Double 0 and I were on the trail by 6am. We wanted to get some miles in before the temperature rose. We stopped for breakfast at 10 and then I continued on my own as Double 0 had phone service so decided to get some work done. I hike 15 miles and got down to Cajon Pass and the McDonalds by 1pm.
There I met Ooops, another PCT thru hiker.
We became fast friends and after a 2 hour break with full bellies we set out for Wrightwood. Double 0 was planning to Zero at the Best Western for a few days so we said our good-byes and Ooops and I hit the trail.
Since we were entering a 27 mile section with an increase in elevation from 3078' to 8328' and few water sources we decided to hike until dark so we could get a few miles in to make the trek tomorrow less difficult and to increase our chances of getting into Wrightwood tomorrow before the hardware store closed. We heard there was a list at the store with names of people who would put up hikers and We both had resupply boxes to pick up too.
The views as we climbed were spectacular. Ooops is a retired engineer and now a professional photographer. He came equipped with a very sophisticated camera and a tripod and took several great pictures along the way.
We also saw more than our share of rattlesnakes and lizards.
At Swartout Canyon we were fortunate to refill our water at a water cache. Continuing on the PCT crosses the San Andreas Fault and with few choices for camping , and darkness falling, we found a couple of small patches just barely big enough for our tents. Luckily the only tremors felt were mine from the dampness that soon settled in around us.
Heart
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