Stats

Start: Arrastre Trail Camp – Mile 256.2
End: Big Bear Lake – Mile 266.1
Elevation Max: 7,751
Elevation Min: 6,900
Elevation Change: 699 up & 1,486 down
Average Heart Rate: 127
Walking Time: 2 hrs 32 minutes

The Walk

I woke up cold. But a hot breakfast was only 10 miles away! I started moving around 6 and the rest of the crew woke up shortly after. I had a bit of water left and filtered chef’s extra. The bottom of the plastic bag was frozen. I got an extra half liter, enough to get me the 10 miles to big bear.

As soon as I got out of my sleeping bag I slipped on my puffy and gloves and took off. I hiked ridiculously fast the first 1.5 miles. 3.8 mph! Partly because the trail was an easy downhill. Partly because it was flipping cold and I wanted to warm up.

I was enjoying the hike and the weather so much that I accidentally skipped a water source. Luckily it was cool and I had barely touched my water. I didn’t have a hard time rationing the last half liter over the next 7 miles. It would have been a different story on a hot desert afternoon.

It felt freeing to be out early on the trail on a short day. The mountains opened up around and me excitement for the trail washed over me. I was happy to be out this morning. Yesterday was filled with highs and lows. Today was all highs. I was excited to find out what was ahead.

4 miles away from Big Bear I passed a cooler with a sign welcoming pct hikers! Perfect!! I didn’t need the water, but I took an apple. It was a great snack and quite the surprise.

I popped in music for the last 4 miles and cruised. The trail wound through beautiful forest. I looked up at trees as tall as buildings. It was a different city than I was used to. A city where I was a visitor but welcomed and connected.

At the trailhead two hikers and I got a hitch into town. We wanted to eat at Manor, famous for huge pancakes. When we arrived there weren’t any cars in the parking lot. That’s odd said the driver. This place is usually packed.

Turns out it and two other breakfast diners were closed for Easter. The third option was open. I met the crew and we ate a scrumptious breakfast.

Then we walked to our hostel and enjoyed the rest of the day. It was High Life’s birthday so I got a cake from Ben and Jerry’s.

Jack rabbit gathered 10 random people from our hoste, who sang happy birthday. And we all enjoyed the cake. A 5 year old kid was in the group. He was hiking the PCT and was bouncing off the walls from the ice cream. It’s crazy the people you meet out here. I can’t believe I crossed paths with a 5 year old kid and a guy who lost 250 pounds in two days.

We relaxed and enjoyed our Nero day. Tomorrow will be a zero and I look forward to posting up at a coffee shop to unwind.