Mile 151.8 to 166.5, 14.7 total. Elevation end 6,000 but crested 7,000 for the first time. Total ascent, 3182 feet, total descent 2179 feet. Total average grade, 348 feet per mile. Chilly, high 53, low 31, sunny, winds 10-20
The theme of this day is preparing for snowy San Jacinto. We talked with the rangers one final time and now have a game plan. We’re going to try and be on trail by 5AM tomorrow morning and attempt to get through with our spikes before the snow gets too soft.
We were going to have to hitchhike the 17 miles back to the trail but on our way out of camp, a generous man offered to give us a ride. He is French Canadian, from Quebec. He has a medical ailment that knocked him off trail, but he still wants to be a part of the hiking community, so he helps out. I really look up to that kind of spirit!! On a side note, French is his first language, so he was tuned to a French radio station. It was very weird, and rather humerus to hear The Rolling Stones and Almond Brothers in French!!
It feels good to be back on trail! The trail ascended up and out of Idyllwild and was really rocky. Not much else noteworthy happened today. I ascended the tops of the large foothills of San Jacinto and got to witness many unbelievable views of the valley below, including Palm Springs which is thousands of feet directly below me!
I’m inside of my tent listening to the gusty, cold winds as I type this. I will also post pics when I have good enough cell service to be able to upload them.