Stats

Start: Tent site past Cleghorn Picnic – Mile 333
End: Swarthout Canyon – Mile 347.2
Elevation Max: 2,897
Elevation Min: 4,106
Elevation Change: 2,586 up & 2,617 down
Average Heart Rate: 119
Walking Time: 5 hrs 12 minutes

The Walk

People often say it only rains 4-5 days on 6 months on the PCT. Last night was my first. The rain lasted until 2am.

My tent was soaking wet but all of my gear was dry inside. Just as it should be. Speaker had a puddle in his tent and his gear was soaked. The trials of the trail come at anytime and can happen to anyone. No matter how prepared or knowledgeable you are.

Luckily I had service in my tent and could pull up the radar. It showed the rain had passed and I could start hiking. I packed up my gear along with chef and highlife. We headed out for a morning walk. Only 11 miles to the McDonalds by Cajon Pass. It’s the closest McDonald’s to trail and a famous PCT stop! Who doesn’t want a mid- day McFlurry??

The morning was brisk and I had no idea what to expect from the hike. The clouds were a nice change from clear sky’s. They set the backdrop for my morning of ridge walking. Mountain after mountain lined the horizon. I spent most of the morning chatting with Speaker about personal growth.

10 other hikers were posted up at McDonald’s. It was a hiker haven and many hung out here for hours. Often getting multiple meals or coffee and shakes. They didn’t have benches, but the floor was plenty good for hikers. Ha

I charged my electronics and got a coffee and McFlurry to start. A few hours later I got a Big Mac meal and chicken nuggets.

I felt spoiled because I had pizza the night before and left over pizza this morning. I am feeling full and still have a heavy food bag. I hung out at McDonald’s until 4.

My 5 mile hike late afternoon hike was beautiful. Every step was picture worthy, it there’s no way to capture the smell, feeling and 360 degree vastness of the hike. The clouds were huge and set the tone for the hike. I walked along in awe of the beauty.

The rest of my group had stopped in Cajon Pass to stay at a motel. So I was walking solo. It was a nice feeling. I kept cruising along with nothing but the miles to Canada in front of me.

At the water cache I met a few old friends and we helped a trail angel fill up the cache. Then settled in for dinner

I decided to cowboy camp eventhough there was a 10% chance of rain. It didn’t feel like rain, so I went for it! Worst case I’ll use my tent as a tart while the light rain passes.

Tomorrow will be a big climb into wrightwood or close to Wrightwood. I need to climb from 3,500 to 8,200 feet over 16 miles. Then 22 total miles to Wrightwood.