Author: memoriesaheadmilesbehind

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!

Just another picture of my “home away” for this evening. The tent looks a little sad but my clothes are airing inside on my custom clothesline I installed.

As the day began, Dani and I were able to have breakfast with Laura and Emily just before heading out of Julian this morning. They opted to start later in the day to beat the heat. Dani and I were on the trail by 9am after a super easy hitch from the post office. A nice man by the name of Clint was on his way past Scissors Crossing for a hike of his own. We chatted for the 12 miles back down to the trail. He was eager to hear our stories as one day he’d like to hike the PCT himself. Dani and I made a plan to meet at the water cache and possibly camp there. When I rolled into the stopping place I was greeted by Paul who I hadn’t seen since Thursday. Then Chris came out from his stealth campsite and Dani was just on her way back from the cache. I was so excited to see them all. Even tho Dani and I started hiking together this morning at 9, I slowed way down as it was hot and I was carrying 4 liters of water.

That’s what a “water cache” looks like in Rancherita. Not sure who maintains it but they keep it well stocked. That’s Chris on the left, he lives in San Rafael and Paul, from Monroe WA. They are hilarious to camp with.

We all cooked dinner together as other hikers walked through our “happy hour”. Some of the recipes people create are genius. Everybody always has a new spin on an old favorite. Dani makes a “ramen bomb” with dehydrated potatoes and vegetables. I just had cold-soaked ramen as I didn’t want a hot meal today.

We also had a newcomer named Sarah who is from Idaho as well. Emily had messaged me and o write this, she and Laura are settling into their own tents and making dinner. Annnnnd the gang is back. We all plan to get up tomorrow fairly early to hike 18 miles to Warner Springs. Should be a fun day. The weather looks like it’s cooling down a bit for tomorrow’s miles.

Today wasn’t all that exciting of a hike. All desert, lots of chollas and rolling hills. Every turn looked the same. And it was hot. I never saw a hiker behind me all day. So pretty much 14 miles to myself was how the day went. I did see my first garter snake which, sorry Glen, he was too fast for a photo but I did see two horned lizards. I was also buzzed by two F-16s on a training mission. That doesn’t happen every day.

The cactus are just about to bloom out here. In a few more weeks it’s going to look so beautiful.

Pretty chill day overall. Looking forward to tomorrow for sure. Goodnight.

The sunrise this morning was the best yet. Maybe because there was no one else near me wrestling in their tents. Everything makes noise in your tent no matter what you’re doing, rolling over, packing, cooking. It all makes noise when you’re out here.

I was up and hiking shortly after 7am. I had camped at mile 72 yesterday so I knew I only had 5 miles to get to town where I would have to hitchhike into Julian. Dani had set up a room at The Julian Lodge where she planned to take a zero. When I arrived at Scissors Crossing (mile 77) we had trail magic by @elpinelindsey and further down a water cache which was stocked with the best cutie oranges I’ve ever had. We all agreed we’d never been so happy to be under a bridge.

As I had caught back up with the SOS and Jacob team, we agree to split up in order to hitch into town. Stephanie was quick to stick her thumb out but we reminded her it was only necessary if a car was coming. We had a laugh and then I decided to walk a little further up the road which I though would be a better place to hitch. Sure enough, I spot a Sherriff in his vehicle and I immediately wonder if it’s “illegal to hitchhike”. So being the friendly rule-follower that I am I walked up, introduced myself and he explain that yes technically we shouldn’t do it but that most of the folks around there knew who the hikers are so we wouldn’t have any trouble finding a ride. Well, as soon as I turned from him a nice man by the name of Paul was driving by. With no other option and quick thinking My thumb went out and he gave me a wave. I hurried across the street where he explain he could only take 2 of us as the police officer could see us and he only had a single cab truck with 2 seats belts. No sooner do I notice the Sheriff rolling up behind. He steps out to tell Paul “you take what you can and their packs and I’ll take the rest of them.” And that’s how you get picked up in a police vehicle for a 12 mile ride into Julian with no recourse but a smile. It was a great experience. Paul was on his way to see his daughter in Julian who’d just bought a new car. Such a nice man. We thanked them both and went about the day. The kids were staying at different hotel in Julian, so we parted ways and I walked into town were I immediately took a nice long shower.

Dani and I went over to Carmen’s Garden where she takes THE BEST care of her hiker patrons. She gives discounted drinks, offers free use of her washer and dryer and also allows you to crash on the floor if you’re in town for the night. I love that she comes and just chats with everyone. She gives everyone a hug no matter how dirty you are. Her staff is funny and super pleasing just to be around. And the food was amazing. I had lunch and dinner there today.

I finally met Joey and Nutz at Carmens. I’d only hear about them from others on the trail. They were super fun to hang out with. Dani and I went for our free cup of cider and snack from the Cider Mill. After that, it was a free slice of pie from Moms Pie. We also had a root beer float. I think the hiker hunger has started to settle in.

Dani and I went back to Carmen’s to do laundry. While we enjoyed a beverage I got a message from Laura and Emily that they had made it to Scissors Crossing as well and that they were working on a hitch. I was so excited to see them. We finished laundry and basically ended up hanging out at Carmen’s all day on the patio chatting with other hikers. It was such a beautiful day!!!! We all shared hitching stories and life stories and wrapped up the night with more time with Carmen and her sister Lisa. There was easily 15 of us at one point and she seriously loves the crowd. Such a great time there.

Tomorrows plan is 14 miles to Mile 91. That’s the next place for water from here. It’s hot and Dani and I plan to head out early. Some people are doing night hiking with the full moon but I don’t think I’m that motivated by 4pm to make that sort of decision. We will have to get a hitch back to the trailhead in the morning after some breakfast and just go from there.

All and all, Julian is a great town stop. Glad I took my nero here. The knees got a little bit of a break. Going to shoot for Warner Springs for Sunday now. Hitting the hay. Love you all!