4.17.2018 Tuesday Day 24

Miles 313-328 Silverwood Picnic Area

Today was a good day. The terrain wasn’t terrible. The sun wasn’t scorching hot (altho I did get a little sunburned). And the wind wasn’t blowing us over.

We were slow to start. It was a bit cold and I decided to make a “mocha” to get the day going. Haven’t made a cup of coffee since I’ve been out here, but today was the day and man do I miss my quiet mornings at home, sitting with my cup of coffee in bed. Since we had stealth camped by the water, our sleeping bags were wet from the morning dew. Our laziness in packing up allowed them to partially dry before getting shoved back into our packs. Our first order of business was to cross Deep Creek one more time. It was kinda gross. Last night, we had crossed it twice trying to find camp space and at least once I got my feet wet. Once across the creek, the day was planned for at least 15 miles, possibly 16. We also had a good plan which eventually railroaded our night, but it was totally worth it and I’ll get to that later.

We stopped twice today to eat, the first time was after 8 miles… the 2nd time I just know it was after 1pm. We had a pretty good pace going even with our delayed departure. After the 2nd stop we had a short road walk that took us on the front side of the Cedar Spring Dam. We climbed after the road walk and practically fell into Silverwood Lake. It was beautiful!!! And from the looks of things, there were 4 who had the lake all to themselves. The trail eventually passes a near by day picnic area. We had read up on our mapping app that a pizza company delivers out here for the hikers. So we placed our order as soon as we could. Cleaned up in the restroom facilities as best as we could and soaked up a little rest time. We chatted with a few hikers who had been eating pizza as well. When our pizza arrived tho, we had quiet the laugh. Evidently when Justin ordered drinks, he was under the impression we’d get cans of sodas. Clearly not the case when the driver showed up with SIX 2 liter bottles. He swears he’s packing out one of them tomorrow. The others will remain for the next hikers to enjoy when they roll through tomorrow. The pizza company even brought us cups and ice. Super nice of them!!!

So we decided to stay here because we were hoping to let the other hikers get ahead of us. Trying to spread the herd, but what we later found out was that the hikers who we thought we leaving just camped on the other side of the restrooms. Our plan to get away was foiled, so I’ll guess we will try again tomorrow.

I’m sure we will all end up at McDonalds (Cajon Pass) at the same time tomorrow. Looks like it’s 13.5 miles there and we will have to camp a few miles thereafter.

All in all, a good day. Justin’s birthday today made the day fun. I did call my dad. He’s fine, just some other family matters but all is best as it can be, so thanks for the concern, sorry to cause any alarm. And also, for my SWA family, my thoughts are with you as we all get through the next few days. Heartbreaking news as well.

I leave you tonight with a stunning view of the crescent moon and Venus and the wagon wheel tent circle we have tonight. Big hugs. 24 days on the books.