Stats

Start: Mountain tent site – Mile 176.4
End: Idyllwild – Mile 179.4
Elevation Max: 8,536
Elevation Min: 6,418
Elevation Change: 613 up & 2,429 down
Average Heart Rate: 97
Walking Time: 1 hrs 51 minutes

The Walk

I woke up every few hours last night. The wind was ripping through the mountains But sleeping on top of the mountain at 8,300 feet hit different. You can’t just get to this spot. You have to earn it. Part of me was annoyed by the wind when I laid in my tent. But a bigger part was in awe.

On top of a flippin mountain! How badass is that? I was rocking it! I woke up a final time and was grateful to see the sun peaking up. I decided to pack up camp and get started on the hike to Idyllwild. Only 3 miles to go. With one 500 foot climb.

After packing up I saw Grahm moving around in his tent. He rolled into the camp site late last night. I decided to wait for him to pack up. I climbed up a boulder and had breakfast under the sunrise. I stood and spread my arms wide, soaking in all the beauty.

Grahm packed up and joined me on the rock. I brushed my teeth then we started the day. The trail was thick with snow. Thankfully the cold night hardened the snow so my feet didn’t sink in (no postholing) 🙂

Our three mile downhill trek through pine forest was beautiful. Then we took a side trail off the PCT to Idyllwild. I called Grumpy, a local trail angel, and he agreed to meet us at the trail head parking lot 2.5 miles away. This saved us 2.5 miles of road walk to town. Heck of a start to the day.

The final stretch was highlighted by a cloud shelf down under the mountains. We took a few minutes on our relaxed walk to sit and listen. I reflected on the journey from Julian to Idyllwild. It was an amazing stretch, filled with new people and experiences. I couldn’t be more excited for the trail ahead.

But first shower, food, and a real bed! At 10:00 Grumpy dropped us off at MaMas house, a breakfast cafe. And I had a California breakfast burrito. Amazing.

The rest of the day was spent chilling with hikers at the library, laundromat, market, and then relaxing in my airbnb. I wanted one night with a real bed and room. Tomorrow I’ll sleep on the floor with a bunch of other hikers at a shared Airbnb.

I was tired and my body appreciated the break. A Nero (3 mile day) followed by a zero day tomorrow is more preventative than anything. I haven’t taken any ibuprofen yet… knock on wood.