We’d taken an Uber from Cajon Pass to Wrightwood so we could resupply. We still had to do the two days of trail but had heard numerous stories from other Hikers how arduous and hot it had been. Being smart hikers we hatched a sneaky plan to avoid the heat and do something a bit different. We had a lovely day in Wrightwood until it was time to hitch back to the trail. Easy hitch and back where we left the day before. We started walking at 4pm and did the first 8kms to the dirt road by 5:45pm.

Passed amazing rock formations. Not too warm either. A quick dinner then up for the big climb. Because it was relatively cool and the PCT is graded for horses, we climbed very quickly. By 8pm we turned our head torches on and continued in the dark. Amazingly we saw two Bobcats and a number of Kangaroo Mice in the darkness. Special treat for night hiking.Another two and a half hours later and we were buggered. We’d made it halfway and it was time to find a camp site. Easier said than done but eventually scrambled across a dirt road to a small hillock and found the perfect spot. Tent up, snack and bed by 11pm. Awoken the next morning by an amazing sunrise.

Still a bit tired we left early to hike in the cool morning. As the sun came up the views became more spectacular. Through forests above Wrightwood we made it to the snow line and again had to navigate the snow banks, this time without our microspikes. No problem really.

Eventually we made it up and over the tops and down to the road end carpark to hitch back into Wrightwood, this time from the north. Mission accomplished, tiring towards the end but well done. Back in Wrightwood we hooked up with a lovely Trail Angel who put us up for the night for free. Well deserved hot showers, laundry done and a wonderful evening with a great person.

Thanks Sharon!

Slack-packed after our zero day in Big Bear, that is, we shared 1 pack with food and water and did the next section of the trail before returning to our hostel for another night. 12 miles went easily enough, great views and an easy hitch back home. Thanks Sarge for the wonderful hospitality!Got a lift the next day all the way back up the mountain trailhead from the day before. Followed 2 separate creeks down to a larger river where we cowboy camped on the floor of a shelter. Even had a spot of rain, our first in 26 days. Didn’t really get wet though.Opps! My mattress deflated twice during the night, I think it’s leaking….bugger! They day went well though, followed the river most of the day, went skinny dipping in a freezing creek, another swim in the main river by a hot spring and then 2 more swims by Rainbow Bridge where we camped. Wonderful! Only shame was Anna had issues with blisters from too many kilometers the day before (32kms – our new record).A very long day followed. Super hot. Endless trail. Finally used our umbrellas. Eventually made it to a large lake in the hills. Other hikers ordered pizza and beer so we added to the order. Had it delivered to the lakeside carpark…….bit weird but very yummy.Grants birthday! 14 more miles to the McDonald’s at Cajon Pass by the I15 highway. Endless zigzags, looked like we weren’t making any progress. Very warm and windy. Eventually made it through a canyon and popped out onto the I15. So many trucks and cars – amazing! Ice cream and fruit juice at the Chevron service station then an Uber to Wrightwood. Made it!Next up our 2 day trip across the mountains behind Wrightwood before our final snow adventure in Southern California……