, +2,000/-2,000 feet).

This was a simple there and back on the PCT with my son Pasta Jay from our parked car to an established campground, but it is notable because it is the first time either one of us ever backpacked overnight.

In addition to being a nice hike to shake down the new gear I had bought, it was also an opportunity to try some cross country. At one point the trail passes below a mountain, and Pasta Jay wanted to climb it. Each time we thought we were at the top, we discovered there was more to climb (this happened 3 times!). It was a nice lesson in topography.

The next day on the way back, Pasta Jay went almost so fast that I could not keep up. 7 miles in 2.5 hours. It was mostly flat around 6000 feet, but still quite impressive!