Stats

Start: Fuller Ridge Campground- Mile 190.5
End: Backyard in Whitewater- Mile 210
Elevation Max: 7,919
Elevation Min: 1,566
Elevation Change: 815 up & 6,639 down
Average Heart Rate: 128
Walking Time: 5 hrs 31 minutes

The Walk

I woke up at 7:15 today. Last night was the perfect amount of chilly for another great night sleep. Around 40 degrees. 20 hikers were spread out at campground. No roads or water, but they had picnic tables!

I got moving at 7:30 and was on trail by 8. The relaxed morning felt nice. The rest of my group was already started. I think they left at 7. I walk quickly so I figure I’d catch them later in the day.

The entire hike was a low grade downhill section. 19 miles. I was thankful after the full day climb yesterday. I was also pleasantly surprised that the snow was gone. It was a peaceful morning hike. I relaxed, enjoyed the views, and smiled as the miles went by.

Early in the day I saw big bear come into view. Or at least the mountain range we were going to climb. Also the views back at mount San Jacinto were beautiful. The hike started in pine forest and meandered down switchbacks to the low desert.

There wasn’t any water along the way, but with the cool temps and easy trail it didn’t matter. 3 liters was plenty. High life and Jack rabbit were relaxing at the 200 PCT mile marker. Then 13 miles into the day at the water we all had lunch.

There was rumor of trail magic 3 miles up trail under interstate 10, so I left pretty quickly to find out. If there wasn’t trail magic, a hitch 8 miles to in and out was possible.

We hiked down a paved road into the flat, barren desert for 1.5 miles. It was a drastic change from the snowy mountain tops. I thought the rest of the day would be a breeze. But the road turned to sand and the wind picked up. As I hiked the last two miles I realized we were in the middle of a wind farm. The gap between the two mountain ranges created a wind tunnel and it wasn’t holding back.

The wind kept getting stronger and the sand felt deeper. Sand was blowing in our faces. We spent the last 1.5 miles with our heads down, leaning against the wind as we hiked. I stole a few glances back at the San Jacinto, which I peaked yesterday. The distance gave me a momentary surreal feeling, but the wind quickly brought me back to the task ahead.

Even the hawks struggled to fly into the wind. Three were literally floating next to us, trying their best to make ground. After a few minutes they gave up and stayed on the ground.

We finally made it to the interstate and saw a huge PCT 2022 welcome sign and a hiker box (a place hikers dump extra food or gear). There was no trail magic, but the box had some food! My appetite picked up and my food bag was light. I grabbed noodles and backpacker meal, which was absolutely perfect!! Now I would be able to make it to Big Bear without a resupply.

It was only 2 so we decided to try the 8 mile hitch to in and out. My first idea was to call a trail angel for a ride. I was surprised he picked up and said sure… 5 minutes and he’d be here! We waited the by then road and took the ride into Cabazon.

I got a burger and fries. The first town food while on trail for a few days is always amazing. It was a also a great supplement to my light food bag. This was the closest in and out to the PCT, a California staple!

We got an Uber back to trail and brought a few milkshakes for friends. They had an odd smile when we got back. A guy pulled up on an ATV and was blown away by the idea of hiking from Mexico to Canada. He offered up his backyard for us all to camp. This was perfect news because the wind was still ripping and there weren’t any sheltered sites for another 12 miles. We weren’t about to hike 12 miles tonight. We were beat.

The house was right next to trail. 8 smelly hikers walked up to this oasis. I wasn’t expecting much. But this place had a pool and sick view of Mount San Jacinto! The trail provides 🙂

We jumped in the freezing cold pool for a second. Then I pulled up a chair and soaked my feet for an hour under the late afternoon sun. It was an amazing spot. Miguel hooked us up!

I set up a sheltered cowboy spot under the car port. Today was a wild day. We have more 2.5 days to get to big bear. The next town stop to resupply.

Tomorrow we begin climbing another mountain range. So onward and upward! Feeling good and ready to see what comes. There is a wind farm and nature preserve coming soon.