Off to see Mayor Max mm 77.3-151.8

Day 7

Woke up early despite a nice soft warm and comfortable room. Got all packed up and waiting for the trail angel to grab me as she passed from Julian to Scissors Crossings. Was kinda nervous as to my knowledge everyone I had hiked with up till now had pushed onwards towards Idywild. And once again I’d go solo. Upon arriving at Scissors Crossing I saw Phillip who I either hiked with or camped with since the start. Kinda nice to see a familiar face. The day was cool and we had another big rock screed climb. Today’s trail wound in and out of the canyons. In and out over and over. You’d walk down the trail to see the folks in front of you pass you on the trail across the canyon. Feeling refreshed as we covered 7 miles by lunch despite the late start and exposed walking. The next water source was yet another 7 miles and there were numerous camp sites around it so decided to camp there and pushed onward for another 7 miles to camp. We got into camp early way early. We had tents up and dinner going by 5pm. We could push on a bit more but then it’s another water carry. This is the way we could consume as much water as we needed and simply load up in the morning and head out. I finished up my last blog in my tent. Sent out some texts to my family. It’s odd how many places we have cell service on trail. Phillip wanted to push 18 miles to Warner Springs as if we arrived early enough we might be able to get town food. So lights out early. 

Day 8

Today would be the day of many great things. It’s the first night I got great sleep which you need on trail. I got up and packed, loaded up water for another long carry as the next source was Barrel Springs 10 miles down the trail. We were making good time as we were timing our arrival in the spring to be with lunch. Just before Barrel Springs, we came across mile 100. Yes long way still to go to Canada but it is great we hit 100 miles. About 50 yards from Barrel Springs we came across a large sign taped to a tree “Trail magic ahead”. Today was going to be even better. This event was hosted by Ron and Celeste who are locals and they do 2 events a year in honor of their son who did a successful thru a few years back. Between the great food and drinks, comfy chairs, and great hosts I got vortexed in as I had 8 more miles to go before camp. I said my goodbyes and headed for Eagle Rock. It’s a natural rock formation that looks like an eagle. The terrain out to Eagle Rock started as the typical desert I’ve been on all week then we dropped into prairie land with wild grass. It was not what I’d expect of the desert. After Eagle Rock, we did a bit more of the prairie landscape then we were in a forest of large oak trees and a creek flowing through it. We set up camp and headed to Warner Springs community center to see what they had for resupply. Upon arrival was informed they were closing early and that tomorrow volunteers may not show up till 10 am. So without a real plan, I got a resupply together and hoped for the best. And I crossed off two more items for the day. Today was my first 18-mile day. And secondly, Warner Springs is the end of California section A of the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Day 9

Today planned to go from Warner Springs to Mike Place which is 18 miles for water as my Far Out map was not updating and hearing reports from the trail that no water till then. We filled up our water at the community center in Warner Springs just to be safe as running out of water is not something I wanna do and headed out. First several miles were through grass lands something you would think of in the desert. Looked more like thevprairre you’d see in day Kandas. You could see cows off in the distance and at one point one was standing directly on the trail just looking at me, probably wondering what I was doing. I’d start at the creek where it was cool and shaded and hike up out of the shade back into the desert landscape to drop by down into the creek land to hike back up again. Between the heat and pack weight which is now heaviest, it’s been in a while as full resupply and water. I was just worn out. I took numerous breaks and dropped my pack but to no avail. Phillip and I chased each other all day. I’d pass him only to break and he passed me. I was just a slog. Finally, around 4 miles from Mike I was ahead and just kept walking. I was on a mission to get water. I finally  arrived at Mikes around 6pm, filled up my water, and cameled up. Drank 2 liters of water while I waited for Phillip. The plan was 2 more miles to camp. Those miles were uphill and by the time Phillip arrived about 30 minutes behind me, the plan was stuck. Mike’s place also allows us to camp there, so walked down the driveway and saw 1/2 dozen hikers all set up. There was bar-b-que chicken, fresh warm pizza, and a cooler of soft drinks. I couldn’t have asked for more. And it’s all donation-based from the hikers. I walked into Mikes pretty defeated but some real food and a cold night’s sleep fixed that.  

Day 10

Same story just different day. 10-mile water carry and first 2 miles uphill. Oh the joy the PCT brings me. Today it was the same typical desert landscape. Scree piles, loose sand, and rock hoping the same trail conditions we have encountered from day 1. Well, today I did have a first. The first rattlesnake on the trail. Probably a 3-foot-long snake laid out across the trail. Just living its best life. Phillip was behind me and as I heard him approach I warned him of the snake. He is from France and doesn’t have these animals there. I was kinda excited he got to see one this early in his trip and one this size. We took some pictures and video before we shooed him away off the trail. Got water at mile 10 which was a trek and horrible water but water nonetheless. I missed another trail Angel ahead had water. So got just enough water to get there. Debenebettis is located 7/10 miles off the trail and offers soda, hot dogs, and water, and again it’s all donation-based. I filled up my bottles and had a soda and a couple of hot dogs. It’s odd how real food is easy to eat but the food I’m packing just doesn’t seem to wanna go down. It was getting late so off I went down trail to find a spot for the night. The only spot I could find was on top of the ridgeline. Fully exposed to the wind which I was hoping for little or it would be a long night. I staked out my tent as usual and tossed large rocks on my lines. If it was windy at least the tent was staying put. Tossed my gear inside. Set out his mattress and quilt and headed to bed. Tomorrow planned to go about 11 miles plus a 1-mile road walk to Paradise Valley Cafe for lunch then get a ride into Idywild. 

Day 11

Woke up early today as needed to be on the trail at 6am so we could be at the cafe about noon and in Idywild at check-in time. And also we were trying to beat the heat. At 6am when we started the trek it was 46 degrees. Perfect hiking temperature by 11am the temperature had risen to 74 degrees. When it’s dry, windless, exposed, and shades hiking 74 degrees is way too hot. At about the midway point, we stopped to take off our shoes and packs. Just a short break as we were on a deadline. We got to the highway and still had 1 mile to the cafe. The road is flat and straight so you could see the big red patio umbrellas and for a long time I didn’t think I was making any ground. Finally, we got there and grabbed a table on the patio. The place was pretty packed with travelers from around the area but mostly hikers. Not a minute after sitting down the waitress dropped a cup of ice water on the table. Oh, the joy of ice-cold water. It was so refreshing. Ordered a bacon cheeseburger and it did not disappoint in the least. That and salty fries and a couple of cokes is what I needed upon arrival another hiker told us a trail angel was giving rides to Idywild and would be back in about an hour. How awesome was that as we had an hour to relax and enjoy lunch then a ride would be here. No hitching today. I’d say it worked perfectly. We finished lunch and in no more than 5 minutes the angel Grumpy picked us up and off we went. We got a tour of the town before he dropped us at our hotel. Took the longest hot shower imaginable and put on sleep clothes as tomorrow is town day where I’ll resupply and do laundry. Today my only goal is to relax. After a bit of relaxing got restless and a bit of hungry so off the to town I went. Its a short walk and area is gorgoues. The grocery store had way to many options. I needed a water bottle ao grabbed one. Feeling a bit dehydrated so grabbed a Gatorade, a couple of bananas for breakfast, and a box of crackers, and as I was aimlessly strolling about I saw ice cream on sale. Grabbed a big ole tub of chocolate peanut butter ice Cream. Now that’s hiker trash dinner.

Day 12

In hiker’s lingo, today is known as a zero-day. It means I did zero trail miles today which is exactly did. Slept great last night, and woke up refreshed. Like many small mountain towns besides breakfast places most town doesn’t open until around 9am. So just relaxed until town opened up. First stop was the local outfitter. They have a hiker box. Its large tub or several where hikers put in anything extra or they do not want or need. You can find food, clothes, gear and partial fuel cans. In many cases when we go shopping we have to buy more than we need. And instead of putting it in the trash we pass it on as many times other hikers are after similar items. After the outfitter off to do laundry. Have you ever sat in a laundry mat in thermals, a rain kilt and flip flops? Well I crossed that off my bingo card.  Next stop was the pharmacy for some blister tape and anti-chafe. Then down a couple doors to the post office for stamps and drop mail. This Post Office had better hours than the last 2 I’ve past.  Had a good 45 minutes before lunch with a fellow hiker to go over plans for next week. So grabbed a drink and snack at gas station and hung out downtown and reconnected with hikers that I started with but who were ahead of me currently. Over lunch discussed the upcoming section which will be taking me up from 5,000 feet to 9,000 feet. This means we will not be overheating but rather cold. The weather application is saying we should be be at or near freezing the entire day.  It will be a nice change but it is kinda a dramatic change.  Headed back to hotel to rest for a bit before Mayor Max shows up which is one of the highlights of Idylwild. After a little rest back down hill to see Max which was a great event. Numerous people there both hikers and locals alike. And 1 final stop for the day the grocery store to resupply. Have not really had a huge appetite yet but packing like I may just in case it comes. Maybe I’ll eat more in the cold.  One final walk back to hotel its about a mile and paved and mostly flat so its a quick walk. Took a final shower, laid out food into days, had dinner and got some stuff packed up ready for tomorrow as it will be an early day back to trail.