Well, last night was quite frankly was the second longest night since we have been out here. The 35 mph winds just completely battered me all night long. 7 laughed multiple times as his freestanding Durston tent ate it like a champ.
The combination of wet ground, small stakes and just relentless winds all night long I think I re pitched my tent three times. One thing that’s become clear my sleep on this trail is going to suffer. At least initially.
A positive though throughout the night each time I would get out of my tent I would look at the moon, although we missed the lunar eclipse due to the bad weather the night before. The moon tonight is still super bright. It’s felt like a full moon for 10 days now.
I wake up at 6:30 before the sunrise and start my day with a scenic breakfast. 7 hears me rummaging around like a Mouse and decides to join me. It’s F’n go time.
Today’s plan is to camp a little past Warner Springs. I have about 17 miles to get there and it’s looking good. A steep climb to start the day and then all down hill through Warner Springs Meadow. I pass by the 100 mile marker and get even more stoked. It only took 98 miles to get my first blister! And it’s a doozy.
So far, this has been the prettiest section I have seen. Rolling hills, cows and turkeys everywhere. At one point they were actually in the way. Will they move? Do I move?
Before I make it to Warner Springs, after Warner Springs Meadow I pass by a famous rock formation Eagle Rock. My dad’s always talking about rocks or trees. He would absolutely love this spot. “hey Chris look at that erratic” is all I kept hearing in my head. And wow was that truly awesome. I sat with tears in my eyes completely alone for miles. He doesn’t know it but it was a moment for him. A happy moment, a moment of complete inner peace.
I decided to yard sale my gear and let it all dry out while I was there to take in some extra time. I fear walking too fast and missing the small details like this. Life is short, and I took the entire year off. While I’m relaxing there 7 and Wolf both arrive and I was able to get a picture.
After packing back up its three or four more miles of absolutely gorgeous rolling fields and next thing you know I’m in the Warner Springs community center charging up my phone. The community is putting on an event for PCT Hikers. I run into Legend again as he’s following the bubble north. It’s always appreciated to feel the love from the community.
While checking in at the community center the gentleman notices my accent. He points me to the wall, I get to stick the pin in the map for Boston. 2025s first Massachusetts hiker to come through this town on the PCT. I’ll take it! And then I’ll take a nice cold can of Sprite too sir.
After I finished my Sprite I tossed it in recycling and asked some random guy if he’d give us a hitch up the road to the gas station. Almost 6$ gas prices. Thank goodness I run on gummy worms, snickers bars and ramen noodles.
Resupply was for roughly for six days. It was honestly scarce inside the store, I expect to be really hungry in 4 days before we get to Paradise Valley Cafe. While at PVC I’m also going to be picking up a new pair of shoes, micro spikes and my ice axe for climbing Mt San Jacinto that my dad mailed me last week. After Paradise Valley Cafe it’s then 2 more days before I get to the town of Idylwild.
I think I’m going to take a zero in Idylwild. A zero is a day off. I need to rest my feet, pick up some green, and take a good long shower. I also just hear it’s a pretty cool town that takes care of its hikers. If it’s like Julian I’m sure I’ll enjoy it but we will see how I feel when I get there though. Everyone knows I can’t sit still. I like to rummage.
After I say goodbye to beautiful people of Warner Springs, it was 6 1/2 more miles to my babbling Aqua Caliente creekside tent site. The winds tonight are calm. That’s a win. I heat up my dinner and eat it quickly, tonight I need to look at my foot before it’s dark. Is it getting better? No. But does it hurt? Also no. Ok you’re fine.
Quick J for the bones after dinner with 7 and Wolf and I slide into my tent for the night. The temps drop quickly and I bundle up inside my quilt. Time to drift off into dream land.
I plan to wake up before the other two to get a head start. They don’t know it, but with my feet broken I have to walk slower but longer. It’s roughly 17 miles to Mikes place and 3,200’ vertical up. Mikes place is a trail angels place where hikers can go and hang out, refresh, and kill some time before moving on. I read on Facebook that Mike’s place was having water issues a few weeks ago, but I’m hoping that is cleared up by now. Tomorrow will be a long day and I’m mentally ready for it.
The Pacific Crest Trail 