Day 10-12 (april 16-18), mile 109.0-151.8

 

Day 10 started with a 2 mile round trip road walk to Warner Springs to get supplies for the next few days. I later regretted not trying to get a hitch, as those two miles added onto a very long day. The only shop in the town suitable for resupply is a gas station, which had limited options. Combined with the few items left from the Julian resupply, it will be just enough to get into Paradise Valley Cafe/ Idyllwild. 

It was by far the most difficult day on trail, with high temps and a ton of elevation gain. There was a several mile stretch along side a medium sized creek where the trail crossed over it 8 times in total- each time having to get my shoes wet. Later in the day the water sources became more unreliable, forcing us to carry a few liters up steep climbs. 

 I ended up pushing all the way to Mike’s place at mile 126.9, making for a 18.2 mile day. It was the longest day so far, but including the morning’s road walk (although I left my pack behind for that), it was around a 20 mile day.

Mikes place is a trail angel’s back yard opened for pct hikers to camp, use outlets, and fill water bottles. There were about 20 hikers camped there, including some that I hadn’t seen in a few days: Chris, Angel, and Ian.

Day 11 had much easier terrain and the miles came much easier. For the first time in about five days there were views of San Jacinto, which now appears much closer. The wildflowers were spectacular all day. 

Water was a bit of a challenge, with only 1 real water source in the middle of the day. 9.5 miles from Mikes place there was a faucet fed by a water tank. We had lunch there for an hour or two. At mile 139.5 there was a “concrete cistern” full of really gross water, which we decided to skip and push on to mile 145.4. A trail angel named Mary keeps a small water tank on her property, also allowing camping. There i set up camp with Chris, Alashua, Ian, Angel, Ryan, Kat, and several others. 

The last four days after scissors have all been high mileage, with an average of 17. We plan to have the next few days going into San Jacinto be much easier.

Day 12 was the shortest day on trail so far, with only 6.4 miles hiked getting into Paradise Valley Cafe at mile 151.8. It was a chilly, windy, overcast morning (although thankfully the overnight wind gusts weren’t as bad as predicted). We got an early start in order to get to the cafe for breakfast, where I ordered a very delicious breakfast burrito. 

The plan was to hitch into Idyllwild to take a zero, but the hitch actually found us. As I was inside eating my burrito with Chris, Ryan, and Alashua, a local came by offering a ride into Idyllwild. Her name was Laurel, and she drove us the 20 minute drive to town, even giving a small tour. She explained that her son hiked the pct twice and she loves helping out hikers. 

I booked a room at the Idyllwild bunkhouse, and wandered around town. I sat in the library for a few hours, finishing reading the Fellowship of the Ring (which I was two chapters away from finishing). I got the chance to meet Mayor Max and Vice Mayor Meadow, two adorable golden retrievers that faithfully lead the town of Idyllwild. I spent the rest of the day in my room, resting my feet and planning the next few days on trail.