PCT Day 11

Idyllwild to Bushcamp

18.6 miles (6 miles on unofficial trail)

Mile 190.6

Woke up a tad hungover around 7 but feeling strong. After a couple cups of coffee and a protein bar I was ready to get back on trail. Idyllwild was good to us, but we’re not out here to linger in towns. Our neighbor Kennith offered to drop us off at the South Ridge Trailhead, which would take us back to where the PCT fire closure ends. We were thankful to be saved from the road walk we endured on our way into town.

We hopped out of his car and began the day on a two mile stretch of dirt road leading to the trailhead around 10.

The incline was intense, and would remain that way for the next 6 miles. Going from 5500 to 8500 ft in elevation got the blood pumping. The calorie reserves we had stored while in town were draining quick.

We rested for a bit at the top of our climb before tackling the sketchy snow covered switchback ridge back to the PCT.

It was sketchy as hell. I was wishing I had micro spikes, nevertheless we slowed down and made our way through it.

Thrilled we didn’t die and to be back on the PCT, we followed the trail up and down along a ridge for most of the day.

We topped off our water at a neat frozen waterfall before making the final 4 mile push to where we planned on camping.

We were spent by the time we finished. The steep incline we enjoyed all day had been a test of endurance. Dinner consisted of a packet of tuna, protein cookie, chili dried mango, chocolate nut clusters, maple almond butter smeared on a chocolate bar and a fast break candy bar. Tasty stuff!

A couple of hikers had started a small fire, so we joined them for a bit. Fires are rare in Southern California due to the dry conditions, so I was surprised they had built one. Regardless, we enjoyed staring at the flames for an hour before crashing just before 9.

Cheers!