Robert Francisco

Destination: Adjacent to Aqueduct

Starting Location: Red Rock Water Tank

Today’s Miles: 22.00

Trip Miles: 525.30

Red Rock Water Tank (503, 5660) Adjacent to Aqueduct (525, 3100) ascent (2103) descent (4570)

When we started out this morning we saw a note from Tree Hugger that she had seen a mountain lion. I was hopeful but all we saw were some fresh tracks on the trail. The early morning was glorious as we descended through a Hansel & Gretel oak woodland full of hollows in the trees complete with owls hooting. And then the first real Mojave heat and the craziest route for the trail as it went west then east in an effort to avoid the largest ranch (Tejon) in California. We finally crossed Highway 138, checked out Hiker Town (another very hospitable trail angel who allows hikers to get water, use an outside shower, & camp on his lawn), & met Dad who shuttled us to the country market for ice cream & soda. We sat out the afternoon heat (95 degrees) & organized our gear for the next several days.

At 6:00 pm we headed down the California aqueduct which carries water from the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada to the increasingly thirsty and arid southern California. Ultimately the open canal goes underground and as we walked on top of it, we could hear water rushing beneath us as we toll across the Mojave. I personally like the Mojave because I think Joshua trees are really neat, but the next few days are likely going to be tough.

Once again, my wonderful wife Liz came through and secured me some supplements that may help my stomach by improving liver function. Hope they work.

Also got a new pair of New Balance 907’s. The old pair was shot after about 400 miles and the support in the new shoes feels good. I once again added a metatarsal pad to my Superfeet insoles and that is keeping the pain down to a no Vitamin I level.

I feel really good tonight. We are camped beside the aqueduct, under a bright star night with coyotes yipping in the distance. I am a lucky guy.

Destination: Adjacent to Aqueduct

Starting Location: Red Rock Water Tank

Today’s Miles: 22.00

Trip Miles: 525.30

Red Rock Water Tank (503, 5660) Adjacent to Aqueduct (525, 3100) ascent (2103) descent (4570)

When we started out this morning we saw a note from Tree Hugger that she had seen a mountain lion. I was hopeful but all we saw were some fresh tracks on the trail. The early morning was glorious as we descended through a Hansel & Gretel oak woodland full of hollows in the trees complete with owls hooting. And then the first real Mojave heat and the craziest route for the trail as it went west then east in an effort to avoid the largest ranch (Tejon) in California. We finally crossed Highway 138, checked out Hiker Town (another very hospitable trail angel who allows hikers to get water, use an outside shower, & camp on his lawn), & met Dad who shuttled us to the country market for ice cream & soda. We sat out the afternoon heat (95 degrees) & organized our gear for the next several days.

At 6:00 pm we headed down the California aqueduct which carries water from the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada to the increasingly thirsty and arid southern California. Ultimately the open canal goes underground and as we walked on top of it, we could hear water rushing beneath us as we toll across the Mojave. I personally like the Mojave because I think Joshua trees are really neat, but the next few days are likely going to be tough.

Once again, my wonderful wife Liz came through and secured me some supplements that may help my stomach by improving liver function. Hope they work.

Also got a new pair of New Balance 907’s. The old pair was shot after about 400 miles and the support in the new shoes feels good. I once again added a metatarsal pad to my Superfeet insoles and that is keeping the pain down to a no Vitamin I level.

I feel really good tonight. We are camped beside the aqueduct, under a bright star night with coyotes yipping in the distance. I am a lucky guy.

Destination: Red Rock Water Tank

Starting Location: San Francisquito Canyon Road

Today’s Miles: 24.40

Trip Miles: 503.30

San Francisquito Canyon Road (4786, 3385) to Red Rock Water Tank (503, 5660) ascent (4652) descent (2477)

I think we were all dreading today because it was reported as a 30 mile waterless stretch and we assumed incorrectly that we would be fully exposed. Instead we found ourselves walking into and out of some truly beautiful live oak forest with an occasional cedar cluster thrown in. We also found a fair amount of water and we are camped overlooking the Mojave adjacent to a 10,000 gallon concrete fire water tank. Now this is a water cache.

I was able to clean up with water and we stopped early enough to allow the sun to dry my previously filthy body. I sleep so much better when I am clean.

Our group (Sugar Daddy, Weed, Cadence & I) dynamics have changed since Lucky Liz got off the trail as planned at Agua Dulce. It is not better or worse just different as everyone takes on slightly new rules consistent with the new dynamic. I am sure this will change again when Weed leaves us at highway 178. I am hopeful that our group stays together at least through the Sierra because I have confidence in this group and I know what to expect from each member & I know they are capable of making it & helping others make it as well.

I did much better on my food selections this leg. I went for maximum variety after the great nut debacle last leg. What happened was that I had bought way too many nuts and figured “oh well” I will just eat a lot of nuts instead of other stuff. Let me tell you, it will be weeks before I eat another nut and if Weed had not given me 3 oz of tuna and Luigi had not given me some M & M’s I would have certainly overdosed on nuts. There was even talk about changing my trail name to nutcase.

My food strategy for this leg was to basically not eat the same thing more than twice. It has been good with the exception that I think really fatty foods are contributing to my stomach being upset and thus my cheese & salami burrito was not very appetizing but I gagged down the needed calories regardless.

Starting to think about our Sierra strategy as it is getting close. We have several viable options with each having advantages & disadvantages. I am hopeful that I do not have to come out of the high mountains to resupply. However that could mean carrying 11 days of food and that could be problematic. We will figure it out in the coming weeks.

Destination: Red Rock Water Tank

Starting Location: San Francisquito Canyon Road

Today’s Miles: 24.40

Trip Miles: 503.30

San Francisquito Canyon Road (4786, 3385) to Red Rock Water Tank (503, 5660) ascent (4652) descent (2477)

I think we were all dreading today because it was reported as a 30 mile waterless stretch and we assumed incorrectly that we would be fully exposed. Instead we found ourselves walking into and out of some truly beautiful live oak forest with an occasional cedar cluster thrown in. We also found a fair amount of water and we are camped overlooking the Mojave adjacent to a 10,000 gallon concrete fire water tank. Now this is a water cache.

I was able to clean up with water and we stopped early enough to allow the sun to dry my previously filthy body. I sleep so much better when I am clean.

Our group (Sugar Daddy, Weed, Cadence & I) dynamics have changed since Lucky Liz got off the trail as planned at Agua Dulce. It is not better or worse just different as everyone takes on slightly new rules consistent with the new dynamic. I am sure this will change again when Weed leaves us at highway 178. I am hopeful that our group stays together at least through the Sierra because I have confidence in this group and I know what to expect from each member & I know they are capable of making it & helping others make it as well.

I did much better on my food selections this leg. I went for maximum variety after the great nut debacle last leg. What happened was that I had bought way too many nuts and figured “oh well” I will just eat a lot of nuts instead of other stuff. Let me tell you, it will be weeks before I eat another nut and if Weed had not given me 3 oz of tuna and Luigi had not given me some M & M’s I would have certainly overdosed on nuts. There was even talk about changing my trail name to nutcase.

My food strategy for this leg was to basically not eat the same thing more than twice. It has been good with the exception that I think really fatty foods are contributing to my stomach being upset and thus my cheese & salami burrito was not very appetizing but I gagged down the needed calories regardless.

Starting to think about our Sierra strategy as it is getting close. We have several viable options with each having advantages & disadvantages. I am hopeful that I do not have to come out of the high mountains to resupply. However that could mean carrying 11 days of food and that could be problematic. We will figure it out in the coming weeks.

Destination: San Francisquito Canyon Road

Starting Location: Agua Dulce

Today’s Miles: 24.20

Trip Miles: 478.90

Agua Dulce (454.4, 2530) to San Francisquito Canyon Road (478.6, 3385) ascent (4560) descent (3517)

I am totally spent. Dave gave us a ride after we arranged for my dad to pick up some of our Sierra stuff, and food for beyond Highway 138 (on Wednesday). We started hiking with heavy packs and moved like slugs as we traveled down a lengthy road walk. Fortunately trail angels Dean & Daniel had offered to meet us at Bouquet Canyon Road which allowed us to only carry three liters of water versus six. When we met them we not only got water but juice, soda & chips. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We hiked on a long way and found more magic as we rounded a corner in the heavy chaparral to find the Casa Oasis. Complete with a plastic skeleton and a pink flamingo, eccentric and lovable Joe & Terry Anderson have carved out a tunnel in the vegetation where we found chairs, soda & beer on ice and a trash can. As we were scratching our head while enjoying a soda (beer for Weed), in walks Joe Anderson. We had a fun time joking around and talking about the trail. We were caught in the vortex and did not leave until 4 pm with another 7 miles to water. Those were really tough miles.

When we got to the road, Terry found us and offered us an all you can eat dinner and breakfast at the Casa de Luna. We were tempted, but want to ensure we get out early for our planned 25 miles tomorrow. I hope I recover over night as I am totally exhausted. My stomach has been acting up a lot and that is taking a physical but more significantly a mental toll. I got a message to Liz to try and reach the nutritionist I was working with to prior to the hike in an attempt to try some nutritional options that may help.

Destination: San Francisquito Canyon Road

Starting Location: Agua Dulce

Today’s Miles: 24.20

Trip Miles: 478.90

Agua Dulce (454.4, 2530) to San Francisquito Canyon Road (478.6, 3385) ascent (4560) descent (3517)

I am totally spent. Dave gave us a ride after we arranged for my dad to pick up some of our Sierra stuff, and food for beyond Highway 138 (on Wednesday). We started hiking with heavy packs and moved like slugs as we traveled down a lengthy road walk. Fortunately trail angels Dean & Daniel had offered to meet us at Bouquet Canyon Road which allowed us to only carry three liters of water versus six. When we met them we not only got water but juice, soda & chips. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We hiked on a long way and found more magic as we rounded a corner in the heavy chaparral to find the Casa Oasis. Complete with a plastic skeleton and a pink flamingo, eccentric and lovable Joe & Terry Anderson have carved out a tunnel in the vegetation where we found chairs, soda & beer on ice and a trash can. As we were scratching our head while enjoying a soda (beer for Weed), in walks Joe Anderson. We had a fun time joking around and talking about the trail. We were caught in the vortex and did not leave until 4 pm with another 7 miles to water. Those were really tough miles.

When we got to the road, Terry found us and offered us an all you can eat dinner and breakfast at the Casa de Luna. We were tempted, but want to ensure we get out early for our planned 25 miles tomorrow. I hope I recover over night as I am totally exhausted. My stomach has been acting up a lot and that is taking a physical but more significantly a mental toll. I got a message to Liz to try and reach the nutritionist I was working with to prior to the hike in an attempt to try some nutritional options that may help.

Destination: Agua Dulce

Starting Location: Agua Dulce

Today’s Miles: 0.00

Trip Miles: 454.70

Agua Dulce – Zero

Had a really nice day at Hiker Heaven and enjoyed cookie after cookie that my mom, sister Sheri, nephew Ryan and snow shoeing marvel Cathy baked and sent to us. After we had our fill & reserved some for hiking tomorrow, we put them out and watched the feeding frenzy.

Our buddy Dave Fleischman, who is the section D & E PCT volunteer maintenance chief, helped us out immensely during our Agua Dulce stay. He shuttled us around to secure supplies and took Cadence on a work party to hopefully show her down as we go forward.

We enjoyed our second BBQ and understood why it can be hard to leave.

Destination: Agua Dulce

Starting Location: Agua Dulce

Today’s Miles: 0.00

Trip Miles: 454.70

Agua Dulce – Zero

Had a really nice day at Hiker Heaven and enjoyed cookie after cookie that my mom, sister Sheri, nephew Ryan and snow shoeing marvel Cathy baked and sent to us. After we had our fill & reserved some for hiking tomorrow, we put them out and watched the feeding frenzy.

Our buddy Dave Fleischman, who is the section D & E PCT volunteer maintenance chief, helped us out immensely during our Agua Dulce stay. He shuttled us around to secure supplies and took Cadence on a work party to hopefully show her down as we go forward.

We enjoyed our second BBQ and understood why it can be hard to leave.

Destination: Agua Dulce

Starting Location: Mattox Creek

Today’s Miles: 14.20

Trip Miles: 454.70

Mattox Creek (440.2, 2685) to Agua Dulce (454.4, 2530) ascent (2346) descent (2556)

Happy Birthday Lucky Liz!

A few miles of hiking and I felt great and happy to be alive. I took about 50 pictures and cruised into Agua Dulce and the Saufley’s “Hiker Heaaven”. It is hard to describe the hospitality of Jeff and Donna and the comfortable atmosphere they have created. Bicycles & cars, showers & shoes, beds & cots, BBQ & friends…amazing.

Donna got a Mohawk in preparation for her JMT hike, and we all sang happy birthday to Lucky Liz and enjoyed a wonderful evening with our hiker community

Destination: Mattox Creek

Starting Location: Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station

Today’s Miles: 21.50

Trip Miles: 440.50

Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station (418.7, 4910) to Mattox Creek (440.2, 2685) ascent (3045) descent (5256)

I am writing this entry after the fact because May 26th ended fine but was pretty scary around 6:00 p.m. After a long but relatively uneventful day we decided to camp at Mattox Creek. Coastal moisture was moving in so we decided to set up our tents. During the process I noticed some ants in the area but was not concerned as we had been coexisting for a month. These ants, however, were unhappy with our camp selection and they bit/stung me seven times. I was not concerned and continued with my evening chores until I started getting a nauseous headache and the stings began to swell. I could tell I was having an allergic reaction so I took two benadryl and forgot about it.

When dinner came around I commented that I was really hot, and Liz noticed I was turning red from the chest up. Two minutes later my head went completely foggy, my vision blurred and I got nauseous. I took a big breath and told Liz to get my epi-pen (synthetic adrenaline) because “I am going fast”. Then I had a clear thought that I was going to die. The next thought was “you have to be !@&*! kidding me”. Then I went black. Next thing I remember was the team getting ready to inject and Liz wondering if they should remove my pants. Then I felt the benadryl kick in and started focusing on controlling my breathing and told them to hold off on the injection. Ten minutes later I was sitting up but I started shaking violently with chills. With help, I got into my sleeping bag, took another benadryl and tried to relax. Liz gave me a bagel to eat and the sting started to burn like a branding iron. I fell asleep in about an hour and when I woke up the next morning I felt as if I got hit by a bus. But Mattox Creek was not meant to be my final destination.

Destination: Mattox Creek

Starting Location: Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station

Today’s Miles: 21.50

Trip Miles: 440.50

Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station (418.7, 4910) to Mattox Creek (440.2, 2685) ascent (3045) descent (5256)

I am writing this entry after the fact because May 26th ended fine but was pretty scary around 6:00 p.m. After a long but relatively uneventful day we decided to camp at Mattox Creek. Coastal moisture was moving in so we decided to set up our tents. During the process I noticed some ants in the area but was not concerned as we had been coexisting for a month. These ants, however, were unhappy with our camp selection and they bit/stung me seven times. I was not concerned and continued with my evening chores until I started getting a nauseous headache and the stings began to swell. I could tell I was having an allergic reaction so I took two benadryl and forgot about it.

When dinner came around I commented that I was really hot, and Liz noticed I was turning red from the chest up. Two minutes later my head went completely foggy, my vision blurred and I got nauseous. I took a big breath and told Liz to get my epi-pen (synthetic adrenaline) because “I am going fast”. Then I had a clear thought that I was going to die. The next thought was “you have to be !@&*! kidding me”. Then I went black. Next thing I remember was the team getting ready to inject and Liz wondering if they should remove my pants. Then I felt the benadryl kick in and started focusing on controlling my breathing and told them to hold off on the injection. Ten minutes later I was sitting up but I started shaking violently with chills. With help, I got into my sleeping bag, took another benadryl and tried to relax. Liz gave me a bagel to eat and the sting started to burn like a branding iron. I fell asleep in about an hour and when I woke up the next morning I felt as if I got hit by a bus. But Mattox Creek was not meant to be my final destination.

Destination: Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station

Starting Location: Camp Glenwood

Today’s Miles: 18.00

Trip Miles: 419.00

Camp Glenwood (400.7, 6400) to Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station (418.7, 4910)

Today we did our first 10 x 10 (10 miles by 10 a.m.) and loved the strategy. We were walking at 5:45 a.m. and before we knew it we had completed half our daily mileage. Our spirits were high and we were able to put yesterday behind us. We reached our destination at 2 pm and have been lying under the pines all afternoon. We contemplated going on but a water strategy suggested a 22 tomorrow and then 14 into the Saufleys at Agua Dulce. As we laid around the hikers kept pouring in and there are about 15 of us here now. Everyone here is setting up for Agua Dulce for Memorial Day weekend.

While laying here a hummingbird kept flying really close and we finally realized that a baby bird was lying in the grass. It was very small and had likely fallen out of its nest. We moved away but it was clear the bird would perish within a few hours. It is just biology but it was hard not to join the group and strategize on how to save the bird.

Yesterday gave me a good reality check on how the mental game can screw up your hike. It was so easy to get into a bad place, and that thinking was wreak havoc on your physical abilities as well as creating a “why am I here” thought process. I am glad I experienced this feeling early and really glad I got over it quickly. This allowed me to look at it objectively and compartmentalize the memory. Hopefully I will be able to draw on that in the future and help maintain context and remember to not make major decisions when in that place.

Photos have finally been posted. Hope you enjoy.

Destination: Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station

Starting Location: Camp Glenwood

Today’s Miles: 18.00

Trip Miles: 419.00

Camp Glenwood (400.7, 6400) to Mill Creek Summit Ranger Station (418.7, 4910)

Today we did our first 10 x 10 (10 miles by 10 a.m.) and loved the strategy. We were walking at 5:45 a.m. and before we knew it we had completed half our daily mileage. Our spirits were high and we were able to put yesterday behind us. We reached our destination at 2 pm and have been lying under the pines all afternoon. We contemplated going on but a water strategy suggested a 22 tomorrow and then 14 into the Saufleys at Agua Dulce. As we laid around the hikers kept pouring in and there are about 15 of us here now. Everyone here is setting up for Agua Dulce for Memorial Day weekend.

While laying here a hummingbird kept flying really close and we finally realized that a baby bird was lying in the grass. It was very small and had likely fallen out of its nest. We moved away but it was clear the bird would perish within a few hours. It is just biology but it was hard not to join the group and strategize on how to save the bird.

Yesterday gave me a good reality check on how the mental game can screw up your hike. It was so easy to get into a bad place, and that thinking was wreak havoc on your physical abilities as well as creating a “why am I here” thought process. I am glad I experienced this feeling early and really glad I got over it quickly. This allowed me to look at it objectively and compartmentalize the memory. Hopefully I will be able to draw on that in the future and help maintain context and remember to not make major decisions when in that place.

Photos have finally been posted. Hope you enjoy.

Destination: Camp Glenwood

Starting Location: Little Jimmy Campground

Today’s Miles: 16.70

Trip Miles: 401.00

Little Jimmy Campground (384.0, 7450) to Camp Glenwood (400.7, 6400) ascent (3589) descent (4656)

Today was difficult and proved that the mind is much more powerful than the body. We were hiking along pretty well in the morning and then we came to a detour because a section of the trail contains critical habitat for the federally listed Mountain Yellow Legged Frog. Now don’t get me wrong I am a huge supporter of the endangered species act and have actively opposed Congressman Pombo’s proposed changes but I partially share the sentiment one hiker wrote that this closure is “frog poop”. Particularly since day hikers can access the area from another trail and the signage regarding the closure is inconsistent. And I doubt that thru-hikers have contributed significantly to the decline of this species considering world wide amphibian populations are plummeting.

Anyway, I was not mentally prepared for getting off the trail and walking sown Highway 2 for several miles but we wanted to respect the regulations and protect the species so we hit the highway. Fortunately we got a trail message that we should enter the exit to Buckhorn Campground to reconnect with the PCT versus going another mile to the campground entrance and walk another 1.5 miles on the road.

I really disliked walking down the highway and it screwed up my thinking for most of the day. I quit enjoying the hike and instead focused on walking down a highway. So we decided to take a “do over” and quit early so we could get back to a good place by morning.

As part of the road walk, you could continue down the highway and shortcut the PCT by several miles. Our group was not interested in this and I shared that if I wanted to take a road to Canada and save miles I would thru-hike Interstate 5. But that is me. Many disagree and took this and other shorter routes as they present themselves.

This is where Hike your own hike (HYPH) comes into play. Another thing that I have been surprised by is how much people jump around and skip sections on the trial. There is even a running joke, supported by examples, of some hikers trying to hike the entire trail going down hill. Basically you hitch hike up the hill to the trail head and then hike back down. Again not for me but whatever works.

Saw Ryan (Popsicle) who I met one month ago on his first day out. It was great to see him. He had a tick and we got him fixed up as we talked about eating tacos with my parents. Also hiked a bit with “Detour” today.

Lucky Liz just found a scorpion by our bed roll. We tried to relocate it but when it ran for my sleeping bag Weed nailed it with a 20 lb rock. Those things are scary looking.

Tomorrow is another day and hopefully I will get my head back. Because we stopped early we will need to pick it up a bit.

Destination: Camp Glenwood

Starting Location: Little Jimmy Campground

Today’s Miles: 16.70

Trip Miles: 401.00

Little Jimmy Campground (384.0, 7450) to Camp Glenwood (400.7, 6400) ascent (3589) descent (4656)

Today was difficult and proved that the mind is much more powerful than the body. We were hiking along pretty well in the morning and then we came to a detour because a section of the trail contains critical habitat for the federally listed Mountain Yellow Legged Frog. Now don’t get me wrong I am a huge supporter of the endangered species act and have actively opposed Congressman Pombo’s proposed changes but I partially share the sentiment one hiker wrote that this closure is “frog poop”. Particularly since day hikers can access the area from another trail and the signage regarding the closure is inconsistent. And I doubt that thru-hikers have contributed significantly to the decline of this species considering world wide amphibian populations are plummeting.

Anyway, I was not mentally prepared for getting off the trail and walking sown Highway 2 for several miles but we wanted to respect the regulations and protect the species so we hit the highway. Fortunately we got a trail message that we should enter the exit to Buckhorn Campground to reconnect with the PCT versus going another mile to the campground entrance and walk another 1.5 miles on the road.

I really disliked walking down the highway and it screwed up my thinking for most of the day. I quit enjoying the hike and instead focused on walking down a highway. So we decided to take a “do over” and quit early so we could get back to a good place by morning.

As part of the road walk, you could continue down the highway and shortcut the PCT by several miles. Our group was not interested in this and I shared that if I wanted to take a road to Canada and save miles I would thru-hike Interstate 5. But that is me. Many disagree and took this and other shorter routes as they present themselves.

This is where Hike your own hike (HYPH) comes into play. Another thing that I have been surprised by is how much people jump around and skip sections on the trial. There is even a running joke, supported by examples, of some hikers trying to hike the entire trail going down hill. Basically you hitch hike up the hill to the trail head and then hike back down. Again not for me but whatever works.

Saw Ryan (Popsicle) who I met one month ago on his first day out. It was great to see him. He had a tick and we got him fixed up as we talked about eating tacos with my parents. Also hiked a bit with “Detour” today.

Lucky Liz just found a scorpion by our bed roll. We tried to relocate it but when it ran for my sleeping bag Weed nailed it with a 20 lb rock. Those things are scary looking.

Tomorrow is another day and hopefully I will get my head back. Because we stopped early we will need to pick it up a bit.

Destination: Little Jimmy Campground

Starting Location: Wrightwood

Today’s Miles: 14.50

Trip Miles: 384.30

Highway 2 (369.5, 7386) to Little Jimmy Campground (384.0, 7450) ascent (3973) descent (3919)

Today was a nearly perfect day for hiking. We caught a ride to the trail head from Walt Klein after having another full breakfast at the Evergreen Café. Our waitress for the last 3 breakfasts supplied us with mustard packets and gave us each a brownie to take on our trek. We hooked up with Sugar Daddy after a mile or so and we enjoyed an incredible day. The temperature was mid seventies, the air was perfectly still, and the after storm visibility was amazing. We took lunch atop Mt Baden Powell after taking the short side route to the summit. Atop the mountain we could see 360 degrees and caught our first glimpse of Mt Whitney and the snow capped Sierras hundreds of trail miles to the north. We ate lunch with Sweat box, Tree hugger, Token civilian and Midnight. This group was cracking up at our over 40 team as we compared trans fat % of our selected lunches. They said they had previously been hiking with Shaggy and personally witnessed him eat 6,000 calories at McDonalds, or double dump, as we are calling it. Ah to be 20 something again.

Sugar Daddy decided he wanted to reach Agua Dulce on Friday and so he decided to push on. We are going to miss hiking with him. I carried a piece of carrot cake from Wrightwood for a surprise birthday party for him tomorrow. But since he was leaving, and I was tired of carrying it, we decided to celebrate early. Lucky Liz lit the match candles and we sang happy birthday.

I started ding more stretches hoping it will help my foot. It sounds odd but several people have recommended calf stretches for foot pain. Something about “the foot bone is connected to the leg bone, the leg bone…”

The sun is setting and I am perched perfectly to look northwest across the Mojave Desert. A few scattered lights are just appearing on the desert floor.

I asked Cadence, who has hiked the AT and 800 miles on the PCT in 2004, when the mental challenge kicks in. She said it was an individual thing but months 3 & 4 are typically the most difficult mentally. That makes sense given in the beginning it is all such a grand adventure and at the end you can smell the goal, but in the middle can be tough. For me the key has been to enjoy each day for what it brings. This continues to work for me and I think I am really enjoying my hike more as a result.

The sky is so beautiful I must try and capture it on a photo.

Destination: Little Jimmy Campground

Starting Location: Wrightwood

Today’s Miles: 14.50

Trip Miles: 384.30

Highway 2 (369.5, 7386) to Little Jimmy Campground (384.0, 7450) ascent (3973) descent (3919)

Today was a nearly perfect day for hiking. We caught a ride to the trail head from Walt Klein after having another full breakfast at the Evergreen Café. Our waitress for the last 3 breakfasts supplied us with mustard packets and gave us each a brownie to take on our trek. We hooked up with Sugar Daddy after a mile or so and we enjoyed an incredible day. The temperature was mid seventies, the air was perfectly still, and the after storm visibility was amazing. We took lunch atop Mt Baden Powell after taking the short side route to the summit. Atop the mountain we could see 360 degrees and caught our first glimpse of Mt Whitney and the snow capped Sierras hundreds of trail miles to the north. We ate lunch with Sweat box, Tree hugger, Token civilian and Midnight. This group was cracking up at our over 40 team as we compared trans fat % of our selected lunches. They said they had previously been hiking with Shaggy and personally witnessed him eat 6,000 calories at McDonalds, or double dump, as we are calling it. Ah to be 20 something again.

Sugar Daddy decided he wanted to reach Agua Dulce on Friday and so he decided to push on. We are going to miss hiking with him. I carried a piece of carrot cake from Wrightwood for a surprise birthday party for him tomorrow. But since he was leaving, and I was tired of carrying it, we decided to celebrate early. Lucky Liz lit the match candles and we sang happy birthday.

I started ding more stretches hoping it will help my foot. It sounds odd but several people have recommended calf stretches for foot pain. Something about “the foot bone is connected to the leg bone, the leg bone…”

The sun is setting and I am perched perfectly to look northwest across the Mojave Desert. A few scattered lights are just appearing on the desert floor.

I asked Cadence, who has hiked the AT and 800 miles on the PCT in 2004, when the mental challenge kicks in. She said it was an individual thing but months 3 & 4 are typically the most difficult mentally. That makes sense given in the beginning it is all such a grand adventure and at the end you can smell the goal, but in the middle can be tough. For me the key has been to enjoy each day for what it brings. This continues to work for me and I think I am really enjoying my hike more as a result.

The sky is so beautiful I must try and capture it on a photo.

Destination: Wrightwood

Starting Location: Highway 2 T

oday’s Miles: 0.00

Trip Miles: 369.80

Wrightwood – Zero

Each town stop is like a mini reunion. As you arrive, you see people who are leaving. In town you get caught up with those who are staying and when you depart you see those arriving. At this point in the hike a fair amount of bunching up occurs as hikers set up their Sierran departure date strategy. Our group is looking towards a semi early start. Our thinking is that snow is better then potentially huge stream crossings. We will know more when we get to the Saufleys, but for now that is our stategy.

Utilized the Wrightwood library for internet access. It is a great facility and an excellent resource for travelers. I was happy to make a small contribution to the “friends” of the library group who had a donation jar on the table.

Ran into a shoe snag as New Balance is back ordered on 907, 12 ½, 2 E shoes. Dad is working hard to find me a pair and we have a back-up plan where as I would wear my Sierra shoes across the Mojave. This will likely work out well. They do not breathe as well but it will be a good test to ensure they will work for long distances. I wore the same model last year on the JMT but you never know and my feet have changed dramatically over the preceding weeks.

I have enjoyed Wrightwood and I am ready to move on. While I do not think much about the big goal of completing this hike, I believe it is in my subconscious and it reminds me that Canada is not getting any closer.

The storm has blown through and what remains is very cold air and blue skies. We will hit new snow in the a.m. but likely less than 8 inches accumulated, so it should not be a problem. I bought the last pair of glove liners at Mountain Hardware. They are not ideal but are certainly better than the ones that are permanently missing.

I am amazed at how much food I eat in town. I actually don’t feel that hungry then I eat multiple meals in a single setting…wild.

Hearing about more people getting off the trail. Hikers like to call it “off trail” as we do not want to make judgments regarding the whys. That is why you will rarely hear a fellow hiker say someone quit. If someone has a broken foot for example, which is common, you certainly do not want to label them a quitter. That judgment is so loaded and unfair given what we have gone through that it is best to simply they are “off trail”. It is their hike and their decision alone and that decision is most often respected by fellow hikers.

Destination: Wrightwood

Starting Location: Highway 2 T

oday’s Miles: 0.00

Trip Miles: 369.80

Wrightwood – Zero

Each town stop is like a mini reunion. As you arrive, you see people who are leaving. In town you get caught up with those who are staying and when you depart you see those arriving. At this point in the hike a fair amount of bunching up occurs as hikers set up their Sierran departure date strategy. Our group is looking towards a semi early start. Our thinking is that snow is better then potentially huge stream crossings. We will know more when we get to the Saufleys, but for now that is our stategy.

Utilized the Wrightwood library for internet access. It is a great facility and an excellent resource for travelers. I was happy to make a small contribution to the “friends” of the library group who had a donation jar on the table.

Ran into a shoe snag as New Balance is back ordered on 907, 12 ½, 2 E shoes. Dad is working hard to find me a pair and we have a back-up plan where as I would wear my Sierra shoes across the Mojave. This will likely work out well. They do not breathe as well but it will be a good test to ensure they will work for long distances. I wore the same model last year on the JMT but you never know and my feet have changed dramatically over the preceding weeks.

I have enjoyed Wrightwood and I am ready to move on. While I do not think much about the big goal of completing this hike, I believe it is in my subconscious and it reminds me that Canada is not getting any closer.

The storm has blown through and what remains is very cold air and blue skies. We will hit new snow in the a.m. but likely less than 8 inches accumulated, so it should not be a problem. I bought the last pair of glove liners at Mountain Hardware. They are not ideal but are certainly better than the ones that are permanently missing.

I am amazed at how much food I eat in town. I actually don’t feel that hungry then I eat multiple meals in a single setting…wild.

Hearing about more people getting off the trail. Hikers like to call it “off trail” as we do not want to make judgments regarding the whys. That is why you will rarely hear a fellow hiker say someone quit. If someone has a broken foot for example, which is common, you certainly do not want to label them a quitter. That judgment is so loaded and unfair given what we have gone through that it is best to simply they are “off trail”. It is their hike and their decision alone and that decision is most often respected by fellow hikers.