Day 18-20 (april 24-26), mi 211.7-266.1

 

Day 18 was the start of the climb into the San Bernardino mountains. Leaving the valley the hills were covered with yellow flowers. For much of the day San Jacinto was visible behind us and San Gorgonio was to the west. At mile 220.1 we forded Whitewater river, the first major water crossing on trail. The water only went up to my knees. 

At mile 226.2 we came to Mission creek, which the pct would follow for about 10 miles. After the wet winter the trail was left fragmented and in very bad shape. Overall we had to cross the creek 25+ times as it cut across the trail. At mile 229 Angel, Ian, and Ryan stopped for the night, while Chris and I pushed on for several more miles. This section went through a really awesome canyon.

At mile 232.1 we set up camp, soon joined by Alashua. The day ended up being our first 20 mile day, with 20.4 being the total.

Day 19 was a very challenging day full of elevation gain. The first part of the day was spent climbing out of the Mission Creek canyon, the stream still crossing the trail several more times.

Eventually we got above 8000 feet and patchy snow started to appear. On the north faces of the terrain the snow became continuous, continuing on for the rest of the day. Microspikes helped somewhat, but the snow was slushy in the afternoon sun. It would have been much easier in the early morning when the snow is frozen. During the snowy parts I hiked with Chris and Alashua, sticking together for safety. 

At mile 248.2 we set up camp, making for a 16.1 mile day. We camped at 8740 feet, the highest we’ve been so far. It was a chilly night as a result. 

The last few days we have been passing many southbound hikers. Many people that started their hike in March ended up “flipping” north to Tehachapi to avoid the crazy amount of snow that was falling before hiking south toward San Jacinto. Later in the season they will jump back north to continue their path to Canada.

Day 20 was a great day on trail. The miles were super easy today, with a gradual descent toward Big Bear Lake. It wasn’t as hot as the last few days, and it was the first day where it was mostly under tree cover. 

At lunch, Chris, Alashua and I discussed our plans for big bear, eventually deciding to contact a trail angel named Kenny, who lets hikers stay at his home. He had plenty of space, offered to pick us up at the trail head, and he told us that lasagna was being served for dinner. Sounding amazing, we confirmed our stay with Kenny. We then texted the rest of the group, who were a ways back slowed down by the snow. Angel and Ian responded saying that they had already hitched into Big Bear at an earlier access point, and that they were at Kenny’s place cooking the lasagna! We hadn’t planned to all stay at Kenny’s, so it was really cool how it all worked out. They are both professional chefs, and because they were itching to get back in a kitchen, they offered to cook for the entire group. It was also funny because we’ve heard Ian talking about his craving for lasagna for a while, so it only makes sense that was the dish that they would make. 

Kenny’s place was incredibly relaxing, and the lasagna incredibly delicious. He picked   Chris, Alashua, Ryan and I from the trailhead at mile 266.1, making for a 17.9 mile day.