Mile 1,319.0 - 1,335.0

Today's highlight was crossing the halfway point of the PCT. The monument is off by a few miles from the exact midpoint because the trail changes each year. We were very excited to finally reach the halfway point but still can't believe that we have another half to hike.

The PCT has been very challenging to us in many ways. It has been more scenic than I could have imagined. I thought it was graded more for horses, but it can still be steep at times. I often wonder how horses get up some of these trails.

After our celebration at the midpoint monument we had a long descent to Highway 36, which is the road to the town of Chester. It took us about 20 minutes to get a ride. A nice guy who works in Chester gave us a ride. We are always so happy when someone stops for us.

We got a place to stay for the night. Then went to the local dentist. Yes, dentist but not for dental work. The local dentist here in Chester is also a thru hiker and he is giving back in a big way. Everyone who comes into the office gets a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, a bag of homemade cookies, their picture taken and posted on the wall. Best of all, everyone gets a $20 gift card to a local restaurant. Thank you very much.

In the afternoon we got a text from our hiking friend Sizzler saying he was on his way into town. We invited him to stay with us as we have a large room and two beds. So that's what he did. We have not seen Sizzler since South Lake Tahoe as he spent three days with his family and we hiked on. We knew he would catch us. We have been hiking with Sizzler on and off since day two of this trip.

Needless to say the restaurant "The Locker Room" was packed with hikers. Amazing trail magic. We love the small towns like this one.

Y-Knot thinking about all that has happened over the first half of the PCT. 

The monument reads "1,325 miles to Mexico and 1,325 miles to Canada. The PCT midpoint.

Congratulations Balance & Y-Knot on making it to the midpoint of the PCT. From here on we can say, "we are more than halfway". 

No water under this bridge. It's dry and hot!

Hikers everywhere at The Locker Room restaurant in Chester. This is where the local dentist gave all hikers a gift card to. At the table is Kat, Owen, Halfmile. Staying Afloat, Sizzler, and Balance. Good times.