PCT 2023 | DAYS 31-41 JOSHUA INN TO ACTON

DAY 31

Miles Hiked: 15.2 miles

Another hot day and a late start out of Joshua Inn (well worth it for the huge breakfast burrito and fruit cup). I saw By the Way for the first time since Mt Laguna. The trail followed ridgelines through yellow flowers, with streams every couple of miles to keep me sane. Being able to soak my sun hoody and Buff in cold water was amazing. I saw: 1 rosy boa snake, 10 horned toads, 6 skinks, and an alligator lizard.

The hike around Silverwood Lake felt never-ending, around each corner was yet another part of the lake.

…and then By the Way texted me that there was trail magic at one of the picnic areas! After a quick break at the picnic area to catch up, I walked the last bit of trail road to the campground. Another group of hikers had enough service to order pizza and we were able to Uber Mexican food for Heather’s birthday.

DAY 32

Miles Hiked: 13.9 miles

Town Day!

Actually, McDonald's Day. The only McDonald’s that is (basically) on trail. Less than a half-mile walk. I hiked out of Silverwood Lake with By the Way and saw Tumbleweed for the first time since Julian (she flipped SOBO). Even more horned toads, TONS of flowers on the descent to Cajon Pass, and Trail Magic in the parking lot at McDonald’s.

With the trail closed between here and Wrightwood, we decided to Uber to Wrightwood where we stayed in the most adorable A-Frame cabin.

DAYS 33-41

Miles Hiked: 0 miles

Zero day. We arrived in Wrightwood on April 30 and planned to stay until Tuesday. Bad Ass, Radar, and Doe planned to hike out Tuesday morning after a zero. Heather had plans off-trail. I planned to take about a week off for my ankle with plans to meet back up in Acton. I hiked Cajon Pass to Acton last year, so there were no miles missed. Although Hwy 2 was still closed this year due to high snow levels. Everything was falling into place.

...and then came the snow. Fresh snow.

With a snowstorm forecast, everyone decided to stay put for a few days. Everyone (aside from me) would hike out on Friday instead of Tuesday.

Wednesday night and Thursday turned summer back to winter with 4” of snow in Wrightwood and more at higher elevations. So one zero turned into four. We had food at The Yodler, Mile High Pizza, Wrightwood Brew, Mexico Lindo, Village Grind, and Grizzly Cafe. We also cooked at “home” making spaghetti, broccoli, and garlic bread.

We unfortunately said “goodbye for now” to Radar. A family emergency called her back home, with no estimated return. It turns out I would not see Radar again until Crater Lake!

Doe and Bad Ass set off together on Friday morning. I stayed one more day and then Bobcat and I left for Acton KOA with the help of a trail angel (thanks Jeff!). Katrin “Bobcat” and I stayed two nights in an overpriced cabin at the RV Park (don’t be tempted: just camp), then we spent the next few nights camping. It is completely different this year! It was a ghost town. Last year there were 40+ hikers. I saw may a dozen the entire time I was there this year.

Soon I was reunited with Heather, Doe, and Bad Ass. We were also joined by Nikki. We ordered pizza from The Pizza Place and spent the night playing UNO.