Today we zeroed and gained 70 miles. Last year the lake fire ravaged the countryside and took out a huge chunk of the PCT, so we shuttled around it to Big Bear Lake. Luckily, this is the last closure well have to drive around, so I should be able to walk the rest of the way.
Steps taken today/total: 0/390,794
Miles walked today/total: 0/277.7
Elevation gained today/total: 0/30,271
Elevation lost today/total: 0/33,523
Going downhill is hard. You would think it's easier than climbing, but the constant pounding of feet landing below each other for eight hours takes its toll on your joints. Today we went downhill for 17 straight miles, on some less than stellar trail. Parts had washed out, so you need to walk with your feet at awkward angles. Eventually it flattened out on the way to Ziggy and the Bear's. Ziggy and the Bear are a couple of trail angels who have hosted 1600 hikers this season in their backyard. Sadly, this is their last year as they are moving to spend more time with their grandchildren. I'm glad I was able to meet them and be one of their last hikers.
Steps taken today/total: 43,022/390,794
Miles walked today/total: 20.3/210.8
Elevation gained today/total: 661/30,271
Elevation lost today/total: 7,166/33,523
I saw the ocean today! Granted it was from a hundred miles away from the top of the mountain, but still. The climb up to the top of Mt. San Jacinto is definitely tougher than any trail we've done so far, but that's for a reason. It's not technically part of the PCT since horses can't use it, but the 5.5 mile trail that cuts of 4.5 miles of the PCT led to some of the best views and the first snow we've had so far. Near the peak there is a stone cabin that was built in the thirties and has hundreds of signatures reaching back almost as long.
As we made our way down a fog rolled in, giving the tall pine trees an eerie feel. When we rejoined the PCT the trail was in the best condition I've experienced. It was newly maintained and was wide and flat with fresh stone supports on the sides. We crossed a beautiful waterfall with cool, clear water to drink. We camped with a few other hikers, including Snake Charmer. Snake Charmer has the best trail name story I've heard yet. In day one, a rattlesnake was on the trail and wouldn't move, so he pulled out his flute and played until the snake moved of the trail for him.
Steps taken today/total: 33,651/347,772
Miles walked today/total: 11.5/190.5
Elevation gained today/total: 3,120/29,610
Elevation lost today/total: 3,569/26,357
Today we took a nearo in town to rest and plan for upcoming trail closures. Messiah and Snack's friend Samantha flew in from Boston and will hike with us for a week. We hiked out of Idyllwild back to the PCT, but we can't go to far since we are summiting Mt. San Jacinto tomorrow and there is no camping in the mountain. Tomorrow will probably be the most strenuous day yet even though we only plan to go 12 miles. At 10,834 feet, the peak will be the highest point of the trail so far.
Steps taken today/total: 12,094/314,121
Miles walked today/total: 3/180
Elevation gained today/total: 1,756/26,496
Elevation lost today/total: 0/22,788
Today we hit the first fire closure on trail. The Mountain Fire closed about 15 miles of trail between highway 74 and Idyllwild. We hitched to town for a resupply and will take a nearo tomorrow.
Steps taken today/total: 22,468/292,027
Miles walked today/total: 9/180
Elevation gained today/total: 1,911/24,740
Elevation lost today/total: 1,003/22,788
Today shook up my plans quite a bit. When I took my afternoon break I found out that Matt was forced of the trail due to his injuries. I can't imagine what he's going through.
Steps taken today/total: 32,186/269,559
Miles walked today/total: 15.8/143.1
Elevation gained today/total: 2,158/22,829
Elevation lost today/total: 3,131/21,785
Coming out of Warner Springs has some of the best scenery we've seen yet. We walked through meadows and between oak and cottonwood trees for about five miles until we got to small mountains with a winding Creek between them. We were shooting for a campsite at 127 that ended up being better than we could have imagined. We got to the site, Mike's Place, and found that the owner and caretaker have been hosting hikers for years. They had fresh watermelon for us and cooked pizza in a brick oven a former stonemason thru hiker had built for them. We stayed up late (9:00) eating and talking around a bonfire, and tomorrow morning we will get a pancake breakfast.
Steps taken today/total: 32,458/237,373
Miles walked today/total: 17.8/127.3
Elevation gained today/total: 3,764/18,760
Elevation lost today/total: 1,876/18,454
