Day 20 – 11 Apr 19. Up, up and up

Today 33.3 km (20.7 mi), Total Distance 412.3 km (256.2 mi). 10 hours 20 minutes (0655-1715)

The first people up were moving around at 0530 but I snoozed until after 0600. I was ready really quickly and on the trail by 0655.

It was straight into a climb, switch backing up to a ridge, along the ridge then down to the stream. I caught the early birds going up the switchback. I was feeling good and was able to chug up the hill at a good pace.

As I was going along the stream I saw two deer which was a great start to the day.

Down by the stream was some lovely camping spots under the trees. The trail the climbed a bit and sidled along the hill.

As I was climbing a steep bit I was someone having a rest on a nice view point and they yelled out to me. It was Smalls, from Idyllwild. I was really surprised as I had not expected to catch her but it was good to sit and catch up she said some of the advice I had given her had been helping which I was happy about.

Smalls

I continued along the side of the hill and then down to the stream.

This was the last water on trail for the net 15 miles, though there was a spring one and a half miles ahead, it was just off trail. I filled up with 2 litres and then washed my shirt. The back was stiff with sweat and it had started itching. The water was freeing but I managed to squeeze most of it out before putting it on.

It soon warmed up as the climb now started. It was a steady climb above the river into an area with more trees. To my left I could see the other side of the tight valley had snow patches. The trail climbed to a carpark and then across the road to climb some more.

Now I was in a sandy area with small rounded rocks and sparse vegetation. I took a break looking out over the snow covered hills.

The trail continued climbing then near the top started sidling along. Sidling is a term in New Zealand for going along the side of a hill.

The rest of the day was going around the side of the hills, sometimes dropping and sometimes climbing. It felt like more climbing than dropping.

As the trail went around the north face there was snow. At first it was small patches along the trail then there were some longer traverses on steep slopes. For all those who bypassed San Jacinto this will be the first time they have been in snow and with the steepness I imagine it will be a little scary.

Once through the snow the trail crossed over a saddle and went on the other side of the hill. I found a nice rock here and stopped for lunch. I took my shoes and socks off then made two tortilla, though I could only eat one. I still don’t have hiker hunger and during the day especially have to force myself to eat.

I thought the snow was done but the trail dropped down back on the north face and there were some more snow traverses. I made a little snowman on one, hoping someone would smile.

The day continued with ups, downs and following along the sides of hills.

We had a small section where the trail was on a forestry road.

The sun had disappeared behind clouds and there was a cold wind. I was starting to feel cold so I put on my wind jacket. A bit later I added my gloves.

At the end of the road the trail went past an exotic zoo with animals for Hollywood. I had seen videos and was glad there were no animals there and that it was up for sale. They did not seem to have even attempted a natural habitat for the animals, just steel and mesh fence.

Now more climbing. A major road came into sight to the left and we went parallel to this for a while before veering to the right, to parallel another road.

I had been thinking there were no people when I caught up to two hikers from Switzerland. They were section hiking and had been going a week but her feet were covered in blisters and they were getting off trail. They offered to give me some water which I accepted as it was still a while to the next reliable water source.

After a little more climbing I reached the famous couch. I had seen many photos and videos of this couch in the forest. Normally it had hot looking people in shorts and t-shirts, not people like me in jacket, hat and gloves. There was a large container next to it but this had nothing but rubbish in it.

From here it was all down hill. I went another couple of miles then started looking for a campsite. There was nothing around so I pushed on to the campsite not far ahead.

Just short of this were some large wet patches to get through and I braved the thorns on the side of the track rather than get my feet wet just before camping.

At the campsite there were already 5 people here but there were heaps of spots for my tent. Once my tent was up and mattress inflated I headed over to where one of the guys had started a fire in the fire barrel. It was really nice to be warm. Other people started drifting over and more and more people arrived off trail.

It was good conversation with a new bunch of people. A few had already been in to Big Bear to resupply and others were heading there tomorrow like me. Some new trail names were; watermelon, panda, iron and several others i have forgotten. Smalls also turned up.

I made dinner at the fire and then headed to the warmth of my sleeping bag.

Visits: 1498