Author: Andrew Carter

I just completed a multi-year thru hike (MYTH) of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). It took three years. I hiked 1840 miles in 2021, 733 miles in 2022, and 122 miles in 2023. The only reason I had to hike in 2023 was a wildfire closure at the north end of the PCT in 2022. During the past two years, I've also thru hiked other, shorter US trails. I hiked the Benton MacKaye Trail (GA, NC, TN) and the Tuscarora Trail (VA, WV, MD, PA) in 2022 plus the Ozark Highlands Trail (AR) in 2023. I hope to hike the Long Trail (VT) next year and the Colorado Trail at some point in the future. Please note, all content on this site is copyright.

Julian Resupply

c) Andrew Carter, 2021

After hiking 10 miles today, I hitched into the tourist town of Julian in rural San Diego County to resupply.

What a delightful little town! It began its existence, believe it or not, as a gold rush town in 1870.

The downtown consists almost entirely of historic structures.

Not the place I’m staying
There are other hiker welcoming signs around town. Julian is 80 trail miles from the Mexican border (5 to 7 days) and the first resupply for many NOBO hikers.
Frary House
Old-fashion lunch counter in the former Levi-Marks Store
Not sure if the town hall is actually historic. It could be. Sometimes when you fix an old building up, it’s hard to tell.
Definitely not historic, but nicely trying to fit in.

From some of the pictures above, you may have picked up on the apple theme in Julian. There are apple orchards nearby. There are lots of places in town to get apple pie and apple cider. That includes Mom’s Apple Pie, which not only gives hikers a free slice of pie, but also throws in the “a la mode” and coffee for free as well. Can’t beat that, and I love apple pie.

The apple crumple pie was excellent.

In addition, Jack’s Deli has a half price hiker sandwich special at lunch. I ate there first before going to Mom’s.

There are quite a few small museums in Julian.

Inside the Grosskopf House
In addition to this visitor center, there is a wolf reserve (zoo) outside of town.

And here’s my room at the Oak Hill Inn.

I definitely enjoyed my stay in Julian. The best “trail town” yet.

Snakes

c) Andrew Carter, 2021

I can now say that I’ve seen two rattlesnakes. Here’s one I saw before it saw me. Definitely preferred. A little scarier when they see you first and start rattling.

And here’s a non-venemous snake I saw today. It’s almost white. It’s length when not curled up was about 12 to 14 inches.

All God’s Cacti

c) Andrew Carter, 2021

Here are the different cacti I saw in a half-mile stretch of the PCT descending into dry San Felipe Valley in rural San Diego County. I’m so sorry I can’t identify each type.

This is the top of the stalk and the flowering seed pods put out by the cactus type immediately above.
I love the red flair.
When the cactus type above dies, this is what the remaining stalk looks like. Notice the interesting lattice structure.
San Felipe Valley, about 70 car-miles from San Diego.