PCT Days 8-16: Julian to Banning
Desert Part 2: PCT Miles 77.1 – 209.6
From the high alpine environment of San Jacinto to the hot dry desert floor and weather ranging from blazing hot & windy to wet, cold, & stormy (and everything in between), this section had it all. Slowly my body is getting used to the daily mileage, carrying a heavy backpack, and walking all day.
Day 8: April 22, 2021, 14.4 miles
After a restful zero in Julian, I hit the trail and climbed back up from the desert floor. Fortunately the temps were much cooler than a couple days ago so it was quite comfortable and legs were fresh. Hiked to a water cache that is maintained by volunteers in this dry area. The trail constantly goes up and down but the grade is quite modest (so far).
Day 9: April 23, 2021, 10.0 miles
Today I reached a big milestone, crossing 100 miles! Short day as I planned to stay at the Mountain Valley Retreat (MVR) near the trailhead at mile 101, where I shipped a resupply package. So I meandered all day, taking my time. Today was the first day that I didn’t see a single hiker all day on trail. MVR was great! I slept in a teepee, did laundry, had a hot shower, relaxed, talked with other hikers, and ate a healthy delicious dinner.
Day 10: April 24, 2021, 18.4 miles
The day started with morning yoga at MVR followed by a great breakfast. Walked through some beautiful meadows, visited Eagle Rock, got some trail magic pizza in Warner Springs, and camped with a great sunset view. A great day!
Day 11: April 25, 2021, 21.8 miles
First 20+ mile day! There will be many more long days to come but the first 20 miler felt good. Slowly approaching the first big mountain on the PCT, San Jacinto, which came into view today for the first time. Stopped at Mike’s Place and Tule Spring to get water (both short detours off the trail). Decided to hike a bit longer today in order to have a shorter day tomorrow to Paradise Valley Cafe for a burger. And it’s supposed to rain tomorrow.
Day 12: April 26, 2021, 12.5 miles
What an eventful and abundant day! Managed to pack up the tent just before it started raining. It was cold, windy, and wet throughout the hike. I was motivated by a burger at Paradise Valley Cafe so it went by fast. I arrived PVC soaked and shivering to find so many hikers huddled inside. The burger and service was wonderful! Next task was to find a warm dry place to sleep tonight. Accommodations in Idyllwild were already fully booked. I reached out to a local section hiker Tony, who I originally met at day 0 ‘base camp’ and saw often along the trail, for ideas in the area. He offered to host me and 2 others I’ve been hiking with. He drove almost an hour to pick us up and took us to his house. His wonderful wife made the best enchiladas I’ve ever had in my life along with much needed salad and wine. They were so kind and generous to us. We had a very enjoyable and restful stay there. The next morning, Tony took us for breakfast burritos and drove us all the way back to the trail. I am so grateful, astonished, and humbled by their generosity and hospitality. It made a tough hiking day into one of the best days on trail so far.
Day 13: April 27, 2021, 14.8 miles
After a restful and enjoyable stay at Tony’s home, he took us for breakfast burritos and drove us back to the trail. Today we climbed up to 7000 ft, where the terrain and plant life changed considerably. We could see the desert and Palm Spring far below. Weather was still cold and windy after yesterday’s storm, especially at high elevations, but thankfully it wasn’t raining. The trail dropped back down to 6k feet, where it was a bit warmer so we decided to dry camp there, earlier than planned but I had no interest on taking on the next big climb, which we saved for the next morning.
Day 14: April 28, 2021, 14.6 miles
Today was an adventurous day with a bit of everything: ~5k ft elevation gain, epic views along a ridge walk, a rockfall to navigate around using a rope & hope, a jungle gym traversing over/under/around dozens of downed trees, and a couple of snowfields as well. Loved every minute of it! I’m only 2 weeks into this adventure but have experienced so muchy, with so much more to come.
Day 15: April 29, 2021, 14.0 miles
Bonus hike off the PCT to the summit of San Jacinto Peak at 10,834 ft. Perfect conditions and epic 360 views. Then returned to the PCT and started the long downhill back towards the desert floor. Loaded up with 6.7 liters of water at the last source for 20 miles, ~15 lbs! Hiked Fuller Ridge, which had a decent amount of snow. I am so glad I had my micro spikes and used them several times throughout the day. Camped with some new hikers that were really nice and had some great conversation watching the pink skies at sunset. View of San Jacinto peak from camp. Hard to believe I was up on top earlier that day.
Day 16: April 30, 2021, 16.6 miles
The theme for the day is down and hot! 5600 ft elevation loss back down to the desert floor where it was 95F with scorching wind. Just yesterday I was cold and hiking on snow. I’ll take a 5000 elevation gain over loss any day. My knees and body took a beating for sure. Oh, and I crossed the 200 mile mark! Reached the I-10 oasis where lots of hikers were cooling down under the underpass and there was trail magic by Mama Bear! Another hiker even gave me an In-n-Out double-double, which was exactly what I was craving as I had run out of food. I was thinking about a double-double all day. The trail provides!
After unsuccessfully trying to get an Uber to Banning, another hiker offered a ride with his friends who were picking him up. Got a hotel room to rest, cleanup, ordered DoorDash for dinner, and caught up on things. Will get a late afternoon start tomorrow to wait out the heat and resupply for the next section. Getting the feel for trail life. Help others whenever you can and when you need something, it will be there for you. And just keep moving forward. This is the way ‘normal’ life should be.
