We are dirty, stinky, sweaty, & so much more but we are taking a break at Warner Springs, 109 miles into the trail!!! We hit mile 100 yesterday & we can't believe how the miles have flown by!! Hiking in the desert has been the most challenging hiking we have ever experienced. The grade is lovely but it's hot, dry, very little shade & everything just becomes all that much more intense in the heat & blaring sun. Our bodies & minds are acclimating to the new environment, though & we are having a blast. We are taking great joy in pushing ourselves way outside of our comfort zone & it feels sooooo good when we find a nice spot of shade or come across fresh water (which is rare).
The community center in Warner Springs has opened it's door to PCT hikers this year & we were fed a fresh apple & a delicious pancake & egg breakfast with orange juice & have access to all that we can dream of for the day...including a computer to update this blog! They've really thought of everything we might need...it's amazing, really. And we didn't even know about this place until about 20 miles ago. What a pleasant surprise!
We will be camping out here tonight behind the community center as we await a package with some new gear in it when the post office opens first thing tomorrow morning.
So much has happened, it's hard to give all the details. We got rattled at by our first Southern California rattlesnake & as soon as we gave him his space, he backed away from the trail & left us alone. Gave us a nice adrenaline rush but they are very much misunderstood creatures. We've seen many other snakes as well. MANY lizards, horny toads, squirrels, coyote tracks & scat all over the place, hawks, cows as we walked through farm fields, & I'm sure there are others I can't think of right now...
We want to say thank you again to Frodo & Scout, who hosted us as well as many other PCT hikers at their home, fed us a delicious vegetarian-friendly dinner and breakfast, gave us a shady place to sleep, & shuttled us to the PCT southern terminus bright & early last Monday morning all the way from San Diego. While we were there we cut off our hair (Keith still has his beard...for now) & we have not regretted that decision for one single moment. Scout & Frodo dropped off 11 of us that morning & most of us are still in the same vicinity.
We hiked 7 miles to get here this morning, but now, the rest of the day will be rest & relaxation...& eating! Thanks for the love, Mom, Kevin & Kanako & Jana.
Next stop: Idyllwild!
Hello, glad u made it to warner springs, hope all ur stuff gets there ok. Sounds like you two are having a great time, hope you find some trees soon!! Its getting green here, and Boston is doing great.. Love you MOM
ReplyDeleteSuper glad to hear from you. Happy for you. Appreciate you showing where you've been and where you're heading next. Sounds like nice people around you. Will have a letter for you from Preston in your box for Agua Dulce mile/454.9. Betty has gained 1 and 1/2#. She ran down the hall once with Sander and then took a nap. They mostly get along as long as she's in charge. She is definitely in charge. Who would have guessed that? California is quite different isn't it? Let me know if there is anything specific you need added to your box. Thank you for keeping in touch. Love-n-stuff Mom
ReplyDeleteDeAnna and Keith,
ReplyDeleteWe have thought of you many times, especially as I play my beautiful flute in the forest. The snow is slowing going away; leeks, spring beauties and a brave trillium or two are popping up their heads. The flute, I think, appeals to them. Little Otis is constantly trying to get at my bundle of lavender; I have had to put it up where he cannot climb. Glad to hear that your first 100 miles are under your belt and that you are adjusting to the desert extremes. We'd love to see shots of the haircuts!! Much love, Jana and Brad
Good job. 100 miles already, almost there.
ReplyDeleteby Red Oak
DeleteExciting!! Thank you for sharing. Enjoy your hike. Buttercup:D
Delete