Situated on top of a mountain, daylight comes early. Sometimes too early! Heather, Remy and Brian were getting packed up when I opened my eyes around 5:30 a.m. After the late evening push yesterday, I wanted to go back to sleep, but with more heat to deal with and another 3,500 feet to climb, I made myself get up. I left camp with Brian, Pepper Man and Jump Back while Good To Go appeared almost ready to start hiking and Phantom and Nitro were still sleeping across the trail.
I struggled all morning on the climb, a combination of fatigue from long trail mile days, getting up so early, heat stress on the body, and newly-formed nasty blisters on both heels and on the ball of my right foot. We pressed on, stopping for two breaks of about 40 minutes each through the morning, but never saw any sign of Good To Go, Phantom or Nitro. Doodlebug was feeling sick and stayed back at I-15/Cajon Pass last night. We got up to 8,250 feet, back in intermittent patchy snow fields, and stopped near the intersection of the PCT and a side trail (Acorn Canyon) and waited awhile for our trail friends to catch up. While there, I got to witness my first rock/snow slide which lasted about 10 minutes. It was fun to watch and, though we were situated right next to the slide, we were in no danger.
After sharing snacks and food stories, Brian, Pepper Man, Jump Back and I found the Acorn Trail junction and began the steep, snowy descent toward Wrightwood, CA. We finally hit a paved road around 1:45 p.m. and took a seat on the side of the road anticipating Nitro’s dad Heinz to arrive with Doodlebug around 2:00 p.m. Like clockwork, Heinz arrived right on time with a cooler of cold sodas and water! He drove my three trail buddies down to town while I sat on the roadside with a cold Coke and a smile! I journaled while awaiting his return. Soon after he and Doodlebug returned, Nitro, Phantom and Good To Go appeared. We loaded the car with our smelly backpacks and our smelly selves, drove to the Wrightwood post office for package pickup, then drove 60 miles back to the Apple Valley home of Heinz and Susan Kass to spend another fantastic evening courtesy of these awesome trail angels! Showers, laundry, another cookout, internet, e-mail, fresh cotton clothes, cold drinks – ah, life is good!
Now for an update on trail news: Squirrel is off the trail and apparently has gone home. We will miss him and are sorry he couldn’t continue his journey but wish him well.
Pop Pop is off the trail and is back in Charlotte, NC for now but may be returning in June. He suffered a major setback when, while cooking dinner alone somewhere a few miles behind us, heavy winds knocked his cook stove over causing a 50-acre forest fire! Pop Pop fought the fire, trying to keep it from spreading, and in doing so singed his legs, losing some hair. He lost his tent and some other gear. Fire crews from helicopters and fire jumpers contained the blaze, and thankfully Pop Pop is not otherwise injured! Our hearts go out to him and we are hopeful he’ll return to the trail in June!
Phantom developed a painful foot problem yesterday morning that is causing major pain in the ball of the foot when lifting the foot to step after having placed foot pressure down. We suspect a ligament or tendon irritation similar to my experience and are treating him with ibuprofen, ice, elevation and a definite zero-mile day tomorrow and maybe longer.
Doodlebug continues to fight a respiratory problem but plans to hike tomorrow afternoon to being to catch up the 22 miles she is now behind us.
A 60-year-old unknown PCT thru-hiker who is experienced and has already hiked the AT has been reported missing since May 3rd when he last picked up his mail and drop box. It doesn’t sound good, and I’ve been thinking about those possible mis-steps on the mountain/gorge side slabs and the snowy high country…in those areas we normally travel in a group to improve safety conditions. This trail is much more remote than the AT, and you can really get into trouble traveling alone and possibly not ever be found. I am thankful for great trail friends to experience the journey with!
Happily sleeping tonight in a real bed in a wonderful home! Today’s mileage: 11.4 (all up!) Cumulative mileage: 363.6 Weather: Sunny and smog, Low: 48, High: 85
