Cowboy Camping at Little Bear Springs Camp (mile 285.6). Walked 19.5 miles today.
Did not sleep well at all in the bed. Woke up at the normal time and took my time getting ready. At 9, I checked out and tried to get a hitch to the trail. Was picked up by a trail angel Bosco after 10-15 minutes. Turns out he had just dropped off Emily and some others. Got to the trailhead and chatted with a biker guy who didn't know about the trail. After telling him I was walking to Canada, he seemed impressed and we took a picture together before setting out. Up to this point, the trail has been going generally northward, but now, it will take a sharp turn due west and continue like that for several hundred miles.
Started hiking about 9:40. Climbed up and soon passed a guy hiking with his dog. I asked the dog's name and found out it was Abby. I failed to get the hiker's name, but turns out his trail name is Abby's Person because everyone does what I did and only asks for the dog's name.
After about an hour or so, I finally caught up to Emily (now known by her trail name, Snowflake for her experience as a ski instructor and for her fragile feet) who was walking with Flying (a guy from the Netherlands). We walked along together and chatted about a variety of politically controversial topics. It was a good discussion.
We stopped at a small stream for a break and water and met Dirty Knuckles, Hoops, and Burp. They shared the motel room last night with Snowflake and Flying. We continued on and started hiking at different paces so we got a little separated. Passed the Big Bear Lake.
The last 8 miles today were hellish. Terrain was fine but I hadn't eaten enough. I stopped to snack and felt better.
Still slogged the last few miles before arriving at camp and chatting with some section hikers. Snowflake and Flying showed up and we ate and chatted before turning in for the night.
I’ve heard you should eat before you’re hungry (especially if you’re a hiker) and drink before you’re thirsty (everybody). I’m sure you’ve figured that out. 🙂
ReplyDeleteYeah I know...sometimes I just get caught up in hiking though...
DeleteBig Bear! Lovely place - visited once when Gabriel was a wee one. How pretty it looks from your vantage point. Lotsa miles day with no math ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou must have gone to Big Bear Lake because Big Bear City (where I was) is not what I'd call lovely...or it may have just gone downhill in the past 30 years. There's always math. That's how we calculate how far we've gone and when we expect to arrive at camp.
DeleteI immediately went to tell Jake the story of Abby's Person because I thought that was so funny. It also must feel pretty cool to tell someone "Yeah I'm hiking to Canada" when you're standing in Southern California (especially if they've never heard of the trail!).
ReplyDeleteYeah it's also pretty cool to tell someone you started hiking at the Mexican border. Abby's Person was pretty cool and Abby was a nice dog.
ReplyDelete