05/21/23 Miles 15-20.5: I woke up with a swollen, hot, throbbing, red lower leg… although concerning, there was nothing to do but continue hiking. So, with a throbbing leg I hoofed it to Lake Morena 5.5 miles away, found ice to ice the leg, got tasty town food and decided to stay for the night. Not nearly the miles I expected myself to get. Lake Morena was nice, a PCT hiker called TownWard, purchased a bunch of camping permits for other hikers and handed them out as we came out of the trailhead. He also told me he knew I was new at thru hiking because I only hiked 5 miles that day. Pssshhh he didn’t have a sore throbbing leg pain. Pssssh that guy! Pssshhh whatever! He may be correct and his honesty hurt my pride. I can’t stand the other hikers passing me! I’m not, not competitive. The rest of the afternoon I spent unloading some unnecessary weight in my pack, took a bath in the sinks, rinsed my clothes and journaled to a beautiful sunset, followed by the sliver of a magical moon and starry sky.
PCT 20 23 