Walks A Ways: PCT Day 18

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PCT Day 18, 30 May 2022 (Monday)

”Cajon Pass”

Start Location:	Silverwood State C.G.	Destination:	Wilderness Camp
PCT Miles Day 18:	27.4	Cum PCT Miles:	356.2
Non-PCT Miles Day 18:	1.6	Cum All Miles:	377.0
PCT Miles Remaining:	2,296.4
Elevation Gain Day 18:	4,384	Cum Elevation Gain:	58,841

The zero in Big Bear, followed by the threasy was really noticeable today. I felt more energy and strength today than since the first week of the hike. I actually did four more miles than I originally planned today. It made for a long day, but it’s good because I’ll have a much shorter and easier hike to Wrightwood tomorrow.

Today was another day on the PCT with very interesting sites, though different from yesterday. The highlight, in a way, was the rest stop at Cajon Pass.

Most PCT hikers really look forward to this, because of the novelty of having a McDonald’s right off the trail. But, it was also nice to have a convenience store to get a few items. I normally only take about half an hour for lunch, but I was there for three times that long today.

In a different way, a bigger highlight for me was hiking to, and over, the very noticeable slanted rocks (Mormon Rocks) that you see to the west of I15. I always noticed them when I drive over Cajon Pass, and always wanted to hike over to them; I finally did today.

All in all, a good day.

BTW, the trail provided again. Although trail magic has been sparse for us May-start hikers compared to March and April hikers, there was some today at Cajon pass. There was a guy who had section hiked the PCT, and he had all kinds of stuff from beverages to food. I can’t believe it, but one of my, supposedly, high quality Black Diamond trekking poles broke. The temporary fix for many things on trail, as I’m sure you guessed, is duct or gorilla tape; and this guy had some.

Wildflowers on the way down to Cajon Pass.

A great view from the PCT looking out towards Cajon Pass.

Where the PCT meets I15 at Cajon Pass.

A curious place for a PCT sign, on the wall of a major highway underpass.

An interesting, if short, section of trail under I15.

This is your daily traffic report, the I15 is slow with traffic (look near the back of the pic), but the PCT is very clear. We suggest you get out of your car and start walking.

A close-up of the interesting, slanted rocks (Mormon Rocks) you can see to the west of I15.

Another interesting passage.

Trains going by the PCT near Cajon Pass.

This section of track is well known to train fans around the world. Many of them come here just to see it...you know how train fans are. And this is probably a bench they sit on while watching.