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PCT Day 13

Hillbilly’s to Bushcamp

22 miles

Mile 231.6

Hillbilly’s living room was warmer than I would’ve liked. I woke up sweating, so I shedded my layers and sleeping quilt in a failed attempt to find a comfortable temperature. In theory, foregoing the outdoor elements along with the chore of setting up my tent to sleep on his carpet with my sleeping pad seemed like a good choice, but it was anything but a restful night.

I got up around 430 to catch up on journaling, respond to emails and review the water sources along the route we’d take today. Within an hour the rest of the house was bustling. The restroom seemed to be a popular place, it’s plumbing was certainly put to the test.

Hillbilly made a pot of coffee for the group. As I enjoyed my second cup of joe I raided the box he kept stocked with an assortment of fast food condiment packets. I took every Taco Bell Diablo hot sauce packet I could find…that stuff is delicious!

Once everyone had their things packed, we loaded into Hillbilly’s 1981 GMC truck and made the five mile commute back to the trail.

We were hiking again by 730. As I walked I reflected on how unexpectedly the previous night had played out. Our plan had been to get into town for an Easter cheeseburger, then get back on trail for a few more miles. Instead, we got a shower, laundered clothes, a place to sleep AND a cheeseburger!

Everyday is an adventure. It’s important not to go into it with preconceived notions. Instead, remain open to anything, roll with the punches and always say yes. You never know where it’ll take you.

Our morning miles consisted of a junky desert before ascending through a massive wind farm up into the San Gorgonio mountains.

We ran across another grass snake.

The first water source we crossed was 10 miles in at Whitewater River, which holds the title of largest river crossing in the Southern California section. It looked more like a creek…but the water was delicious.

After a brief lunch break, we chugged a couple liters of water so we’d only need to carry one liter to make it to the next water in 6 miles.

Around noon, the hike out of the valley was a ball buster. It was hot and the climb was steep. We were glad our packs were light due to the minimal water carried.

We continued to ascend higher into the range, seeking shade wherever we could find it.

Eventually the trail led down into a sort of gorge where Mission Creek ran snow melt down the mountain.

We’d follow this creek for the rest of the day, crossing it over a dozen times.

Close to 5 we found an excellent campsite just feet from the creek. Once our nightly chores had been completed, we enjoyed a brisk dip in the creek. It was cold as hell, but felt amazing.

We started a small fire in an existing fire ring before beginning our nightly ritual of seeing how many calories we could fit inside our stomachs. All while enjoying a backdrop of pink clouds as the sun sank lower and lower in the sky.

P.s. My trail name is Snacks! I mailed home my stove/pot because I prefer snacks over cooking.

For breakfast I eat snacks. While hiking, my hip belt pockets are stuffed with snacks. For dinner I eat A LOT of snacks. Back in my tent after dinner I celebrate with more snacks. I might have a problem…

We call it the snack attack!

Anyways, I’m pleased with the trail name, and agree that it fits.

I love snacks.

Cheers!

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