Day 7, April 24: Mile 80 to 96
Start: Mile 79.7
End: Mile 95.9
Miles: 16.2
Ascent: 2667 | Descent: 1358
I’m starting to settle into the routine of this hike a bit more. I wake up, pack up, hike, take a break, filter water, hike more, take more breaks, set up camp, eat dinner, go to bed. It feels nice to have such a straightforward day to day.
I didn’t set an alarm again today, but I managed to get packed up and on the trail by 6:30am. I hiked quickly in the pleasant desert morning temperatures, knowing that the day would soon get hot and I had 11 uphill miles to cover before my next water source.
The climb was pretty constant, though not too steep. Still, I took breaks now and then to enjoy the views, relax for a moment, and eat a snack. There was cell service along this stretch so I took advantage and called my mom, called my bff Sofia, and booked a room in Idyllwild, where I’m planning to “zero” (aka hike zero miles for a day) on Saturday. Sofia will be able to join me in Idyllwild, and I’m so excited to see her!
I put my phone back in airplane mode and continued hiking on. It was hot but breezy. Finally, I came to the turnoff for the water cache. Trail angels drive in pallets full of gallons of water, and I’m so grateful for them, because without their help, this would be almost a 30 mile stretch without water.
I ran into Alex and Topo again at the water cache, but they were just leaving. I took my time there as there were nice shady spots to sit and no one else was around. I took care of some self care things and got more snacks out.
After the water cache, there was more climbing and the landscape shifted back to manzanita and bushes and less cacti. The trails in this section reminded me a lot of Griffith Park.
I ran into Feather Blue again as I was taking a break in the shade and she and I hiked together briefly. I set up camp at mile 96 in a small alcove, caught up on journaling, and made dinner. I will hit mile 100 tomorrow!!