Day 9, April 26: Mile 111 to 132
Start: Mile 111.3
End: Mile 131.5
Miles: 20.2
Ascent: 4197 | Descent: 2379
I knew there would be hard days, and today was a hard day.
I woke up to my alarm at 4:30am as I wanted to start hiking early to avoid as much of the forecasted heat of the day as possible. I broke camp and walked along a sandy riverbed under the rising moon. I crossed Agua Caliente stream, and I smiled as the area reminded me of Eaton Canyon.
I continued up a gentle climb and came upon the big group filtering water at the last stream access before an 11 mile climb. We chatted a bit but I quickly made my way in and out. I wanted to be as efficient as possible to get miles done in the cool morning air (much to the contrast of my new trail name, Dilly Dally).
Then began the real climb out of the canyon. It was already hot at 8am. Tank Top passed me and we briefly chatted as he flew up past me. I wish I had gotten a picture of his pack. It’s absolutely tiny, the size a high schooler would bring to school. I guess that’s how calendar year triple crowners do it!
I leapfrogged with the big group and Topo as well for a bit, though they both eventually got far ahead of me. My feet were hurting again and I was getting crabby with the heat, but I was trying to remind myself that I GET to do this, and that I’m lucky to be able to do so. I am truly grateful for this journey, but it was hard in the moment to not wish I was doing something that didn’t make my feet hurt so much.
But I continued on, and tried to focus on enjoying the sound of the bees buzzing overhead, and the shifting landscape to one more familiar. I’ve spent a good amount of time hiking and climbing around the Idyllwild area, and it feels great to be getting close to a familiar place.
After the never-ending hot climb, during which I was really struggling and taking so. many. breaks… I finally descended into “Mike’s Place.” It’s a small ranch property owned by a trail angel that has large water tanks, shady porches with cots and benches to relax on, and outlets to charge electronics. I don’t know the full story of Mike and his place, but I sure am glad it was there to give us a respite from the heat and a water source in between many waterless miles. The big group was there too and we all lounged on the porch.
After recharging in the shade, I made my way back to the trail. There was still yet more climbing, and though I had taken off first from the big group, they all soon passed me. Some part of the next section of trail were kind of sketchy and thin, but I managed to navigate them successfully, even in my exhausted state. Today’s mileage was my highest yet!
I walked like a zombie into camp and grabbed the first decent spot I could find. It’s somewhat slanty but it will do. Goodnight! Zzzzz