Had hoped for a more restful zero day in Idyllwild but town chores kept me busy. Regret not getting to meet the town mayor who is a dog! My kind of politician! Kind trail angel, Jeanine drove me back to the Hamble Park trailhead for the 2.7 mile hike back up Devils Slide Trail to intersect the PCT. There was a blue blaze trail to the summit of Mt Jacinto which I decided to forgo since there was a high wind advisory. I did run into some incredible high wind anyway and eventually got really cold. First available flat tent spot and I stopped, struggled to get my tent up and climbed in my sleeping bag to get warm. Too windy to cook dinner so my Mother’s Day feast was a bag of Fritos, though I had enjoyed a nice conversation with my daughter and received a lovely text from my son earlier.
Despite the challenging distances between water sources, I am still loving this trail.
Notice the fortifications to keep my tent erect but all to no avail. I could tell that with such strong wind, the fabric was going to rip or the poles break so let my tent down after dark and climbed on top and enjoyed my first cowboy camp. Morning view was fabulous!
The hike to the I-10 underpass and through the Mesa Wind Farm was not particularly pleasant though the Wind Farm office did welcome hikers and had a fridge full of goodies that could be purchased on the honor system. I indulged in 2 ice cream bars. Next wonderful stop was the Whitewater Preserve, once a fish farm but now an oasis for PCT hikers and visitors. Opportunity to soak tired feet and Rangers allowed hikers to camp on the grounds after closing to the public
The next section sounded idyllic. The trail was to follow Mission Creek, crossing it many times. The reality was that it was quite difficult to follow, sometimes with steep up and downs. Cairns helped guide the way but it seemed that some well-intentioned folks had placed them where they thought the trail should go and I found myself off trail several times. Was glad to eventually reach Big Bear where I planned to pick up my new tent at the post office. Zipper failure on my beloved LightHeart Gear SoLong 6. I had been seriously eyeing the ZPacks Duplex for it’s weight savings. I pulled the trigger and so far no regrets. Ended up staying the weekend at Trail Angel, Kenny’s Place waiting for another package to arrive. Very lovely stop despite my first impressions.
Kenny suggested we all go to his local and enjoy the famous Triple Bypass Burger. Several gave it a go and most finished. Fortunately no ambulance was needed. Enjoyed the lunar eclipse!
Crossed several bridges on the way to the Hot Springs. Actually had a morning meditation led by a hiker called Firefly with several others under one bridge. I must say it is easier to meditate in the backcountry than the front country, at least for me. The Hot Springs were wonderful! Clothing optional but most of us just hung out in our undies.
Did my first 21 mile day on the way to Silverwood Lake State Park. Not really by choice but because of a 6 mile no camping zone. It was actually 22 miles because the State Park decided to make the PCT camping area as far away as possible from the trail. A lot of grumbling about that!
Next up was Cajone Pass, the I-15, McDonalds, and a train passing every 5 minutes. Sensory overload for me and I was reminded yet again of why I don’t frequent McD’s! Did enjoy a decent gas station Mexican salad and a stay with 3 other women hikers at the truck stop Inn. It was not too much further to my next town visit of Wrightwood, the town I have enjoyed the most so far.
Weird stuff seen on the trail on this section!
Yippee! More than halfway through the desert.
369.3 miles hiked!
Go Girl. Love your blog Jim F.