Day 29 4.22.2018

Mile 383-395

Last night was a GOOD sleep. Which I’m really surprised to even say considering all the noise the Boy Scouts were making all evening. Shortly after blogging I fell asleep myself. It was just the right amount of cold for me and my body was wiped after that big climb up Mt. Baden Powell.

Today’s day started with a short jaunt to the water source. Per usual, we were pretty much the last ones to leave camp. The Boy Scout troops did roll call as we finished up our last minute packing. I think there were 3 troops in total. We eventually caught up with them in the descent from camp. The youngest of the group was 10. And I’m pretty sure at least one of them had a pack as big as mine.

We crossed Hwy 2 again and started up the side of another mountain, Mt. Williamson, but we opted to not summit it as the view from up top wasn’t any better than what we’d already seen. My climbing legs weren’t having any of that climb so I took a break every shady spot I found. And there were a lot! Once I reached the saddle, Justin and Laura had been chatting with an older man (he was 75) who had hiked Rainer 3 times. The last time being just a few years ago. Pretty amazing.

Downhill from there was easy (for me anyway). I seem to have stellar downhill skills these days now that my knees are cooperating. When we reached Hwy 2 (again) we took a break alongside the road. I ate and since I can pretty much nap anywhere, I crashed out for a few moments. Felt so good to catch a few zzzs.

It was just another short mile on the trail where we once more time ran into hwy 2. This time we stumbled upon a Day Use area called Eagles Roost Picnic Area. I went to dump my garbage, Justin went to read the detour sign and Laura went for the portapotty. As soon as we all gathered back up and were just about to put our packs back on a car pulls into the parking lot. A guy gets out and hollers at us “Hey! Would you like a beer or soda? Fresh fruit?” His Name was JT. He has hiked the PCT two different years. The first year he attempted and did not finish due to lack of money. The second time he started completely over and completed the entire hike. Today, he was out just doing a little Trail magic and boy, did we like it. We each grabbed a soda and fruit (for later). We saw him a few minutes later giving a hitch to some hikers who decided to not do the upcoming road walk/detour.

The roadwalk detour took us 4 miles off the PCT. Back on Hwy 2, it was probably more dangerous walking that highway than climbing some of the ridges we’ve been on. Lots of weekenders cruising in their convertibles and motorcycle enthusiasts screaming down the highway. But yet again we survived.

After the roadwalk we decided we’d camp at the next water source. We arrived at trail camp Cooper Canyon around 4:45 this afternoon. Even though we’d only hiked a little over 12 miles, we were starving, almost out of water and tired fine the day. It seems again that our water sources and possible tent sights aren’t super convenient on this portion of the trail. The plan for tomorrow as of now is to make it 16 miles to the next water source. We shouldn’t be climbing much tomorrow so that will help the legs out. And since we are 2 days out of town, are packs are getting lighter again after the past 2 days of consumption. It’s a very vicious cycle.

No more spills for this kid today. But we are in bear territory still so my food bag is currently hung on a tree. I think the thought of hearing a bear outside my tent is probably one of my biggest fears out here. But hopefully it will just remain a fear for another night.

I finally had a chance to talk with a hiker named Longstride. He and a section hiker named Bryan are camped near us this evening. Longstride has completed the AT. He started the PCT on March 21st and was working on his blog when I went over to talk. I was kinda jealous he has a Bluetooth Apple keyboard with him to type on, instead of just using his phone. Some people think of everything! If I’m correct, his blog website is longstride.net (or longstrider.net). I plan to check it out whenever I get service again 😉