Mill Creek Picnic Area to Acton KOA
25.7 miles
Mile 444.3
Around 2am we were woken from our slumber by a couple strangers hooting and hollering. Not sure whether they were hikers or what, but they stole our water and soda…not cool yo!
Anyways, the sleep was solid other than that strange episode. Everyone was up and at it around 6, everyone but Diva.
His ankle was bugging him from the previous days grind, so he opted to grab a hitch into town to rest up rather than attempt the 26 mile waterless stretch that faced us. It was the smart choice, but not an easy one.
Spikes and Mike hit the trail as KP, Stretch and I were filling our water bottles. They’re a good time and move quick, guessing we’ll see more of them.
We were back on trail by 8. The first ten miles we ascended back into the mountains. There was loads of Poodle Dog Bush we had to dodge. It likes to grow in burn areas in Southern California and can cause severe skin irritation and rash…so I did my best to avoid it.
It was a solid climb, but it felt good. All the muscles in my body seem to have migrated to my legs turning them into trail eating machines.
I ran into Stretch and KP at the top of the climb perched on some rocks enjoying the vista views.
It was just after noon. We had another 15 miles to the KOA where we’d camp, but their convenience store closed at 5…I had ice cream on my mind, so after a brief stop I began flying down the mountain.
I ran into Spikes and Mike at the North Fork Ranger Station. I told them my plans to make it to the store before closing and was off again.
The trail was downhill and well maintained, so I put away my trekking poles and began to jog. I was moving quick, but shortly after leaving the ranger station I noticed Mike hot on my heels. Each switchback I’d glance back to find him closer and closer. Finally he caught me and expressed his matching desire to feast on soda and candy the store had to offer.
Together we set off, determined to beat the clock.
We were moving quick, averaging well over 4 mph (that’s fast ok…). I almost missed a rattler chilling on the trail, but luckily I spotted him before stepping on him.
He didn’t want to move, and due to the ridge we were on we couldn’t walk around him. He was determined to keep us from our snacks! After tossing a couple rocks near him I convinced him to move on, so on we went.
We rolled up to the store at 430, out of breath and legs throbbing from the effort, but we had made it! Our victory was short lived however when we discovered the store didn’t close until 7…whoops.
After devouring a frozen Snickers bar, I paid for my tent spot at the KOA (Kampsite of America) and setup shop in a grassy field near a picnic table.
By the time I was finished setting up the rest of the crew had arrived. I grabbed everyone’s dirty clothes to start a load of laundry before hopping in the warm shower to remove the filth that I had collected over the past few days.
Once we had all cleansed ourselves, we set about making dinner plans. Don Chato, a Mexican joint, was 6 miles down the road. After a failed attempt at hitching, I got us an Uber. Angie, the driver, was cool enough to let all five of us squeeze into her Chevy Malibu.
At the restaurant we ordered a round of margaritas. It was delicious. As per usual I ordered the fajitas…they didn’t disappoint!
Mike got the Uber back to the KOA where we dispersed to our tents to sleep off the heavy meal we’d enjoyed. Another excellent day.
Cheers!
I want to commend you for making this blog a positive outlook on your adventure. Even when you mention the hardships which are part of the experience, like howling wind, rough steep trails, missed gear, and stolen supplies, you always express it in a positive tone.
It sounds like your squad mirrors the same positive energy.
I know you provided bios on Stretch and KP earlier. How did they earn their trail name?
I hope Diva’s ankle is better. Smart to play it smart.
No bad days Roger! Even the crappy times are better than being stuck in an office!
Shane was a collegiate runner, so part of his daily regiment includes extensive stretching….so we coined him Stretch.
Scott was belting out some hilarious Kenny Powers quotes one night and also shared a slight resemblance…so we dubbed him KP, short for Kenny Powers. He’s going to hit a barber soon to achieve the iconic mullet that Kenny Powers rocks.
Cheers!
Dang a great last couple days hiking. Hope Diva’s ankle gets better soon. He might just have to have a spa day as Diva’s do when they ache😉
Stinking thieves. Glad it didn’t hinder the hike moving forward. I had to laugh at the closing time for the store. It’s great what we can do when we have a goal as you did getting there quickly.
As Roger said you have a well written blog that’s enjoyable to read. I like how you write a little and lots of pictures and write a little more. I’m sure at the end of day you certainly don’t have that energy and we all appreciate you are putting in that effort and of course a great diary for you later on.
Cheers 😀
Thanks! We’re all rooting for Diva to heal up quick so he can get back on the trail!
It’s fun setting small goals to change things up throughout the day. Being close to a town always makes my pace quicken!
Glad you enjoy reading. I appreciate the positive feedback!
Cheers!
I really look forward to these every single day!! Thanks for being so thorough!! Be safe!
Thanks Terri! So glad you enjoy reading. Cheers!
Too bad about the thieves. There some rotten apples on every trail. Which ankle is bothering Alex?
Hopefully they needed it more than we did!
Austin you said it. Being stuck in an office sucks. I’m so jealous and want to be out on the trails. I regret not doing so back in my bachelor days! Thanks for letting me do the virtual hike from my cozy cubicle back in Tucson!
I don’t get the poles. I mean I know what they’re for, just not a believer. Do they really help your knees and take away stress on your body? I always found carrying a walking stick too much effort on my hikes.
Keep it up and I love your blog.
PS – Ran into Kathleen not too long ago. Why does she think you joined the Peace Corps? Haha thought that was funny.
Heck yeah Dave! Glad you’re following along! It’s crazy cool out here. Hope work is going well…this job doesn’t pay very well 😜
Poles are great. Game changer when you’ve got a heavy pack and your tackling a steep incline. I also use them to setup my tent…so multipurpose! I’ve been using them less as my legs strengthen, but on long descents they absolutely save me knees. On a day hike with a light pack you’re probably better off without them though. I find my stride, footing and pace all better without them.
Thanks for reading,cheers!
Did the body swelling Alex had a couple of days ago totally subside? Did he see any raised red area that may have indicated it could have been a spider bite? Did he have any other symptoms; headache, fever? He looked pretty uncomfortable. Thanks, Papa Ken
None of that, he was swollen the next morning as well. We think it’s altitude related.
You are doing such a fine job with positive outlooks. The miles are melting away and what stories you have to tell. Be safe and do keep enjoying the ride. Lv u G
Really enjoying the posts mate. You are demolishing the miles and margaritas !!
Looking forward to more posts.
Thanks for reading, cheers!
Great blog. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
Only because I’m a trail runner myself, I’m just curious what your base weight is (everything minus food/water) that allows you to run along in reasonable comfort.
I’m not a weight Nazi . . . . . just asking out of curiousity as I’d probably like to be doing same when I eventually get out there in a year or two.
Sorry to hear you were robbed by the local drunks. They’ll go to hell for that.
Howdy Rick!
Thanks for reading! My base is around 10 lbs. definitely get out here! It’s truly incredible. Cheers!