Stats

Start: 0.5 before Warner Springs – Mile 109
End: Concrete Cistern – Mile 139.5
Elevation Max: 5,549
Elevation Min: 2,951
Elevation Change: 4,444 up & 3,862 down
Average Heart Rate: 129
Walking Time: 9 hrs 20 minutes

The Walk

The sun woke me up for the first time of my backpacking life. It was 6:30 and I felt great. I crashed hard after the 32 mile day. I was surprised my body felt so fresh in the morning. Only my toes were sore when I curled them. So I can’t complain.

I slept in a dried out river bed and the cool, fresh morning air signaled a new day to experience. The group I hiked with had resupply packages at the Warner springs post office. It didn’t open until 9, so they would have a slow morning.

I planned 28 miles today. After I zipped up my pack I noticed something bright glowing. I couldn’t figure out what it was. My headlamp locks so it can’t turn on accidentally. I pulled out my electronics bag and my power bank flashlight was on! What the hell. I didn’t even know it had a flashlight. It went from 85% (4 phone charges) to 0%. My phone was at 66%. Which meant I had to use low power mode and airplane mode all day.

I packed up my gear and took the first step of another long day. The final half mile to Warner springs was peaceful and followed a creek. I didn’t plan to stop at Warner springs. The post office and store was a mile off trail. But the fire station was on trail. So I filled up my water, rinsed extra socks, and drank a liter.

Then I headed out. The next water was in 6 miles. The morning walk meandered through pasture and wooded areas. I was surprised how quickly it got hot. I didn’t wear my thermal shirt for more than an hour.

In the late morning the sun kept warming up. I pushed through a 1.6k climb over the next 6 miles. There were beautiful Mountain views. After the climb I had 6 more miles to the next water at a water tank called Mike’s place. The trail narrowed on the six miles with bushes squeezing the trail.

I got to Mike’s place about 1pm and found 20 hikers hanging out under the shade. A topic of conversation was the sketchy upcoming water sources. I planned on 8 miles to a stream, but decided to go 12 miles to a cistern. After a 1.5 hour break I headed out for the next 12 miles.

30.5 miles was more than I planned, but a few other people were making the trek. So I decided to go for it. On the bright side I’d have fewer morning miles to Paradise Valley Cafe! Only 12.

The whole section was picture worthy. Every time I loooked up from trail I was amazed. Ran into the 3 guys who were at Mike’s place. Chef, Jack rabbit, and Grahm. I hiked with them the last few miles to the concerts cistern.

The cistern was a rain catcher in the desert that was caving in. I immediately grabbed my bag of chips and started Mac and cheese for dinner. I was starving. I couldn’t think of anything but food for the last 2 miles. I think my body was telling me something.

We chatted over dinner. Then set up camp. There weren’t any good spots around, so I set up my spot on the concrete. My body didn’t want to go any further. My micro goal of Julian to Paradise Valley Cafe by morning of day 3 is in reach (74.5 miles)!

I plan to wake up at sunrise and head out to the cafe for breakfast and lunch. And to recharge my battery pack! I’ll need a charge to make the trek to Idyllwild.