Quick stop in Wrightwood
First off, my blisters are doing much, much better. No signs of infection, the redness is clearing up, and the only remaining pain is from stiff skin getting stretched while I walk. WIN. Only 5 more days of antibiotics, too.
I hiked 10 miles out of Big Bear Lake last Friday, and had a nice stealth camp that evening. The next day was my hardest day on the trail yet. My morale was low low low, and my energy was even lower. I felt so tired at 9 am that I lay down by the side of the trail and took a nap. By the end of the day, though, I felt better, and from the next day on, I felt strong, capable, and happy to be back on the trail.
I hiked a 22 miler on Sunday to catch up with Backup & Horizon and Boomerang & Lizard, who I’d zeroed with in BBL. The scenery over the next two days was both scarred and ugly (big burn areas with lots of forest roads, downed trees, and trash), and breathtakingly lovely. The Deep Creek Canyon was particularly amazing. I saw a Great Blue Heron flying at dusk, and splashed around a bit in the creek. At Hwy 173, I was the recipient of some incredible trail magic from Coppertone — ice cream floats, bananas, cookies, and water. Just what the hiker ordered!
We hiked a few easy days into Cajon Pass at I-15 (where the southbound freeway was closed due to a bridge fire!), and scarfed down some food at McDonalds (my food ethics are at an all time low on this trail) and Subway. I spent the night at the Best Western at Cajon Pass and showered & did laundry while hanging out with Bomber & Siesta, Cheese, Amtrak, and Idan. I also picked up new shoes (size 10!), and my feet feel like they’re floating in little boats. So comfy.
On the hike out of Cajon Pass.
Yesterday I hiked 22.5 miles and ~5000 ft up to Guffy Campground, where I had my coldest night on the trail yet. I slept in the lee of the toilet building. Awful smell, nice wind protection. My tarp kept the moisture off my bag, but it was not a comfortable evening. After that experience, I decided to hitch into Wrightwood today for a few hot meals before getting back on the trail to Agua Dulce.
Breakfast was delicious, and I’ll go have lunch now before hiking out 4 or so miles tonight. Then up and over Baden-Powell tomorrow, and who knows where the next day!
Hugs and happy hiking to all.
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Looking strong Alice! Ice cream floats, lucky you. So many hugs!!
Glad your blisters are getting better. Hope the evenings get warmer. Sending you hugs!
I love learning about “trail culture.” So cool!
WOW- I think you must be a crazy step-cousin of mine. I’m wondering if you are related to Jean-Paul or Uncle Al!? The best of luck to you and good weather-be safe.
Yes, Jene-Paul is my father. Nice to hear from you! I’m enjoying the hike so far — only 2200 miles to go.
Alice, Wendy sounds like yer G’ma Edna’s sister Sara’s daughter (no comment on the “crazy” classification).
Done the toilet building shelter thing countless times; it is what it is and usually beats fabbing yer own. Great pix – everyone else’s selfies “pale” by comparison; at this rate, you are gonna be one chestnut-colored penguin when you cross the river Columbia!
Good news about the feet. That looks like one heck of a climb up Baden-Powel – nothing but switchbacks!