Hot springs, hurt shins, Mountain Lions
Day 21, was an adventure. Woke up at Deep Creek Hotsprings where I decided I was going to attempt a 34 mile day to Cajon Pass McDonald’s. Did I do it? No. I did make 20.5 miles to Silverwood Lake. I ended up getting fairly painful shin splints, which made me want to call it a day. Once I got to the picnic area, I was so hungry I thought it would be a good idea to Uber Eats Little Caesar’s. I could have cooked, but I was running out of fuel. The first time I had a fuel scare. Maybe 2-3 more boils and I wasn’t sure how the next few days would play out. Best believe I ate a whole large pizza and brownie to myself. I met up with a few hiker friends I met at the springs. Was a bit disappointed that I wasn’t able to push miles, since the trail was relatively the smoothest it has been thus far. I ended up cowboy stealth camping behind some bushes where I heard my first mountain lion. It was unlike any animal sound I had heard before. I looked it up, and was able to determine that it was, in fact, a mountain lion. SCARY!
McDonalds, Bridge Fire Saga, Wrightwood
Day 22, lead me to McDonald’s. To be completely honest, I’ve been struggling. A lot. Debating on calling it quits and going back home. Thank goodness I have family and friends who are incredibly supportive of the journey and encourage me to keep moving forward. The thing I’ve found is that when I have a bad day, I am able to find a better day around the corner. When I made it McDonald’s, I sat there for a while. Talking amongst an international hiker about the state of our government. was able to get some good insight on how others live their lives. Conversations get deep when you’re exhausted and munching down on fatty, high caloric foods. Met some friends from the Czech Republic and Gary! We were all in a stressful situation as the Bridge fire closure got even bigger. How do we even get around it? Others were pushing forward a few more miles and hitching into Wrightwood. We decided it would be a smarter move to Uber into Wrightwood and find a place to stay for the night. We got this cute cabin in the middle of town. Being able to shower and wash your clothes is one of those simple pleasure, we as a society take for granted. The dirt that comes off of me, is an incredible sight to see. Ordering pizza seems to be a common theme on the trail. I finally got fuel! Yet another resupply package pickup from the Post Office, thanks Dad! Tomorrow, we spend most of the day in town cashing in on all the cool things Wrightwood has to offer to hikers. Spent the night chilling with cool friends and making the best memories I’ve had so far. Today ended up being a great day.
15 Mile Road Walk and the Burn Scar
Day 23, was all road walking. Walking around the closure on Highway 2. It was simple, yet a bit annoying. Due to human error, the trail is inaccessible. People need to be better at protecting the environment around them. We share this land, and I’d personally like to have hiked the whole trail instead of road walking for 15 or so miles. My feet hurt, my shins hurt, but my spirits are good. Once I was able to get onto the dirt junction and finally get onto trail, I was so relieved. Made it to Little Jimmy Campground. That brings me to mile 383. Tomorrow I’ll hit 400. It’s incredible how far I’ve come, realizing I didn’t even think I’d get this far. I’m giving myself hope for what I can accomplish. Anything I set my mind to, I can do it. Believing in yourself can be awkward, likely because those around can’t imagine doing that for themselves. Putting yourself in front of hardship and coming out triumphant. Most people are too afraid to step outside of the box and attempt the “unattainable”. Nothing is truly unattainable when you really believe in yourself. Everyone starts as a nobody. Those who make something of themselves, were their biggest supporter. You want something big? Go for it. You might surprise yourself in what you can accomplish.
Attempted Zero and Introspection
Day 24, I took my second zero. I stayed at Little Jimmy Campground. It is a comfortable spot underneath tree coverage. Not too hot, there’s water, and a pit toilet. Though I wish I could keep going this morning, my shin is hurting. I fight giving it a full day of not moving, would help it heal a bit. Tomorrow I’ll be able to make some serious progress. I’m in a great headspace and am looking forward to continuing, but I got to focus on keeping my body safe and healthy. If I push it too hard, then I won’t be able to do anything.
Was getting eaten by a ton of bugs, so I decided to go forward. Not too far, my projected camp is 11 miles away. Been doing some specific care towards my shin and it seems to be working. Using my rolling ball gently and applying tiger balm. I was able to get to camp with little to no pain, we’ll see how I feel tomorrow. Was able to run into some friends and hiked with them to camp. We had a deep conversation about how we feel. We are all experiencing different issues in the collective. Because we’re doing the same thing, it’s nice to know that other people are having their own problems. Likely, most don’t want to fully admit their struggles, but when we speak up, you realize that you’re not alone in the endeavor. Screaming from the top of a mountain and letting out all the feelings you’ve been holding, makes the pain just a tad better.
Mile 400 and my first Ramen Bomb
Day 25, I woke up with 171 miles to Tehachapi, which is pretty insane to me. It’s only gonna take a week and a half or so to get there. My shin this morning feels so much better, after keeping up on my regimen. I think I can push a bit more miles today. The group says they’re going to stop at 19.9 miles today. I think I might want to go farther. We’ll see how the day goes.
I just hit 400 miles. Walking 400 miles in less than a month seems to be an unbelievable feat, but in fact, I did it. Those at home who failed to believe I’d get this far, look at me now! Headed closer to the Sierra, it seems so much more attainable now. I have approximately 300 miles until I make it to Kennedy Meadows, where I’ll meet up with folks I haven’t seen in a long time. Walk into the vastness that is the Sierra and experience the magic that John Muir himself recognized. Thanks to him and others we have the PCT. It’s a dream to be on this trail and I’m accomplishing every single step!
I made my first ramen bomb tonight. It was so good. I was a bit nervous to try it, for some reason, but I was thoroughly surprised at how good it was. It was super filling too. I feel I’m gonna get some solid sleep due to my belly being full of carbs and starch. I had a wedge of Parmesan cheese too and I put that in there, and the cheese pull was divine. Solid meal. Probably my favorite trail meal so far. Best believe I’m gonna be eating more as I go on. Now I’m sleepy on top of this ridge, overlooking the Mojave. Very pleased with the day, although my shins are hurting a bit. I’ll be taking some medicine and rubbing some ointment on them in hopes to help them feel better. If you have any advice, please let me know. I’d like to get over this “injury” fast so I can push miles and get to the Sierra!
I refuse to accept what others expect
Day 26, makes me think that most people don’t believe that they themselves can do this. From recent comments, I’ve come to the understanding that you have to enjoy every single mile of the 2,650 miles that is the PCT or you’re not cut out for it. That any amount of hardship means you should stick to paved roads. However, I believe the contrary. The fact I made it through Mission Creek, means I’m capable of doing this. Though, no it was not my favorite section. I feel as though most people, who comment from their couch, expect us thruhikers to be world class athletes. I’d really encourage you to hike the 10-15 miles that is Mission Creek and come back to me and tell me how you feel about it. The trail up to that point and after, has been fantastic and smooth. As of right now, I’m coming close to Hiker Town. I’d like to say that I, in fact, have made it through some of the most challenging situations I’ve ever been through. That shows what I’m actually capable of. Saying one should just stick to paved roads, defeats the purpose of the PCT. You’re telling me you want easy, not me though. Although, I am allowed to have my moments and least favorite sections. It has not been perfect, but what do you expect from a 2,650 mile trail from Mexico to Canada.
BIG DAY: Path to Agua Dulce
Day 27, brought me yet another big mile day. I decided that I wanted to get to Agua Dulce with a moderate mileage day tomorrow, so I ended up doing 24 miles today. I woke up super late this morning and didn’t end up breaking camp until close to 9am. I weaseled my way to the Mill Creek Fire Station, where I contemplated my choices. My shins were on fire all day and I legitimately was concerned that I would not be able to continue. I rested for close to 2 hours and learned very quickly that hot asphalt will burn the heck out of your feet if you walk barefoot. Reluctantly I went on and walked into the night, pulling into the North Fork Ranger Station at midnight. Let’s just say, cruising downhill in the dark is not recommended, but I certainly got the best sleep because I was so tired.
First Thunderstorm and Mexican Food
Day 28, I had my first beer before 7:30am. Starting the day off with alcohol makes for an adventurous and fun day. Singing through the morning to LA RV Resort, we got free ice cream and going out with Trail Angel Ray. We got back on the trail and hiked the 10 miles to Agua Dulce where we got caught in a thunderstorm. At Vasquez Rocks the rain started coming down like crazy and it was our first storm of the season. Rain jackets on, we got soaked and got into town. I will say, Maria Bonita Restaurant is 1000% the best place I’ve been to on trail. Huge hiker hunger portions and Karaoke! With a small resupply to get to Hiker Town, we cowboy camped on the porch of Maria Bonita’s. Fully charged and full as heck, on to the Mojave.
The path to 500!
Day 29, back on trail after a solid town day. Made sure to eat some breakfast at the Rustic Mercantile. Great coffee and sandwich, now I feel super ready for 20 or so miles. I’m 63 miles from Hiker Town and the aqueduct. Most hikers do the 20 mile stretch at night, I’ve heard some folks are hiking the 50 miles from Hiker Town – Tehachapi in one single stretch. Unsure if that’s my plan or not. My shins have finally stopped hurting! Now I just have to deal with my burnt toes. PSA, don’t walk barefoot on asphalt during a hot day in California… It’s foggy here in Agua Dulce. After an incredible thunderstorm, nearly soaking me to the brim, I think the weather will be nice today. The forecast says it’ll be 98-100 degrees in the Mojave, not exactly my ideal temperature. Night hiking is 100% in my future. I’m comfortable night hiking, although it can give me the creeps when I see red glowing eyes staring back at me. My crew has left me this morning, I like being by myself throughout the day. I feel rushed when people are behind me. With taking videos and tons of breaks, I still meander my way into camp. Hoping to do at least 20-25 miles the next 2 days so I can have a relaxed day getting into Hiker Town, to rest up and head for the LA Aqueduct that night. I should be in Tehachapi in 3-4 days. That means, I’m done with Southern California!! Woohoo! Making progress, and before you know it, Sierra time
I haven’t taken but 1 zero this whole trip. I will say though, that the day after town day is always the toughest. Getting some moderate rest and hanging out with rowdy friends, only to go up 2k ft in elevation just to get back into the hills. Thank goodness it’s not incredibly hot today and there’s cloud coverage which calms the suns rays. “I’m tired of this Grandpa” I say in my head as I walk through the heat, feeling like I’m in “Holes”. The only thing keeping me going is the fact that I’m entering the Sierra soon, 245 miles. That’s what I keep telling myself. Gonna have to start night hiking more soon, it’s only gonna get hotter and more egregious as I enter the Mojave.
I’m so close to Hiker Town! Tonight I camp at mile 471. Tomorrow I’m going to attempt my biggest day at 30 miles to hit 500 and find camp. Cowboy camping has become a normal thing for me lately. I actually enjoy it, I get my best sleep. At home, I sleep with all the windows open, so that’s likely why I get good sleep. I’m warm in my bag, but it’s cold outside. My “injuries” are healing and I feel like going into the Sierra is going to be the best. My body has acclimated to my bear can and excess weight, I have a decent sleep schedule, and my food intake is consistent. Tonight, I dream of 500 miles on the PCT.
Getting closer each day
Day 30, I took an afternoon siesta at the Green Valley Fire Station. Decided I’d make a smaller day and sleep at mile 471 tonight. Tomorrow I’ll hit 500 and soon after, get to Hiker Town. I’ll attempt to get up early tomorrow, it’s hard for me to decide to wake up. Although I have the responsibility to get to Canada “on time”, I find myself struggling to wake up before 7am. If I wake up earlier enough, I can crank out a solid chunk of miles and get to Hiker Town faster, which means Tehachapi faster.
