Day 32 Wednesday 4.25.2018

Mile 436-454

Well, I was right. We were the LAST ones to roll out of camp this morning but we didn’t care. It’s just kinda what we do. The morning started with another donation to ranger station volunteer guy. Still never got his story but he was up before we were. He brought back the cooler full of drinks and snacks and also changed out the water jugs where we’d been filling up our bottles from. I grabbed a root beer to-go. It wasn’t as good as a cup of morning joe, but it still was a treat. Anywho, we were on the trail just before 8. Feel like it’s been a while since that has happened.

The trail today wasn’t too brutal until we went through Acton. We managed to take a quick break before crossing the highway there. It was already scorching hot. We parked ourselves under the picnic area for a few minutes. I did some yoga moves to keep the body limber and warm. After crossing the road we located the monument that symbolizes when the PCT was completed in 1993. I would have expected something larger but either way it’s in a random spot.

Climbing after the monument was probably the hottest part of the day. Not sure how we always manage to climb at that hour but we do. We suffer and torture ourselves instead of just taking a long break and hiking into the evening hours. We will learn one day 🙂

In total we hiked 18 miles. My feet were feeling like ground beef today. I think they knew the new shoes were waiting. there’s just no cushion left in this pair after 350 miles. I hate to think that is how often I will be buying shoes. Oye. Although it’s the same brand and style, it’s a newer version so I’m hoping I have the same good luck I’ve had with my Altras in the past.

So the place that we are staying at in Agua Dulce is a place called Hiker Heaven. It’s a private residence that hosts hikers. Team JKL had walked into Agua Dulce and a nice man (Numbers) was driving by. He hollered at us and told us he’d be right back to pick us up. We hopped into the back of his pickup with a bunch of other hikers and didn’t have to hike the extra mile out of town. Totally perfect timing on our part.

At Hiker Haven we’ve been showered with generosity. The have a trailer with a kitchen–if you want to cook for yourself, showers (indoors and outdoors), and laundry services. They have a small staff of volunteers that help out all the hikers and run them into town. They even offer shuttle rides into The Burbank area for any larger errands. When you arrive at Hiker heaven, they give you a full tour of where to camp, eat, shower, charge devices and hang out. They even give you loaner clothes while they wash all your dirties!!!! After the tour, I picked up my box in the garage at Hiker Heaven. It was full of all sorts of funny notes from Kel. It was a good laugh. I’m sure I’ll find a note down the trail that I missed. Thanks Kelly!

The great thing about this place is running into a few people I haven’t seen in a while. I ran in to Emily (now Bebop), Alfredo (Pasta), Fireman and Luc. I haven’t seen Emily since we parted ways in idyllwild. Today was Emily’s last day on the trail too. She’ll fly back to NYC on Friday and then move to Seattle to start her surgical residency. So glad we were able to spend a few weeks together out here.

We plan to head back into town mid morning tomorrow to grab a few grocery items. We will probably have some Mexican food to eat before we hit the trail–my request of course.

Justin’s feet are bandaged for a few more days. He needs to order new shoes. Laura is still trying to figure it out too. Everyday she has a new blister. It’s such a bummer!!! She and I were able to do a little epson salt foot soak this afternoon here, that was refreshing.

Another random PCT day in the books. Until tomorrow…. goodnight.