Biggest mileage week yet!

After the snow subsided we took the trolley back to the trail to make our way to Wrightwood for our next town stop.

The terrain and environment were amazing for the first part of the week so we decided to make some big miles. The first day out of big bear we only did 10 miles since we got a late start. A big breakfast with some friends was calling our name.

Luckily, we got to camp early and got an early good nights rest, prepping our body for the next few days. We decided to do 23ish miles to get us to a good water source. We had to cross a river three times and didn't want to get wet feet before bed, so camp was right before it. That was our biggest day on trail and we both felt really well.

Our goal the following day was to make it to the Joshua inn. The Joshua inn is a bar and deli that hosts hikers for $5 a night and the deli sandwiches we're calling our names. The day consisted of walking through a canyon with a rushing river following us below. After another big day of about 22ish miles we made it to a road crossing. Alan, a nice gentleman picked us up and 4 other hikers in his car. Orange and I got to ride in the trunk to get us all there at once. The deli sandwiches were worth the mileage and we even packed a second one out for lunch the following day.

Alan dropped us back on trail the next morning and we did what we do best, hiked on! The morning was beautiful and we were greeted with yellow flower bushes. Like always, the day was amazing with great views.

Orange saw a 4ft rattlesnake near the trail (going the opposite way luckily). He gave us a warning rattle but just kept slithering away. We were on high alert the rest of the day! We also saw a lot of horned lizards which were more welcomed to see.

After 21 miles we got to camp, being only 6.5 miles away from a McDonalds near trail, a popular stop for hikers. The views that morning were so beautiful. Clouds going through the trees creating a great walk to McDonald's. It was nice to enjoy a breakfast and coffee while sitting inside on a table. The small luxuries of life. After McDonalds was an adventure to get back to trail. Hiking through a trashed lake by the interstate, through a long tunnel, under a small bridge and through a smaller tunnel. I was grateful to be back on the trail after all of that!

The next part of the trail was about 25 miles with a 7000 ft climb with very little water. A nice person set up a water cache for hikers which was the only water source (besides snow melt) for the whole section. The first part of the climb was tough and we called it after 16.5 miles for the day. I was so happy to be sitting in camp. Our tent is our cozy, comfortable moving house.

We woke up in a cloud and more climbing! Our goal was to get to highway 2 so we could get a ride into Wrightwood. The climb felt like it lasted forever and then we were greeted with some more snow. Thankfully not as much as San Jacinto though. The day felt long and we were happy to get to highway 2. Since the highway is still closed we had to hike 2.5 miles to the open part of the road to get a ride.

After 110 miles in 6 days We got a yummy burger and ice cream and chilled for the night. Today was a full day off so we bought food the next section, did laundry and ate a lot. Time to get ready for the next section!

Here are some pictures from this week:

Lindsay