Author: Jim, Sagebrush

PCT 2018 Day 10, May 2, Wednesday.

Start mile 195.4, small campsite

End campsites on Mission Creek, mile 226.1

Miles walked: 30.7

Zig-zagging down the mountain took another 4 hours, down to elevation 2k. Then a few miles through loose sand, and a highway underpass, where trail angel Mama Bear was waiting to give out hugs and food. Hot dogs are in the cooler. The trail goes by the Mesa Wind Farm, which we could see while coming down the mountain. Their maintenance shed welcomes hikers, but was closing just as I got there. The San Gorgonio Wilderness had miles of steep canyons and grand views. The first designated campsite within the wilderness was too early, so I pressed on to get to their next site. Nonetheless, I met and chatted with several people at camp: Rattlesnake from the UK, Donna, Dana, Todd, Spooked, Ms Frizzle, Cathy, Skinny Santa.

PCT 2018 Day 9, May 1, Tuesday.

Start Idyllwild, walk Ernie Maxwell trail 2.6 miles, then the 2.6 mile Devil’s Slide Trail to PCT mile 179.4, just past the fire closure

End mile 195.4, small campsite

Miles walked: 21.2

Weather is coming, in the form of rain and likely snow, and I will be stuck here in town for another day, or likely two, if I do not move fast. The Ernie Maxwell Trail starts as side-streets through Idyllwild, then a trail, and only one set of footprints is there before mine. This trail climbs from 5.5k to 6.5k elevation. The Devil’s Slide Trail climbs to 8.1k. There is no rain yet, foggy, and little wind. Rejoining the PCT, the climb is to 9k elevation, above the clouds, still little wind. An alternate trail goes to the San Jacinto peak at 10.5k and stunning views most days, but I stay on main trail to be ahead of the weather. At a creek I stop for water, and two other hikers are there, all of us silent, enjoying the peace and water sounds. These are the only hikers seen until 1PM. The trail goes through San Jacinto State Wilderness, and some old-growth trees, their tops beginning to fade in the fog. The route goes from 9k elevation to 2k elevation and very dry and warm desert. This is the biggest elevation drop on the PCT, and will take longer than today to finish. As the trail descends into the fog, some ice is blowing around and accumulates on trees. Donning cold-weather gear, I hike in blowing snow down to 5k elevation, where the snow turns to showers and mostly stops. The campsite is exposed to the wind, and my tent is buffeted by gusts through the night.

PCT 2018 Day 8, April 30, Monday.

Start mile 4.7 of Idyllwild Alternate at Spitler Trailhead

End mile 6.7 of Alternate, then get ride and later hitch to Idyllwild.

Miles walked: 2

Starting down the first roadwalk of the alternate route in the morning, someone comes by and offers a ride part-way. I gladly accept. He drops me off 4 miles to town, near a cafe, which he recommends as maybe the best in the area. I have a pleasant breakfast, discover that highway 238 has no shoulders in places, so is unwalkable. However, hitching was easy, and I get a ride in seconds.

In town, I see Smokebreak and the rest of the group already in town! They had taken an alternate, shorter route down the ridge. Now they warned that rain and snow were forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, and they were heading up already! Wow, but my body was telling me that a day of rest was imperative.

I get a spot at the campground, not being able to get a call through to an actual person at the nearest hotel, then do the routine of shower, laundry, and so on, and try to actually rest.

The town is small enough that everything is close together, great for a hiker. The car traffic from tourists is high, though, and this is only a Monday in April.

It rains most of the night.