Day 22: May 7; 24.5 Miles
What I didn’t expect to wake up to this morning was a soaking wet sleeping bag. Apparently the dew point was low (or high? I’m no meteorologist) and caused condensation everywhere, even cowboy camping… in the desert. I packed it up wet and intended on drying it out during a break.
When I looked at the date this morning, a fleeting but nagging thought popped in my head. “The baby is coming today” rang loud and clear the second I saw May 7 as the date. My sister in law Cari is due with baby number three just under two weeks from now, so the fact this thought was so strong didn’t seem appropriate, but it’s all I could think about for the first 4 hours of the day. So imagine my shock when I got a text from my mom that Cari was in labor! I mean, I guess I shouldn’t have been shocked, but add it to the (short) list of premonitions. I am happy to announce that I have another niece, Mae Joanna, who bears striking resemblance to her siblings. Mom and Mae are doing great.
Today was dictated by one thing only – the infamous McDonald’s. Did I ever think I’d be excited to walk over 24 miles for McDonald’s? Nope. But thru hiking does crazy things to you and my hip belt is already as tight as it gets, so I need all the calories I can get.
The morning was highlighted by walking through Silverwood Lake recreation area, a huge lake and shining gem in the desert. It went on for miles of stunning scenery dotted with full bloom wildflowers. If we didn’t have such a long day and such a noble goal, I have no doubt I would’ve jumped right into that lake. It was so inviting on such a hot day. But alas, McDonalds was calling.
There was more gorgeous scenery and views of Mt. Baldy as we descended down towards the interstate. But unfortunately that scenery was negated by a harsh descent that ruined my poor feet. I could feel blisters coming in on the balls of my feet, but there was nothing I could do other than get through it.
And all was made well once I got my order at McDonalds. Burgers. Fries. Chicken nuggets. Milkshake. All the gluttony in the world and my appetite still wasn’t satiated. Hiker hunger has kicked in in a big way and I feel like a bottomless pit. I even ordered burgers and fries to go.
Oats contacted a trail angel offering his home to hikers. Carlos picked us up and took us to his and his girlfriend Brittany’s home in Claremont. Carlos hiked the PCT 2 years ago and hiked the CDT with Brittany last year. Now busy as a forest firefighter, he helps out hikers when he can. He offered us dinner, but with bellies full of fast food we couldn’t bear another bite. Showers, laundry, and a bed were more than enough for us.
Day 23: May 8; 20.1 miles
After a good night sleep we departed Carlos and Brittany’s place with the best breakfast sandwich and coffee I’ve ever had. It was such a good stay, they are a wonderful and kind couple. We got dropped off back at McDonalds and set back out in the trail.
With a late start, we knew we were in for a long day. It was hot, a long water carry, and all day climbing. Literally, climb all day. I was initially really hesitant about today – I was prepared for it to be a bad day to just get through. But lo and behold, it was one of my favorite hiking days. It was gorgeous views the entire hike while being able to see where we came from the whole time. It’s so rewarding to see your hard work in real time.
We came around a bend and had a full view of Mt. Baldy. Just off trail, it was under consideration to go up tomorrow. However, our path would be going up the north face of the mountain, which was still holding onto a lot of snow. Infamous for being the most deadly mountain in California that had already claimed a number of lives this year, I wasn’t too keen on trying my luck on it. The north route of Baldy is more treacherous and technical than the eastern or southern approach, both of which I have already experienced. Having already done it, I dragged my feet at making a decision. But that’s tomorrow’s problem.
Because of how long of a day it was and long mileage, we didn’t get into camp until around 7pm. And we weren’t alone. There were about 10 of us staying in the same spot, including Mango. Before this trip we connected through social media because of a close start date and being from the same area. It took me a second to recognize him, but it was great to finally meet him. Another night of cowboy camping – I could get used to not setting up a tent!
Day 24: May 9; 7.5 miles
After the best cowboy yet, woke up early to discuss if Mt. Baldy was an option. After doing some research on the north approach I had made the decision that I did not have the experience to make the summit safely – it simply was beyond my comfort level. Oats had made the decision not to the night before. I told David that if he wanted to, I’d wait at the junction for him to go up and back. He ultimately decided not to do it alone, so we set off, him a little disappointed.
That disappointment changed quickly once we passed a large group geared up to head up the mountain. And they were geared up to the gills. Crampons, ropes, ice axes, you name it they had it. Geared with only trail runners and trekking poles, we knew we were nowhere close to prepared to summit the mountain. The decision was made for us and onto Wrightwood we went.
The hitch situation wasn’t great. Due to a fire in 2024 that nearly consumed Wrightwood (the entire morning walk was through the wreckage) the highway to Wrightwood is partially closed, greatly limiting the amount of traffic. Once we arrived, we scoped out the trailhead parking lot for potential rides. It was slim pickings, but I was prepared to chat people up in an effort to get into town. It was only 9:30am, we have a whole town day to enjoy and didn’t want to waste time.
Right when I was about to approach a car, I spotted a sprinter van pull up and I instantly thought, “this is our guy!” Well, mark me definitely psychic, cause only a minute later he asked us if we wanted a ride into town. Heck yes! Before we knew it he handed us gatorades, beer, and ice cream sandwiches. What did we do to deserve this good fortune?! Sprinter is a trail angel who travels up and down the PCT providing help to hikers. We just happened to catch him right at the exact moment we needed him. How kismet – a word I used to describe the situation. Sprinter wrote it down as his word of the day.
Because it was just me and David, Sprinter went back to pick up the rest of the group. We got seats at the brewery and waited. Oats, Mango, Gator, Stallion, and Andrew all showed up and we spent the rest of the morning relaxing. The afternoon was spent doing chores and resupply. I have blisters on the balls of my feet that are extremely painful and make walking difficult. Just when the nerve pain goes away something else pops up! I’ve never had to deal with blisters before, so this is really disheartening. But I just have to get my feet to toughen up I guess! We have a great hotel that will hopefully foster good sleep.
Day 25; May 10; 15 Miles
After wishing my wonderful and selfless mother a happy Mother’s Day, I can’t say I was ready to leave the comfortable bed to hit the trail. But after coffee and catching a ride to trail with Sprinter I had no other choice. My feet were sore, it was already hot, and it was later than we normally start. I was starting to feel sorry for myself, only to remind myself that I opted for this. Misery is part of the attraction, so better get moving.
And so I did. And down we went only to make it all up and then some. Mt. Baden-Powell is just a short detour from the PCT, so we had to summit it. It was a gorgeous day for it. Blue bird without any wind. We spent a good amount of time up there in the company of many PCT hikers, including Marissa, a day hiker who completed the trail a few years ago. I even was able to FaceTime my family where I was able to meet little miss Mae, she’s a total cutie.
It was already 5 O’clock and 6 miles were left to complete. They were honestly pretty miserable. I was tired and ready to be done for the day. My feet are covered in blisters, I have no idea why. Every step is painful, but manageable. I would think after this many miles, they’d be toughened. It may be time for new shoes.
I rolled into camp late with barely enough time to eat dinner and make camp. At least with cowboy camping you don’t have to waste time setting up a tent.
Day 26: May 11: 19.5 miles
It was a bit of a rough night with wind and a tad chilly, but wrapped up in my sleeping bag I made it through. Feet still are blistered and unhappy, but the show must go on. The day was centered around a route detour to protect an endangered frog species. Which apparently has been working because the population has stabilized.
The detour involved a 5 mile road walk through an active construction zone. Not the worst, but also not the best for blistered and sore feet. Eventually we met back up with the trail and met a few new faces. Dan and Max are well known on the trail, given that Max is a dog and someone I saw on a YouTube video a ways back. I recognized him instantly and was so excited to meet him. Although, it did make me miss Addie even more. She’d never be able to handle the trail, but still, I wish she was here. We also met Birdmaster, who we’ve seen here and there but never officially met.
Then it was the 400 mile mark! It’s funny how the hundred mile markers aren’t only coming faster, but also with less impact than previous ventures. By this time on the Colorado Trail, the end was in sight. With only 500 miles to go, it was bittersweet. I was ready to be done, though. This time around it’s only the beginning. I’m not looking far ahead at all, only the next 100 mile marker. It makes the trail a lot more manageable mentally at least.
We got to camp not long after the achievement. Mango, an Eagle Scout, made us a small campfire and we were all going to cowboy camp… that is until a huge rattlesnake slithered right through where Mango was going to camp. I was unbothered and decided not setting up a tent was worth the potential snuggle buddy.
Emilie Bikes and Hikes 