From Tehachapi to Kennedy Meadows we had a long stretch of 9 days. We decided not to stop for a resupply in Onyx and go straight through and save some time (after our little desert adventure) so we could still get to Kennedy Meadows by the 15th.
This next stretch we hoped to be heading higher into the clouds but quickly came to realize that we'd be experiencing the desert once again, only at higher elevations. I think Will summed it up nicely by saying, "water is scarce, the weather is hot, and spirits are low".
We made it into Kennedy Meadows (the Gateway to the Sierras) on June 15th. Just the day we had planned on. We decided to take a few days off to get our heads back in the game, get hydrated, and take some much needed time off.
At this point Will and I have pretty much figured out what it is we wanted to "DO" with the rest of our lives. And we both felt like that part of our jouney was over and the rest was a journey of finishing. It was a hard call but I decided it was time to go home, be an adult, and head in for that surgery that I had put off before the hike. I felt in a really good place about the decision because I had figured out 'my plan' for after the hike and I didn't want to be air lifted out of the Sierras or anything.
The decision was a hard call to make and even tougher to make without some sort of regret no matter which way I had decided. Will decided to give it another week without me (though I know he'll finish). I'm working on his next resupply boxes and saw that he's near the Whitney Portal tonight (getting ready for the big summit tomorrow). I really wish I was there with him. And seeing how the timeline looks for surgery I'm hoping to make it back out and at least catch Will in Oregon, if not sooner.
Making adult decisions doesn't always satisfy the soul, but they may become necessary to one's physical well being. For Will, I hope you are staying warm with my sleeping bag liner and know you are missed.
Will, will be sending me updates (seriously he's actually going to write stuff down and mail it to me) and I'll be updating that as soon as it becomes available. Oh and some great pictures to come, as soon as Will gets out of the Sierras.
Best Wishes,
Steph
"THE FLAG" is this little orange flag that has been passed around on the trail and has made its way from Mexico to Canada and back again a number of times. Hikers take turns carrying the flag and then they get to write their name on the flag and thus go down in "flag carrying history". Will and I rescued the flag after Big Bear, but it got passed off and we weren't able to acquire it and Now Will is on a mission to get the flag back and to get our names on it. And that is the story about "THE FLAG".
Day 35: Zero at the Saufley's
A very relaxing zero. Went to REI and Albertson's and got some new shoes & a sleeping bag liner.
I lit up Will's Bday cake--everyone sang. Then I began to sew a tank top from some scrap fabric from the "scraps" hiker bin (because I couldn't help myself with a sewing machine right now...
Everyone was so excited that we found "THE FLAG"--they were all stoked. We were heros in everyones book for our time at the Saufley's. Will enjoyed his birthday celebration while I helped Breezeway fix his tent, with all that it was time for bed and hopefully an early get up in the morning.
Day 36: 25 Miles from the Saufley's to the Anderson's
We made it the 25 miles between the trail Angel's houses and that was great. The Anderson's left a cache of water, coke, and beer--so we stayed there to get out of the sun in the late afternoon before we made it down to the road, which the Anderson's lived off of.
The Anderson's were great. Lots of food and spirits to go around. We made it up until "Hiker's Midnight" and then Will and I and a few other hikers crashed in the living room--which was nice to get out of the hot whether and the wind.
Day 37: Anderson's +10 miles
We knew we'd be stuck at the Anderson's for another zero if we didn't hit the trail so we left early. Caught some breakfast at a little coffee place down the road. The heat was wearing on us and we hadn't stayed up so late in a while so the day was full of lots of breaks and mini-naps. We found some great caves along the way and that took us a little off trail for a bit as we found them very interesting.
We came across a perfect camp spot protected from the wind on a pine tree covered ridgetop and we decided to call it quits for the day.
Day 38: On Our Way to Hikertown
We awake to the 3 Amigos sitting near our camp. Vick was sick so they'll be taking it slow today. We'd love to make it to Hikertown but with only a 10 mile day yesterdxay, that dream is fastly fading.
The 3 Amigos give Will a shirt, because he left his at the Anderson's (long story I'm sure he'll share in his own time...). Today is slow with many breaks it's hot and water is on everyone's mind. We pass and get passed by the twins on and off who are waiting for Vick to catch up while on their quest for water and camp spot. Will and I continue to press on, even after dusk, as our miles again, are pathetic only 10ish by dusk. We have dinner right on the trail and press on into the darkness.
A few hours into our night journey we find ourselves gazing upon the narrow gazing eyes of a bobcat. I look at Will- "Quick make some noise"--Will proceeds to growl at the bobcat--then I join in, haha. He takes a few steps away from us and looks back.
We then break out into song to keep the bobcat from stalking us. "You've lost that Loving Feeling" (By the Righteous Bros. Will would like to add).
We switch back down a few more miles and then set up a quick and dirty tent set up--literally right on the trail...
Day 38: Hikertown
We get in around lunch. I head to the mini mart for ice cream and chips and salsa...mmm... Our feet needed the rest so we decided to stay and nap the rest of the day and get an early start in the morning. We watch a little Coyote Ugly on the TV and make hamburger's. Some head out that night, we decide to wait until morning, until the wind dies down...
Day 39: Hikertown to Somewhere near the Mojave
So we leave Hikertown--we're headed for the Aqua Duct. We're heading out and there are really good signs for the first 2 miles and then they disappear. We follow the AquaDuct a few more miles but something doesn't feel right. We ask some of the locals if we missed some other AquaDuct, but they tell us this is the only one in the Valley so we continue on. (We're suppose to be hiking it for 20+ miles so we'd have a ways to go).
At mile 15ish there hasn't been a PCT sign in 10+ miles and we're headed in the wrong direction. We get ahold of Will's Friend and Monica (later that evening) and we need to head North. The Aquaduct "U"s and we need to be on the other end of the U. So we head North. We're both frustrated, wind blown by 50+ mph winds and finding out you've gone 15 miles in the wrong direction is very disappointing.
We head North, reaching the other side of the Valley by tonight would be impossible and we end up cowboy camping in the middle of a desert field, somewhere between where we were and where we want to be.
Day 40: Lost.
#1: We don't know exactly where we are
#2: Beside's "North" we don't know the exact location of the PCT
#3: The water report doesn't work when you're off the PCT so we're rolling with the water we've had leftover since the day before.
We head out. We cross Hwy 138, decide to find the trail--After talking with Mo in the morning--we know the other highways into Tehachapi if we can't find the PCT.
We pass up our 1st chance at Tehachapi at Hwy 138. We press on North. We don't figure anyone is going to give us a lift so we move to the other side of the road. Seconds later Frank & Willy stop and ask if we're doing "The Crest" trail- yea we way. They'll give us a ride to get us a little closer but they had to stop for water on the way. No worries we'll wait, we could use the lift.
While we stop for H20 we chat it up about the PCT, where we're from, yes we're heading to Canada and all of that. We leave the Peach Orchard (where we got the water) and they take us a couple more miles up the road and invite us over for sodas and a meal if we want to stay.
We knew we had to get going--we had a trail to find--they tell us the Aquaduct wraps around the valley and is north of us--ahh that makes sense. We get their address and say our thank you's and head out. We roadwalk, through the chaotic dirt and gravel roads--heading every which way. we decide to head a little more NE, which would save us some Aquaducts miles ahead...so we think.
It's windy. We finally make it to the basin of the Mt. range--no Aquaduct, no trail, no road heading towards Tehachapi.
So we can head back West to find where the aquaduct vanishes or we can head East. And hope to find a road into Tehachapi in the Am. We vote for finding the Northernly road and to end our struggle to meet up with the "Official" PCT route (plus we're running super low on water).
Will's sick, we're both tired, and both of us our disappointed so we call it quits for the day...
Day 41: Tehachapi!
With a mission we drink a liter of water and head out--we're finding the road into Tehachapi today or else... Through a series of back country road walks, baja roads, and bushwacking we make it to the Tehachapi Willow Springs road by 3pm. Tired, sunburned, windblown we make the trek to Tehachapi (12 miles! of road walk). A warden pulls over and offers us a ride--we happily take it. He's hiked sections before so he was eager to hear about our journey. He gave us a tour of town and then dropped us off at the best dinner spot...mmm...milk shake here I come!
3 days with one days worth of water, tired, and hungry, we make it into Tehachapi. We're a day late and feeling the effects of minimal water--but very happy to be in town and sleeping in a real bed. We'll "Zero" tomorrow and hydrate up. We made it!
Day 42: Zero in Tehachapi
Mostly the same as all zeros, food, post office, food, rest, food, gatorade, gatorade, gatorade.
We've now landing at one of the coolest coffee joints I've ever been to. Free internet, great eats and great tea.
Alex, you would love it here! There's an artist in tonight, a photographer. Her latest collection is of windmills and windmill farms--some pictures look like paintings...
We're headed off, maybe dominos later, maybe just more gatorade, either way tomorrow morning we'll be off again. 8 days to Kennedy Meadows and then we begin the snow part of our journey...
Steph
Day 29: Guffy to Wrightwood
Snow, Snow, Snow. The trail? Crap.
Got snowed out. All tracks disappeared by the time we got a mile short of Hwy 2. We were pretty much miserable. Will didn’t want to admit it but I think he was too—very excited about a hot meal in Wrightwood. We reluctantly and happily decided to head to Wrightwood. Now which way down the trail would that be? We see a black suburban—“Will!” I shout and he takes off running after the car. Hands waving and everything. He gets her to stop and she graciously gives us a, snow soaked and sad looking, a ride into town. We were so happy for the ride and saw not a soul on the road until almost Wrightwood—how lucky we were. We stopped in at the Evergreen Café and ran into Doc and Cruisin—who we’d seen the night before. We were glad we weren’t the only ones to bail.
After we were done eating, Team Bad Wizard, Smooth Criminal and Spider Woman came in as well. That was pretty much everyone we knew of who was on the trail came down into town. Whew—glad we did too, we would have been out there by ourselves.
Not sure if we’re heading out tomorrow—just going to wake up and check out the snow situation. A local trail angel took us in for the night so we didn’t have to pay for a room—very, very nice people. Stacey & Clark. I’m sleeping in an actual bed. With a belly full of Enchilades, salad, garlic bread, Ice cream, and brownies. Stacey is from Hood River—she’s hiked sections of Oregon before and got in a jam and no one would giver her a rid. So now she trail Angels in hopes to pass that goodness on because she wished she’d had it then.
They let the house all to the four of us: doc, curisin, will & I. They had to go guard the new building their building in town.
Looks like Spic N Span might be off the trail for good. Hope she changes her mind. Now I’m off to bed in the super comfy bed…
Day 30: May 24th Hwy 2 to Base of Mt. Baden-Powell
We got all bundled up at least with the limited gear we had. I even did Cruising’s idea of plastic bagging your foot in your sock and then putting a sock layer on the outside. It was wet snow (slush really) on the trail. We got to the base of Baden-Powell. I looked up at a snow entrenched trail. The fog, cold and snow surround the mountain. I was pretty grumpy, ask Will. We decided to take Stacey & Clark up on their offer and went back into town to stay another night –it’s their anniversary tomorrow—it’s especially nice of them to let us stay. The four of us watched a movie, Cinderella Man, when Doc showed up. The summit wasn’t passable—we’d have to take the highway the next day. We ate steak and potato dinner. And Stacey made Apple pie, what a saint. Then Cruisin’ showed up at the end of dinner. All of us back—like one big happy family.
Day 31: May 25th. 18 Miles on Hwy 2 Detour Around Mt. Baden-Powell
Today we have to do a long road walk on closed Highway 2 in order to catch back up with the trail. Again it’s cold and foggy but our spirits are up, And we’re hoping to get out of the snow.
It was a long road walk. We kept pressing on hoping the snow would subside. Alas our feet gave in and we found a closed picnic area in which we could scrape the snow off a slab of concrete and sleep there. It was a wet cold, cold night. Tomorrow we’ll get out of the snow…hopefully.
Day 32: Hwy 2 to Mill Crk Summit Picnic Area: Out of the Snow!
We awake to everything being wet and drips falling from our tent onto our faces. We struggle between the moist warmth of our sleeping bags and the wet cold that awaits us outside. We fold up and pack our wet tent and sleeping bags.
Nothings dried out. So I put one wet sock back on and Will gives me a dry pair of his to put on. He takes my dry liners. It is all rather pointless when you slide those warm dry feet into wet stone cold shoes. We just want to get out of the snow and down into the lower elevations—that would require a 22 mile day. I think I’m up for it…
We meet new folks along the trail. A volunteer Forest Ranger tells us how bad the trail is—we shake our heads—we agree and we know. After only a mile the snow begins to get sparce and we start dropping gin elevation. We’re so stoked. We’re tempted by a sign that reads “1.5 miles to a Restaurant” but we press on because we want to get out of the snow and down into the warmer climate.
Soon we see a cache—Rootbeer! Don’t know why I’m getting so fired up about root beer—could be homemade Root Beer as a kid? Other cravings: Mom’s Choc. Chip cookies with walnuts and oatmeal, Mom’s Croutons and Banana Bread.
On the trail we go. We even start sprinting at spurts. Will takes a spill in one of the sprinting sessions. The Ranger Station is up ahead! We get water, bathroom break and then down the hill to the mill creek summit picnic area—requiring another stealth campt at a day camp only…
Day 33: Mill Creek Summit Picnic Area to Creak Below Ranger Station 2 (22 miles)
Pretty uneventful day, besides that near the end of the day I got what I think was Shin Splints that wouldn’t seem to go away. 6 miles from our 22 mile goal I sat down on the trail and shreaked at the pain. At this point I was super worried about getting 6 more miles, I didn’t even feel like walking 6 more steps. We sat for a bit and I feld better—at least at first. We got to the next Ranger Station and decided to have dinner but I kept walking because my legs were feeling pretty good.
So we feast on Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Dinner on the trail, literally right on the trail (with all the steep switchbacks there’s little place to sit). Dinner tastes good and warm. A mile ago I didn’t think I could make it—now I find myself awakened by a hot meal and rise to do at least another mile, we press on. Down and up the switchbacks. Through burnt forests and California Junipers. Then a steep descent—is that water down there? I get excited and make a comment out load. From below comes a voice--
“Don’t get too excited about the water”—it’s Doc, which means Pink Lemonade for dessert tonight! We tucked into a little spot by Doc by the river. No need for the rainfly tonight—the sky is wide open and clear…
Day 34: 4 miles Past Ranger Station to Aqua Dulce/Saufley’s
Only 14 miles to the Saufley’s! A little climbing but nothing serious. I made pretty good time for the first 8 miles. The last 6 were a bit of a struggle but the terrain near the end was beautiful—the Vasquez Rocks. I managed to slow Will down once in order to get a shot off…
Arrived at the Saufley’s everything was very open, organized and friendly—it will be a pleasure staying here. It took us a while to find a tent, but luckily we did and I’m thrilled to be sleeping on a cot tonight. It will probably be cold—but the cot (hopefully) will make up for it.
Got a cake for Will’s birthday—they only had pink candles, ah well I guess it will have to do…
Day 22 : 2nd Zero in Big Bear – “Spic N Span’s Zero”
We headed for the Laundromat to help Spic N Span with her Zero day…When we got back she got a call and had to head home for a family emergency. Will and I decided to take the room (since we already paid for another night) and not push a few extra miles in the afternoon We said our goodbyes and Will and I (mostly Will) made dinner. I watched Jester attempt to drink 1 gallon of chocolate milk in one hour. Well he failed and it all got caught it on film. One last “hot tub” for me, TV and off to bed.
Day 23: Van Dusen Rd to Holcomb Creek
Got a great jump start on everyone leaving today because we hopped off at VanDusen rather than Hwy 18. Eric the Black gave us a ride and we tossed him gas $$ for his gas juggling jeep. Off we went. Most of the day was a road walk detour around a fire damaged area—which seemed to take forever—but at least until the sun went down literally at dusk we make it to the creek. Both of us soar (in multiple ways) from the road—which road walks are never really all that fun…
Ran into a guy at the creek that spoke little English—I think he’s thru-hiking we may have heard of him from some of the other hikers. Camped right along side the creek. Very lovely Spot.
Day 24: Creek to Warm Spring along trail
We creek side walked for a while. Met some nice weekend hikers from Big Bear and had lunch with them by the river with a big bridge before the Hot Springs. We proceeded to the Hot Springs but would find ourselves at the “Warm Springs” instead. Rand into 2 nice Forest Rangers a woman and older man who were both very excited about our trip. Ran into a thru hiker from last year who told us he missed the Springs the year before so to keep our eyes peeled. We were looking so closely we spotted a trail off the PCT that seemed to match the description so we took it. It was a steep descent that ended with basically a rock climb down onto a sandy small beach. Too amazing to pass up—we set up camp—dipped in the warm springs and decided to take a zero the next day to really enjoy the setting.
Day 25: Warm Springs “Nero” to Just after Spillway/Dam
Nero was great—basically by ourselves until 2 gentlemen showed up with their dog. They informed us the “hot springs” was 2 miles up, darn we though. We decided to cut our “Zero” short and head for the Hot Springs. We got to the Hot Springs, it was crowded and we were already on our feet and wanted to get some miles in—so we pressed on.
Ran into tons of graffiti on the trail. Came upon the dam—there was a big Rattler there—will took a nice picture. Finding the trail was a bit sketchy—but we forded the river, talked with a few other hikers and then were off to find a camp site for the night. Will pumped water and got bit 30 times. While I set up the tent on a bunch of plants because there were no bare spots to be found on the trail. Called Mom & Dad—figured there must be cell service if there was graffiti everywhere. Then we ate some amazing Mt. House dinners and listed to motorcycles go through the spillway tunnel. We went from the most beautiful camp spot the night before to probably the least. Ah well off to bed we went…
Day 26: Spillway to 10 miles before I15 (aka McDonald’s)
Got up and went about 1 mile and a trail angel made us Rootbeer floats for breakfast—yummy. We flew to the next Hwy and then took a little longer getting around this lake. Up and down, up and down. Decided not to camp at the campground and keep heading toward McDonald’s—it’s calling us, haha—we keep meeting all these new hikers after our oh so many days off. Kinda cool and kinda sad that we’re getting behind the people we’d been hiking with thus far. Speaking of which we found the flag Yak had been carrying! He lost it by the lake—we’re hoping we can catch up to him so we can give him back the flag!
We pressed on past the lake campground, got the climb for the next day out of the way and now we’re camped in the world’s smallest/tightest amp spot with a creek running literally 2 inches from our tent on one side and willows pressed up against the other. But as we have found with other late night camp spot debacles—we called it wuits because we had found something before the inevitable lack of camping spaces on the impeding 10 miles of switchbacks ahead and with that I bid you goodnight with the very near sound of streams running, crickets, grogs, and overflying Jets…
Day 27: Mile 332 to Swarthout Canyon Casche
Made it to I15 by 10 AM which = Breakfast at McDonalds! Steph ate: bacon egg and cheese biscuit sandwich, hashbrowns, large OJ, double cheese burger, 2 chicken wraps and ½ an Ice Cream Sundae with Fudge and nuts. Will ate: 3 double Cheese burgers, 2 chicken sandwiches and the other half of the fudge sundae.
10 miles “down” to I15 this morning—hah you know how “descents” go on the PCT (climb 2,000 feet to drop 3,000.). So really we had a fair amount of climbing. Sill though, we figured it was 11 or 12 and come to find out it was 10 AM. In time for breakfast.
After McDonald’s we went to Subway and got 2 of their $5 footlongs—fully loaded. Then filled up on powerade and water and hit the trail. It was hot so we took a ciesta for more than 2 hours. We push on to the water cache, we don’t need water, but we’ve got to conserve water because we have a long dry stretch ahead.
Day 28: May 22nd Will’s Birthday
Swarthout Canyon to Guffy Campground
Rained a little on us last night. Glad we put the rainfly on. Big climb today up 5,000 feet. Started to snow on us and got real cold around 7500 feet. Guffy campground is right on the top o fthis ridge of 8250 foot. Really Really cold. Took me an hour to warm up my sleeping bag. Will went to get water and I made dinner, then the fog rolled in at the twilight (after sunset hour) very scary movie creepy. I was more than happy to get back to the tent. Very Cold. Then it started to snow…
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Hey everyone! If you do end up sending us anything please address it to Stephanie Madesh as she is the one that picks up our resupply boxes at the PO.
The other option is to send it to Stephanie's parents and they will put it in our next resupply box. This is probably a more sure bet that we will get it, but its up to you. Their address is:
The Madesh's
37600 Elizabeth Dr.
Lebanon, OR 97355
If you could also write on the side of the box, or elsewhere noticable, "For Resupply Box."
We appreciate your support,
Will/William/Bill
Day 15: Fuller Ridge to 4 Mi before the "Fountain"
Fuller Ridge wasn't as bad as all the rumors, though I did land on my bum once. The first 5 miles I hiked up more for a "descent" then I ever had, kindof ironic. The next 10 were all downhill. Fuller took us a little longer than we had hoped so we only made it the 15 today. Camped in a windy spot on a switchback. It was a 20 mile stretch (in total) descending 10,000 ft. Crazy.
Day 16: 4 miles before the "Fountain" to 100 feet before the old Hatchery
Hot, Hot, Dry day. The first 4 down took longer than expected. Then we had a 1 mile road walk and then accross the sands we went. We caught up with Nargles and Photon and Bread Bag and Tess, then Laura & Yardsale caught up under the overpass. We had some pops the PCTA trail crew had left for us...very refreshing. Then we made a hot slow climb back up out of the floor. Was really slow until the sun went down, then Steph bolted like lightning and picked up some good speed for the end of the day.
We hiked past lots of windmills for wind power. We'd be seeing those even into the next day.
Day 17: Fist Hatchery to 5 mi Past Bunches of Streams
It's Mother's Day! Got to talk with my mom (Steph). But when I got down the hill I lost reception so we couldn't get Will's mom. Will and I hiked the first 2/3 rds on our own and then did a cool climb in the early evening (after lunch) together.
A great end of day walking next to streams a little taste of what we can expect in the future.
Day 18: 5 miles past Bunches of Streams to Ridge Top: 16 miles
Lots of climbing but nothing too serious. We tagged teamed with lots of people today , The Amigos, Germanator, Yak, Jared and others. We all had our eyes on BigBear for another hot meal...
We ended up camping near the top of the ridge (just over one side). The wind was brutal but we found a little place that seemed pretty sheltered. Made camp for the night with the 3 Amigos.
Day 19: Ridgetop to 4 mi past Hwy 18 (20 miles)
Steph's feet are definitely doing better. Though we both put in a long day. We saw all types of terrain and even some sort of a zoo where we got real close to bears, a tiger, and a panther--no joke.
Coming into BigBear/Hwy 18 there was lots of trail propaganda (ie- fruit, juice, water, pop, gatorade, etc.) All put out by the local hotels offering rides and what not. Seeing where we were on the trail we decided to finish the loop around Big Bear Lake and go into Big Bear once we are finished tomorrow.
Day 20: Hiked about 4 miles to VanDusen Canyon Road
We lucked out and Eric the Black (PCT '07) was dropping people off at the trail so he gave us a ride into town. We found a place with a hottub and cheap hiker rates and decided to stay...2 nights and wait for Spic N Span to catch up so we could all hike out together.
Will got the largest Burrito I've ever seen and the Owner said he was the first person she ever saw finish it. We got a picture of it so you can all see the rediculousness. Lounged around and Hot Tubbed for the rest of the evening. Went to the Post Office where they put us up on their PCT Hiker wall.
Day 21: Zero in Big Bear
Got some food to get us to Aqua Dulce. Also got some fresh Strawberries and Ice Cream we'll be hitting that up soon. Spic N Span should be in any time now and we'll head out for one last meal and then hopefully pull 20 tomorrow. We're attempting to make it to Aqua Dulce in 10 days, which means averaging 18/day. I think with our newly rested feet and backs that we can do it.
Until we can blog again hope to hear from all of you! Will & Steph
Day 8: 3rd Gate Cache to Warner Springs
Steph got up early and headed out before our little crew (which consists of Steph, Will, Spic N Span, & Nyquil). We all met up around lunch time. We had a nice cool break under a big tree. But our focus was on getting to Warner Springs.
After lunch we saw the infamous 'Eagle Rock'. We then headed for Warner Springs and took another night off. Shared a room with the crew and Long Jon. We got a great pizza that would last us a few meals and some much needed athletic tape for Steph's feet. Ahh and later that night we soaked in the Warner Springs Hot Pool and let the magical healing powers of the spring water work magic on our feet.
Day 9: Warner Springs to 5 mi beyond
Another "Nero" day, Had to get out of Warner Springs, it was a bit addicting and spendy. Found a nice place by the stream and waited for NyQuil and Spic N Span. Lots of people stopped by for a visit: Ms. PotatoeHead, Laura & Yardsales, & the 3 Amigos.
Day 10: Stream Spot to Mike H's (10 Miles)
We only went 10 today, we were planning on more but a trail angel was having a Cinco DeMayo Party at his place and it was so inviting we decided to stay the night. We had chicken, ribs, black beans, tortillas, spanish soup. Lots of music--pretty much everyone who was near Mike's place stopped in so it was great to see everyone in one spot relaxing. He really opened up his home to all of us, took the say 'My home is Your home' to heart.
Day 11: Mike H's to Water Cashe near Anza (about 15 miles)
Today was about getting to water. We would have camped earlier but the last 5 was all uphill. 10 more miles to a good hot meal...we can't wait. We also got rained on in the night...haha and I thought we were in the desert.
Day 12: Anza Water Cache to Idyllwild 10+ Miles
The infamous Paradise Cafe was closed, no Jose Burger for us this year. The next 40 miles of the trail were closed so we got a ride into Idyllwild and split a cabin for the night. It was the crew again and Chick Magnet.
Watched some American Idol (SpicNSpan and NyQuil are big fans). Got a nice hot shower and rest in a bed...very nice...
Day 13: Zero Day in IdyllWild
Will & I took a Zero, decided to get these blisters fixed up once and for all. Spic N Span & NyQuil headed for Palm Springs to meet up with friends. The zero day went by pretty fast. After we ate a real early dinner we took a nap and woke up at 8 the next day--great way to spend a Zero...sleeping...
Day 14: Idyllwild to Fuller Ridge
We were suppose to hike Fuller Ridge this afternoon but Will got a little lost on the way down from San Janucinto Peak and it had gotten to cold to hike Fuller. There was lots of talk of snow and ice so we wanted to hit it at just the right time, somewhere between postholing and slipping on icy snow. We camped with narggles and Photon a mile up from Fuller, cold night only 18 degrees.
Day 1: 20 Miles from the Mexico/US Boarder to Campo, CA
It was a hot day reaching a high of 110 degrees F. We started in the morning and got into Campo in the evening (for the ADZPCTKO). The first day was pretty eventful, full of blisters (for steph), rattle snakes, people looking for a better life in the US, and running low on water. We met lots of fellow hikers. Steph made it out to the Boarder with the wrong pair of shoes and no hat or sunglasses...lathering on the sunscreen all day she narrowly escaped the sun rays. Will of course kept going like a rockstar.
Special Agent who had picked us up from the airport (and swung us by In & Out Burger for dinner) also took us to the boarder. He also picked Steph up a hat later in the day...thanks Special Agent.
Day 2: "Zero Day" Well a "Nero" Day we hiked 6 miles
The PCT Thru-hiker class of 2008 took a pic in the afternoon. Will and I picked up some last minute things from some of the vendors (Sunglasses for me, and trekking poles for Will). We said our goodbyes to Rico (who had been our trail mentor from Corvallis, OR). I decided to headed out with the two ladies from SanFran I met the day earlier. Will stayed for dinner and caught up with us later (bringing with him some yummy burgers from the bbq). We stayed the night at a horse camp, what a windy one!
Day 3: 15 Miles, Horse Campy to Burnt Ranchero Campground
I had pretty bad blisters forming. Wondering if I need new shoes? Hiked 10 miles in my 'crocs' (sandals) today as I couldn't shove my feet into my Keen shoes any longer. Of course my whole day was focused on my feet. But we made it to the next camp and had a good time hiking with a group.
Day 4: 12 miles Burnt Ranchero to Day Camp out of Laguna
We made it 12 miles today and camped near Laguna with a slew of other real nice hikers. Someone heard we were there and brought us by water (because the water source there was contaminated). Then he went back to town and bought more water for us! He was so generous...
We spent the evening hanging out by the campfire. Lots of picturesque moments today. (Hopefully we'll get those up soon) All of the Hiker crew we've met have been very genuine, remember your name, and really want to know how the hike is going for you. A really great group of individuals out here...
Day 5: Day Camp to FireWater 16 mi
Steph got up and left before everyone--Will caught up pretty quick. It was a slow day but Will & I hiked together for most of it. The last 4 miles were tough on the feet and we were both tired. We finally descended onto the "firewater" stop and found our SanFran friends. Julien for a break tomorrow!
Day 6: FireWater to Julien: 10 miles
Hell of a hike to Julien. We made good time in the morning to make the most of our day off. We got a ride with Mike who had just dropped off Brit & Kee--he also gave us his number and came and picked us up the next morning to take us back to the trail at 7AM! What a great Trail Angel.
We ate at a Buffalo Burger place until we were stuffed and picked up some more food in the little grocery store. All the places closed early so we didn't get dinner out--so we settled for some chips and various dips...a great substitute...
Day 7: 17 Miles: Julien to 1mi past 3rd Gate Cache
Miked picked us up as promised right from our hotel. Then we headed for the trail--A steep hot climb today. Up, up, up. We still made some good miles and hung out at the 3rd gate cache with fellow hikers in the early evening, before heading on to make camp. Found a great spot right off the trail...great finish to our first week...
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