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!