Hiking - PCT 2016 - Day 30 to 35

Started off with a rather sluggish morning enjoying he facilities of Hiker Heaven. Mulled around and organised food for the next 5.5 days and had another hot shower. Eventually made it to the trail just before 10am to start a fun 2400ft, 5 mile climb.




Water was in question around the fire last night and tables this morning. The next confirmed was 24 miles from the start but 8 miles in was a 'reliable' spring, last PCTWater report update had it flowing well but that was 3 weeks ago. I took a little extra in case but found the spring to be flowing well and clean.

Stopped for the day in a great little site tucked away in the trees in a valley. Still a little windy but the trees are stopping most of it. After the late night last night, while still waking up at first light, I was happy to get to bed early.

Packed camp just before a descending cloud engulfed the trail. It was another cold day in the desert but an early morning to Casa De Luna. I was there at 10pm and hung about for a while but didn't want to spend all day waiting about and moved on.



Some guys chose to take it easy and end the day here. Yet another fire closure ahead, with a road walk around it, so I stuck out my thumb and hitched up to the Rock Inn. My classiest ever hitch a BMW Roadster. Though fitting my pack in was interesting...

Heard good things about the Philly Cheese Steak (ground roast beef roll with white cheese melted over) which tasted pretty nice. Need to get a real steak in the next real town though. Then another 4 or so miles on the side of the road before rejoining a side trail to get back on the PCT.

Went about 6 miles in and smelt a campfire from a site just off trail. Not one to miss a good fire I decided to stop for the night and found some hikers huddled around a fire ring. Come time to put it out I went off in search of the water 'near camp.' 1/4 mile later up to the peak to find a water storage tank. Difficult to gather water from as you had to do it at arms length. Full of dead bugs too so I'm glad I didn't need drinking water. With the fire fully doused we retreated to the warmth of our tents.

Another morning hike shrouded in clouds. Wind still cold so I started hiking in my thermal top. Was mostly downhill all day, but not steep making it an easy day. Breezed past mile 500 and some decent greenery while still on the mountain.



Eventually made it to a place called Hiker Town. It's kinda setup like an old western town. With the rooms various town buildings. Cheapish too, $10 for a room, a lukewarm shower, decent wifi, runs to the store 4 mi away and clean drinking water. I'm staying in the flower shop which seems well contained though others have abandoned their 'rooms' due to the overwhelming presence of mice poo.



Headed out early. The next solid water was in 24 miles and the first 19 were relativly flat. Today started off kinds cool walking along an Aqua duct,  I thought it would make a pretty cool run for skiing. Someone could set up a cable ski park running along it.



After the first mile or so it did get a little repetitive though. As did walking along the huge 1500 pipe that fed into it. The PCT for the next 15 or so miles was along a dirt road. Meant to be one of the hotter sections but it was a pretty cool day, still felt the sun but that wind was hanging around... very cool fields of Joshua trees though.

After a stretch that felt like ages (it was) on dirt road we came to a Wind Turbine farm. The track winded amongst the amazingly tall Turbines turning in the sky. I was definitely feeling the effects of turbine syndrome though. My feet were sore, I was sweating, muscles tired and short of breath. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the 24 mile hike and 2000ft climb on the last 3 miles, nope. Must have been Turbine Syndrome!



No water for 25 miles so it was another heavy water carry. Luckily this time the food bag was quite a bit lighter. People camped right near my tent were up a while talking and the wind kept up most of the night making for broken sleep.

Near the start was a decent ascent, made harder by the extra water. Once on top someone had chairs and bins provided as well as a water cache. I had enough water but made good use of the seat and took the opportunity to empty my rubbish bag. Despite being up a hill the track was rather soft and sandy making it hard work for the feet. I have also worn through the inside side padding on my right shoe. Getting close to that new pair.

We roller coasted across the top of a few ridges before heading down again. Passed a heap more turbines, lots more Joshua trees and a few cactus in full bloom.

There is 2 roads to hitch from 8 miles apart and most people hopped off at the first. Redhawk and I pushed on for a few more miles and setup behind a nice juniper bush for a wind break with a great view of even more turbines. Might need the ear plugs tonight though.

Got out of camp just past 6 and made the next 4 miles to the road fairly quickly to catch a lift into Tehachapi. Breakfast at a German bakery before heading the 1.2 miles!! (miles always seem longer in town) to get to the post office which was way out of town for some reason. However was able to grab my new shoes and even got a lift back into town.

The shoes look fairly good on the outside. Lugs still have a lot of grip too but the inner padding is getting shot.  On the side of the heel it's worn through to the outer plastic. Currently waiting for an early check in for a room then off to catch a UEFA soccer match with some other hikers at the local micro-brew/pizza/bar type place. Already got the local recommendation for steak dinner too, might see what other hikers are doing tonight but at least one dinner here is going to be steak!

Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 25 to 29

The 5c Margarita's last night rolled into a few more beers while playing pool at the Inn. There was also karaoke on the go with quite a large group of Hiker Trash giving their all. One guy, "Don't Know", that actually started the same day as me, is a singer/musician in real life so he was able to blast out some great tunes.

The liquid courage it took for me to take a turn with the group last night had its affects in the morning. In true Hiker style I was still up at first light though. After getting breakfast and putting together my pack with yesterday's shopping it was already 9am. 5 days of food is making the pack heavy again! 

Quick to get a hitch back to the trail and get started. Saw another helpful distance sign, only 2277 miles to go now. After just 5 miles in, still feeling a bit sluggish, I started the ascent up Mt Baden Powell. Near 3000 ft of up over just short of 4 miles. It was a pretty steep and constant up. I have been taking a brake every 2+ hours normally but on his section it was closer to every 20 min.  Views of the dry flat desert still quite a few days ahead were worth it though! Look closely and you can see a survey mark too. Just off the peak was a very cool, and apparently very old, Bristle Cone tree.

The down was just as steep as the up. Bit of lose soil and rock made the feet slip a few times but never took a tumble. The climb took a lot more time so it was a shorter day today. Just before camp was a beautiful spring fed pipe to collect water from. Probably didn't need to filter (but I did anyway.)

Seems a few other people had the same idea about a shorter day after the climb. First night out of town is usually a busier camp anyway though. Plenty of room here, tables, fire places and even (drop) toilets! Luxury!

Got an early start but after just 2 miles had to make a decision. There is another closure up ahead. Only 4 ish miles, to protect an endangered frog. There is 2 alternatives to chose from. One is 20.5 miles and skips 9ish of the PCT and all on trail. The other is 5.5 miles skipping only 4.5 miles but, of that, there is 3 miles on the shoulder of a HWY. In the end I reasoned that:
1. I did not come to the USA to walk on bitumen.
2. I was already ahead of schedule and what's 11 miles between friends?
3. (Most important) At the junction the 20 mile trail alternative was downhill. The road was uphill.

Decision made. I knew it probably meant lots of up later... but that was a problem for future me.

You could tell the trail was much less frequented than the previous PCT section. It was also in need of some love and care. Some bits of the trail were slipping down the hill and pretty difficult to navigate. There were also a few interesting trees to get around.



Once past a day use camp ground the track was a lot better. It had some awesome rock canyons to walk through too. As well as Devils Chair and Punchbowl which were nice to see.



Future me paid for it that very arvo. A climb very similar in height and length as the mountain the day before. I saw it coming and took a nice 1hr 15min break at the creek just before the ascent. It felt pretty easy all things considered. There was also some fun bits to get across.



Made it to the saddle right around 'fall down and worry about setting up camp' stage but as expected it was very windy there. After another nice break, albeit shorter this time, I started down the mountain to make camp at a small creek area. This sadly turned out to be bust as the creek was just a steep gully. Pushing on until almost 7pm, 12 hours since I left camp, I found a spot to call home. I think I'll sleep well.

While I did get a good night's sleep I still felt the effects of those extra miles.  It took about an hour before things started to feel normal again. A cool change came in and with it the wind. For those Brisbanites reading imagine the 'Ekka Winds' but colder. I was hiking in my thermal top and still felt cold. Every stop I would pull out my jacket immediately. I don't mind a cool breeze when hiking but it's so cold some hikers are walking in their jackets in the middle of the day!

Yet another section that suffered from fire burns. This one had an outbreak of Poodle Dog Bush. It's basically a stinging nettle type bush whose effects range from nothing to a irritable/itchy rash that lasts for days all the way to causing blisters. I don't plan on testing where I fall on the scale. So far it's been alright. It's all over the place though. Apparently a really bad section coming up.



Found a great camp atop a saddle. Bit windy but tucked in behind a big log as a wind break. Also first time to camp with some people that I have been leapfrogging for at least 2 weeks. Much easier to get to know people at camp rather than just exchanging pleasantries on the trail.

More of that freezing cold wind today. This is meant to be the hot section! Poodle Dog Bush is getting a little crafty too, hiding amongst other plants. It's the oil on the leaf that gets you so you have to avoid hotting it with your trekking poles and other gear as well. Have to be on the lookout as a few times I had to twist and turn to avoid it.



Despite the wind it was a bit hazy today. You could make out some views but nt as good as other days. Feet are pretty first despite a steam wash late yesterday.  Only tap or bottled water today so I made due with another wet wipe foot bath. Still only the 1 blister which is more a callus now. Would like to keep it that way!

Wind dissipated some time late in the night but I still woke a little cold come the wee hours of the morning. Using the down jacket again made me a little too hot though. Might have to try something different for the Sierra Mountains.  Maybe an additional/warmer sleeping bag liner. I'm definitely going to buy some dedicated thick sleep socks. I hike in the thinnest socks you can get.

Was a pretty steep descent out of the gate this morning. The track held together by various means. Also travelled down a ridge line for a long while which was cool to follow and enjoy the view.



I met a south bound section Hiker, Goal Zero, who had about 50 snack size chip packets he was handing out to NOBO hikers. Was good timing as I was just about to have a break. Then made it to the Acton campgrounds just past 10. A playschool group had just finished a camping trip and had massive fruit platters and croissants for breakfast that they didn't finish. They left them out for hikers so it was a great treat of pineapple, grapes, oranges, blue berries and other fruit you normally don't eat on trail. The croissants were really nice too!

An easy 19 mi day to make it to Agua Dulce, just past some pretty call rock formations called Vasquez Rocks. Just outside of town I arrived at Hiker Heaven, a house run by Trail Angels with showers and laundry and pizza and beer!! Lot of other hikers as well. Their backyard was crammed full by about 40 hiker tents. 

Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 18 to 24

Woke up for he early morning shuttle to the trail head at Onyx Summit with 7 other keen hikers. It's the closest point we can be dropped after the fire closure. The day started out really nice with the pine needles forming a great soft carpet over the trail.



Trees slowly started to give way to more familiar scrub bush with a few new additions. Joshua trees only grow in a pretty narrow band of elevation, these guys seemed to be thriving.



A few of the other hikers were slack packing today. They left the majority of their gear in Big Bear and were only doing the 13 or so miles to the hwy where one would normally hitch into town. I decided I had enough of town already and kept going. At some point before reaching the Highway the path also returned back to some sections that I think you could get away with calling rocky...



Camped not far past the road to Big Bear with a few other hikers. I was the first out of camp in the morning and the first 3 miles felt like a hard slog. Up and lose rocks didn't have me fling like it was going to be a great day. Though the was a lot of wild flowers to keep me distracted which was nice. Skittles and chocolate may have helped also....

Things turned though and the remainder of the day was mostly a slight downwards grade. A section here looked like it was hit pretty hard by fires but luckily no more closures. I seemed to breeze past a lot of miles without even taking note. Still lots of things to see but it felt easy. Making my biggest day yet, 24.3 miles.



This also lead to the bonus of being able to camp next to a really good clear flowing creek. Lots we've sen so far are barely even there and mucky. This one was deep enough to swim in at points and flowing well.



The next day followed the creek for a while before going over a rise and finding an even bigger one. Though it was definitely not the same easy day as before. It was hot. Not quite Brisbane summer hot,  but close to it. Fully exposed to the sun 1/2 way up the valley. You could see the beautiful creek below but it was near impossible to reach. 

The day also may have felt hard because of the high elevation.  Given that I live, work and spend a lot of my time near sea level (and a pretty decent chunk of my weekends beneath it!) Mountain air seems a little thin. How heavy are rebreathers? Maybe just a small nitrox pony bottle would do...

Thankfully there was a reprieve of a side creek. Slow flow but cool enough and sheltered. I rolled out my ground sheet and just lay there for 2 hours.  Barely moving. Possibly also feeling the effects of the previous big day. Eventually though I moved on and glad I did. 2 miles Down the path was the Deep Creek Hot Springs (clothing optional) where I soaked my sore feel.for 30 min in the 35°c + water.

It was pretty busy with day hikers all enjoying he water. Creek running along side was depressed enough for some small cliff jumps. Despite some good scenery camping  (while also not allowed here) was too busy for me so I pushed on. Found a great solo spot... or so I thought. Soon as the sun hid behind a mountain he frogs started... and didn't stop all night.  The earplugs helped but couldn't completely stop the noise.

About 10 min out of camp I caught up with a Rose who I started with but hadn't seen in a few days and spent a little time hiking together. I tend to spend most of my moving time alone but it was nice to chat. At water they made a coffee and I wanted to move on so we split again. I came upon a section that proves not all of the PCT is glamorous.  This short (0.4mi) section had me pitted between  a power plant fence and a rural highway. At least there was a path though, unlike the previous fire detour. 



A few miles later though and over another rise there was a beautiful dam. Ski boats and jet skis were out in force and while I was really tempted to ask for a ski all thoughts were squashed when I felt the water temp. Would need at least my 5 mil wetsuit!

We wound around the dam for a while, not on the shore mind you in true PCT fashion there were his involved! Eventually coming up to a park section where some Trail Angels had eskies of coke and cookies and mini-doughnuts. It was great. Some hikers also ordered pizza to the park... apparently they get that a lot in hike season. Seeing the pizza delivery car rock up to a picnic area was pretty funny. 

Was still a bit of time in the day so I left the goodies behind and put in some more trail time. Found a cosy spot amongst some bushes and spent way too long looking at these clouds that were just creeping over a nearby mountain range. Looked amazing.



A bit more up followed by a lot of down. Beautiful cliff edges to walk along and take in the views.



It wasn't too far to Cajon Pass.  A pretty famous stop as there us a Maccas only 0.4 of a mile from trail. I usually avoid it at home but I needed the extra calories... we that's my excuse at least. After enjoying the aircon and free refills for too long it was time to hike again. A very helpful sign kept me motivated.



Under a major highway, official trail is through the drain... then quite a bit more up before camp not too far away. Busy little spot and a few new faces along with old friends.



In the morning I got a fairly good start on the day as I new it was going to be tough. Over 6500 ft to climb today and no water for a while so a 6.5lt carry made the pack heavy. Food bag was diminished though only 1.5 days to town. A cool change had come in as well and there was a nice breeze, no gusty winds. At one point I did think I was developing a second blister but it was just dirty feet. Very very dirty feet. Wet wipe foot baths then covering with dirty socks. Can't spare the water to wash... at least there were views.

There has also been a few blow down trees on trail some harder to navigate than others. Given that central/northern Cali is known for their big and tall trees it's interesting to think about what obstacles I might hit. Ended at a camp site 8300ft, highest I have ever camped. Above the cloud line. Beautiful looking at the mountains rise from the clouds like islands from the sea. It is a bit cold though....



Slept ok but was fully cocooned in my bag. Was pretty cold in the morning so I started hiking in my jacket but had to take it off within 10 min.  Only a short day today, hiking 5 miels into Wrightwood and taking a Nero (nearly 0 miles) giving me a chance to have a shower and do laundry. On the way was a dry ski field. Saw some MTB gear about but no one riding down the runs.

Waited over 40 min for a hitch into town by that time 6 other hikers turned up. The 3rd vehicle to pass by going the right direction stopped and managed to squeeze all of us in which was lucky. Still early enough for bacon and eggs for breakfast too! Couldn't check in for a while so took the time to buy groceries and relax with a beer and a game of pool. 369 miles down. Just over 1/2 way done with the desert section!

Plan is for Mexican and 5c Margarita's tonight... but we'll see how it goes. As I had most of the day here I'd like an early start tomorrow. You'll hear from me again in 5 or so days :)

Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 13 to 17

First zero day. Predicted thunderstorms on the mountain this afternoon so most decided to ride it out in town instead. A few brave souls ventured off and I briefly thought about joining be for I looked at the temp prediction that was going to be -3c at the site I planned to camp if I had to stop for the storm. 


I saw most of the town yesterday but got to check out the fancy jerky shop before seeking shelter when it began to rain at 11. When you get a break in the clouds you get a pretty good view of the mountain you can climb on an optional detour. It's about 3500ft higher than Kosciuszko...

Stayed at a house about a mile out of town. Who doesn't like more walking... right? We fitted in 9 people to make it cheaper and I had my own bed! Ventured back into town to meet up with some friends for dinner. They wanted Mexican which I thought was rather brave considering the hiking... Pork tamale was great though. Walk back was rainy, but I was prepared with my rain jacket and only got a little wet on the legs.

Next morning I grabbed the batteries I had on charge and headed back to town for breakfast. Diner opened at six so I aimed to be there for 630. Turns out kitchen doesn't open till 645 but I had a pretty decent coffee while I waited for bacon, eggs, pancakes and a fresh fruit plate. I think that hiker hunger might be starting to kick in...

Hike up the mountain (and it was a big mountain, 5000 ft gain) was absolutely fantastic. Was some snow up to 2 inches on some parts of the track but I had boot prints most of the way in front.





Made it to the summit, eventually, and it was busy. First decent weather day for at least 3 days. Impossible to get a solo summit pic with the sign. There was 2 Survey markers up the top too, I was the only person interested...




The decent was pretty slippery at times and I saw 2 spills. I was luckily able to remain upright. 3000 ft down (plus some more random ups...) in total for  camp. Fuller Ridge is known for its fantastic views which I crossed to get to camp. I got about a 30 second window to appreciate them before clouds closed in again.



Still some snow on the ground near camp but not much. Meant to be fine tonight but a lot of cloud still around at bed time.

Woke up to a frost coated tent and a damp bag. I slept pretty well last night only waking to the cold once. I fully in-cased myself in my bag so my warm breath caused some condensation to form in the bag and tent. Even the condensation on the inner tent wall had frosted. 



Lots and lots of downhill today. Easy on the cardio but more impact on the legs and feet. After 8 miles I could feel my toes hitting the front of the shoe again. Had them much tighter today which helped with toes but I was feeling the tightness. Lots of other people, even those younger than me, are taking extended breaks for their knees but thankfully mine seem fine. Getting hot again out of the mountain air. Found a great spot under a boulder to rest for a while.

After another 7 miles of down hill, about 9000 ft down in 1.5 days I reached the valley bellow. It was lose sand which worked the legs a lot more than the downward slope... it was also extremely windy. Causing me to take a few side steps to avoid falling over. Good place for about a thousand wind turbines... I guess. 



The last mile was slightly uphill to a Trail Angels house,  Ziggy and he Bear. Nice carpet outside to cowboy camp on and they did a pizza run for dinner.

Ahead is a 56 mile fire closure with no real alternate like the last one. So it got some conversation time. The only 'suggested' route is about 55 miles but 50 of that is on bitumen and a good percentage on busy windy roads... the remaining on forestry trails. A few people are risking the fine and hiking through but the majority are getting a lift to the bus (1hr drive) and a bus (another hour) to the next nearest entrance, Big Bear Lake. Very few are doing the road walk.

While waiting for the bus around the closure I had some American fast food. In-N-Out burger. There is 4 items on the menu. Cheeseburger, Burger, Double Burger and fries. Add salad to cheeseburger for a burger and an extra piece of meat for the double. People still came in and would stare at the menu, for what seemed like ages, deciding. Was also impressed with the camping shop. A lot like BCF or Anaconda... but with guns.

The bus up to Big Bear was OK,  brilliant views of the mountains as we took the windy road to the top. Great lake here would be good for skiing but looked cold... especially with snow on some of the mountains around it still... Group split in two as some went to the City and others to the Lake town. They're basically the same as the centres are 4ish miles apart and there's no distinction between them... Despite doing 0 trail miles today I treated myself to a nice steak dinner.

Yet another zero today. I got to go grocery shopping to send some packages off ahead. My bounce box is here too so I get to resupply on Milo and have Vegemite on toast. Nearest supermarket is about a 45min walk... not too bad really... but I paid the $1.50 for the bus anyway. I also met up with a Hiker friend who is bringing me my Sock Guards ('gaiters') which I left behind at Ziggy and the Bears.  :o

After repacking all the groceries into various boxes to send on I took the time to wander down the lake shore for a bit. Water level is pretty low, only 1 launch ramp operational. Saw some fishing boats out, no one skiing.



Planning for a quiet dinner out. There is a group of hikers going to the pub with pool tables... but they are gathering at 10pm, past my bed time. Going to try get the early morning shuttle out to Onyx Summit and start hiking again. The towns are nice but the trail is better.

Hiking - 2016 PCT - Day 8 to 12

Awoke to a fairly full camping area. More people dribbled in late yesterday. I took a fairly easy time packing up. Took the opportunity to recharge batteries (I use a lot when I have phone service... apparently.) I also borrowed detergent and a bucket from the Resource centre to wash some clothes.



The day started through some pretty green pasture areas nice and flat for about 3 mi. Hardly any wind today but the sun is out in force making it a fairly hot day.



To make matters worse, on that windy night a few days ago when I started very early in the morning I had my hat attached to my pack. Somewhere on the way it was blown off and as I didn't  notice until I was at the bottom of a very big hill there was little chance of me finding it.  So today I'm wearing the best I could find in Julian, a bucket fishing hat. Much heavier material and hotter than my hiking hat. I have already ordered a new one and had it sent to the next town. With little breeze, full sun, exposed trail and a heavy hat I'm sweating a bit more too. Lots of water this section though so all is well.




By mid arvo the sun had given way to clouds. I stopped off at Lost Valley water source for a bit of a break. Lost track of time a little as others turned up too so I was there almost 2 hours. Nice shady spot to lay back. We got some light rain there. Enough to get things wet, but nothing substantial. As we walked the next 4 miles to camp though, to the other side of the ridge, it looks like we lucked out. Puddles on the path, bushes still dripping, washouts. Looks like they got heaps of rain. 

Setup camp on a small but very scenic little ridge spur. Also noticed a slight tear in my tent. Think it must have been from the windy night... bugger. Oh well. Nothing a bit of duct tape can't fix. Not sticking the best on the tent material, so might be an every few days job.



I slept like a log last night and I didn't hear it but it just have rain a bit. Ground and outside of tent is very wet. No water inside thankfully. Track winded up the mountain, then back down... then back up... Stopped for water at a tank supplied by a trail angel who has a house just outside the boundaries of 2 big state parks. Also had a banana but as it was 830 in the morning passed on the beer. Chatted a bit to other hikers that stayed the night, Pizza and beer in the middle of no-where did sound good... I'm also catching up to other groups now, that have all had time to click over their hike so far. Everyone is friendly and welcoming though. Met a few annoying people so far but not 1 bad person yet.

After a climb that seemed like it would never end I started heading down, again. I think my feet are beginning to swell, like all the information had said they would. I could just feel my toes poke into the front of my shoe. 2000ft down over 4 mi and they certainly felt like it by the end. On the flat and uphill shoes are still good, though if there is a lot of down between here and Big Bear (a bigger town in 140 mi) it's likely I'll get new shoes there.

Something else I've been noticing is just how rocky the trail is. With so much traffic you would think that it would be more worn but also that lots of these little rocks would be kicked off the trail. Coming down hill and stepping onto a loose rock isn't fun so you really have to watch your step.

Camped in a dry creek bed with 2 other groups. One group has taken the herbal route to cure their foot pain. I guess it's kinda medicinal and therefore legal here? Lots of people also seem to be OK with taking a few ibuprofen every day to get an edge on the pain. Seems like it might hide a pain and turn it into an injury. At mi 14 when the bottom of my feet are caining I've considered it... but have thus far opted for a 10 min shoes off break instead. Maybe some 'Vitamin-I' is the secret to consistent 20+ mile days.

Got away at 615. Was nice to head up the climb out of the gully in the shade of a mountain. Stopped off at a water cache at 145.5 that had an esky with soft drink! Took a small break there with a few other people that camped much closer same and went.



Seemed to keep going up and up today... I suppose that will happen when you need to climb 3500 ish feet. Some great views and cliffs on the way though. I also passed the marker someone built for 150. Over 0.05 % of the way to Canada!



Stopped off at Paradise Valley Cafe for a BLT and chips for lunch. It added an extra 2 miles (1 in 1 out) but it was worth it. Had a nice long rest out of the main heat of the day before setting off again at 3. Made it to a great site at mi 156. 18 miles today and while the bottom of the feet were sore not as bad as some other days. I did get my first blister though. Inside of my right foot just above the heel. Had tape there since day 1 but I guess the miles and the climb finally wore through. Lanced it at camp so it could dry over night.

PCT is closed up ahead because of a bad fire in 2013. There is an alternative walking path, with very minimal road miles, but some people chose to skip it entirely and hitch to Idyllwild from the cafe I had lunch. Should take me 2 days. Track seems a lot quieter this afternoon.

Off before 7am and made good time to the next water. It was only 0.3 mi off trail but 250ft down... ditched my pact at the top and found the spring fed pipe flowing nicely into a water trough.

The climb back to the trail certainly got the heart racing.  Though it skipped a bit when I realised I didn't have my bandanna anymore... back down the steep path I went. Luckily it had fallen out only 1/3rd of the way down. Getting back up still made my heart pump again though. Lots more uphill for the morning good to get it done when it's still cool. 130-330 seem to be the hottest part of the day, but 1230-430 still feels very hot.

Beautiful pine trees line most of the little gullies. They provide a nice shady change from the small scrub that covers most of the mountain. They certainly don't mess around with their pine cones either!

Walking along the ridge was great. Awesome views both sides. Unfortunately the section ahead is closed because of fire damage so the alt - route had me walking down the side of the mountain again. Good path with good views ahead the whole way. After the trail ended it was a bitumen road for 1 mile, then forestry roads for another 6. Fully exposed to the sun. Not fun. Legs got a little burnt. Then came the walking on the shoulder of a rural highway. Luckily it was just over a mile but it teased me with views of the mountains I should have been on... and will get back to soon.



Pulled up stumps at the Hurkey campground and split a site with another Hiker.  Lots chose to push on to the resupply town of Idyllwild tonight seeing them probably arrive there at dark.

Got up to a later start as the valley was shrouded in mist keeping the sun away. Started down a really nice trail, even if only 100m from the highway. Turned off onto another forestry road to follow all the way to Idyllwild. Was misty for at least the first 2 hours of the hike.



Made it to town by 11 and heard people were having trouble finding rooms. Opted for $3 camping at the State forest grounds. Went into town for lunch and groceries and bumped into heaps of other hikers. I think i added another mile or two just wandering... Lots of people skipped the alternative and hitched from Paradise Cafe. So those that were 2 days behind are suddenly in front!

Weather isn't looking good for tomorrow though, late afternoon thunderstorms. Just about when I would be on top of the ridge. Everyone has so far decided that a Zero (day without any hiking) might be on the cards instead. Town is pretty and everyone seems very friendly to hikers. Free detergent and 'wash day clothes' at the laundry place too so everything is clean again... or will be when I have a chance to shower...

There is also a (1 screen) cinema in town so some hikers are thinking about a movie tonight. Not sure on everyone's plan for dinner but there seems no shortage of places to eat.

Next section might be subject to an even bigger closure than the one just detoured, without a walk-able alternative. Well not without a lot of bitumen walking. So next update might be a short one if I end up hitching to Big Bear.