Big Bear

I’ve passed 260 miles, meaning….I’ve completed 10% of the trail. Every day brings new challenges. Second day out of San Gorgonio pass saw long portions of poorly or unmarked trail with a 5000 ft elevation gain. The next day temperatures dropped overnight to freezing, with a high in the upper 30’s.

On the other hand, yesterday the stars aligned, with 4 donuts waiting for the four of us at Hwy 18, and a trail angel ride into town magically appearing when we hit the trailhead. Plus, the staff at the lodge ran our laundry for us, so despite the cold it was a great day.

The next stretch is 100 mile, 7 day trek to Wrightwood, which means it’s back to a heavy pack again. I should be done with the micro spikes for now, so I can send them ahead to Kennedy Meadows.

I can’t say enough good things about the trail community. It is both humbling and refreshing to rely on the good will of others. Never before have I experienced such a sense of universal camaraderie.