That time I thought I could hike the Pacific Crest Trail in sandals

Last summer I showed up at the trailhead near Mount Whitney with just some old flip-flops and a granola bar, thinking I'd crush 10 miles before lunch. Got about half a mile in before a thorn bush attacked my big toe and I had to hobble back to my car bleeding and laughing at myself. Anyone else ever show up for a big route wildly underprepared?

3 comments

3 Comments

hall.ruby1mo ago

Caught my buddy trying to do a day hike on Mount Baldy in steel-toed work boots last spring. He spent the whole first mile complaining about blisters forming on his heels before giving up and sitting by the creek. Still gives me grief whenever I bring up his genius footwear choice.

nathan_patel1mo ago

2 miles of blisters seems like a pretty good reason to sit by a creek though.

olivere301mo agoTop Commenter

Yeah @nathan_patel, I used to think toughing it out was the way but that creek sounds way better honestly.