I intended to just drop into Wrightwood to resupply then jump back on trail, but once in the hiker friendly town my plans changed. I was able to snag a nights stay in a tiny house called Acorn Cabin. It was adorable and Mandy, the owner and her lovely family were a delight. Mandy said the cabin was available for another night so I decided a zero day was in order since not many opportunities to stay in such nice accommodations for quite a few miles. The cabin was very private and had everything a hiker needed for a restorative and refreshing stay!
Caught up with Aussie, Lucky who I had not seen since the beginning and my new hiking buddy, Bacon. She seemed to have caught the respiratory virus making the rounds in the hiker community and I later learned eventually went home though hoped to return soon. Mandy took me back to the trailhead and I was soon starting the climb up Mt Baden Powell. Though the PCT climbs to some great heights, so far the trail always switchbacks and the grade is gentle. Had to negotiate some snow covered trail but nothing too difficult.
I had intended to try to make it to a National Forest campground but the climb had done me in. I had been leapfrogging with Over the Hill for some weeks and we met again at the summit and decided to camp on a scenic overlook a few miles on. Great sunset and sunrise which I enjoyed from my cowboy camp. Fascinating to see all the lights from the LA area revealed after dark.
Some fantastic views were enjoyed in this section
Had a short road walk because a section of trail was closed to protect an endangered yellow-legged frog. Over the Hill got a hitch from a day hiker heading home and they picked me up at the halfway point and we filled up his vehicle with 3rd hiker, Zest who had almost completed the annoying pavement walk.
Stopped in the Acton Action Campground to pick up a package from home and new shoes from REI. Took advantage of the opportunity to shower and do laundry but since so busy and noisy due to the Memorial Weekend holiday, I decided to move on. Perfect campsite was found a few miles on.
Passed under a busy highway through a trail tunnel and into the Vasquez Rocks area. Evidently lots of movies and television shows have been filmed here including Blazing Saddles, Planet of the Apes Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Lone Ranger, and more. I sometimes found the trail difficult to follow and found myself off trail several times. Thank goodness for the FarOut app!
Sometimes little scenes like the grass blowing in the breeze just take my breath away! This tugs at my heartstrings and is one of many reasons I am so enamored with hiking!
Enjoyed a huge breakfast in Agua Dulce, a small town the trail passes right through. Stopped at the fire station in Green Valley for water and noted the fire trucks all leaving on a call. It wasn’t until sometime later that day hikers alerted me to a fire that could be seen in the area I had just hiked. Soon several aircraft were working at extinguishing the flames and it seemed to be under control though evidently the trail was closed for several days as a precaution. Fire has been so devastating to California and I hope this season is not a repeat of last year, though the continued severe drought is very frightening.
Everyone has to hike their own hike and as previously noted I personally enjoy the solitude of solo hiking. I love the little details I sometimes witness that are possibly missed when hiking in a large group engaged in spirited conversation or when listening to music or podcast. Stopped for water at this spring, as did this hummingbird too!
Sad to see such fire devastation but hopeful to see regeneration beginning to occur, though will take many years to reach its former glory.
Finally made it to the infamous Hiker Town. An unusual PCT stop that resembles a grade B western movie set but is a hiker hostel and launching pad for the notorious Aquaduct walk.
Most hike this hot and dry section at night but that didn’t appeal to me and I started out solo at 5 am as the sun rose. It turned out great since there was a little cloud cover and a good breeze blowing. Finally completed the 10 before 10 challenge, hiking 10 miles before 10 am. Actually it was 12 before 10 and I hiked over 24 miles for the day.
Was a bit monotonous and I did resort to listening to some tunes to pass the time. Especially enjoyed listening to America’s Horse with no Name! Perfect lyrics!
“On the first part of the journey
I was looking at all the life
There were plants and birds and rocks and things
There was sand and hills and rings
The first thing I met was a fly with a buzz
And the sky with no clouds
The heat was hot and the ground was dry
But the air was full of sound
I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert you can’t remember your name
‘Cause there ain’t no one for to give you no pain”
To celebrate recently passing the 500 mile mark The Proclamers “I’m Gonna Be” was a good listen too!
Next up was miles and miles of wind farms and I found this to be the least enjoyable so far. Very tough going and very dry with long water carries. So thankful to trail angels who cache water for us!
After several tough days, hiker Blue and I approached Hwy 58 and trail angel, Turbine picked us up and drove us to the pleasant town of Tehachapi for some respite from the unrelenting wind.
566.5 miles hiked!
Nemophilist Hikes 