Walks A Ways: 06/03/22

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PCT Day 19, 31 May 2022 (Tuesday)

“The Wright Stuff”

Start Location:	Wilderness Campsite.	Destination:	Wrightwood
PCT Miles Day 19:	13.2	Cum PCT Miles:	369.4
Non-PCT Miles Day 19:	0	Cum All Miles:	390.2
PCT Miles Remaining:	2,283.2
Elevation Gain Day 19:	3,031	Cum Elevation Gain:	61,872

The extra 4 miles I did yesterday, with accompanying elevation gain, turned what I thought might be a hard day today, going up and into Wrightwood, into a relatively easy day. The hard part was trying to get a ride from the highway to Wrightwood.

A few of us were trying to get a hitch for about half an hour with no luck, finally, I called Mountain Hardware--who knew how useful a working cell phone could be--they’re a very hiker friendly hardware store, and asked if they knew anyone that could give us a ride. The guy at the store texted me a list of names, and the first one I called, Marleen, said yes she could come right up and give us a ride.

Once into town, I went to the post office, waited in a fairly long line, and was very happy that my first resupply box was indeed there. Now, I have all the right stuff for the next six days, including my next pair of shoes. My first pair were ready to go, and had been bothering my right foot a bit the last few days.

I shopped for a few additional items in town, and got a new pair of trekking poles at the hardware store, and, of course, fresh fruit at the market. I got pizza for dinner at Mile High Pizza, which was very good. And, as per my norm, this will provide a couple extra trail meals on the first day out.

I’m staying at Grand Pines Cabins, and, for the first time, used an iPhone app to pay to get my laundry done, they use the app instead of having to use coins. I took a double-scrub shower, which feels way more amazing than a daily shower at home. I also had to call around a bit to arrange a ride back to the trail in the morning and I was able to get a 6 AM ride.

Mount Baden-Powell

Future man-made snow for Wrightwood

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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.