Walk

March 26, Day 16

PCT Mile 220.1, Whitewater Creek.

I woke up early this morning after a fitful night of sleep.  As I have mentioned earlier, I sleep a lot lighter out here. I was camped with Sampson, Jason and Aric.  We were all camped rather close together as the area we stopped had limited options. As a result, anytime one of them moved, I was awake.

Even with an interrupted night of sleep, I felt reasonably rested this morning.  This came as a bit of a shock as I put my body through hell yesterday.

After packing up camp and eating breakfast I was on the trail by 6:45.  The first planned stop was the trail Angels, Ziggy and the Bear.  They were approximately 5 miles from where I camped so I knew I would make it there rather early.

The scenery this morning was substantially different than yesterday. I trekked across flat desert wash.  It was quite enjoyable. I love the smell of the desert in the morning. There is an aroma that I’ve never been able to identify, but it relaxes me and makes me feel good.

I crossed under Interstate 10 shortly after 8am.  Awaiting hikers was a pleasant surprise, Trail Magic!  There were several coolers, one with bottled water, one with sodas and one with beer!   I opted for a full flavor root beer (I usually drink diet).   Man what a sugar rush.

We all took a pause and signed the trail log to thank whomever the angel was for the hospitality.  In the log I saw Connor and Khalil are roughly two days ahead of me.

We all caught back up with each other and hiked together the remaining mile or so to Ziggy and the Bears.  The Bear greeted us and Ziggy joined in short order.  They are a retired couple in their 80s who have been hosting PCT hikers for the last 20 years.   Their first year, they only saw 12 hikers.  Last year they hosted over 1100!

They have a great set up for hikers. They immediately offered us Gatorade and offered to charge our electronics.  We all accepted.  We all made conversation and relaxed.  They had a hiker box full of food, so we all rummaged through to see if there were any goodies we may like.   I found some crackers and granola bars and had them as an early lunch.  Sampson found a jar of peanut butter and strawberry jam mixed.  He exclaimed, “Boy, I just love this stuff. I’m going to eat this for lunch.”

Over the next 20 minutes he consumed the entire jar…  I guess his hiker hunger has kicked in.

The time quickly slipped away as we chatted and rehydrated.  About 10:30 I decided it was time to go.  I wanted to get some more miles in before it got to hot.  It was to be in the 90s today.

From Ziggy and the Bears, you head east on the PCT and walk right along a windmill farm. I had never actually been that close to a power generating windmill.   They actually make quite a bit of noise, but the breeze was nice so I couldn’t complain.

The next several miles were pretty warm. The wind was at my back and the temperature was pushing 90.  I was sweating profusely.  I had the foresight this might be the case and brought more water than I thought I would need.  Many hikers can get by with a liter every 5 miles.  I’ve learned for myself in the heat, I need about a liter every three miles.  I knew my next water source was 10 miles away, so I left Ziggy and the Bears with 3 liters.  Even with the extra I was running a deficit today.  I could feel my energy being sapped from the ascent of the trail and the heat.

I pulled into camp this afternoon around 3:30 somewhat delirious and done for the day.  I’m camped right beside whitewater creek and this far it’s my favorite place I have set up camp on the PCT.  The creek is flowing well and provides a nice audible backdrop to a great view.

Although today was rough physically, I have to say it’s one of my favorite days.  I saw many day hikers today and when I happened upon the creek there was a young family teaching their two boys about backpacking.  The mother struck up a conversation about hiking and asked if I was thru hiking.  I said that was the plan.  She was super friendly and offered me some chocolate chip cookies.  Boy, that made my day.

It’s truly fascinating to me how many people have gone out of their way to be friendly to me or help me out when they learn I’m a thru hiker.

In Idyllwild we went to the GastroGnome restaurant.  When I walked in they asked if I would rather be inside or outside.  I responded, “oh I would prefer to be inside. I’ve been outside for the last 10 days.”

One of the owners happened to be close by and asked if I was a thru hiker.   I said, “yes. ”

She responded, “Oh, well I have something for you then”

Once we were seated she swept by and dropped off a bag of homemade oatmeal raisin cookies.  She then looked at Austin and Brian and asked if they were thru hiking.  They both said no. She looked at them and smiled and said, “No thru hiking, no cookies for you.” And walked off.

The generosity of people is pretty spectacular.  I received a discount on my room in Idyllwild as well.  It feels as if I’m a member of an elite club most people don’t even know exists.

Trail Angels, trail magic and the generosity of random people, do it for no more thank a thank you.  In a lot of instances of trail magic a thank you can not even be given since often their magic is in the form of an unattended stash.  The PCT seems to be a magical place.