PCT 2022| CALIFORNIA | DAYS 21-23 Double Zero and mm209.5 to Whitewater Preserve
Miles Hiked: 9.5 miles
Elevation: 2157 ft ascent | 1293 ft descent
Double Zero.
Right now, double zeros are where it's at. I know it won't (and can't) last, but it just feels needed right now.
I spent my first zero wandering around Banning in my rain gear, trying to get everything done. Unfortunately, my hotel was terrible: water shut off from 11-6 both days, no hot water the first day, broken laundry, room with my bed right up against the housekeeping closet (woken each morning at 6:15 with banging and water rushing)...no warning when booking and full price. So, after a zero full of walking in sweaty rain gear, a second zero was for relaxing.
Laundry, check.
Resupply, check.
Shower, check.
On Day 23, I grabbed an Uber back to trail at the I-10 and made my way through Mesa Wind Farm towards Whitewater Preserve. Back to the desert.
After a few miles, the dry brown landscape started to fill with spring blooms.
And then...Whitewater Preserve. A short half mile off trail, the preserve is hiker friendly with potable water, charging, bathrooms, picnic tables, and a grassy area for camping. Did I mention the GREEN?! Sure, it was a little bit of glamping, but a nice stop before heading up towards Big Bear.
I spent the afternoon relaxing at a picnic table, reading a downloaded book, and chatting with a former thru hiker that had Oreos and tangerines. Soon, other hikers (familiar faces) showed up: Sage, James, Cara, and Bug. Finja had hiked past the turnoff. Others joined as well: MVP, Rocky, and a few others. The night ended with some very welcomed dog rubs and trail magic in the form of In-N-Out.
It’s good to be back on trail.
