4.1.2018 Day 8

Evidently on Easter Sunday Laura and I were not the early birds getting the worm. Chris (Big Papa), Paul, Sara, Dani and Emily were all up and out before sunrise to tackle the day. Laura and I slowly rolled out per usual. We were on the trail by 7ish. We knew our next water source would be 9 miles down and our plan for the day was for 18 to make it to Warner Springs.

The terrain today was MUCH better than yesterday. More scenic and just more green everything around us. The temperature was much cooler today as well so the first few miles seemed like cake in comparison to the 14 miles yesterday in the blazing sun.

Today was also a bit like a scavenger hunt, or should I say Easter egg hunt. First off, we knew today would be the day we found the “100” mile marker on the trail. It became even more humorous by the time we found the 3rd one which was the official one from what we could tell. Second, we were of course looking for our next water source which was at mile 101. To our excitement we heard there was some trail magic happening. Not only did we not have to filter water from Barrel Springs but we were provided Easter candy and snacks from @teamphoenixadventures. Thank you TinySquishy (their daughter) for the wonderful surprises. Next we crossed over into what seemed like someone’s private ranch property. It was beautiful. It was even more beautiful when we found Eagle Rock. And the we found cows.

After the cows, we had about 3 more miles to Warner Springs. We were all exhausted. Thankfully we arrived at the Community Center in Warner early enough to get my resupply box. We all donated money which goes back into the small community here. Currently we are camped out on the outskirts of the playground. They have “bucket” showers and laundry here. Clothesline’s to hang your laundry dry. As well as a room for the hikers to hang out in and recharge devices.

Emily, Laura and I quickly checked out @2footadventures where I tried on (and purchased) new shoes. Your feet swell so bad covering miles over and over. I went a whole size up from what I wore for the past 8 days and in my hiking days previous to this trip. Crazy. Hoping that they will ease some of the knee pain. Still no blisters so I am VERY thankful for that. Laura bought new shoes too. So tomorrow will be a new start for both of us.

After our purchase we decided we need to walk another mile (and back) for dinner at the Warner Springs Golf Resort Grill. They came highly recommend as again they are pretty much the only place to get a cooked meal. We scarfed dinner and dessert and ever so slowly and painfully made our way back to camp.

It was a fun day. 18 miles is not an easy feat. There are people out here putting more miles on in faster times, but to each their own. I don’t mind my slow pace.

Tomorrow we will wait for the post office to open. Laura will get her resupply box and we will get back to hiking after that. The tentative plan from her is to be at Mile 151 to get to Paradise Cafe on Wednesday. And Idyllwild on Friday or Saturday where we’d like to take a zero for sure. Idyllwild is Mile 179.

Goodnight!